Matthew brings more than 30 years’ experience of school leadership to ISA having led a series of world class, premium schools in China, Singapore, East Africa, Europe as well as in the UK. Matthew has led large and successful schools in Guangzhou, having previously lived and worked in China for six years. He was also Elementary School Principal of Antwerp International School and Principal of Middle School at the world- renowned United World College of South-East Asia.
Matthew is a strong academic leader with creativity and wisdom. He is excited to join ISA and aims to offer exceptional academic opportunities, care and individual attention to ISA students, and to play a part in maintaining our wonderful relationships throughout the entire school community.
Connie Chan
Early Years Principal
ISA Science City’s Early Years Principal, Connie, is one of its founding members. Having worked in the field of early childhood education for more than 30 years, she is an expert in the field. As well as her native Canada, Connie has worked in international schools in southeast Asia, including Hong Kong and Singapore. Before joining ISASC, Connie spent 14 years working as an Early Years Coordinator at an IB World School in Guangzhou. During her tenure there, she played a key role in the IB accreditation process. Connie graduated with an honours degree in Bachelor of Applied Science in Child Studies, concentrating on Early Childhood Education from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. She is listed in the public registry of the College of Early Childhood Educators in Canada as a certified early childhood educator. To upgrade her skills in the Primary Years Programme, Connie attends IB workshops. A true advocate of Reggio Emelia’s world-renowned approach to early childhood, she believes in holistic development and child-centric philosophies. As a founding principal at ISA Science City, she is always eager to welcome parents to visit our Early Childhood Learning Centre (ECLC).
Sophia Androu-Erriah
Deputy Head of Elementary
Sophia serves as the Deputy Head of Elementary at ISA Science City. Sophia is originally from London, UK where she obtained her PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). She has worked across 3 continents, as both, an Early Years and Primary teacher, as well as, holding various leadership roles relating to department leadership, curriculum development and staff development in UK state schools, British international schools and bilingual schools. Sophia graduated from the University of Birmingham, UK, where she obtained her Bachelor degree (BSc) in Psychology, later completing her Masters degree (MSc) in Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology and worked in the field of psychology before making a career change to the teaching profession.
In 2022, Sophia was awarded her National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) by the Department for Education, UK. Her specialisms include, cognitive/emotional/social development in young children, developing curriculums that are accessible and contextually relevant, supporting students with English as an Additional Language (EAL), as well as, mentoring staff to reach their professional aspirations through a coaching approach. Sophia believes that all children should be given the opportunity to thrive along their own individual path and in a safe, secure and stimulating environment.
Abbie Owens
Homeroom Teacher
As a dedicated family person, Abbie has two wonderful children and a beloved poodle. Her professional journey is marked by a robust educational background and extensive experience in her field of education. With a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Florida International University and a Master’s degree in Education with a concentration on ‘Teaching & Learning,’ she has built a solid foundation in education.
Over the 18 years, she has honed her skills through various roles, demonstrating a consistent track record in the areas of classroom management, student assessment, differentiated instruction, professional development, mentoring and leadership, parent and community engagement, innovative teaching strategies, and student achievement. She has successfully served as a team leader, math coach in a lower primary setting, and has supported 10 teachers in a co-teaching model in the United States of America.
In China, she served as an International Primary Curriculum (IPC) Coordinator for two years. Her career has been defined by her commitment to excellence, innovation, and efficiency with a clear focus on continuous learning and improvement, while striving to create a harmonious environment for her family. Indeed, she is enthusiastic about leveraging her skills and experience to make meaningful contributions and drive success in all her endeavors.
Cindy Ali
Homeroom Teacher
Cindy is an EY3 teacher at ISA Science City International School. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, with a specialization in ESOL (English Speakers of other Languages) and the teaching of gifted children from Nova Southeastern University, USA. Prior to teaching at ISA, Cindy taught at Léman International School in Chengdu, The International School of Macau and the Canadian International School of Phnom Penh. She also taught English as a second language for 12 years in the USA. She has primarily worked with lower primary and early years students and is very experienced in the field of second language learning. In the past, she has been an English Language Learners Coordinator where she supported students and teachers. Cindy is passionate about teaching through inquiry-based learning and is trained in PYP and the Reggio Emilia Approach. She believes that children’s interests should be used to inspire planning and create a personalized approach to learning. Cindy makes it a priority to assist children in becoming confident and self-motivated learners through play, discovery and guided techniques. She wants to make sure her students are happy, independent learners and can access an inspiring learning environment.
