Meet Our New Hires, 2026-2027
Meet Our New Hires, 2026-2027
SSIS Team
We are delighted to introduce you to our new hires! Below are the bios of the new faculty members joining SSIS for the 2026-2027 school year!
All School
Wyatt Wilcox (USA) - Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning
An international educator with more than 20 years of experience in high-performing schools across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, including South Korea, Singapore, Egypt, and Kenya, Mr. Wilcox’s most recent role was as Director of Curriculum and Instruction. He has led whole-school professional development, managed instructional budgets, redesigned reporting systems, and overseen accreditation processes. Before becoming an educator, he studied architecture and worked at the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado.
Mr. Wilcox’s daughter, Ella, will join SSIS in Grade 10, and his son, Gideon, in Grade 8. Mr. Wilcox enjoys staying engaged with global events, writing, and being outdoors with his family.
Education: Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation (Arizona State University, USA), Master of Public Administration (University of Michigan, USA), Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences (Washington State University, USA)
High School
Ann Durham (USA) - HS Learning Support Teacher
Ms. Durham has 20 years of international teaching experience, including schools in Qatar, Indonesia, China, and the UAE. She grew up in a family of educators and was drawn to international teaching after spending a semester in Kenya during college. Ms. Durham has spent her entire career overseas and met her husband, Mr. Craig Ortner, while teaching in Jakarta.
She coaches school sports and stays active through running, biking, and swimming. She finds equal enjoyment in a good book or a jigsaw puzzle.
Education: Master of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies (SUNY Buffalo State, USA), Master of Science in Education in Literacy K-12 (University of New England, USA), Bachelor of Arts in Special Education (Hope College, USA)
Brandon Iwanyshyn (Canada) - HS Science Teacher
Mr. Iwanyshyn has seven years of international teaching experience in China. He recalls how a teacher first ignited his interest in science and helped him grow both academically and personally. That experience still shapes how he approaches his own students, with enthusiasm, adaptability, and a willingness to try new ideas.
Outside of school, he enjoys camping, diving, board games, live music, and ice hockey. He has completed the Great Wall of China Marathon and is an experienced Game Master for tabletop role-playing games.
Education: Bachelor of Education (University of Alberta, Canada), Bachelor of Science (MacEwan University, Canada)
Amy Keus (Canada) - MS/HS Music Teacher
With almost 30 years of experience, Ms. Keus has taught in international schools in Romania, China, and Nigeria. She is passionate about building music programs that grow and evolve over time and creating meaningful leadership opportunities for students. While teaching in China, she developed a Conductor’s Leadership Program in which students conducted full ensembles, including the concert band, orchestra, choir, and Chinese drumming group. Several students later carried the initiative to their next schools.
Ms. Keus is also a graphic designer, prop maker, and accomplished baker and is known for the meter-tall gingerbread houses she makes for charity. She enjoys kayaking, camping, and audio-visual production. Her son Haydn will join her at SSIS.
Education: Master of Musical Arts in Music Education (Boston University, USA), Bachelor of Education in Intermediate/Senior Music (Western University, Canada), Bachelor of Christian Education in Primary/Junior (Redeemer University, Canada), Bachelor of Music with Honors in Music Education (McMaster University, Canada)
Daniel Niedringhaus (USA) - HS Social Studies Teacher
Mr. Niedringhaus brings over 20 years of experience, including 19 years teaching IB History at schools in Vietnam, the United States, and Colombia. Before becoming a teacher, he worked as an intern in the Scottish Parliament. His wife, Megan Alvarez, teaches at SSIS, and their two sons, Nathan and Benjamin, are SSIS students.
When not working, he spends much of his time outdoors with his family, biking, hiking, and swimming.
Education: Master of Arts in K-12 Curriculum and Instruction (University of Colorado, USA), Bachelor of Arts in History (Stonehill College, USA)
Craig Ortner (USA) - MS/HS Math Learning Support Teacher
Committed to the belief that everyone can learn mathematics and be “a math person,” Mr. Ortner has always loved mathematics. He majored in math and computer science in college, completed a teaching program before beginning his career in public schools in Oregon, and then made the leap to Taipei American School in 2004. Later, he was drawn to get a law degree and practiced briefly at a firm in Chicago before the community aspect of international teaching drew him back. He returned to teaching at Jakarta Intercultural School in 2011, where he met his wife, Ms. Ann Durham.
