Tom was born in Australia and spent his early years in Papua New Guinea before returning to Australia. His practical teaching experiences in Fiji and participation in a Commonwealth teacher exchange in England ignited his passion for international education. 

Over the past 30 years, Tom has dedicated his career to schools across Australia, Singapore, the Philippines, Myanmar, Germany, and now China. He is currently in his 17th year as a Head of School and his 4th year as the Head of Beijing City International School (BCIS). Tom believes that every child has the right to realize their potential, which is best achieved within a community that celebrates diversity. 

His commitment to fostering an environment where everyone can learn from one another shapes his approach to international education. When reflecting on what he appreciates about BCIS, Tom states, “BCIS is a future-focused school with a clear strategic direction. I value our community's emphasis on personalization, leadership, and collaboration. The school is making significant strides in empowering students with real agency, ensuring they remain at the heart of all decisions.” 

Outside of his professional commitments, Tom enjoys exploring new cultures, reading, and running while listening to leadership podcasts. He also participates in tennis, touch rugby, golf, and squash. Tom is married and has three adult daughters who reside in Brisbane.

Nick was born and raised in Fort Thomas, Kentucky before leaving the region to study at Boston College. His passion for working with children, led to his enrolment at Whitworth University followed by the leap into international education with his wife at the age of 23.

Nick Kolentse brings more than 17 years of international education leadership, supporting learning communities in South Korea, Myanmar, Colombia, Germany, Singapore and now China. He has experience and expertise in curriculum development, teacher professional growth, and strategic initiatives. He has led key curriculum enhancements, including the Secondary School Advisory Program, focused on academic excellence and social-emotional well-being. His work in curriculum differentiation, assessment, and student support ensures a student-centered approach to learning.

Nick, who holds a Master of Teaching from Whitworth University and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Boston College, has also spearheaded faculty learning programs and developed a teacher appraisal system that promotes growth and effective feedback. Through collaboration and data-informed decision-making, he has built  teacher capacity to enhance instructional practices. "

Amanda graduated from the University of Wollongong, Australia, with a Master's degree in Strategic Human Resource Management. Prior to joining BCIS, she possesses over 20 years of experience in the Human Resources and administrative fields, having worked at various multinational companies across the Automotive, Optoelectronics, Investment, and Government sectors.

In her current role, Amanda is responsible for overseeing the Finance, HR, Campus Management, IT, and Procurement functions at BCIS, operating under the guidance of the Head of School. She has demonstrated a proactive work ethic, complemented by strong strategic thinking and a can-do attitude.

Amanda is passionate about leadership development, personality assessments, and strategic thinking. She is dedicated to effectively leading and coaching teams, while also emphasizing the importance of cross-functional communication. Her professional credentials include a Soft Skill Trainer Certification (TFT from Schouten), MBTI Step I and Step II Certifications, as well as the China Human Resources Professionals Designation (CHRP LEVEL 1).

Ms. Zhang Ting majored in English as an undergraduate, before continuing her studies and obtaining an MBA degree from the University of Maryland. In her more than 20-year career, she has worked for state-owned enterprises, foreign enterprises, and start-up companies, with most of her experience and main area of expertise being the education and training industry. She has grown from a CELTA certified English teacher to a corporate executive and has experienced the transformation of enterprises throughout different stages of development. Ms. Zhang Ting also serves as a corporate trainer, developing and teaching a series of leadership courses for grassroots and middle-level managers. She has also received training and practice as a professional corporate coach with internationally certifications.

As the Director of Admissions and Engagement, under the leadership of the Head of School, she is responsible for admissions, community and alumni relations, communications, branding, event planning, and public affairs. She joined BCIS because of her passion for education and recognition of BCIS values. She will work with the team to truly become a promoter of the sustainable development of the school, an advocate of the BCIS brand and the builder of the BCIS community.

Natalie was born in Hanover, Jamaica. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Language Education: English, from the University of the West Indies, a Master of Arts in Education from Wake Forrest University, a Certificate of International School Leadership from the Principal's Training

Center, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in International School Leadership with Wilkes University. Before BCIS, Natalie worked in various capacities in Jamaica, the United States of America, Venezuela, and Mexico. She was a Middle School Deputy Principal and Principal at the American School of Tampico for seven years. She has been an educator for 23 years and has a wealth of experience in teaching and leading. Natalie believes that forming solid interpersonal relationships leads to a positive school culture,

functional collaborative structures, and exceptional outcomes for students and teachers. In addition, Natalie is passionate about partnering with parents, promoting student voice, and fostering a sense of belonging and a focus on

successful learning outcomes within the BCIS community.

Fred has a Bachelor of Science in Education, grades 1-8, and a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Curriculum. While Fred is from the United States, he has worked overseas for over 30 years, including time in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and the last 13 years in China (this is Fred’s 5^{th  year at BCIS after 8 years at the International School of Beijing). Fred is very passionate about current research related to how students learn best as well as the power of collective efficacy (how teachers work together to support students). Fred is very honored to serve the BCIS elementary community.} 

When not at work, Fred enjoys walking in nature, cooking Chinese food, reading, listening to music (including K-Pop), watching American sports (especially American football), and spending quality time with his wife.

Jackie is from Western Australia and spent her early teaching career in mining towns and remote Aboriginal communities in Australia. These unique experiences afforded Jackie opportunities to work not only in schools, but at regional, state and federal levels of education. More recently, Jackie has served schools in Australia and China. Jackie has a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and a Masters degree. Jackie is curious and enjoys the challenges of learning about new approaches to learning and education.
Jackie’s diverse experiences in education drive her to ensure all children have the right to an education that embraces who they are. This involves children being active participants in their learning with the teacher extending and developing children’s curiosities while also introducing new experiences that spark awe and wonder. This continuous cycle ensures learning is fulfilling and continuous. With this in mind, strong two-way relationships with families are an important part of learning and education.
Jackie enjoys travel, reading and walking through unfamiliar places and getting lost!

