Simon is from the United Kingdom and has a background in mathematics and sport, gaining a BSc from Birmingham University and a PGCE from Durham University. After qualifying as a teacher, Simon initially taught at two top independent schools in the UK before moving abroad to become Head of Maths and Sport at The Banda School in Kenya. From there, his journey took him to the UAE where he was involved with the start-up of Brighton College Abu Dhabi as Deputy Head, and then Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, where he was Headmaster of the Prep School. His experience in leading teams through the early stages of school development has proved hugely advantageous at Hiba School Nantong.
His interests include all sports, but particularly rugby and cricket, and whilst in Abu Dhabi, he competed in several triathlons. His other main interest is travel: having visited 101 countries, Simon enjoys being out of his comfort zone, exploring new cultures and meeting new people, and plans to do more of the same in east Asia once the border situation is more relaxed.
Simon is joined by his wife Phoebe, who is an English and History teacher, and their baby daughters, Sophie and Charlotte.
Suisui Yu is a passionate educator with 20 years of teaching and leadership experience. Before joining Wellington College Education (China), she served at different bilingual and public schools, gaining a wealth of experience in the Chinese National Curriculum, bilingual curriculum，IGCSE，A-level and IB curriculum etc. Suisui was the founding member of two well-known bilingual schools, serving as Founding Secondary School Principal, Head of Year and Head of Mathematics. Prior to that, she was an inspector at Shanghai Jing’an Education College responsible for Primary mathematics teaching quality and teacher training within the district.
Suisui participated in and won a number of district and municipal mathematics teaching competitions in the public education sector. She was deeply involved in the Second Phase of Shanghai Curriculum Reform Programme and was responsible for facilitating curriculum reform across the municipality. Suisui holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics and a master’s degree in International Higher Education. Her most recent role was to develop and assure the quality of Chinese components of the curriculum for Wellington College Education (China)’s bilingual schools. She also plays a central role in establishing effective working relationships with the local education system.
Suisui is married with two children. she enjoys reading, baking, travelling and crocheting.
Daniel Gibbons joins us from Oxford, where he served as Headteacher of Our Lady's, an independent school for pupils aged 7–18, for the past four years. Previously, he was Deputy Head (Academic) at Downside, a leading boarding school, and Head of Faculty at The Redmaids' School, another independent school. Daniel has extensive experience in independent schools with strong academic results and exceptional records of pupils going on to top global universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial in the UK, as well as Wharton Business School in the US. Earlier in his career, he taught at the British International School Jakarta.
Daniel is passionate about working in schools with strong values, a clear sense of purpose and a welcoming community, where each pupil is nurtured to become the best version of themselves. In addition to academic excellence, he values outstanding pastoral care and well-rounded co-curricular programmes encompassing sport, music, drama and outdoor education.
Daniel holds a degree in Geography from the University of Leeds and completed his PGCE in Manchester. He also earned an MBA from Coventry University while teaching, specialising in global education. He has taught Geography and Economics and has successfully guided many pupils through the Oxford and Cambridge admissions processes. He has also coached football, athletics and cross-country teams across various age groups.
A high-level athlete, Daniel has competed internationally at both junior and senior levels. He once beat Mo Farah in a 5k race.
Ms Meikle was raised in Zimbabwe, Africa, with a lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. She completed her teacher training at Midlands Christian Training Centre and earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Africa, majoring in English and Psychology. After graduation, she moved to the UK to begin her teaching career as a primary school teacher and Special Educational Needs Coordinator at a prep school in Suffolk, gaining QTS and PGCE qualifications. She has a passion for the performing arts, takes pride in directing junior school musicals and loves being involved in school sports.
With her husband Graham and their two daughters (entering Grades 9 and 4 this academic year), Ms Meikle has lived in Tianjin for five years. At Wellington International Tianjin, she taught across the Primary School and held various leadership roles, including English Lead, Assistant Head and later Deputy Head of the Junior School. Melissa also earned her National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership. She is excited to continue her career as Head of Primary at Hiba Academy Nantong and looks forward to the new opportunities in this role, believing it will be a wonderful chance to inspire and lead young learners in a supportive and engaging environment.
In her free time, she enjoys travelling, attending and singing along to musical theatre, being creative and taking part in outdoor activities. Melissa believes every child should have meaningful access to the curriculum and advocates diverse teaching methods to support all pupils' progress, ensuring each pupil can experience success. With over 22 years of teaching experience, her mission remains to inspire a love of learning in her pupils and to nurture their curiosity as lifelong explorers of the world.
Ms May Xue received her bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Child Development Psychology from Zhejiang Normal University. She joined the Hiba community in 2016 and has served in Hiba Academy Shanghai and Hiba Academy Hangzhou. She has always tried to apply pedagogical and psychological theories to her teaching. This experience has helped form her educational concept and philosophy. Together with the leadership of Hiba Academy Nantong, she looks forward to turning our Nursery into a place that children enjoy coming to learn.
Ms Xue is an outdoor sports enthusiast with hiking and skiing being her favorite. She believes that exercise not only keeps us healthy, but also brings us closer to nature.
Jenny joins Hiba Academy Nantong from Stamford American International School in Singapore, where she was the Director of Admissions and Marketing for 4 years. Working closely with the Superintendent and the school’s senior leadership, she was responsible for marketing and branding of the school and recruitment, assessment and selection of all incoming students to Stamford.
Jenny graduated in Business Administration from Cardiff University, UK in 2004. She explored a career in marketing, event management, project management and business development in various industries and countries. Jenny was appointed marketing director at IQPC China, where she was one of the pioneer members of the setup and development of the business.
After returning to Singapore from the UK, where she worked as the deputy marketing director and database strategist with Worldwide Business Research, Jenny joined London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) as Regional Marketing and Business Development Director, beginning her journey in the education sector. During her 5 years with the school, Jenny had expanded the international business from less than $1M in revenue to over $8M. In 2017, Jenny established the first Belt and Road Multi-Cultural Studies Centre in Singapore at LSBF, funded by the China Cultural Heritage Foundation, supported by the Overseas Education College of China’s Xiamen University.
Following Jenny’s departure from LSBF, she joined Duke-NUS, the only postgraduate Medical School in Singapore as theAssociate Director of Admissions, responsible for recruitment, assessment and selection, financial aid and scholarships.
Jenny is married to Scott, a British and Canadian citizen and he is an English teacher at our school. Together they have 3 children: Shannon (11), Julian (9) and Alexandria (1).
With a passion for traveling and history, Jenny worked as a tour guide during her study in Cambridge, UK. She had toured 27 cities out of 69 within a year.
Wei Qian joins Hiba Academy Nantong as Head of Boarding on 10th February 2025.
Wei holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Shanghai Normal University, and a master’s degree in Accountancy from the United States. With 8 years of experience in international schools and entities, Wei specialises in student activities, student development, and boarding. Before joining Hiba Nantong, she served as the Dean of Student Life and Boarding in an IB school in Suzhou. Originally from Wuxi, Wei is passionate about fostering a supportive and enriching environment for students.
In her spare time, Wei enjoys traveling and exploring various sports, always seeking new experiences and opportunities for personal growth.
