Principal & Dean's Office

Principal & Dean's Office

Doctorate of Education in Curriculum Design – Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Master of Education in Environmental Education – University of Johannesburg

Bachelors of Education (general) – Vaal University of Technology

Bachelors of Education in Library and Information Sciences – University of Johannesburg

Dr. Andri Nel-Rasmussen has worked in education for the last 26 years and has taught all ages, from primary children to undergraduate students. She has been the Head of the first South African Montessori Middle and High School; where she helped her team to merge Montessori philosophy with the local government requirements. This included a boarding school and entrepreneurship programs, as envisioned by Maria Montessori. Since moving abroad, Dr. Andri has been the Principal of a Cambridge-based international school in northern Thailand and helped the school develop and become fully accredited with a UK-based accreditation board. Andri’s passion is in helping teachers to develop to their fullest potential and to build their leadership talents in order to unlock the genius in the students they teach.

Principal & Dean's Office, Academic Support Office (ASO) Master of Education, Secondary English Education, Huntington University, Indiana
High Ability Licensure, Indiana State University, Indiana
Bachelor of Science, Secondary and Adolescence English Education, Indiana University, Indiana

Along with normal teaching duties, Ms. Sabrina was also the High Ability Coordinator for the building, the National Honour Society Sponsor, Fine Arts Academic Team Sponsor, member of the Evaluation Creation Committee, and part of the Broad Based Planning Committee. While at Whitko, she specialised in Differentiation, instruction of High Ability students, and instruction of students identified with special needs.
After teaching in Indiana, Sabrina moved to the United Arab Emirates and worked for four years at the Institute for Applied Technology using one-to-one technology to help develop the future engineers of the country.

M.Ed. University of Southern Queensland, Australia

B.Ed. University of Regina, Canada

B.A. Whittier College, U.S.A

Certificate of International School Leadership

Certificate in Advanced Educational Leadership

National Professional Qualification: Senior Leadership (2025)

Mr. West-Pratt is an experienced educator entering his 20th year in teaching and learning. His career has taken him across Canada, Germany, and China. As the Dean of Students, Mr. West-Pratt is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. He looks forward to working closely with students, parents, and faculty to ensure a holistic educational experience reflective of VMA values. His approach is grounded in empathy, active listening, and a commitment to understanding of student needs.

Mr. West-Pratt holds a Master of Education in School Leadership from the University of Southern Queensland (2012) a Certificate in Advanced Educational Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education(2018), and is completing his National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership through University College London (2025). His areas of research interest are: well-being in schools and teacher professional learning. 

Mr. West-Pratt looks forward to collaborating with parents, students, and staff to create a nurturing and empowering learning space at VMA.

Master of Education, Leadership in Teaching, Carthage College (USA)

Bachelor of Arts, English Linguistics and Literature, University of Salamanca (Spain)

Bachelor of Arts, French Horn Performance, Royal Conservatory of Music, Madrid (Spain)

Mr. Díaz Pérez has twelve years’teaching experience. His experience includes teaching music, Spanish language, and English language in a wide range of educational contexts: primary and secondary education, college level and adult education. He has taught in both private and public institutions in Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, and China. He has contributed as a cultural consultant in the field of theater performance in the United States. Regarding linguistics, he has conducted, published, and presented research on the effects of teaching youth sociolect to college students of Spanish.

Global Master of Business Administration (Candidate), Bachelor of Laws – LLB Hons, University of London

Mr. Matsoso has over six years of teaching experience in international schools across China, specializing in AP Language & Composition and Literature. He is currently pursuing an MBA in Global Leadership while holding a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Law, Transport Economics, and Logistics. His diverse background includes teaching English as a foreign language to students across all ages, literature, and AP English, as well as leading community projects in South Africa. Mr. Matsoso's expertise spans safeguarding children, child welfare, legal contracts, and literature analysis. He holds multiple certifications, including AP English certification, enhancing his ability to prepare students for college-level coursework and international examinations.

Mr. Noel Sablay has over 20 years of combined experience as teacher and school leader in the Philippines, Indonesia and China. He used to be a faculty and Head of the Center for Science and Mathematics at Philippine Normal University (PNU) before becoming teacher and head of science in international schools in Indonesia and China. He has a degree in Physics from the Philippines and diploma in educational leadership from University of Cambridge.

While serving as college faculty, he used to be involved in in-service trainings for teachers, among those that drafted the Philippines teacher-education framework and become resource person for several programs in Philippines’ education department. His other intersts are on farming and writing, particularly of short stories, poems and haikus. He has served as chief editor to several publications and learning modules while being student and teacher-leader both at his home country and abroad.

Postdoc: The University of California, Riverside, Environmental Science and Toxicology

Ph.D.: The University of Florida, Environmental Health Engineering

Mia used to be an environmental toxicologist and engineer. She was awarded the University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship and worked as a postdoc in the University of California, Riverside. Up until now, she has 16 academic publications on top SCI journals. She is still a reviewer for several academic journals across such subjects as atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric physics, environmental chemistry, toxicology, etc. In VMA, Mia has been the coach for international physics competitions. Her students have won the Super Gold award for the British Physics Olympiad and Gold award for the Physics Bowl. She has been awarded as the “Outstanding Coach” by ASDAN. Furthermore, Mia has been actively doing teaching research activities. Her project-based learning design and presentation have both won the first award in Yantian District.

Doctor of Science, Biological Sciences, Lancaster University, United Kingdom
Bachelor of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, China

Dr.Shen officially started his professional career as teacher and researcher at VMA just 1 yare after VMA was launched and have developed and taught multi-level biology and relevant courses since then.While at VMA, Dr. Shen was qualified as a holder of Overseas High-Calibre Personnel Certificate and his curriculum design was hornored with Tier 1 award in an symposium organised by Yantian Institute of Education Sciences.

