Lee Sanders is a visionary British educator and senior leader with over 25 years of experience driving excellence in state, private and international schools. Currently serving as Head of School at ISA Science City International School, Lee has a proven track record of transforming institutions—restructuring high school programmes, boosting college admissions, and reducing operational costs while maintaining high standards.
Previously, Lee held leadership roles in various contexts and across the ability range of students. His first experience in China was at YK Pao School where he constructed the high school programme, leading IB, CIS and WASC accreditations, and pioneered blended Chinese and International curricula which has become recognised as one of the best schools in the country.
Since joining ISA, Lee served as Executive Principal (International) of Guangzhou Foreign Language School IB Diploma Programme to a successful high-standard IBO evaluation. Under his leadership, the first two graduating classes gained entry to world-leading institutions such as University of Cambridge, UCL, UC Berkeley, UCLA and the National University of Singapore.
With expertise in strategic planning, teacher development, and cross-cultural education, Lee bridges Eastern and Western pedagogical approaches, having trained staff and implemented research-based systems across China and the UK.
Holding an MBA in Education, Lee is a sought-after speaker on interdisciplinary learning, leadership, and curriculum innovation. Passionate about teaching and pastoral care, he combines this with emotional intelligence and data-driven decision-making to foster thriving school communities.
Tina Lin
Deputy Head of School
Tina graduated from the University of Oxford, UK, and the University of Leuven, Belgium, holding both a bachelor's and a master's degree in Education. She currently serves as the Vice-President of the Oxford University Alumni Association in Guangzhou, leveraging the academic rigor of world-renowned institutions and a robust alumni network to support school development and student growth through a global lens.
With over 20 years of experience in international education, Tina brings deep expertise and leadership insight to her role. She joined ISA in 2013 as the founding Deputy Head of School of ISA Tianhe. In 2018, she was appointed Head of the International Education Division of Best Study Education Group. Her extensive school leadership experience enables her to design and implement growth pathways tailored to the needs of every student.
During her tenure as Head of Operations of ISA Science City, Tina focused on enhancing the quality of educational services by establishing efficient cross-functional collaboration systems, which significantly improved the school’s overall operational effectiveness.
A seasoned expert in education management, Tina possesses a keen understanding of global education trends, educational research, and the evolving landscape of international curriculum development and accreditation.
In her concurrent role as Director of Public Affairs Department at ISA International Education Group, Tina maintains close communication with government departments, supporting the Group’s strategic development and ensuring a favorable policy environment. She also plays a key role in building global partnerships, creating wider opportunities for international exchange, and broadening students’ global outlook and intercultural competencies.
Matthew Cox
Head of Elementary
Matthew brings over 30 years of leadership experience in world-class international schools across the UK, China, Singapore, East Africa, and Europe. He has held key roles in all school divisions — Primary, Middle, and High School — as well as being a Head of School (aged 2 to 18).
In the past 9 years, he has worked in Guangzhou, successfully leading several large and well-regarded schools. His previous positions include Principal of a founding IB school in East Africa, Middle School Principal at the world-renowned United World College of Southeast Asia in Singapore, and Head of School in a leading British international school in Europe.
A strong advocate for holistic education, Matthew believes in nurturing both academic excellence and character development. He is committed to providing opportunities for students to thrive across diverse interests, whether in science and technology, the arts, languages, or sports. He is also deeply experienced in multiple curricula, including the UK National Curriculum, IB PYP, IBDP, and A-Level, and has contributed to accreditations with IBO, CIS, and OFSTED.
Known for building high-performing teams and supportive school communities, Matthew values strong home-school partnerships and ensures every child receives personalised attention within a caring and ambitious environment. He leads with the belief that strong communities build strong children and remains dedicated to fostering a school culture rooted in kindness, respect, and shared purpose.
Timothy Noblett
Acting Head of Secondary
Mr Tim Noblett hails from Melbourne, Australia. He has a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts (History and Political Science) from Monash University. He began his teaching career at Caulfield Grammar School in Victoria, Australia before embarking on his international education journey.