Paul graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science, where he earned his BSc degree in Philosophy, Logic, and Scientific Method back in 2009. He completed his MSc degree in Leadership and Management afterwards, as well as a PGCE, and is now working on his NPQ in Leading Teacher Development.
Paul’s background is marked by a substantial tenure in various London schools, where he has not only taught but also provided leadership in inclusion and curriculum development, continuously aiding pupils in overcoming challenges and supporting their learning.
Paul has diverse interests that significantly enrich his professional and personal life. He is deeply fascinated by character development. His creative pursuits include developing new skills, building unique resources, and engaging in writing stories or articles. A passionate musician, Paul plays the ukulele and the piano and has sung at Abbey Road Studios.
Before joining the family at Hiba Nantong, Kathryn Hastings had worked abroad in a number of capacities. Her first post was teaching Modern Studies and History to Grades 9-12 in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
In this position, she led several students towards graduating high school and attending top universities around the UK. Her second school was in the North of Canada, teaching Grade 4 at a primary school on a First Nations Reserve and assisting in the younger classes as well. Kathryn attended secondary school in Canada, where she fell in love with history and global studies.
She draws much of her teaching ethos and practice from the teachers who inspired her. By encouraging independent thought and fostering critical thinking skills, her teachers pushed her to expand her mind and seek out answers beyond the immediate. Kathryn holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Glasgow in Politics and History and her Secondary PGCE from the University of Aberdeen.
Kathryn has a strong interest in global politics and news and is excited to engage her students in discussions about the issues facing them now and in the future. She believes that Global Perspectives and Social Studies offer a unique opportunity for students who want to seek out education and futures abroad, as it equips them with the skills necessary to understand and engage with their fellow man.
In her spare time, Kathryn enjoys reading books about historic events, listening to comedy podcasts, and playing with her energetic dog Bonnie.
Catherine Ding graduated from Shanghai International Studies University with a master's degree in Chinese International Education and holds the title of primary and secondary school teacher. Catherine is also a member of the Communist Party of China. She was a volunteer Chinese language teacher and sent by the Confucius Institute Headquarters to teach at an international school in Madrid, Spain.
Catherine went on to teach at different international schools and bilingual schools in China where she was the IBPYP coordinator. She is familiar with both domestic and international curricula and has been teaching for many years. Catherine hopes pupils will leave their Hiba bilingual education, not in a bubble of elitism, privilege, and exclusivity, but with the moral values and social conscience to serve others and do good in life. This inclusivity includes a strong pride in coeducation, and a commitment to understanding and appreciating our place as global citizens.
Catherine likes to travel. During her working period in Europe, she used her holidays to travel around European countries and experience the local customs of each country, and when she returned to China, she also used her holidays to bring her children to enjoy the beautiful scenery of China.
Yomina holds a master's degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language from Northwest Normal University. She has worked at the Confucius Institute in Khartoum, Sudan, as a volunteer teacher for about one year. Before joining Hiba Nantong, Yomina was an A-level Chinese teacher in Ningbo.
During her spare time, Yomina enjoys running and hiking. She is keen to be a lifelong learner. “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get.”
Wendy Yang comes from Nantong. She graduated from Yangzhou University with a major in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (TCFL). Then she taught Chinese in the USA for two years.
After that, she worked at a famous International School in Shanghai for five years. She enjoys traveling and reading and believes that Hiba Academy Nantong is a great community that is full of harmony and vitality.
Wenting Li holds a master's degree in Innovative Education from Elon University in the United States. Over the past seven years, she has dedicated herself to international K-12 education, accumulating extensive experience in teaching Chinese in primary schools both domestically and abroad. She has also served as an immersion Chinese teacher and general subject teacher in the United States. The courses she teaches encompass textbooks from the Ministry of Education, the IB PYP, and the North Carolina state curriculum.
With teaching experiences spanning Thailand, China, Nepal, and the United States, she possesses a broad international perspective and deep intercultural communication skills. Excelling in assisting students academically and behaviourally, she is passionate about education and strives to ensure every student experiences success and joy. She persistently guides students’ growth towards becoming future leaders with both virtues and talents.
In her daily life, Wenting enjoys calligraphy and golf. She maintains a positive and optimistic outlook and advocates for lifelong learning.
Jo Zhou is an experienced language teacher who has been teaching in Singapore for nine years. She has had the pleasure of working with a wide range of learners and has developed her skills to provide an enjoyable and effective learning experience for all students. Jo's passion for teaching is evident through her master's degree in Teaching Chinese as an International Language, which she earned from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
She has also worked in various reputable international schools, including Dulwich College Singapore, where she was a bilingual teacher in lower primary education. Her excellent management and engagement skills with young students ensure that learning is both effective and enjoyable. When not teaching, Jo enjoys singing, cooking, and traveling. She loves exploring new cultures during her free time, which enriches her teaching. And, in August of 2022, Jo moved back to China and began her career working as a class teacher in Hiba Academy Nantong.
Rachel Wang holds a master’s degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages from Nanjing Normal University. Before joining the Hiba Nantong family, she worked at Shanghai United International School for five years, where she served as a Grade 1 homeroom teacher. Rachel was also the mathematics rep for Grade 1. Rachel immersed herself in all school activities, which included teacher dancers, playing the ukulele for the Grade 1 music concert, and the teachers’ race for sports day. Prior to her teaching position at SUIS, she lived in Australia for a year and taught Chinese at the Indooroopilly State High School in Brisbane.
In her spare time, Rachel enjoys traveling to and learning about different cultures, languages, and celebrations. Rachel believes that the “classroom is the extension of the home” where teachers and students learn, grow, play, and laugh together. She looks forward to implementing this philosophy in her new Hiba classroom.
Nade Li is from Hangzhou, China. She moved to New York City to begin her career as a high school teacher. She holds a master’s degree in TESOL and Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language from New York University. During her ten years of experience at the New York City Department of Education, she explored teaching across subject areas, including participation in U.S. government and economics, Chinese and environmental science. The multicultural teaching and learning experience allowed her to swiftly adapt to the changing situations and deliver differentiated instructions to pupils with various backgrounds and educational needs.
She is excited to teach Chinese Social Studies through a well-rounded lens at Hiba Academy Nantong. She aims to guide the pupils in exploring the marvellous Chinese history and geography and facilitate them to tell the stories of China confidently to the world.
She and her husband, Li Shi, who is also Hiba Academy Nantong’s IT Teacher, are big fans of traveling. Their favourite destinations so far are the National Parks in Utah, as well as the historical medinas and the Sahara Desert in Morocco.
Mia Yang is from Nantong. She graduated from the University of Florida in the United States with a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction and has obtained teaching certifications in both China and the United Kingdom. Before joining Hiba Academy Nantong, she worked at several international schools in both the United States and China, receiving high praise.
With over 8 years of experience in the field of education, Ms. Yang has accumulated extensive domestic and international teaching experience. She possesses a deep understanding and interpretation of both Eastern and Western educational philosophies and multicultural teaching methods.