In addition to coaching math and computer science, Mr. Ortner has coached a variety of speech and debate events and led math departments, IBDP and AP programs, and school divisions. He is excited to work with a wide range of teachers and learners in the middle and high schools.
Education: Juris Doctor (University of Michigan Law School, USA), Master of Teaching Mathematics (Portland State University, USA), Bachelor of Arts (Macalester College, USA)
Amanda Szwarc (USA) - HS Science Teacher, Grade 9 and IB
Before the classroom, Ms. Szwarc worked as an environmental educator, regularly handling snakes, baby alligators, and turtles. Since then, she has accumulated a decade of teaching experience across the United States, Poland, and South Korea. Ms. Szwarc loves sharing her passion for the natural world with students and is most motivated by the questions that linger long after the school day ends. At a previous school, she established a house system and ran more than 50 house competitions. Her husband, Jake, formerly an archaeologist but now a sustainability researcher, and their cat, Tortellini, will be joining her in Vietnam.
Besides teaching, Ms. Szwarc enjoys traveling, reading, painting, and yoga.
Education: Master of Environmental Studies (College of Charleston, USA), Bachelor of Science in Biology with Secondary Education (College of Charleston, USA)
Ann van den Borne (Netherlands) - HS PE Teacher
Ms. van den Borne has 20 years of experience teaching Physical Education and Outdoor Education in international schools in China, Japan, Monaco, the United States, and Germany. Growing up on a farm on the Dutch-Belgian border, she developed a deep-rooted conviction that physical activity is one of the most powerful tools available to any learner. That belief continues to shape every lesson she designs.
Ms. van den Borne recently completed her Mountain Leader assessment in the UK. She enjoys running, open-water swims, hikes, and reading.
Education: Master of International Education (University of Bath, UK), Bachelor of Physical Education (Academy of Physical Education, Netherlands)
Middle School
Liz Tucker (USA) - MS Principal
Ms. Tucker brings more than 15 years of experience to SSIS, most recently as Principal of Centennial Middle School in Boulder, Colorado, where she leads a community of more than 600 students in grades 6 through 8. Her leadership has been recognized with an Administrator of the Year award during her time in the Palo Alto Unified School District in California.
Throughout her career, Ms. Tucker has focused on supporting teachers, using evidence to improve classroom practice, and cultivating schools where students feel both challenged and genuinely known. Her background in special education and experience across diverse school communities have shaped her belief that close partnerships between families and educators are central to a school’s success, especially during the middle school years.
Education: Master’s in Special Education (San Francisco State University, USA), Bachelor of Arts (University of California, Irvine, USA)
Noah Ballard (USA) - MS Social Studies Teacher
From the moment he first stepped into the classroom, Mr. Ballard knew he had found his passion. Over the past seven years, he has worked with more than 1,000 students across two continents, helping them develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for success in his courses and beyond. He believes the middle school years are uniquely formative and values the opportunity to work with students during this stage. Mr. Ballard believes that all students are capable of achieving great things, even if the “great” looks different for each student.
Mr. Ballard joins SSIS from a leading independent school in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. He enjoys exploring new places, discovering hidden gems around the city, caring for his houseplant collection, and spending summers in the north of Ireland.
Education: Master of Science (Western Governors University, USA), Bachelor of Arts (Louisiana State University, USA)
Chris Creighton (Canada) - MS Social Studies Teacher
Mr. Creighton has 20 years of experience teaching in Australia, Myanmar, Colombia, and Thailand. He sees social studies as a space for young people to better understand the world they live in, develop their character, and explore the choices they will make. He took a two-year break from teaching to stay home with his daughter, an experience he considers one of the most meaningful of his life. His wife, Tara, and daughter Lily are already delighted to be members of the SSIS community.
Among other things, Mr. Creighton enjoys cycling, swimming, and leather crafting, a skill he first picked up on a holiday in Vietnam 15 years ago.
Education: Master’s in International School Leadership (Western Carolina University, USA), Graduate Diploma of Secondary Education (Monash University, Australia), Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Western University, Canada)
See Wen Lim (Malaysia) - MS Mandarin Teacher
Ms. Lim has 14 years of teaching experience in Malaysia and South Korea. She believes that strong relationships with students must come before content and that the best way to understand a culture is to experience it directly. Whether through hands-on cultural projects or educational technology, Ms. Lim works to create environments where students at all proficiency levels feel seen and valued.