Felipe Giraldo
Homeroom Teacher
Felipe was born in Colombia and speaks Spanish, English, and Russian fluently. As a child, he was exposed to a wide variety of cultures, which he believes is useful when working abroad. As a teacher, he strives to provide engaging, fun, and inclusive lessons that motivate students. In addition to art, music, drama, dance, and storytelling, he believes these help children find personal meaning at school. In 2005, Felipe earned his master’s degree in Psychology from Saint-Petersburg State University and then pursued a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Nottingham after discovering his passion for teaching. He has been teaching for fifteen years. He has six years’ experience teaching primary-aged children and nine years’ experience working as an early childhood educator. Besides China, he has worked in South Korea, Colombia, England, and Thailand. He loves living and traveling in China, and spends his free time with his wife and two dogs. He is also an avid reader, particularly of classic novels. His hobbies include videogames, riding bikes, and swimming.
Hannah Low
Music Teacher
Hannah joins ISASC as an early years and primary music teacher. She holds a bachelor's degree in Music Performing Arts from the University of Malaya, ABRSM certifications in music theory and piano, and a master's degree from Beijing Normal University. She is passionate about teaching music and piano and has been doing so for several years in Malaysia and China. She believes that music training in the child development years, not only contributes to their fine-tuned auditory skills but helps develop their language and reasoning skills. Her multicultural upbringing makes her lessons creative and interesting, and she likes to bring art and cultural elements into them. She wants to help increase students' coordination and give them a sense of achievement and her biggest joy is seeing the students achieve their full potential.
Marcus Tan
Music & Performing Arts Teacher
Marcus Tan joins ISASC as early years and primary music teacher. He is a versatile music teacher with 4 years of experience delivering music education in the areas of Cambridge primary and secondary music at international schools in Malaysia. Marcus holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Music from Tunghai University in Taiwan. As the recipient of an exchange program grant, he studied music and theatre production at North Park University, United States. Marcus is a professional flautist and chamber musician. He has performed in Malaysia, Singapore, the United States and Taiwan area. For him, there is really nothing better than seeing his students eager to learn. Besides music, he is a traveller and licensed scuba diver.
Yolandi Fleischmann
Homeroom Teacher
Yolandi will be joining ISA Science City as an EY teacher. Yolandi is originally from South Africa and has been a teacher and held leadership positions, both in her home country and internationally, for a total of 13 years. She holds a B.Ed. Foundation Phase Degree from the University of South Africa (UNISA). Within her teaching practice, Yolandi has taught both early years and primary aged students. When starting her teaching career, Yolandi taught children aged 4-6 years old at a primary school in South Africa before beginning her international teaching career in 2018.
Yolandi is experienced in teaching children who speak English as an additional language and flourishes in a bilingual environment. Yolandi believes every child is unique and has their own learning style and pace. She strives to create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment where children can explore, learn and develop joy in doing so. Her teaching approach centres on play-based learning, as she believes children learn best when they are engaged and interested. Her personal hobbies include sporting activities such as running, netball and hockey. In addition, she enjoys sightseeing, photography and painting. Yolandi looks forward to joining the ISA group and is excited to build solid and positive relationships with parents and students.
Michelle He
EY Chinese Teacher
Michelle joined ISA Science City in August 2021 and teaches Chinese in the lower grades of PYP. Prior to joining ISASC, she worked as an Early Years Chinese Co-teacher in the international schools for five years. As part of Michelle's commitment to lifelong learning, she frequently participates in professional development seminars inside and outside the school to continuously improve her skills. She studied Chinese as a foreign language at Comillas University in Madrid, Spain and earned a Master's degree. Michelle hopes to provide children with a warm, caring, and inspiring environment to help them reach their full potential in learning Chinese and become lifelong learners. She is passionate about teaching Chinese. For Michelle, learning Chinese goes beyond acquiring a language. More importantly, she believes that students can also use this language tool to learn more about Chinese culture and other aspects and use Chinese to support the inquiry learning.
Vivian Lou
Homeroom Teacher
Vivian joined the Early Years team at ISA Science City as an Early Years Homeroom teacher. She holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Studies, specializing in understanding diversity in Early Childhood Education from Walden University (U.S.), as well as a Master’s degree in Media, Culture and Society from University of East Anglia (U.K.). Vivian has lived and studied abroad in the UK for several years. She has been working with children from the ages of two to six years for over 10 years. Vivian’s IBPYP teaching journey began in 2013 and she has worked in three IB world schools with English as the primary language of instruction. As an experienced Early Years educator, Vivian believes in holistic learning for young learners of all abilities, and that teachers are facilitator to inspire, develop and strengthen the interests of the student. As a mother of twins, Vivian understands the challenges that come with parenting, working and developing a multi-cultural perspective. In her pastime, she enjoys completing puzzles and spending time with her family.