Ms. Yang is passionate about innovative Chinese language teaching, exploring the potential of teaching materials, creating efficient, innovative, and engaging classrooms that leverage the students' initiative. She strives to maintain students' curiosity in learning Chinese and to help them appreciate the profoundness of the culture.
In her spare time, she enjoys sharing her time with students and prefers using student-centered learning methods to support their learning. In her leisure time, Ms. Yang enjoys yoga and traveling. She often travels and exercises with her family and friends, enjoying relaxation and happiness from the inside out.
Having lived abroad for nine years, Grace is delighted to return to China and join the Wellington community. She spent most of her teaching career overseas; prior to joining Hiba Academy Nantong, she was a Mandarin teacher at Harris City Academy in London, where she shared her passion for the Chinese language and culture with British students. She also taught in Spain, Chile, and Sri Lanka for six and a half years. As someone who has benefited from the British education system, she is keen to use her experience of studying and working in the UK to encourage Hiba students to achieve their full potential.
Grace holds a PGDE in Secondary Education from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland and an MA in TCSOL from Sichuan University. In addition to her native tongue, she speaks fluent English and Spanish.
In her spare time, Grace enjoys walking, traveling, cooking, and learning new languages. She is excited to settle in the historic city of Nantong and explore the local delicacies!
Christina holds a Master's in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages from Sun Yat-sen University. Dedicated to teaching Chinese and bilingual courses, she has also served as Head of House. She has led award-winning mentoring programmes and cultural events that engaged hundreds of pupils and developed innovative language curricula that integrated calligraphy and sustainability projects. As a GCSE examiner, she specialises in HSK and IGCSE preparation, employing a cross-cultural approach. Outside the classroom, Christina enjoys sport and embraces lifelong learning.
Sophie Scott is a British national who has been living and working in China for over a decade. Sophie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design (with honours) from Nottingham Trent University in the UK.
She is a specialist in Textile Printing with a background in a range of creative craft skills, graphics and fine art. She has most recently taught a range of CCA Arts and Crafts activities including sewing, collage and pottery.
Sophie has a passion for making and her goal is to support young learners in their creativity and development of technical skills. She hopes all learners can experience the joy of creating beautiful, useful things with their own hands and ideas.
She is interested in learner-led inquiry-based teaching approach, encouraging a strong sense of self efficacy and personal achievement. She has earned an International Postgraduate Certificate in Education and a TEFL teaching certificate. Sophie also has 8 years of experience teaching English as a foreign language in China. She has taught a wide range of age groups and language abilities, including Primary and Early Years.
Michelle was born in Nantong. She previously worked at Wellington College International Shanghai for almost 5 years. During the time, she expanded her teaching ability in English and has brought an excellent bilingual learning approach to Hiba Nantong.
She loves to spend her time walking along the riverbank with her family and dog. She has always used her spare time to do interesting activities and travel around the world. She was a volunteer for the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games, which was an amazing experience for her to meet so many young talented athletes and it helped her appreciate everyone’s challenging work. Being a teacher enriches her life: she learns from pupils as much as she teaches them, and it makes her happy to communicate with pupils who have so many wonderful ideas.
Jane comes from China. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Xuzhou Normal University. After graduating, she worked as an English teacher in Suzhou Vocational Health College for two years. Meanwhile, she was appointed to be a homeroom teacher of a nursery class, but quickly had the urge to teach abroad.
Eventually, she obtained her Master of Arts (in Interpreting and Translation) from the University of Western Sydney in 2007, which polished her English skills on all aspects: listening, speaking, reading and writing. At that stage she decided to try her hand at something else and pursued a career in sales and customer service. For her, it was not only a challenge but also an opportunity. Thirteen years in sales and customer service gave her a wealth of experience, enabling her to communicate with others from different backgrounds effectively, gain rapport and put her feet into other people’s shoes. Additionally, it provided an opportunity to get to know the western culture and customs.
2019 was a turning point in her life. She came back to China and started working at an international school in Wuxi but, instead of academic teaching, as Head of Boarding, she was accountable for the leadership and management of human and physical resources, pastoral care of both students and staff and a high level of duty of care within the boarding house. She encouraged, developed and maintained a family like environment within the boarding house for three years before joining Hiba Academy Nantong.
She is a person who embraces new challenges: she likes running, skiing, yoga, basketball travelling and cooking.
Helen Nugent is from the Wirral, England. She has been teaching in primary education for eight years and graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree and a master's degree in Creative Education from the University of Chester.
Having been a teacher for eight years, she believes a holistic education is vital for a child to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. While studying for her first degree, the educational practices she experienced opened her eyes to the impact culture can have on a child’s education and the importance of a child’s voice within the classroom.
She has a special love for music and plays the flute, piccolo, and recorder. She is a keen gardener, avid reader, and enjoys doing a range of crafts. She is always willing to try something new, and coming to China to explore its rich culture and history has excited her.
Phoebe holds BA in History from Exeter University and a PGCE from the University of Buckingham. Having lived abroad as a child, Phoebe developed a love of travelling and experiencing different cultures. She hopes to bring this globally minded approach to her teaching, and it is always her aim to foster an engaging and supportive classroom environment. In her most recent position, Phoebe worked in a top International School in the UAE teaching History, Humanities and English. Outside of teaching, Phoebe loves travelling, reading and all things outdoors. In particular, she has a love of horses and hopes to find opportunities to ride in China.
Phoebe is married to Simon, and they have a one-year-old daughter, Sophie, who they are proud to raise in an international and bilingual setting.
Charlie is an accomplished educator with over a decade of diverse teaching experience. He has spent the past nine years in Shanghai primarily as a homeroom teacher for Years 1–4, teaching subjects including English, science, humanities, PE, design thinking, ICT, maths and art. Charlie believes in connecting with pupils personally to inspire and unlock their full potential, helping them excel both academically and in life.
Before coming to China, he taught primary and secondary pupils in South Korea for two years, followed by a year working with adult professionals at LG TV and LG Electronics. This experience reinforced the importance of handling social situations tactfully and continually broadening perspectives to achieve better outcomes.
Before his teaching career, Charlie worked in sales and healthcare but found these fields unfulfilling. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Broad Field Social Sciences, a Master's in Organisational Leadership and a Washington, DC teaching licence, earned after realising teaching was his true calling. His academic background and international experiences have profoundly shaped his educational philosophy and leadership approach.
Outside the classroom, Charlie is sociable and active, enjoying sports and time with friends.
Scott joins Hiba from London School of Business and Finance in Singapore, where he worked for 5 years as the Head of English School, responsible for curriculum development, timetabling, teacher recruitment, and student assessment and progression.
Scott holds a degree in Business Studies from The University of Greenwich, the UK. He is also a qualified CELTA and CELTA YL instructor, and a TESOL certified teacher.
Having worked in Indonesia, China, UK and Singapore in the past 18 years in education, Scott’s rich teaching experience had won him many awards and praises from schools, parents and most importantly, students.
In Singapore, where Scott spent most of his teaching career, before joining London School of Business and Finance, he worked for the British Council as the Cambridge First Exam and Cambridge Advanced Exam preparation specialist, as well as the Student Services Coordinator for 7 years.
During his spare time, Scott enjoys playing badminton, cooking and horticulture.
