We are thrilled to welcome a group of incredibly talented and passionate educators to CISK learning community this semester! Their diverse backgrounds, wealth of experience, and dedication to student success will undoubtedly enrich our learning environment and inspire our students. Join us in giving a warm welcome to our new teachers as they embark on this new journey with us!

Brian Hebert is a dedicated educator with over 5 years of experience in creating enriching learning experiences. He has a strong aptitude for individualized mentorship, promoting both academic growth and emotional well-being.

Brian has a solid grasp of a broad range of scientific disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. He demonstrates exceptional classroom management skills, creating a structured, respectful, and engaging learning environment. Brian is also adept at integrating modern educational technology tools to enhance student learning and understanding.

Dr. Yogesh Chandra Pandey holds a Bachelor's in Commerce (Business & Economics) from Carlox Teachers University, India (2009),a Master's in Commerce (Business & Economics) from the same university (2011), a Bachelor's in Education (Accounting & Finance) (2015), and a Doctorate in Financial Management (2021).

Dr. Pandey is an organized and resourceful professional with over twelve years of experience in class teaching and school administration. He excels in providing executive-level support, planning and organizing meetings, events, and preparing reports.

Kalpana Sharma has almost 20 years of teaching experience. She holds a B.Sc. from Lucknow University (1998), an M.A. in Mathematics from Kanpur University (2001), and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from Indira Gandhi National Open University (2012).

Kalpana has over 8 years of teaching experience in the IBDP curriculum, more than 6 years in the MYP, and over 9 years in the IGCSE curriculum. She is also an IBDP examiner for MAI - SL IA and serves as a supervisor for Extended Essay, CAS, and Personal Projects. Moreover, she has held positions in the examination department since 2010 and actively enhances co-curricular activities for students. 

Cliff Prisament holds an MBA in International Business from Mercy University (2015) and a BA in Chinese Studies from the University of Delaware (2008). 

Cliff has extensive experience in educational leadership, having previously worked as the Primary and Middle School Foreign Principal at Olive Tree International Academy in Hangzhou, China, and as the Executive Director at The Princeton Review in New England and New York. He co-founded Sinoized Education and has held various teaching and administrative roles in institutions such as Berlitz Languages, Inc., YWCA of Queens, University Settlement, and Shanghai High School. 

Frank Incorvaia earned his BA in Chinese Language (Literature) from Nanjing University and completed professional development in Chinese Language at Middlebury College. He holds several certifications, including HSK Level Six, HSKK Advanced, and TEFL OFQUAL (UK). 

Prior to his role of the Academic Director at Candid International Innovation Academy, he was the Head of Humanities at the Canadian International Innovation Academy and a Humanities Teacher at the Canadian International School Kunshan, ISC. Frank has a reputation for being an enthusiastic, approachable, and dedicated educator with strong skills in classroom management and curriculum development.

Alex M. Tinajero holds a PGCE Certificate (Post Graduate Certificate of Education) from Sunderland University, a TESOL Certificate from DePaul University, and a Bachelor's degree in Spanish and Applied Linguistics from Northeastern Illinois University. 

Alex has significant experience in teaching English as a second language, having worked as an ESL Teacher for grades 9-12 at Chicago Public Schools and as a Homeroom Teacher at DTD Vanke Kindergarten and Korea ESL Kindergarten. Additionally, he has served as an English Teacher at Wall Street English in Shanghai.

Aya is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at Acacia University and an MBA at University of the People. She holds a Master of Arts in Secondary Education and Teaching from Acacia University, and a TEFL certification from the University of Toronto. 

Professionally, Aya has served as the Quality Assurance and Academic Coordinator at an education company in Cairo and as the Head of K-12 Music, High School Electives, and K-12 Social Studies at an international school in Cairo. She has also been an instructor at a university school of education and an IB examiner for German B. 

