Leadership

Pete Corcoran joined CIS in 2017 and has over 35 years of experience in education, both in Canada and internationally. Pete has been Head of School in academically prestigious schools in both Canada and South East Asia. Prior to his appointment at CIS he served as the Executive Director of the Qatar Foundation Schools where he oversaw a consortium of 10 schools and centers serving a population of 5,000 students. Peter has shared his vision of educational leadership and passion around school improvement in a variety of international settings throughout his career. He holds a Honours Degree in Psychology from the University of Victoria and a Masters in School Administration from the University of British Columbia.

Heather is a visionary leader and innovative educator with a demonstrated track record of moving high achieving schools to the next level of academic excellence. Prior to her appointment at CIS, Heather served as superintendent of Lake Oswego School District - Oregon, one of the highest performing school districts in the United States. Leading a school district of 7000 students, ten schools and 700 employees, Heather was responsible for all facets of district operations including educational standards and practices, teacher professional development and parent education and engagement. Heather’s educational philosophy is tied to a deep love of learning and a commitment to continuous improvement, both personally and professionally. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado, a Master's in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Denver.

In this role, Colleen oversees the delivery of integrated services of our school counsellors, psychologist, nurses, Learning Support and English Language Learner teachers. Most recently Colleen was the Secondary Principal at Beijing City International School. She has also worked as a DP Coordinator, as well as having taught DP Business Management and MYP English.

Colleen earned her Bachelor of Arts from Waterloo, Ontario, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto and a Masters in Business from the University of Melbourne. She is currently completing a Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership from the College of New Jersey.

Jeff Smith has worked in international education for the past 24 years in a variety of outstanding schools in Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa. During his career, Jeff has been a classroom teacher, head of department, IB Diploma Coordinator, vice-principal and principal in schools that have offered both the IB MYP and IB DP. Jeff’s IB experience is vast. He has worked as an IB examiner and has both helped and overseen the implementation of IB MYP and IB DP at a number of schools. Jeff has a masters of Education from the University of Alabama and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University.

John Kernis is an American with over 18 years of experience in education. Most recently, John was the IB Diploma Coordinator at St. Joseph’s International School in Singapore. Some of his prior postings include the International School of Tanganyika and the Western Academy of Beijing in China. John holds a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature from Hobart College in New York, a Master of Arts in Modern European Literature from the University of Sussex in England, a Master's degree in International Education Administration from Endicott College in Madrid, and just completed his Principal’s Training Center certificate. In addition, John has NEASC / CIS Accreditation Visiting Team Member Certification, has worked with the MYP on interdisciplinary learning curriculum development, is a Google certified educator, and has presented at the annual Teach Up conference here in Singapore.

With over 13 years as an educator, Nicholas Kolentse has worked in schools in South Korea, Columbia, Myanmar, Germany and now Singapore. Most recently, Nicholas was Middle School Assistant Principal & Dean of Students at the Franconian International School in Germany. Nicholas is a passionate educational leader who believes that by adopting a  learner-centered approach, students will be prepared for success in a rapidly changing world. Nicholas holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Boston College (USA), a Master in Teaching from Whitworth University (USA) and is completing his UK Principal’s Training Center certificate in leadership. 

Angela is a highly respected educator who has spent the last 23 years in senior leadership positions in international schools globally. Prior to her appointment at CIS, Angela was primary principal of the Berlin Brandenburg International School in Germany, a role she served in for four years. Throughout her career, Angela has been a consultant to the Aga Khan Foundation, a visiting scholar at Texas A&M University, trained undergraduate teachers in Switzerland and has served as an IB school visitor, consultant and workshop leader. She holds a Masters Degree from Murdoch University, Australia, and a Bachelor of Education from Nottingham University in the UK.

Tonia Whyte Potter-Mal has 20 years of experience in education, with the last 10 in a range of leadership roles. Originally from Montreal Canada, Tonia started her career at Elmwood, a prestigious IB school for girls in Ottawa, and has worked at schools in Italy, Germany and Singapore. Tonia joined CIS in 2015 as the TK Primary Years Programme coordinator, and in 2019 assumed the position of Vice Principal at Lakeside. Tonia’s current educational interests include intercultural dynamics among professionals in multilingual learning contexts and the impact on student learning in international schools. Tonia has a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Columbia University and is currently a University of Bath, UK doctoral candidate. A true IB role model, Tonia’s passion for salsa dancing and diverse music genres help to keep her balanced.