Tim brings with him 15 years of teaching and leadership experience in international education in China, and has held a number of leadership positions including roles as Head of Secondary, Director of Teaching and Learning and IBDP Coordination.
Tim is an experienced educator and a compassionate leader, with particular expertise in optimizing IBDP and graduation pathway outcomes for all students. He has a passion for providing students with authentic learning experiences, including outside of the classroom and service learning opportunities.
Tim has been a leader at ISA Science City since 2023 as the Deputy Principal of SY as well as coordinating the IBDP.
Dean Cummins
Associate Principal
Mr. Dean Cummins is a dedicated and experienced educational leader with a Master of Education in Global Learning and over 25 years of experience in secondary education, including careers counseling and more than 12 years in senior executive leadership roles.
He has taught and led in schools across Australia, the UK, and other various parts of Europe, gaining rich international experience and cultural insight. Throughout his career, he has consistently championed student success by fostering inclusive learning communities and leading with vision and integrity.
With distinguished academic expertise in Economics, Business Studies, and Individuals and Societies, Mr. Cummins is dedicated to crafting immersive, real-world learning experiences that inspire students to think critically, act ethically, and grow with confidence.
He believes that outstanding education nurtures the whole child—cultivating not only academic excellence, but also resilience, curiosity, and strong character. His educational philosophy focuses on equipping students with the mindset and skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape.
As Associate Principal, Mr. Cummins is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, forward-thinking learning environment where collaboration, innovation, and personal growth are at the heart of every student’s experience. With extensive international leadership experience and a deep understanding of adolescent development, he provides strong, compassionate guidance to help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally — while supporting families through every step of the secondary school journey.
Connie Chan
Early Years Principal
ISASC’s Early Years Principal, Connie Chan, is one of our school's founding members. Having worked in the field of early childhood education for more than 30 years, she brings extensive experience and deep expertise to her role.
In addition to her work in her native Canada, Connie has served in international schools across Southeast Asia, including Parkview International Preschool in Hong Kong and Overseas Family School in Singapore. Before joining ISA Science City, she spent 14 years as the Early Years Coordinator at an IB World School in Guangzhou, where she played a key role in the school’s IB accreditation process.
Connie holds an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Child Studies, with a concentration in Early Childhood Education, from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. She is a certified early childhood educator and is listed in the public registry of the College of Early Childhood Educators in Canada.
As a early years principal, Connie is committed to leading a high-quality early years program that balances academic rigor with play-based inquiry. She works closely with teachers, parents, and students to ensure a nurturing and engaging learning environment for all children.
Connie stays regularly updated with ongoing revisions to the IB Primary Years Programme and thoughtfully integrates these developments to enhance the Early Years curriculum. She is also a passionate advocate of the Reggio Emilia approach, firmly believing in holistic development and child-centred learning philosophies.
As a founding principal of ISA Science City, Connie warmly welcomes parents to visit the Early Childhood Learning Centre (ECLC) and learn more about the enriching experiences offered to young learners.
Sophia Androu-Erriah
Deputy Head of Elementary
Sophia serves as the Deputy Head of Elementary at ISASC. Sophia is originally from London, UK where she obtained her PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). She has worked across 3 continents, as both, an Early Years and Primary teacher, as well as, holding various leadership roles relating to department leadership, curriculum development, and staff development in UK state schools, British international schools, and bilingual schools.
Sophia graduated from the University of Birmingham, UK, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Psychology, later completing her Master’s degree (MSc) in Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology and worked in the field of psychology before making a career change to the teaching profession.
In 2022, Sophia was awarded her National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) by the Department for Education, UK. Her specialisms include cognitive/emotional/social development in young children, developing curriculums that are accessible and contextually relevant, supporting students with English as an Additional Language (EAL), as well as mentoring staff to reach their professional aspirations through a coaching approach.
Sophia believes that all children should be given the opportunity to thrive along their own individual paths and in a safe, secure, and stimulating environment.