Fun fact: Scott has taught a Korean film director whose movie is currently on Netflix, a famous Japanese actress and the Chief of Police on the Indonesian island of Batam.
Joshua holds a Post-Graduate Certificate in Primary Education, which has equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in his teaching career. His educational background has provided him with a strong foundation in pedagogical strategies and child development, enabling him to effectively address the diverse needs of his pupils. Joshua's continuous pursuit of professional development ensures that he remains at the forefront of educational best practices.
Joshua has been a dedicated primary teacher at an esteemed international school in Cairo for the past three years. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in fostering a nurturing and engaging learning environment for his pupils. His commitment to education and his innovative teaching methods have earned him recognition among peers and parents alike. Joshua's ability to connect with pupils and inspire a love for learning has made him a valued member of the school's faculty.
Outside of the classroom, Joshua is passionate about sports, particularly football. He has previously coached football for semi-professional outfits, demonstrating his leadership and teamwork skills. In addition to his love for sports, Joshua enjoys spending his free time fishing and exploring the world through travel. These interests not only provide him with relaxation and adventure but also enrich his teaching by bringing real-world experiences into the classroom.
Victoria is a proud graduate of the University of the Western Cape in sunny Cape Town, where she earned her B.Ed. degree back in 2015. She specialised in teaching intermediate phase pupils and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Over the past nine years, Victoria has embarked on quite the adventure, teaching in three different countries - South Africa, China, and the Middle East. But now she is back in the hustle and bustle of China, ready to dive into teaching with a big smile on her face.
When she is not moulding young minds, you can usually find her in the kitchen whipping up some delicious treats, exploring the great outdoors, or getting lost in a good book or movie. She is passionate about lifelong learning and believes that every day is a new opportunity to grow and have some fun along the way!
Kerry has had a dynamic career as a founding member of an esteemed international school, where she has worked extensively in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. She played a pivotal role in creating the school council, overseeing its growth and success. Additionally, Kerry served as the School Events Coordinator, organizing a wide array of events throughout the school year, including Science, Maths, and English weeks; International and Language days; various performances across all key stages; and non-curricular events such as Halloween and Christmas celebrations. Her dedication and innovative approach have significantly enriched the school community.
Kerry studied at Manchester Metropolitan University, where she initially pursued a B.Sc. in International Business Management. After gaining valuable experience in management, she returned to the same university to complete a PGCE in Primary Education with QTS, furthering her passion for education.
Kerry loves traveling the world with her three children and partner, finding particular joy in exploring cold, snowy mountains or strolling through serene forests. She is passionate about sports, especially football, and has previously coached several girls' teams from scratch, nurturing their skills and fostering a love for the game.
Mr. Henok Fessehaye is a veteran educator with over twenty years of experience in EAL/English instruction. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Florida Atlantic University with a minor in Spanish and has worked extensively in imparting the English language to a wide array of audiences, comprising various learning needs, linguistic backgrounds, and levels of proficiency, both in the US and the UAE. He also founded and operated a highly successful American tutoring firm devoted to the tutelage of SAT/ACT students.
Mr. Fessehaye’s pedagogical expertise includes all current IT applications in the fields of language and ESL instruction. He is fluent in Spanish and is also certified and proficient in all components of the SAT and ACT exams, including mathematics. Catering to a diverse range of academic disciplines and curricula, Mr. Fessehaye is committed to effective differentiated and cross-curricular instruction.
Mr. Fessehaye is a voracious reader, primarily of genres relating to anthropological and psychological studies. Musical composition, martial arts, weightlifting, and outdoor activities are among his favorite pastimes. He has traveled extensively and is a devoted student of human culture, committed to the ideal of diversified excellence. He, therefore, espouses the safety, scholarship, and progress of his pupils, as well as the inclusion of the broader academic society (e.g., colleagues, parents, and local educational venues), as fundamental parts of the learning process. His strong team skills, effective communication, and technical expertise have been honed through twenty years of interactions with students, teachers, and parents in the field.
"The efficacy of education lies in the convergence of varied life experiences and in the ability to see the interconnectedness of them all. Each guided step is a component to one’s understanding of the composite whole.”
Nicholas has taught for over a decade in both international and private schools, including Elite International School of Mongolia, Shine Mongol Harumafuji School and the Canadian School of Ulaanbaatar. He holds a degree in Asian Studies from San Diego State University, California. Before coming to China, Nicholas spent over ten years in Mongolia, where he learned to speak and read Mongolian. His time in Mongolia deepened his appreciation for balancing global education with local values and cultural identity.
As a teacher, he believes the most important things are clear, effective explanations and building relationships based on intellectual discussion and mutual respect. For his pupils, he seeks to share how storytelling and literature can help us become more refined human beings. He is an avid reader, especially interested in science fiction, Eastern philosophy and world history. His favourite thing in the world is spending time with his daughter.
Penny holds a Master's in Entrepreneurship from Syracuse University, USA. With seven years of experience in international education, she previously served as a TOEFL and IELTS instructor at leading English training institutions—Meten English and New Oriental—where she carried out teaching research, developed curricula and delivered courses. In her spare time, Penny enjoys travelling to experience the wonders of nature and diverse cultures. She embraces life with optimism, which is her guiding philosophy.
Shane is an English language and literature teacher with 20 years’ experience in Ireland, the United Arab Emirates and China. He has taught at the middle and upper school levels. He worked as a registered general nurse in cardiothoracic and general ICU settings before choosing a career in education.
He holds two MAs, in Education Leadership and in English Literature and Philosophy. In addition to roles as a subject coordinator and teacher ambassador, he is most proud of his contributions to House (as Housemaster and Assistant Housemaster with Hiba Academy Shanghai and Hiba Academy Nantong) and Boarding leadership and mentoring at Hiba Academy Nantong, as well as other international schools in China. His teaching philosophy is underpinned by his belief in effective and compassionate pastoral and academic mentoring.
In addition to his teaching and pastoral commitments, he enjoys getting involved in pupil sport, especially rugby and tag rugby, which he has coached for many years, and school dramatic productions. He hopes to contribute to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in the coming academic year too.
In his spare time, he is happiest in the ocean, learning to surf. He is also a PADI-certified open water diver.
Shu Ann spent over three years teaching International English (IGCSE, IMYC, HKDSE English Speaking and Listening and Integrated Skills) to pupils from Years 5 to 12, as well as IBDP Theory of Knowledge at another international school in Nantong. She contributed to the school community by co-hosting the 2024 and 2025 Annual Dinners and judging and hosting two spelling bee competitions.
Before this, she taught at Sayfol International School in Kuala Lumpur, where she integrated personalised PBL lessons for IGCSE across six subjects to Year 5 pupils. She was part of the Malaysian Ministry of Education's Performance Delivery Unit and began her teaching career as a Teach for Malaysia Fellow, improving pupil outcomes through tech-integrated, personalised instruction.
Shu Ann holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Universiti Utara Malaysia and a bachelor’s in political science from McGill University. She is fluent in English, Malay and Cantonese, with basic knowledge of Mandarin, French and Hokkien.