Vanessa Modrzynski is an educator with extensive teaching experience. She focuses on the overall development of her students and is committed to fostering their academic growth and emotional well-being. She is a professional Kindergarten teacher with years of experience in the field of early childhood education. Among her work experience, she has worked as a Kindergarten Homeroom Teacher at Kids R Kids Nanjing and as Director of Training at EF Suzhou.

Vanessa Modrzynski also holds certifications in Early Childhood Education Specialist and Reading First Instructor, and have the ability to Assistant with Curriculum Planning and Teacher Evaluation.

Christian Horner is a qualified teacher with experience in the UK and Japan. His educational qualifications include a M.Ed in Teacher leadership in international schools from the University of Northern Iowa (USA), a PGcertT in Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching from Manchester Metropolitan University, England, and a BSc Degree in Environmental Technology & Management from the University of Sunderland, England. 

He is skilled in setting medium and long-term plans for lessons to meet the IB PYP expectations. He has also taken into account the differing language abilities of students within an international school setting. His skills include excellent organizational skills gained from his professional experience, as well as having strong interpersonal skills and communication skills developed through liaising with colleagues, students, parents, and other professionals.

Zhu Han holds a Master's degree in Education from the University of New South Wales in Australia, with a specialization in Teaching Methodology and English Language Awareness. She also earns a Master of Arts in Translation and Interpreting from Macquarie University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Sanjiang University. 

Her professional experience includes teaching English as a foreign language and working as an English teacher intern at UNSW College. Zhu Han has experience in teaching English at both the high school and university levels and has organized translation practice sessions for students.

Sarah Rochelle Salazar has extensive educational background and teaching experience. She holds a doctorate in special Education and has a solid foundation of knowledge in special education, teaching and leadership. Her extensive teaching experience includes various positions at schools such as Liberty University, Texas Connections Academy and Houston ISD, teaching various courses and participating in leadership roles.

She also has the leadership experience, having been the Sheltered Instruction Coach at Houston ISD, who writes and carries out Emerging Bilingual Campus Instructional Plan. Her expertise and teaching experience enable her to provide quality educational services to students.

Tristan Cotterill is an experienced English teacher who has worked in CISK for almost 3 years, a highly creative and student-focused English teacher proficient in driving school initiatives, curriculum development and collaborative learning. He has written for education magazines on topics including language development and dyslexia. 

Tristan has extensive educational experience, who has been aearded the Qualified Teacher Status in 2024 and Postgraduate Certificate in Education in 2021. He is also actively involved in extra-curricular activities and has organized several cultural and sporting events. His challenge is to continue evolving, adapting, and embracing innovative approaches to meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge remains a dynamic and transformative experience for all.

Mario, an accomplished Physical Education (PE) teacher, boasts a diverse educational background and extensive teaching experience spanning across various institutions and international settings. Holding a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Kinesiology from California State University San Bernardino and a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Physical Education, Mario is equipped with the necessary academic qualifications to excel in his field.

His teaching career commenced in 2009, initially as a student teacher at San Bernardino High School, where he introduced students to fundamental PE concepts, promoting healthy lifestyles. Since then, Mario has taken on numerous roles, demonstrating his versatility and dedication to education. From substituting teachers at various school districts in California to instructing at international bilingual schools in China, Mario has honed his skills in adapting to diverse student populations, including English Language Learners (ELLs) and students with special needs.

Notably, Mario's international experience includes teaching PE and English at schools in Kunming, Yunnan, where he taught team concepts and fitness principles to students within the International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum. He also actively organized and officiated various sporting events, fostering a competitive yet inclusive environment for his students.

Moreover, Mario's leadership skills are evident in his role as Athletic Director, where he managed sporting competitions and collaborated with teachers, students, and coaches from rival schools. Additionally, he has taught English to adult staff, demonstrating his proficiency in language instruction.

Throughout his career, Mario has continuously updated his skills, completing courses such as TESOL/TESL/TEFL and earning certifications in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid. His passion for education extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by his involvement in extracurricular activities and community outreach programs.