Annie Chew
Deputy Primary Principal-Pastoral Care & PYP Coordinator
Annie serves as the Deputy Primary Principal for Pastoral Care and the PYP Coordinator at ISA Science City International School. With a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instructional Design, she is deeply passionate about education and dedicated to creating an environment that fosters student success. Originally from Malaysia, Annie is multilingual; she is fluent in Bahasa Malaysia, English, and Mandarin, and possesses proficiency in various dialects, including Cantonese, Hokkien, Hakka, and some Russian.
As a certified member of the International Baccalaureate Educators Network (IBEN), Annie brings a wealth of experience in guiding schools through their authorization processes, curriculum development, and workshop facilitation. Recently, she completed training as a WASC international visiting committee member, further enhancing her expertise in supporting educational growth.
Annie's journey in the IB PYP began in 2007 at Kazakhstan International School in Almaty, where she first engaged with the program and discovered her passion for international education. In 2011, she assumed a leadership role at a bilingual international school in Beijing, where she spent a decade honing her skills before joining ISA Science City as a founding member in 2020.
To date, Annie has successfully assisted three international schools, including ISASC, in achieving IB PYP authorization, playing a crucial role in driving significant growth and development within these institutions. Her unwavering commitment to educational excellence and her ability to inspire both colleagues and students continue to make a lasting impact in the field of education.
Radha Samikannu
Deputy Head of Secondary - Pastoral Care
Radha has over a decade of teaching experience in China, Indonesia and Singapore, focusing on academic and social-emotional development. Her philosophy centers on nurturing the whole child through integrated curriculum and character education. She holds diplomas in primary and secondary teaching and a degree in secondary education, with expertise in teaching iGCSE and IBDP English.
Prior to joining our school community, Radha demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities at a prestigious international school in Indonesia, where she successfully held senior positions including Head of Discipline and National Education, Assistant Chief of the Discipline. Her proven track record includes leading the school magazine team, managing comprehensive student support systems, developing social-emotional learning programmes, and leading successful transitions during challenging periods such as the pandemic.
This wealth of experience in pastoral care and student development leadership has enabled her to immediately strengthen our school's support systems upon her arrival. In 2024, she became the Secondary Deputy Principal – Pastoral Care, focusing on team development, process improvements, and fostering resilient student communities within our institution.
Radha's comprehensive understanding of international curricula, combined with her demonstrated success in building supportive learning environments and managing complex pastoral care systems, ensures that every student receives personalized attention and guidance throughout their educational journey.
Rovanna Bawden
Director of Student Support
Rovanna comes from Australia and has worked extensively in other big international schools across six countries, most recently at the International School of Macao and the Western Academy of Beijing.
She has a Master of Education in Inclusive Education and a Master of Education in Guidance and Counselling, and her expertise is in supporting families and students who require individual programming.
At ISASC, she will develop the Student Support Team which will grow to include pastoral care, English as an Additional Language, Learning Support, and Counselling services for students.
She believes that ISASC will be a school where all students can be successful given the right conditions, and with individualized support, all students can reach and even exceed their full potential.
Joe Caruso
Director of Pedagogy
Joe Caruso is an accomplished Australian educator and senior academic leader with over 20 years of international experience across Australia, China, Germany, and Norway. Currently serving as Director of Pedagogy at ISA Science City and Executive Manager: Pedagogy at ISA International Education Group, Joe has played a pivotal role in shaping high-quality, future-oriented education across five campuses. His work includes the design and implementation of a group-wide teaching standards framework, the rollout of a comprehensive instructional coaching programme and the coordination of CIS, WASC accreditations, and IB evaluations (PYP, MYP, and DP) across multiple ISA campuses.
A former Deputy Head of School and Dean of Academic Affairs, Joe has led school-wide pedagogical improvement initiatives and designed strategic development plans that have enhanced institutional coherence and academic rigour. He is trained across IB subject groups 1, 2, 3, 6 and the Core, and has served as an IB examiner for Language A and Theory of Knowledge. His expertise spans multiple curricula, including the IB continuum, IGCSE, and the Australian curriculum.