In her free time, Shu Ann enjoys yoga, hiking and running marathons. Passionate about fostering future global citizens and committed to pupil growth, she is excited to bring her diverse experiences to HIBA ACADEMY NANTONGN and support pupils in their educational journey.
Silvia has been a teacher for over 30 years. Throughout her career, she has held several positions in schools, from Early Years PE teacher to Senior Girls Housemistress, from Primary Class Teacher to Head of Service. She started her career in Brazil, at an international school in São Paulo, and has since taught in five different countries, including China. She believes that children must feel safe in order to thrive and that self-belief is something she aims to foster in class. In her free time, she enjoys reading and being active, particularly cycling and swimming.
Kristen Xing received a PGCE from Durham University UK, Master of Accounting and Finance in Latrobe University Australia and a Bachelor of Arts from Tianjin Foreign Studies University. Kristen also holds an international certificate for teaching Mandarin to foreigners, a Secondary Teacher’s Qualifications and a Homeroom Teacher’s Certificate.
Kristen worked in Wellington College International Tianjin for almost 10 years as a bilingual class teacher and Year Group Leader. She has rich experience as a homeroom teacher and bilingual teacher, and is especially skilled at teaching math, IPC, and ELA.
Kristen strongly encourages pupils to actively engage in independent thinking. She hopes that every pupil is special and that they will have a positive and sunny personality, the ability to think independently, and the courage to inquire.
Percy graduated from the University of Sydney and holds two master's degrees, one in Engineering and another in Education. He was the Head of the International Department at the School Affiliated to East China Normal University for six years.
Additionally, he has over five years of experience as an Edexcel Examination Officer. Percy has more than eight years of experience in teaching international mathematics curriculum, including A-level, IB, AMC10, and AMC12.
He is dedicated to employing innovative teaching methods and personalised guidance to help pupils achieve academic excellence and foster a deep interest and enthusiasm for mathematics. In spare time, he loves music and basketball.
“The Anthem of the human being is the Anthem of courage” is his motto.
Emily graduated with a bachelor's degree from the Department of Mathematics at Sun Yat-sen University and obtained her master's degree in mathematics from RWTH Aachen University, Germany. Before joining Hiba Academy Nantong, she worked for three years as a secondary school maths teacher and homeroom teacher in Shunde, Guangdong. Pupils greatly enjoyed Emily's lively and engaging teaching style, seeing her not only as a teacher but also as a friend, often turning to her for help with difficulties in both their studies and daily life. In her spare time, Emily enjoys travelling and keeping fit. Her motto is "You only live once".
Echo holds a high school mathematics teaching license in China and a primary full subject teaching license from Washington, D.C., U.S. She has been dedicated to primary math education for the past eleven years.
Before joining Hiba Nantong, Echo was the grade math leader, math teacher, and homeroom teacher at Shanghai Soong Ching Ling School, one of the top schools in Shanghai. Echo is a certified advanced open-water diver who enjoys diving in her spare time.
With experience in teaching students from diverse backgrounds and capacities, she sees teaching as a lifelong career that requires hard work and dedication.
Haider Shah is a seasoned and passionate mathematics teacher with a Master’s in Applied Mathematics and 27 years’ experience teaching the UK IGCSE and A-Level curriculum. Since beginning his career in 1999, he has inspired hundreds of pupils at top international schools, helping them unlock their mathematical potential while making learning dynamic and enjoyable.
A fully qualified educator with a PGCE from Liverpool John Moores University and QTS from the UK Department of Education, Mr Shah brings over two decades of expertise in teaching second-language learners, particularly in China. Known for his clear, interactive and engaging teaching style, he specialises in both EDEXCEL and CAIE curricula, covering IGCSE mathematics, additional mathematics and GCE Levels (including pure mathematics, mechanics and statistics). Few teachers are as versatile—he confidently delivers all modules for A Level mathematics and further mathematics, consistently guiding pupils to outstanding results. Thanks to his dedication, many of his pupils achieve A* or A grades, securing places at prestigious universities worldwide.
Beyond academics, Mr Shah fosters a classroom environment where curiosity thrives and pupils develop a genuine love for mathematics. Outside of teaching, Haider embraces an active lifestyle, whether jogging, travelling the world or socialising with friends. His approachable and lively nature reflects his belief that learning should be both rigorous and fun, a philosophy his pupils wholeheartedly endorse.
Vicky holds a Master of Education from Flinders University, Australia. With eight years of extensive experience in international education, she has developed considerable expertise in bilingual maths teaching through her dynamic and innovative style.Before joining Hiba Nantong, Vicky worked at a prestigious international school, progressing through key leadership roles including Primary Maths Leader, Primary Coordinator and Primary Head, demonstrating exceptional leadership and cross-departmental collaboration skills.
Guided by a belief that education is the art of igniting the spark of thinking, she is dedicated to providing personalised learning support for each pupil and fostering a nurturing yet challenging growth environment both inside and outside the classroom.
By leading initiatives in bilingual curriculum development and cross-disciplinary integration, her forward-thinking work has not only transformed traditional maths pedagogy but also nurtured generations of mathematical explorers with global perspectives, making significant contributions to the field of maths education.
With more than 10 years of international experience, Alex is an educator and coach passionate about holistic development and wellbeing. Alex has taught Physical Education at leading schools in Shanghai, where he always prioritised the whole person over just athletic performance.
Originally from Spain, Alex holds a degree in Physical Education and a Master’s in Fitness and Rehabilitation in Sport, which informs his balanced approach combining performance and injury prevention.
Alex is a UEFA A-licensed coach and has worked with organisations including La Liga, Nike Academy and China’s Ministry of Education. He promotes values such as integrity, compassion and respect. As a football coach, Alex empowers young people across cultures, encouraging them to grow both on and off the pitch.
Alex also speaks four languages, which helps him connect deeply with players from diverse backgrounds.
Jing is an experienced educator working in the field of Physical Education. She has previously worked for two famous bilingual schools in Shanghai. Jing graduated from Shanghai University of Sport with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education. Then attended Sendai University, a famous sports university in Japan, to further her Master studies in Physical Education and Lifelong Sports theory.
Jing has participated in the founding work of three internationally known K-12 schools in both Shanghai and Chengdu. Besides daily Physical Education teaching, Jing was also instrumental in organizing different sports events. In addition, she is passionate about coaching highly successful dance teams in school and has helped them to participate in many well-renowned and prestigious competitions. Alongside this, her main passion is delivering a truly international education experience to her students.
As a Physical Education teacher, Jing likes all kinds of sports, especially dancing, swimming, climbing, hiking and so on. Jing believes in guiding pupils to have a good attitude toward sport, which will in turn help to build strong self-confidence and the ability to deal with pressure. A positive attitude to sport will lead to a wholesome outlook on life and values.
Bryant graduated from the cradle of world champions, Nanjing Sports College. For the past eight years, he has been teaching at bilingual and international schools, as well as dedicating himself to adolescent physical training and psychological research. Before joining Hiba Nantong, Bryant worked as a physical education teacher at an international bilingual school in Shanghai, and during this time served as the head of moral education and student affairs.