Away from the classroom, Ms. Lim is an enthusiastic explorer of food and coffee who keeps a running list of her favorite dishes and cafés, a passion she looks forward to continuing in Ho Chi Minh City. She also enjoys traveling, hiking, and exercising.
Education: Master of Education in Teaching and Learning (Jinan University, China), Chinese Teaching Certificate (Jinan University, China)
Jonathan Meinzinger (Canada) - MS PE Teacher
Mr. Meinzinger has spent the past 15 years in international education throughout Asia, teaching, coaching, and leading programs that help students learn and grow through sport and teamwork. Beginning his career in South Korea and continuing in Vietnam, he has built a reputation for creating inclusive, student-centered opportunities that foster confidence and community. At his previous school in Ho Chi Minh City, he created and led the school’s first Athletics and Activities Department, growing it over eight years to reach thousands of students across multiple divisions and campuses. Mr. Meinzinger has been part of the SSIS community since 2024 and is currently working toward his Level III and IV personal training certifications.
He coaches sports, dives, and travels in his personal time.
Education: Master of Education (Queen’s University, Canada), Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts (Nipissing University, Canada), Sport Administration (Durham College, Canada)
Kerrie Reid (Canada) - MS Musical Theater and Drama Teacher
This is Ms. Reid’s twenty-third year of teaching. Before she became a teacher, she spent more than 9 years working in film and television, both behind the camera as an Assistant Director and in front of the camera as an actor. She remains a member of the Canadian ACTRA union. She has taught in Canada, Macau, and, most recently, Beijing. Her son, Brady, joins SSIS in Grade 10, and her daughter, Alexa, will be entering Grade 7.
An avid reader, Ms. Reid also enjoys long walks, travel, and board games, and will sing whenever the opportunity arises.
Education: Bachelor of Education (University of Manitoba, Canada), Bachelor of Arts in Drama (University of Manitoba, Canada)
Becky Taylor (UK) - MS Math and Science Teacher
Ms. Taylor has over 10 years of teaching experience across the UK, Vietnam, China, and Taiwan. She found herself missing Vietnam’s energy and culture and is thrilled to be returning. She values the curiosity that middle schoolers bring, and she works to create classrooms where students enjoy the process of discovery and feel confident enough to ask big questions.
She stays active through weight training and spends much of her personal time making art and exploring new places and cafes.
Education: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (University of Derby, UK), Bachelor of Science (University of Lincoln, UK)
Elementary School
Juan Carlos Cairos (Spain) - ES Grade 2 Teacher
Originally from the Canary Islands, Mr. Cairos has worked at schools in Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, Vietnam, and Cambodia. He views education as a collaborative effort and knows that building strong family-school partnerships is key to making learning authentic and meaningful. He is passionate about creating classroom cultures rooted in curiosity and wonder and believes that when students take ownership of their learning and trust in their own abilities, they unlock powerful opportunities for growth.
In his own time, Mr. Cairos enjoys collaborating with educators around the world, frequently working with non-profit organizations and local teachers to support deeper learning design. When he’s not doing that, you’ll likely find him enjoying the outdoors, playing sports, or planning his next travel adventure.
Education: Master’s in Education (University of Bath, UK), Bachelor of Education (Universidad de La Laguna, Spain)
Steven DiLuca (USA) - ES Grade 4 Teacher
Mr. DiLuca brings eight years of international teaching experience, most recently in Thailand, where he focused on strengthening inquiry-based learning. He has led department and divisional planning meetings and facilitated professional book studies to help embed inquiry more deeply into the curriculum.
Outside the classroom, Mr. DiLuca enjoys golfing, board games, reading, cooking, and live music. He’s also a loyal supporter of the Buffalo Bills.
Education: Teacher Certification (Moreland University, USA), Certificate in English Language Teaching (Moreland University,USA), Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Canisius College, USA)
Garam Kim (South Korea) - ES Kindergarten Homeroom Teacher
With nearly 15 years of experience teaching in South Korea, the UK, Thailand, and Singapore, Ms. Kim is also a qualified Forest School teacher and is currently training as a meditation instructor, reflecting her belief in supporting children’s well-being alongside their learning. She works to create calm, mindful classrooms where every child feels seen and genuinely belongs.