A published author and experienced trainer, Joe has delivered professional development to teachers and school leaders globally on topics such as instructional coaching, elevating formative assessment, AI in education, and middle leadership. Joe’s leadership is characterised by intellectual rigour, cross-cultural fluency, and a commitment to student-centred learning.
Brayan Munoz
Director of Data and Assessment
Mr. Brayan Munoz holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas, a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Westminster College, and a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University.
He combines twelve years of teaching experience with ten years in school leadership, spanning international and bilingual schools across multiple countries. Before joining ISA, Mr. Munoz served as the Executive Principal of Primary and Secondary School at an educational institution in Eastern China, where he oversaw the successful establishment of two international schools within just two years.
As an IB graduate himself, Mr. Munoz is not just an advocate but a passionate practitioner of the IB curriculum, which has led him to effectively guide schools through various accreditation processes. His expertise lies in creating, aligning, and evaluating school systems to enhance academic programs and improve student outcomes. Mr. Munoz is known for his genuine passion for education and his commitment to students.
Debbie Tai
Head of World Languages
Debbie is a bilingual educator who is dedicated to international school management, authentic leadership and curriculum development.
Debbie joined ISA Science City after serving most recently as the Enhanced Language Program Coordinator at Wesley College in Melbourne, Australia.
Prior to this, she served as the Head of PYP Chinese at Discovery College in Hong Kong, as well as the Chairperson of the Primary Chinese Curriculum Committee at ESF (English Schools Foundation, Hong Kong).
As a highly respected member of the IB Educator Network (IBEN), Debbie consults internationally as an IB workshop leader for teacher training and curriculum development.
Meg Chen
University Guidance Counseling Coordinator
With more than 18 years of professional experience as a school-based counsellor, Meg offered professional college counselling services for more than five hundred students as the first school counselor in a local reputable U.S. curriculum high school.
Meg successfully guided students to be accepted by the world's top colleges, including the University of Pennsylvania, Stanford University, Princeton University, Yale University, Columbia University, the University of Chicago, Cambridge, and Oxford.
Meg is an IACA-certified Advanced Career Advisor, a certified school counselor in 2011 by the College Board, and achieved an International College Advising Certificate awarded by the University of Pennsylvania. She is entitled an Outstanding Educator by the University of Chicago, 2018-2020.
Stephen Cobb
Head of Boarding
Stephen Cobb serves as the Head of Boarding at ISA Science City International School, bringing over 25 years of distinguished leadership and teaching experience to the role. His extensive career in international education includes senior leadership positions across several prestigious institutions. In the United States, he served as Assistant Principal and a member of various Senior Leadership Teams.
Internationally, he has held Senior Leadership position as Head of Boarding and Safeguarding Lead at Dulwich Suzhou, and was the Founding Head of Boarding at Harrow International School Beijing.
Mr. Cobb has also held academic leadership roles, including Head of Economics and Business Studies at both The British School Warsaw and Harrow International School Beijing. His academic expertise lies in Economics and Business Management, in which he has taught Honors, A Level, AP and IB programmes. Mr. Cobb also served as an Adjunct Professor of undergraduate and graduate Economics and Business at Lakeland University and Pacific University.
Before transitioning to education, Mr. Cobb built a successful career in the business sector, working in management, investment banking, and as a financial analyst. He holds an MBA in International Finance and Economics, as well as a Master’s degree in Education. Additionally, he has earned a Graduate Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard Business School and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He is a member of numerous councils for leadership, boarding and education. He is currently working on his Certificate of International School Leadership principal license.
Mr. Cobb is passionate about Model United Nations (MUN), theatre, and soccer, and remains actively engaged in fostering these interests within school communities.
Jerry Lou
Deputy Head of Boarding
Jerry is a dedicated educator and boarding professional with a strong academic background, including a Master’s Degree in Education, a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry Education, and a High School Chemistry Teaching Certificate. Her career spans 14 years in boarding care and teaching, during which she has provided exceptional pastoral support to students, fostering a nurturing environment for their academic and personal growth. Her experience includes work at prestigious international schools, enriching her understanding of international education practices.