Celeste Krochak is a Canadian who has over 30 years experience as an educator. She has worked internationally in New Zealand and Singapore as well as over 20 years as a primary lead teacher in Canada. In Canada, Celeste was an active workshop leader with a particular focus on early years literacy, social emotional learning and inquiry. In her 9 years at CIS she has worked as a classroom teacher, Primary years curriculum coordinator, Middle School Assistant Principal and now Primary School Vice Principal. She has a  Bachelor of Education with honors degree, from the University of Winnipeg and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Adelaide.

Angela is a well-respected educator with over 25 years experience in primary education in Canada, USA, and Asia. She brings a wealth of educational leadership skills to her role as Principal and delivers educational focused workshops in Singapore and overseas. As the co-founder of the South East Asia Primary Administrators Conference (SEAPAC), and a facilitator for the Singapore Principal’s Network, Angela stays abreast of trends and best practices. Since joining CIS, Angela has played an integral role in developing CIS’ vibrant learning environment. Angela has received a variety of awards for her ongoing dedication and commitment to education excellence. Angela holds a Certificate of International School Leadership and a Masters of Education in Divergent Learning from Columbia College in the USA.

Cherie Boltong is a passionate educator with 27 years experience: 10 years in Australia and 17 in Singapore. She has a special interest and passion for early years education. Serving as Vice Principal at the CIS TK campus, Cherie has gained a significant amount of educational expertise by working across a diverse range of roles including PYP coordinator and Open Minds Coordinator. Cherie’s Bachelor of Education was awarded by the Australian Catholic University (ACU), and she remains committed to staff and students though her current study towards a Diploma of Counselling at the internationally recognised Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. She looks forward to progressing into a Masters in the same field.

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.

Pete Corcoran joined CIS in 2017 and has over 35 years of experience in education, both in Canada and internationally. Pete has been Head of School in academically prestigious schools in both Canada and South East Asia. Prior to his appointment at CIS he served as the Executive Director of the Qatar Foundation Schools where he oversaw a consortium of 10 schools and centers serving a population of 5,000 students. Peter has shared his vision of educational leadership and passion around school improvement in a variety of international settings throughout his career. He holds a Honours Degree in Psychology from the University of Victoria and a Masters in School Administration from the University of British Columbia.

Heather is a visionary leader and innovative educator with a demonstrated track record of moving high achieving schools to the next level of academic excellence. Prior to her appointment at CIS, Heather served as superintendent of Lake Oswego School District - Oregon, one of the highest performing school districts in the United States. Leading a school district of 7000 students, ten schools and 700 employees, Heather was responsible for all facets of district operations including educational standards and practices, teacher professional development and parent education and engagement. Heather’s educational philosophy is tied to a deep love of learning and a commitment to continuous improvement, both personally and professionally. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado, a Master's in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Denver.

Jeff Smith has worked in international education for the past 24 years in a variety of outstanding schools in Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa. During his career, Jeff has been a classroom teacher, head of department, IB Diploma Coordinator, vice-principal and principal in schools that have offered both the IB MYP and IB DP. Jeff’s IB experience is vast. He has worked as an IB examiner and has both helped and overseen the implementation of IB MYP and IB DP at a number of schools. Jeff has a masters of Education from the University of Alabama and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University.

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.

In this role, Colleen oversees the delivery of integrated services of our school counsellors, psychologist, nurses, Learning Support and English Language Learner teachers. Most recently Colleen was the Secondary Principal at Beijing City International School. She has also worked as a DP Coordinator, as well as having taught DP Business Management and MYP English.

Colleen earned her Bachelor of Arts from Waterloo, Ontario, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto and a Masters in Business from the University of Melbourne. She is currently completing a Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership from the College of New Jersey.

Angela is a well-respected educator with over 25 years experience in primary education in Canada, USA, and Asia. She brings a wealth of educational leadership skills to her role as Principal and delivers educational focused workshops in Singapore and overseas. As the co-founder of the South East Asia Primary Administrators Conference (SEAPAC), and a facilitator for the Singapore Principal’s Network, Angela stays abreast of trends and best practices. Since joining CIS, Angela has played an integral role in developing CIS’ vibrant learning environment. Angela has received a variety of awards for her ongoing dedication and commitment to education excellence. Angela holds a Certificate of International School Leadership and a Masters of Education in Divergent Learning from Columbia College in the USA.

Angela is a highly respected educator who has spent the last 23 years in senior leadership positions in international schools globally. Prior to her appointment at CIS, Angela was primary principal of the Berlin Brandenburg International School in Germany, a role she served in for four years. Throughout her career, Angela has been a consultant to the Aga Khan Foundation, a visiting scholar at Texas A&M University, trained undergraduate teachers in Switzerland and has served as an IB school visitor, consultant and workshop leader. She holds a Masters Degree from Murdoch University, Australia, and a Bachelor of Education from Nottingham University in the UK.