In her personal time, Ms. Kim enjoys traveling, reading, taking courses, and practicing yoga. She completed yoga teacher training in India.
Education: Master of Arts in Primary English Language Teaching Practice and Policy (London Metropolitan University, UK)
Rebecca Martin (UK) - ES Drama Teacher
Ms. Martin brings 10 years of teaching experience to SSIS, most recently at an international school in Qingdao, China. She enjoys teaching drama because it asks children to step outside their comfort zones and discover strengths they didn’t realize they had. She grew up between Australia and England, with family roots in Croatia and Liverpool, and credits that background with giving her a genuine appreciation for different cultures and communities.
She enjoys long walks, visits to parks, aquariums, and beaches, and time with her family.
Education: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Leeds Beckett University, UK), Bachelor of Arts in Creative and Performing Arts (Liverpool Hope University, UK)
Liz Meller-Maddever (New Zealand) - ES Grade 1 Homeroom Teacher
As a child, school was always Ms. Meller-Maddever’s happy place, and the teachers who shaped her showed her that curiosity should be modeled as well as encouraged. Although she has taught across several grade levels, Grade 1 and the Early Years have her heart. She sees herself not only as a teacher but as a learner alongside her students, continually reflecting and growing, and finds meaning in being present for moments of discovery, both big and small.
Ms. Meller-Maddever has six years of experience as a grade-level leader and has taught in New Zealand and China, most recently at Beijing City International School. Community is central to how she works and lives, and everything she has heard about SSIS points to a school where that value is genuinely shared.
A self-described foodie and coffee lover, Ms. Meller-Maddever also enjoys reading, exercising, music, and time with her family and friends. Her husband, Henry, who is a graphic designer, and their young son will be joining her.
Education: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in Primary Education (University of Canterbury, College of Education, New Zealand)
Nadia Smith (USA) - ES Librarian
What keeps Ms. Smith coming back to library work is a familiar moment: watching a child discover a book that sparks excitement, makes them laugh, or helps them feel seen. She has built a career around creating more of those moments, and after working as a substitute teacher at SSIS this past year, she is ready to make her own place here.
Ms. Smith began her international career in 2013 in Hyderabad, India, and has since worked in a variety of roles in schools in Thailand and Singapore, including librarian, English Language Arts teacher, and assessment specialist. A third-generation expat, she’s currently completing a Master’s in Library Science.
Outside of school, Ms. Smith is rarely without a book, enjoys exploring cities on foot, loves a good puzzle, and is always in search of a memorable restaurant. With their three children now graduated and happily “adulting,” she and her husband, HS Principal Dan Smith, are enjoying a new phase of family life — one where popcorn occasionally counts as dinner and they finally get full control of the music in the house.
Education: Master of Science in Library Science (PennWest University, USA, currently enrolled), Teaching Certificate (Moreland University, USA), Bachelor of Arts in English (Great Basin College, USA)
Susannah Wilcox (USA and UK) - ES Grade 4 Teacher
As a Third Culture Kid herself, Ms. Wilcox has long felt a deep connection to international school communities. After graduating from the University of Cambridge, she spent 15 years teaching in primary schools in the UK and then at international schools, including Seoul Foreign School, Cairo American College, and Singapore American School. She has also served in Associate Principal roles for five years, most recently at The KAUST School in Saudi Arabia, and holds a UK postgraduate headship qualification.
She’s a total bookworm and a wizard in the kitchen who loves nothing more than a long walk or a new adventure. She’s so passionate about sharing great food with her family that she’ll often plan their entire holiday around a few must-visit restaurants!
Education: Master of Arts, National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH, UK), Bachelor of Arts (University of Cambridge, UK)
Wang Wen (Wendy) Yoong (Australia) - ES Grade 3 Teacher
Ms. Yoong came to teaching after 15 years in the insurance industry, specializing in research and statistics, and four years living as an expat spouse in Singapore and Malaysia. She retrained as a teacher and has spent the last 11 years in primary classrooms in Melbourne. She strongly believes in the importance of well-being and the role of an active, supportive school community in children’s lives.
Ms. Yoong recently took up pickleball and also enjoys traveling, beach resorts, and discovering new cafes. She and her husband are looking forward to exploring Ho Chi Minh City and beyond.
Education: Master of Teaching (Deakin University, Australia), Graduate Diploma in International Development (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia), Bachelor of Science (Monash University, Australia)
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