Coco Li
Teaching Assistant
Coco is an early year teaching assistant at ISA Science City International School. She graduated from Guangzhou University with a BA degree in English. Becoming a teacher has always been her dream job. She has worked at an International School as an early year teaching assistant for three years in Guangzhou before joining ISA Science City International School. She loves children so much that she likes to working with children. While working with children, not only allowed her to resurrect her creativity and bring out her inner child but also an interaction she can take enjoyment and comfort from. She is passionate about interacting, communicating, and building relationship with children. From her work experience, she knows how to help children learn and develop. Play is the pedagogy of early childhood; it is through play that children are able to make sense of their world and develop the skills and dispositions they require throughout their life. Her aim is to find the most appropriate way to support children’s learning and development using a play-based method.
Dysis Zou
Teaching Assistant
Dysis works as a teaching assistant at ISA Science City International School. She became an English teacher in a public school after she got the BA degree. During that time, she was awarded the certificate of secondary school English Teacher II. She has worked as a teaching assistant in an International School in Guangzhou for 5 years. One year in primary and four years in early years, which makes her a lot of experiences to play with kids and support them. She likes to work with them. The innocence of children always inspires her enthusiasm for teaching. She always wants to be a risk-taker and lifelong learner, so she has learned Japanese and has got the Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level N1. In order to improve the English and enrich English knowledge, she keeps going to learn and has obtained the Cambridge Business English certificate Level 2. She believes every kid is a special individual, with the help of teachers and everyone, they will grow into towering trees.
Lanny Chen
Teaching Assistant
Lanny is a founding member of ISA Science City who joined the team as a Teaching Assistant for Early Years. She has been working in early childhood education since 2013. While working in a Guangxi Province nursery school, she discovered her love for children. Six years ago, Lanny graduated with the National Certificate of Nursery Governess. During the same period, she passed the Test of Proficiency for Korean level 1-2. The first job Lanny had was working in a Korean preschool in Guangzhou for a year. During her time there, Lanny assisted Korean teachers with daily teaching, and she was a crucial link between families and the school. Lanny also worked as a kindergarten assistant at ISA Tianhe. During her time at the school, she assisted the teachers by providing support to Korean students throughout Early Years. She is currently studying Chinese Language and Literature at the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies to improve her knowledge in this field.
Lily Zeng
Music Teaching Assistant
Lily works as a music teaching assistant at ISA Science City International School. She has a Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of York (UK), and BA in musicology from South China Agricultural University. In 2016, she holds the qualification of music teaching in high school. Lily loves working with children of different ages and helping them to find what they want to do. As a teacher, she believes that the core of teaching is to help students to develop the ability of independent thinking.
Lynn Li
Teaching Assistant
Lynn joins ISA Science City as a Teaching Assistant for Early Years. She graduated from Southern Medical University and got her Bachelor’s Degree in June, 2007. After her graduation, she has experience at working for a local hospital, an international clinic, an international school and a children’s day-care center. She found her passion at spending time with children inside the classroom and seeing them making progress day after day when she worked for the international school over 8 years, so she took the teaching exam and got the kindergarten teacher certification. She also got the baby nursing certification and psychological junior training certification for better involved in the teaching career. She believes every child is unique and worth a gentle treat in the world.
Thea Tan
Teaching Assistant
Thea joined the ISA Science City team as a teaching assistant for early years. While in this position, she supports the homeroom teacher and serves as a positive role model for four- and five-year-old students. Thea recently graduated from a preschool education programme and is completing her studies to become a preschool international education teacher. In the past, she worked as a Teaching Assistant in an English education institution in Guangzhou and in an international kindergarten in Foshan. She is exploring Korean lessons to support the Korean families at our school.
Tanya Tan
Teaching Assistant
Tanya joins ISA Science city as an Early Years and Primary teaching assistant for Visual Arts. She excels and enjoys different kinds of drawing. She has several years experience teaching a broad range of art styles to different age groups and levels. She has experience working as a teaching assistant in an international school supporting students with differentiation teaching, lesson planning and preparation. In the process of painting, she believes that children can express their feelings and emotions through their own artwork.
Wendy Cheng
Teaching Assistant
Wendy joined the ISA Science City Team as a teaching assistant for early years. Wendy graduated from Sichuan International Studies University with a bachelor degree in English. She passed the Test for English Majors-brand 8 and earned an English teacher certification. She has been working in education since 2013. she began her career as an English teacher in an education institution in Foshan and then worked as a Teaching Assistant in Walt Disney English for nearly three years . Before Joining ISA Science City , she worked as a homeroom teacher in an international kindergarten of Bright Scholar Education. With her working experience, she knows how to develop good relationship with children. She loves children so much that she wants to stay with children. She wants to assist children’s mental and physical health, inspire their potential and help them grow as unique individuals. Wendy looks forward to setting a good example for children and fulfilling her own personal growth in ISA Science City .