Suzanne is originally from the United States. After graduating from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in education, she taught in public elementary schools in both Indiana and Oregon. Living and working overseas was always a dream and so Suzanne moved to the International School of Antwerp in Belgium. She found that teaching and being part of a community in an international school was better than she ever expected.

In 2011, Suzanne accepted a position at Beijing City International School. She fell in love with the mission and philosophy of the school before even arriving and once in Beijing she also fell in love with China and its people. At BCIS, Suzanne has taught Grade 1 and been the teacher librarian in both the ES and the ECC. She completed the Certificate in Early Education Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2022.

Now in her 15th school year as part of the BCIS, Suzanne is proud to be the principal of Courtyard Kindergarten. She loves being a member of this amazing community, working with its extraordinary children and leading its highly qualified team of educators.

Outside of school, Suzanne enjoys spending time with friends, traveling around the world, as well reading and researching family history.

Leesa, was born in Sydney Australia, initially growing up on Sydney Harbour, before moving to the amazing bush lands of the Hawkesbury River in New South Wales.  Leesa is married to Andrew who is joining her at BCIS, and has two incredible adult boys, who are also keen to explore the beauty of Beijing.

Leesa joins BCIS community after working at an International School in Geelong, Australia for the past 14 years. She is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Workshop Leader and School Visiting Team member who supports IB World Schools to create improvement strategies that ignite and inspire their future aspirations.  Leesa is an experienced Early Years Teacher and Leader. She earned two undergraduate degrees at Deakin University in Australia, and her postgraduate Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology at the University of Melbourne in Australia.

Early in her career, Leesa discovered the amazing work emerging from a little town in ‘Reggio Emilia’ in the north of Italy, igniting her passion for teaching and learning that is human-centered and transformational. She believes our learners can teach us about who they are, what their strengths are, and how they can apply their strengths for the benefit of self, others and the planet.

Leesa enjoys spending time with family, hiking in and discovering new places, mountain bike riding, swimming, exploring the wonders of the world, reading, and celebrating our learners’ accomplishments, she is looking forward to learning about the wonderful culture in China, and especially Beijing.

Yooah, born in Seoul, Korea, grew up in New York City and Montreal, Canada. She majored in Social Sciences at Marianopolis College, earned her undergraduate degree at McGill University in K-6 Elementary Education, and her Masters in Educational Leadership at the University of New Brunswick. As a multicultural family, she always wanted to move internationally. So, after teaching in Canada for a few years, she made her way over to Beijing in 2008 with her husband, Dave Nguyen, who works in the Secondary School. They were lucky to have two daughters, Sidney and Avery, both born and raised in Beijing.

Yooah has been a homeroom teacher in Grades 3 and 4, the Social Studies and Science Team Leader, and a Grade Level Team Leader. She has been at BCIS since 2008. She is a strong believer that students learn best through inquiry and by giving them a voice, they have ownership over their learning.

Yooah speaks Korean, English, and is loving learning Chinese. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her bike, playing badminton and volleyball, reading, and traveling to experience new parts of the world. She loves the city of Beijing and feels very fortunate to be a part of the BCIS community.

Fiona grew up in Northern China and obtained a master's degree in applied Linguistics in Beijing. During her post-graduate study, Fiona spent a year teaching Chinese in Korea as part of her research program. Since then, she has been teaching at different international schools with experience in a variety of programs.  

Fiona joined the BCIS community in 2012 after her career in an international school in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. She has been working at the BCIS Secondary School as a Chinese teacher and also served as Team Leader for the Chinese and Speakers of Other Languages department for six years. She deeply believes in the impact of education on each individual student and has fully enjoyed seeing her students learn, grow, and make future impacts in their lifelong learning journeys. She hopes her identity, culture, and roots in BCIS could better support her role as Secondary School Deputy Principal starting in 2023. 

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, visiting art exhibitions in Beijing, and spending time with her family. 

José Aldo Gutiérrez Ahumada is from Toluca, Mexico, and has lived and worked in China for more than eight years. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business, a PGCEi from the University of Nottingham, a Master’s Degree in Education, and a second Master’s Degree in Sports and Events Leadership and Management from Unisport Management School in Madrid, Spain.

Aldo has extensive experience in Physical and Health Education, athletics, enrichment programs, and event management within international schools. Throughout his career, he has worked as a teacher, coach, and program leader, supporting students across a wide range of sports and activities.

As Director of Athlethics and Activities at BCIS, Aldo is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for students through athletics, enrichment activities, leadership experiences, and community events. He believes that participation beyond the classroom plays a vital role in developing respect, responsibility, communication, confidence, resilience, teamwork, and lifelong well-being.

Outside of school, Aldo enjoys spending time with his family, travelling, cooking, and staying active through sport.

Mophly was born and grew up in Beijing. She obtained a Bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature from Nankai University and a Master of Education from Flinders University. She also holds TESOL qualifications. She began her career in education as an English language teacher at an international language institution, where she gained classroom experience and led staff professional development training.

In 2017, Mophly joined YueCheng Education Research Institute, expanding her expertise from practical teaching to educational research. She started by supporting the implementation of educational research findings into classroom teaching and learning practices through professional development workshops. Mophly served in this capacity for two years, before accepting the role of Curriculum Developer, focusing on curriculum alignment in 2019. Moving to BCIS as a Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning Specialist, she continues her work in education research and curriculum development. She enjoys collaborating closely with school divisions and curriculum leaders in the development and refinement of a future-focused, articulated international curriculum.

Mophly is a rock music fan who loves reading and travelling in her spare time.