Dr Allan Weston joins CIS in 2022 and has over 25 years of experience in prestigious schools in Australia, the US and South East Asia. Prior to his appointment at CIS, Allan served as Head of Greenfield International School in Dubai, a member of the highly regarded Taaleem group.

Allan also served for eight years as CEO and Executive Head at the prestigious Taipei European School, a group of schools that offered the IB diploma, French, German, and British sections, and a strong Chinese language and culture programme. Allan believes that schools must provide an optimal learning environment for the young people in a school’s care. He shares, “a balanced education is one that does not simply focus on the academics, but also the social, pastoral, creative and physical development of each and every child.” He holds a EdD in Education from Portland State University and a Masters in Education from Deakin University.

Angela Speirs is a highly experienced educational leader with over 30 years experience in a range of early years and elementary leadership positions globally. Most recently, Angela has served as Primary Principal at the International School of Havana Cuba, Elementary Principal at Xiamen International School in China and Head of Early Years at the prestigious Bangkok Patana School in Thailand.

Anglea strongly believes in the importance of play, exploration and inquiry in order to support our children as they learn to make sense of their world. She believes that the skill of a great Early Years teacher lies in their ability to create an engaging, nurturing and safe environment where the children can experience the joy of learning. Exposing students to visual arts, music, dance and the wonder of nature are extremely important in developing all of the senses of our young learners.

Angela holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland and a PGCE in Education from Craigie College of Education, Ayr, Scotland. Angela is a firm believer in the importance of building a strong community for young learners. She sees relationships between students, teachers and parents as paramount in creating a nurturing environment in which our children can play, learn and grow.

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Huali Xiong has 35 years experience in education, 18 of which have been in an international setting. Huali is the author of the acclaimed Big Apple Chinese reader series which is used in schools around the world. Huali is frequently invited to be the keynote speaker at language conferences, consults to schools regarding Chinese curriculum development, and is an adjunct lecturer at NTU (National Technological University). Huali holds a Master of Science in international education - from the State University of New York.

Kristin Haagensen comes to CIS with over 20 years of experience in special education in a variety of K-12 settings internationally and in the US. Before joining CIS, Kristin was the Secondary Learning Support Coordinator at the Canadian International School in Hong Kong.

Kristin has spent her career helping students gain confidence, improve their academics and reach their goals. She also has guided several schools forward with their inclusive practices so more students can feel recognised and supported.

Kristin has a Master of Education in Specific Learning Disabilities and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and is TESOL certified.

Dr Allan Weston joins CIS in 2022 and has over 25 years of experience in prestigious schools in Australia, the US and South East Asia. Prior to his appointment at CIS, Allan served as Head of Greenfield International School in Dubai, a member of the highly regarded Taaleem group.

Allan also served for eight years as CEO and Executive Head at the prestigious Taipei European School, a group of schools that offered the IB diploma, French, German, and British sections, and a strong Chinese language and culture programme. Allan believes that schools must provide an optimal learning environment for the young people in a school’s care. He shares, “a balanced education is one that does not simply focus on the academics, but also the social, pastoral, creative and physical development of each and every child.” He holds a EdD in Education from Portland State University and a Masters in Education from Deakin University.

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Julie is an experienced school leader who has over 22 years experience in school leadership, counselling and student support. Julie worked in schools in Canada, Beijing, Macao and most recently in Morocco, where Jullie was the Secondary Assistant Principal at Rabat American School. Julie, a native of Canada, holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary and a Master of Arts from Gonzaga University.

Julie believes that “high-quality learning requires a school culture characterised by authentic, compassionate relationships amongst learners and faculty; relationships that are inspiring, positive, and collaborative, and that leverage curiosity, inquiry, and creative expression.

Huali Xiong has 35 years experience in education, 18 of which have been in an international setting. Huali is the author of the acclaimed Big Apple Chinese reader series which is used in schools around the world. Huali is frequently invited to be the keynote speaker at language conferences, consults to schools regarding Chinese curriculum development, and is an adjunct lecturer at NTU (National Technological University). Huali holds a Master of Science in international education - from the State University of New York.

Kristin Haagensen comes to CIS with over 20 years of experience in special education in a variety of K-12 settings internationally and in the US. Before joining CIS, Kristin was the Secondary Learning Support Coordinator at the Canadian International School in Hong Kong.

Kristin has spent her career helping students gain confidence, improve their academics and reach their goals. She also has guided several schools forward with their inclusive practices so more students can feel recognised and supported.

Kristin has a Master of Education in Specific Learning Disabilities and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and is TESOL certified.