He was an excellent coach at the 2013 Asian Youth Games, 2014 World Youth Olympics, a physical fitness coach at the 2015 Yangzhou Jianzhen International Marathon and won first prize in national aquatics fitness gymnastics in 2017. He also holds a national professional qualification as a swimming coach, a national professional qualification as a fitness coach, and is a national basketball first level referee.
In his spare time, Bryant enjoys running and fitness training. He always tries to challenge himself and demands high standards from himself. He wants to use himself as a role model to inspire both himself and his pupils. On the last day of his career, he hopes to be able to proudly say, "I do not regret dedicating all of my life to the cause of education."
Celliers is a passionate educator specialising in computer science, psychology and English, with over 10 years of international teaching experience. With a BSc in Psychology and CELTA certification, he creates pupil-centred classrooms that blend academic rigour with engaging, personalised learning.
His teaching focuses on empowering pupils through hands-on coding projects, psychological inquiry and critical thinking exercises, as well as developing well-rounded character beyond the classroom. Skilled in curriculum design and educational technology, he adapts lessons to diverse learning styles while fostering curiosity and confidence.
Beyond academics, Celliers builds supportive classroom communities through peer collaboration and creative learning. His warm, energetic style helps pupils thrive both intellectually and personally.
Committed to lifelong learning, he continues to develop his expertise in robotics, EdTech, innovative teaching methods and education more broadly. Having taught across China, he brings cultural adaptability and enthusiasm to every classroom.
Celliers believes excellent teaching is not just about knowledge—it is about inspiring pupils to become independent thinkers and lifelong learners. "Do not be afraid of failing; be afraid of not trying. Make mistakes—that is how we learn."
Vincent graduated with a master’s in Genetics from China Agricultural University and obtained the PGCE from University of Warwick in the UK.
Prior to Hiba Academy Nantong, Vincent was a chemistry and biology teacher at RDFZ King’s College School and the chemistry teacher of Zhenhai High School and Nanjing Foreign Language School.
Vincent enjoys participating in international education in Nantong, a city with an excellent reputation for first-class teaching.
Vincent believes that all children are unique and have something special that they can bring to the classroom. It is his goal to create a stimulating learning environment where each child feels valued and can grow physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially.
Ms. Mint graduated from Liaoning Normal University, majoring in biology. She possesses a biology teaching certification that is recognized both domestically and internationally. She has worked as a class teacher and science teacher in many well-known public and international schools.
Her work experiences have made her familiar with both the Chinese national curriculum standards and bilingual teaching in a diverse environment. Mint hopes to leverage her strengths in teaching and create an immersive bilingual environment for the students at Hiba. In her leisure time, Mint enjoys reading literature, doing handicrafts, and embarking on excursions with her peers. She has a particular fondness for historical literature.
Through the study of these books, she gains insight into the social dynamics and cultural nuances of various epochs. She believes that “Reading history makes you wise; knowing the past can inform the present.”
Eldred Apanya is an experienced science and physics teacher with over 17 years of enriching teaching experience. His teaching philosophies are based on the development of every student by building their self-confidence and self-esteem. He believes that pupils learn best through firsthand experience and within a stimulating learning environment, making learning personal and relevant to pupils.
Before joining Hiba Nantong, he spent 12 years teaching both IGCSE and A-level physics and was the Head of the Science Department at Zhenhai High School, a prestigious high school in Ningbo. His dedication to education has been recognised through various awards, including the Teacher of the Year award at Zhenhai High School for the 2017/18 academic year.
He holds a degree in Physics and a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Mr. Apanya has a strong desire to inspire and motivate pupils to pursue careers in science and related fields. He communicates his enthusiasm about the importance of science to pupils in a way that sparks their curiosity and inspires them to learn more.
When he is not captivating pupils with the wonders of physics, you'll likely find him exploring the great outdoors. A passionate football fan, he finds comfort in the tranquility of nature and the breathtaking beauty of the cosmos.
Benjamin is a dedicated multilingual chemistry educator with 10 years of international teaching experience. He holds a Master of Education (Chemistry), a PGCE from the University of Nottingham and a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry, and completed an undergraduate exchange in Melbourne, Australia.
Benjamin has taught a range of curricula, including IB and Cambridge and served as a lecturer for the Monash University Foundation Year. He taught secondary school chemistry in Zhejiang Province. Previously, he was Head of Science at UCSI International Schools Malaysia and a diploma teacher at Sinarmas World Academy, a globally ranked top 33 IB/Cambridge school, where most alumni go on to study at Ivy League and Oxbridge institutions.
His teaching combines practical experiments and context-based learning to make complex concepts relatable to real-world applications. He has coached and coordinated international science competitions and was recognised as an ‘Outstanding Coach’ by RACI and ASEEDER. Committed to lifelong learning and holistic education (in line with values such as those of Hiba Education), he believes that every lesson gives a teacher the opportunity to prepare pupils for life beyond textbooks.
Robert qualified with a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nottingham and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology before embarking on a career in the Royal Engineers. After four years of military service, including combat duties, he returned to the UK to train as a school teacher and outdoor education instructor. His first international teaching post was in Brazil, where he met his wife. Together they have worked in Scotland, England, China, Romania and Portugal. Throughout his career, he has taught Physics, General Science, Mathematics, Computing and Sport. He has served as Housemaster, Head of Pastoral Care and Head of Secondary School at three institutions. He now focuses on making science engaging and enjoyable.
Outside work, Rob enjoys outdoor activities and travelling. His passions include hiking, climbing, mountaineering and kayaking—having raced and navigated some of the world's most challenging white water rivers. More recently, he has undertaken cycling tours across Europe and Asia, including routes from Lhasa to Kathmandu and Bangkok to Siem Reap.
Christina holds a master's degree in Chemical Engineering and Technology from Jiangsu University of Science and Technology. She has been working in a chemistry lab for 8 years and has led or participated in several chemistry lab projects.
During her graduate studies, she focused on the degradation of water pollutants by MOF materials and published a paper as the first author. For internship experiences, she has interned at Jiangsu Environmental Monitoring and Xinyi Agriculture Inspection, where she learned a lot of experimental methods and characterization tools. Through all these work experiences, she learned about different perspectives of career development and enhanced her communication and collaboration skills.
In her spare time, Christina enjoys yoga and badminton, and when she has free time, she travels with her friends to experience different customs and cultures. She is also interested in different languages and is recently learning Korean. Her motto is "Interest is the best teacher.”
Jayesh holds a Bachelor of Arts in Design and Technology Education with QTS from the UK, as well as a National Diploma in Marine Engineering. He is a highly experienced educator with over 15 years of leadership as Head of Department, specialising in the design, development and delivery of design and technology, engineering, product design and professional construction practice curricula up to A Level. His teaching career spans grammar schools, studio schools and university technical colleges across the UK.
He has also contributed to corporate training, designing and running apprentice programmes up to degree level, supporting the integration of academic and industry-based learning. Internationally, he taught the IB Diploma in Design and Technology at Deutsche Schulverein Bombay, the only COBIS-accredited British school in India. Most recently, he taught A Level art and design and Key Stage 3 design and technology at Wellington College International Hangzhou, China.