Jerry specializes in chemistry and general science, with a teaching philosophy centered on holistic education. She integrates academic rigor with the development of critical thinking and emotional intelligence, creating engaging, student-centered classrooms that inspire curiosity and a love for learning.
At Wycombe Abbey International School (Changzhou), Jerry held pivotal roles such as Science Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and House Mistress. She led significant educational projects, developing innovative science curricula and implementing interdisciplinary strategies that improved student engagement in STEM subjects.
Additionally, Jerry has made notable contributions to student development, guiding individuals through academic and personal challenges. By designing tailored intervention plans, she has helped students achieve measurable improvements in performance and self-esteem. Her commitment to holistic education ensures that every student is equipped with the skills and values needed to succeed in a changing world.
Sean Maj
Athletic Director
Sean is the Athletic Director of ISA Science City, and Chair of the Pearl River Conference’s Green Division. He brings to the school a strong lifetime commitment to sport and and in-depth knowledge of leagues in Guangzhou, the Greater Bay Area, and China as a whole.
In the 2000’s he started the sport program at Utahloy International School of Guangzhou, helping them gain entrance into local leagues and ultimately ACAMIS. He attended the first ACAMIS sport league meetings that divided schools across China into divisions for competitive sport.
Mr. Maj graduated from McGill University of Montreal, (ranked 29th in the world) where he earned a 4-year Bachelor of Education with a major in teaching Physical Education and a minor in teaching English Literature. This balanced background makes him a holistic role model for our student athletes. The McGill program featured intensive coaching certifications in a range of sports coupled with student-teaching assignments in Montreal’s top schools.
At McGill Mr. Maj was selected for their American football team which competed on the national stage against the country’s top universities. This experience has helped him understand what it takes for our athletes to reach their aspirations for university or even professional sport; this year he is proud to witness the first ever signing of an ISASC Lions’ athlete by an NCAA team.
Sean is passionate about sport and building community through participation in league play. He believes that sport help students build resilience, understand commitment and develop relationships that last a lifetime. He looks forward to the continued success and growth of the ISASC Sports Program. Go Lions!
Sarah Macdonald
DP Coordinator & English Teacher
Sarah has 25 years of experience as an educator, during which she has held various leadership roles, including Head of Staff Development, Educational Coach, Head of English, and Director of Leadership.
A graduate of Columbia University with a Master’s in English Education, she began her career at a non-profit in New York City before relocating to Hull, England, where she obtained her QTS certification. Upon returning to the United States, Sarah dedicated over a decade to teaching middle and high school English at an independent school in New England.
In 2016, she moved to Shanghai, China, where she taught English IGCSE and IBDP courses. In her role as Head of Staff Development, she implemented faculty peer learning labs and organized the “Great China Bake-off” for on-campus faculty during online learning.
Currently, Sarah is focused on enhancing curriculum development and fostering a culture of collaboration among educators.
Helen Sanders
MYP Coordinator
Helen Sanders is an experienced educator with over twenty years of teaching experience, including three years with the ISA group. A graduate of the University of Oxford, she holds a BA in Theology, a PGCE with QTS from UCL(Institute of Education) and an MA in International Education from the University of Bath.
Helen has experience in various leadership roles, including, Subject lead, Director of Teaching Development and IGCSE Coordinator, where she significantly enhanced teaching and learning outcomes.
Helen has developed and implemented various curricula (GCSE, A-Level, MYP, and IBDP) across diverse educational settings, including international schools in China. She has successfully guided students through the university application process, particularly for Oxbridge, and was one of ISASC’s University Guidance counsellors last year; she will continue to support potential Oxbridge applicants.
Passionate about fostering student potential, Helen is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Her extensive knowledge of various educational systems and cultures enables her to deliver high-quality education, and she is excited to collaborate with her colleagues in further developing the MYP.
Ms. Katie Cummins is a British Australian Dual citizen, originating from Nottingham in the UK. After achieving a Master of Science degree in the Biological Sciences field in the UK, Katie travelled to Australia to complete a Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Melbourne, and has for the past 18 years, dedicated herself to supporting her students to fulfill their potential.