Before teaching, Jayesh completed a marine engineering apprenticeship, working on hydrographic survey ships and later as an operations and maintenance engineer aboard submarines. Recently, Jayesh has developed a keen interest in art and design, particularly in 3D design and ceramics, which enriches his multidisciplinary approach to teaching. His hobbies include camping and art history, all of which inform and inspire his educational practice.
Jayesh brings a distinctive blend of industrial expertise, artistic creativity and academic leadership, making him uniquely positioned to inspire and mentor the next generation of artists, designers, engineers and innovators.
Ivy is a passionate drama teacher dedicated to nurturing pupils’ creativity, confidence and personal development through pupil-centred theatre-in-education practices. Before joining Hiba Academy Nantong, she taught drama at schools in Wuxi. With over nine years of experience in education, Ivy is committed to enhancing teaching and learning quality. She has contributed to developing and refining drama curricula from primary to IGCSE level, supporting pupils to communicate and think creatively in both English and Chinese. Ivy has directed and produced a wide range of school plays, from classics to innovative bilingual pieces, and enjoys collaborating closely with colleagues and pupils to foster teamwork and self-expression.
Carmen Mah obtained her Master of Arts with highest honours from one of the most prestigious music education training institutions in Hungary, the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music - Kodály Institute, where she studied the Kodály-concept music education. Trained to emphasize logical and sequential planning using singing as the main musical tool, incorporated with play-based teaching methods and folk-song teaching material, Carmen is dedicated to ‘let music belong to everyone,’ as quoted from Kodály. She has more than five years of experience teaching music to children aged 4-10 at a music school in Malaysia, directing a primary school band, and accompanying choir performances, competitions, and instrumental exams on the piano.
She enjoys reading and cooking in her free time. She also loves exploring new places, traveling to different countries, trying new things, and creating stories to share.
Ms. Yang holds a master's degree in TESOL from the University of York. She is also a certified US IACA advanced career adviser. She has been dedicated to career and university counselling for more than eight years.
Before joining Hiba Nantong, Ms. Yang was the Director of University Counselling Center at a top private school in Chongqing and a university counsellor at a famous international education school in Shanghai. Besides her extensive experience, her passionate and empathetic nature wins her the trust of families and students. Ms. Yang has successfully helped students enter world-renowned universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College, LSE, UCLA, Johns Hopkins, and HKU. Ms. Yang is a life enthusiast. She enjoys sports, traveling, musicals, cooking, and basically anything that can add bright colours to her life.
Jaqueline holds a bachelor's degree in Business from Monash University, which ranks among the top 40 in the QS World University Rankings. She has been dedicated to secondary-level education for the past eight years.
Before joining Hiba Academy Nantong , Jaqueline worked as an Economics and Business teacher and team leader in some of the most prestigious schools in Shanghai and Beijing. She is adept at helping students improve their academic performance by increasing student engagement and using effective facilitation methods.
Many of her students have achieved straight A's or A*'s in their final exams in Economics and Business and have gone on to enter top universities in the UK and the US as a result.
In her spare time, Jaqueline enjoys hiking, traveling, and reading. She is passionate about lifelong learning and continues to learn new skills and knowledge every year.
Sara Shi graduated from Sofia University in the USA with a master's degree in Psychology. She worked in Beijing for 18 years, with more than 10 years in counseling.
Sara has a special love for reading, writing, and traveling. She hopes to explore China’s rich culture and history through her travels. Her motto is to be a guide in every student's life and send them light.
Ciki was born in Nantong ,but she previously worked in Learning Support in Nanjing for seven years. She is pleased to be back in her hometown. She loves cooking. She enjoys cooking for her family and friends.
She believes Hiba Academy Nantong is a school where pupils can be better versions of themselves. That is also one of the reasons why a Learning Support teacher exists.
Lucy holds a bachelor's degree from Yancheng Teachers’ University. She grew up in Nantong but has worked in Shanghai for eight years. Lucy was the head of the English Department at an English training school. She is a person who has a lot of passion and energy for the job she loves.
Lucy has abundant professional knowledge and the experience of getting along well with children. She is also very good at communicating with others and helping people solve problems. She loves kids and has helped many students take an interest in and improve their English language skills. By often choosing high-quality books, she has managed to spark her students’ interest in reading. “Learning through fun” is her teaching philosophy.
During her spare time, Lucy enjoys drawing and loves doing yoga. She is keen to be a lifelong learner. “The sky’s the limit" is her motto.
Mika Ma holds a master’s degree in Media and Communication from Macquarie University. During her time in Australia, she worked at the Junior Science Academy, which provides STEM education to primary school students. With a major in English during her undergraduate studies and a cross-school minor in Journalism at Fudan University, Mika has a solid foundation in language and communication. She also holds a Chinese primary school English teaching certificate and an advanced TESOL certificate.
Prior to joining Hiba, Mika gained valuable practical experience by teaching English in a foreign language school. She believes in creating new experiences with her students rather than simply imparting knowledge. In her free time, she enjoys pursuing her love of reading and exploring new places through travel. For her, both reading and traveling offer opportunities to explore and broaden one's horizons. She believes that “Reading is like travel, allowing people to step out of their own lives for a while and return with a renewed, even inspired perspective.”
Jiahao Cheng holds a bachelor's degree in Education studies from Durham University and a master's degree in Language Education from the University of Edinburgh. Throughout her higher education, she not only acquired a strong theoretical foundation in English language education, but also gained valuable practical experience through internships as a teacher assistant at two English training institutions. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and singing. She is committed to continuous learning and self-improvement, always striving to enhance her skills and knowledge.
Cynthia holds a bachelor's degree in Educational Studies from Reading University and a master's degree in Education from Warwick University. She actively participated in school club activities during her spare time in college and built a bridge of communication between the school and students. She loves writing, enjoys music and sports. “A contented mind is a perpetual feast” is her motto.
Tongxin is a graduate student at Boston University majoring in mathematics education. For her undergraduate studies, she majored in mathematics and minored in Japanese at the University of Georgia.
During her undergraduate years, she worked as a teacher and teaching assistant in local public schools many times. She has not only taught gifted students but also worked with students who have special education needs. She cooperated with another student to complete the teaching content of the class and was highly recognized by the school's teaching director. During her graduate studies, she worked as a teaching assistant at Boston Language Training Center. She is primarily responsible for providing technical support and facilitating collaboration for students participating in the Diamond Challenge and Kaggle Challenge. She also provides SAT math tutoring for students. She has a wide range of interests, especially in sports. She is skilled at swimming, badminton, taekwondo, and so on. She has practiced taekwondo for more than ten years and earned a black belt. Additionally, she enjoys dancing hip hop and jazz. She has also obtained the Chinese Dancers Association's jazz dance teacher certificate. Dancing is an integral part of her life.
Ms.Zhirui graduated from the Macau University of Science and Technology with a bachelor's degree in foreign language studies. She began her career as an English teacher and teaching assistant at both high school and college levels, where she discovered her passion for education.
Motivated to deepen her expertise, she pursued further studies at University College London, earning a master's degree in Education. Zhirui's diverse educational and teaching experiences have given her an international perspective, which aligns well with Hiba's educational philosophy of fostering confident, creative, and autonomous learners.