As a teacher of the Sciences, specialising in both Biology and Psychology at senior level, she has taught in the various programmes of the IB for the last 14 years.
She has maintained various leadership roles across that time including Head of Sciences and has for the last 5 years held the role MYP Coordinator and Personal Project coordinator, guiding many students through the Middle Years Programme and school through its in depth IB Evaluation.
She holds strong relationships within the IB organisation and continues to be sought out by the IB directly, to contribute to the direction and development of the Middle Years Framework.
Vivi Qin
Marketing & Event Director
Vivi has nearly 10 years of experience in the international education industry and is currently the Marketing & Event Director at ISA Science City International School, as well as working in the Marketing and Communications Department of ISA International Education Group (ISAIEG) and the Marketing and Admissions Department of ISA Tianhe International School.
Vivi has studied and worked in China and abroad, having studied in Sweden and obtained a Master's degree. She has a wide range of education-related qualifications, including IB certificates (PYP, MYP and DP), and the Chinese National High School Teacher's Certificate.
Passionate about children and education, Vivi joined ISA in 2014 and has been involved in the creation and growth of a number of ISA schools, as well as making many efforts and contributions to the building and growth of the ISAIEG brand market.
In the future, Vivi will continue to be motivated by her passion for international education and lifelong learning to enhance her professionalism and support the families in the ISA community and the establishment of the ISA international education ecosystem.
Susannah Xie
Finance Manager
Susannah is the Finance Manager at ISA Science City International School. She holds a bachelor's degree of Jinan University with the title of Senior Accountant and the certificate of Senior International Financial Manager.
She has many years of experience in financial management in the education industry and has participated in the preparatory work of many different types of schools, including the establishment of financial models for educational projects, investment calculation and analysis of educational projects, etc. She has successfully applied for price permit licenses issued to the Price Center of the Price Bureau of the National Development and Reform Commission for many different schools.
Susannah believes in excellent financial management, which requires good budget management and fund management, and provides high-quality financial services for the development of school teaching activities.
Tracy Cui
Admissions Manager
Tracy Cui is the Admissions Manager at ISA Science City International School. For the past five years she has worked in international education. Tracy served as the Marketing Assistant Manager for the school and was involved with marketing and project development within the ISA International Education Group before she took on this role in 2020.
Before joining ISA, Tracy worked for the British Chamber of Commerce Guangdong in a marketing and communications role, and as a result, has developed advanced interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with people of all levels.
Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Business English. She is also a PMP (Project Management Professional) certified by the US-based Project Management Institute.
Tracy assists parents with the admissions process, ensuring a positive, straightforward and engaging experience, ensuring high-quality communication, and gaining a full understanding of each family’s needs and interests throughout the ‘Parent Experience Journey’. Tracy believes that establishing positive and trusting relationships between schools and families plays an essential role in a student’s development during school.
Simon Tan
Head of Information Technology
Simon has been working in international schools for almost 13 years. Prior to joining ISA Science City, he worked for BASIS International School Guangzhou as the IT founder.
His work in the school sector has included smart campus operations planning and implementation, construction of school networks, management of student information systems, and integration of electronic teaching.
Simon holds a Master’s degree from South China University of Technology and is a PMP (Project Management Professional) certified by the Project Management Institute. His view is that the best international education is the perfect fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.
Rainbow Cai
Administrative Manager
Rainbow is the Administrative Manager at ISASC.
She graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a master's degree in Language Teaching, and holds a high school English teacher qualification certificate.
Previously, Rainbow worked as an ESL course R&D manager and language training teacher at an international test center (IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT) in Shenzhen. Therefore, she has extensive experience in language tests and applications for studying abroad.
Later on, she worked as a project manager at the Bureau of Commerce of Nansha District, Guangzhou, and was responsible for the introduction of international schools to Nansha District, where she developed her interpersonal skills and the ability to coordinate with various departments.
Before joining ISASC, Rainbow served as deputy director of education sector at a well-known real estate company, and was responsible for cooperation with famous public schools. She kept a good relationship with education departments of Guangzhou and various districts, as well as many public schools.