In her free time, Zhirui enjoys immersing herself in nature, with hiking being one of her favorite activities. She also loves to travel, cherishing it as a way to understand different cultures. Meeting people from varied backgrounds helps her gain a deeper knowledge of the world.
January Jiang graduated from Edinburgh University with a Masters in Science, specializing in Education (Early Childhood Practice and Froebel). She comes from a solid educational background with a strong interest in Early Years education and a passion towards children.
She graduated from Jiangxi Normal University with a Bachelor's degree in preschool education. Throughout her university career, she gained extensive knowledge of Early Years education and obtained her Certificate of Teacher’s Qualification for Kindergarten in 2019.
Apart from professional academic study and early years practice during those years she thinks it is still important for a teacher to understand a pupil’s state of mind. Thus, she completed a dual degree course in Psychology in her sophomore year. After gaining further knowledge of children's psychology and relevant skills in psychological consulting, she passed the National Psychological Counselor test in January 2018.
In her spare time, she enjoys playing the piano, reading, cooking, and traveling.
Gaby holds a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and a Master's in Education from the University of Melbourne. She is passionate about using arts integration, especially music, to promote children's social and emotional development, wellbeing and creativity. She believes the arts offer children a safe and immersive space for expression and creation, enabling them to explore themselves, build a sense of identity and form deeper social connections.
Before joining Hiba Academy Nantong, Gaby worked at an international school in Shenzhen as a kindergarten teaching assistant and whole-kindergarten music teacher, integrating music and dance to support children's self-expression through movement. She also delivered social and emotional learning programmes at a state primary school in Shanghai, helping pupils express themselves through the arts. She interned as a music therapy assistant at BonBon Music Therapy, supporting group music interventions for primary-aged children. Gaby has experience supporting project-based learning in early childhood, encouraging children to explore through emergent learning. She has also taught cross-cultural English to teenagers in Indonesia.
Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in education with Psychology from the University of Bath and a master’s in education (Philosophy of Education) from the University of Edinburgh. During her studies, she served as a pupil representative, ensuring pupils’ voices were heard and working with staff to improve the overall learning experience. Before joining Hiba Academy Nantong, Rachel worked as a one-to-one IELTS teacher and as a research assistant for a project focused on parent-child shared reading.
In her spare time, Rachel enjoys watching films and musicals, as well as strolling through parks. She believes that connecting with nature is one of the best ways to relax.
Kaye began her career by obtaining an International Diploma as a Montessori teacher through Montessori Centre International in London. She holds a master’s in early childhood education from the University of Sheffield, England. She has worked in public and private nursery settings in England.
Kaye believes in being a lifelong learner and continues to benefit from professional development. Most recently, she completed a course on Friedrich Fröbel’s philosophy and methods in early childhood education.
Before joining Hiba Academy Nantong, Kaye worked at an international bilingual school in China, delivering early years education to meet the holistic needs of pupils.
In her spare time, Kaye loves travelling and reading, often combining these passions by visiting bookshops around the world.
Judy graduated from Wenzhou University. Her major is Business English. This is her eighth year working as a teacher. Before Hiba, Judy worked in an international nursery in Shanghai and a bilingual nursery in Hangzhou and is familiar with the daily routine of an international school, especially the teaching work for the early years. She also understands the bilingual teaching model and the needs of children in a bilingual environment.
In her spare time, Judy loves traveling, watching dramas, and reading. The reason she is passionate about education is that it makes her feel cheerful when she plays with children and talks to them. From her point of view, the most important skill a teacher should have is patience.
Irene holds a bachelor’s degree in preschool education. When she was in college, she went to Denmark for an exchange study for approximately one year, where she received a diploma from VIA College in Denmark. In Denmark, Irene studied and worked in a local nursery for a period of time, which was a very unforgettable experience for her. There, she played with local children and learned many foreign early childhood education concepts and methods. When she returned to China, she worked as a teacher in a nursery in Nantong for 3 years. During this period, she gained extensive work experience and mastered the skills of communicating with children and parents.
During her spare time, Irene enjoys painting, handicrafts, photography, and watching movies. She finds these to be effective ways to relax.
Joy Qiao
Founder and Chairman
Joy Qiao is the Founder and Chairman of Wellington College Education (China). She founded the group in 2009 and, under her leadership, Wellington China has become one of the most reputable international education groups in China and globally. Joy grew up in Shanghai and earned her BA in Computer Science at the University of Oxford. Prior to her devotion to education, she had extensive experience working in the IT industry in the United Kingdom, Germany and China.
Joy is married to a British husband and they have two teenage sons. Influenced by this, Joy's vision is to create the world's leading English-Chinese bilingual schools, which combine the very best attributes of both British and Chinese education. She views such blended education as being a key contributor towards deepening understanding and appreciation between China and the rest of the world. Bilingualism, cross-cultural awareness and global citizenship will all be highly valued skills in this century when East is meeting West.
Julian Jeffrey
Chief Executive Master
Julian is the Executive Master of Wellington College in Tianjin. In August 2022, he moves to Shanghai as Chief Executive Master of the Wellington College Education (China) group.
Julian has been involved in school leadership for over 20 years, and was previously in Tianjin. Before moving to China in 2014, he began his career in education as a teacher of history in a prestigious independent girls’ school in north London, followed by almost 18 years at our sister school in England, Wellington College. He is a graduate of Durham and Exeter universities.
Lydia Cheung
Governor
Hiba Academy Hangzhou/ Hiba Academy Hangzhou
Ms Lydia Cheung has served as the Non-Executive Director of Wellington College International China Management Ltd since 2016.
Lydia graduated at Queen Mary College (University of London) with a BSc (Hon) Statistics and also holds an MBA degree from Oklahoma City University in the United States. She practiced as an auditor in London after graduation.
Primarily based in Hong Kong, Lydia has more than 20 years of financial management experience in the United Kingdom and Greater China. Her expertise includes anticipating strategic investment, optimising capital structure, budget control, implementing financial recommendations to achieve business objectives and enhancing sustainable long-term shareholder value and profitability.
Lydia is the Financial Controller of Italian luxury fashion brand INNIU. She is a visionary finance professional with extensive technical knowledge in the international luxury fashion industry, having previously worked for Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana and Balenciaga.
She is married with one daughter who is a graduate of the Wellington Academy in England and is currently studying her postgraduate degree in Luxury Brand Management.
Shuanglin Chen
Governor
Hiba Academy Nantong/Hiba Academy Nantong
Ms Shuanglin Chen is a senior architect who specialises in the design and development of mixed-use projects in urban centres. She joined Lujiazui Group in 2013 and has played a key role in major projects, including the New Bund Centre office tower, the Qiantan Shangri-La Hotel, the Qiantan Taikooli shopping village, the Zhangjiang Science Gate office tower, the Zhangjiang Hilton Hotel and more. She has also participated in the development of Hiba Shanghai South Building.
Ms Chen has bachelor’s degree in architecture from Tianjin University, and master’s degree in architecture from National University of Singapore.
She is married and has two sons and is passionate about education.
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