Prior to joining VMA, Shen completed his undergraduate education in China. After that, Shen was awarded a schorlarship from State Scholoriship Fund (China Scholarship Council) to purse PhD study in Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University in UK. His research interests focus on the effects of climate change on crops and crop production by investigating how crop cells can sense and transduce environmental signals.

Master of Science, Banking and Finance, Loughborough University, U.K.

Bachelor of Economics, International Trade and Economics, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, China

Teacher's Qualification Certificate in Higher Education (Economics)

Mr. Liu has taught economics in the international program for more than 10 years. His teaching features interaction and inspiration, which won him a award in the teachers’ teaching competition. Besides teaching, Mr. Liu coaches students in the international economics competition and helps them win awards. Apart from this, Mr. Liu also has experience in research practice. He published a certain number of academic and pedagogical articles in domestic and foreign journals and participated in the compilation of textbook. He also served different roles in academic research projects and teaching research projects at provincial and municipal levels.

Bachelor of Science and Chancellor’s Scholar, Zoology and Sociology, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Gabriel Beadle brings professional experience in research in the field of Nutritional Chemistry, specializing in fat-soluble vitamins. He worked in this capacity in Singapore and the USA, working with and training staff in the use of HPLC, GC, and assay procedure. He was also responsible for writing governmental reports and verifying new assays for laboratory use. While completing his degree, he conducted field-based research and executed a greenhouse experiment in Agronomy. He has a passion for research, both as a scientific endeavor and academically. Mr. Beadle has previous experience teaching and holds a TESOL certificate. He has been living abroad for 8 years and his hobbies including reading, running, traveling, scuba diving, yoga, and boxing.

Bachelor of Science, Mathematical Science, University of the Witwatersrand
Post Graduate Certificate in Education specializing in Mathematics Education, University of South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Registered Educator with the South African Council of Educators (SACE)

Mr. Zardad has been in the top of his class in mathematics throughout high school and university. Rif’at has a vast knowledge of mathematical science having completed 40 modules of mathematical-based subjects throughout his tertiary education. He studied actuarial science in 2007 and completed his BSc Degree in 2012 with majors in mathematics and computational and applied mathematics. He then went on to complete his post-graduate studies in mathematics education as a result of his love for both mathematics and teaching. His love for mathematical science and education can be seen through his learner-centred approach to teaching and learning and his unique teaching style in and out of the classroom.

Master of International Sport and Event Management, the University of Applied Sciences Europe of Berlin, Germany
MBA of Sports Management, Real Madrid Graduate School - Universidad Europea
Bachelor of Physical Education, focus basketball also including basic skills of other sports, Wuhan Sport University.

Mr. Duan had six years’ international school working experience, and he also had experience as a supervisor. He has fluent English communication skills and innovation ability, and he likes teamwork.

Education:

Hong Kong University, Master of Science, Information Technology in Education

University of Cambridge CELTA Certification, ESOL Level 5 Certificate (QCF)

York University, Information Technology

Brief introduction of experience or achievements:

Mr. Jason blends an inquiry-based learning approach together with computational thinking and helping students transform into technology leaders and competent digital citizens. His research interests include STEAM education, developing student engagement through online-based collaboration, and implementing artificial intelligence in education.

In the past, he participated in the Emerging Global Leaders program with York University, and brings an international perspective into his classrooms. Jason has been part of the VMA team since its inception in 2015. He has played a pivotal role in establishing the Duke of Edinburgh International Award program at VMA, and continues to engage with students outside of the classroom in achieving their Awards.

Associations:

- Computer Science Teacher’s Association (USA)

- International Society for Technology in Education

- Duke of Edinburgh International Award – Gold Award Holders Association (Ontario, Canada)

Master of Education, Chinese Language Education, The University of Hong Kong
Bachelor of Arts, Chinese Language and Literature (Teacher Training), South China Normal University

• Yantian District Prominent Teacher of 2017-2018 Academic Year, Awarded by Yantian Education Bureau, Shenzhen

• Yantian District Prominent Teacher of 2019-2020 Academic Year, Awarded by Yantian Education Bureau, Shenzhen

• Excellent instructor of International Linguistic Olympiad (IOL) National Round during 2016-2020 Academic Year.

• Special Contribution Award of National Linguistic Olympiad (NOL) of 2017-2018 Academic Year.

Miss Wu is also in follow positions:

1. VMA Instructional Coach

2. Cambridge Curriculum Teacher Support Coordinator

3. General Supervisor of TEDxYouth@VMA

4. Club instructor of VMA Tide Magazine Club. Her club has won the Model Club Award of VMA for 5 years, while student works got several Superior Award of National High School Media and Communication Competition & Annual Media Review.

5. Competition instructor of International Linguistic Olympiad (IOL)

6. Copywriter of VMA news and activities

7. Student host instructor

Bachelor of Arts, Music Education, Shenzhen University

Ms. Jia had got high passion of music career, who was experienced in musical performing. She had worked as the director of vocal music of the original Musical “The Place Where Your Dream Starts” in Shenzhen University and won the Special Prize of DIMF (2015), and 3rd place in China TN of Asian Song Festival. She was also invited for recording the CCTV “Sing for China” concert. She was professional as well as versatile. She had been the director of music, vocal tutor and the lead singer of original musicals “Perspicacity” and “Purify Theory”.  The musical “Far from Hometown” which was co-produced and recorded by Jia had won the Gold Award of the 4th Shenzhen Immigration Culture Festival and the Performance Award of Shenzhen Creative Dancing competition, etc.

Master of Fine Arts, Painting and Drawing, University of Missouri, Missouri, U.S.A.
Bachelor of Arts, Oil Painting, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, China

Ms. Lin is a visual arts educator, as well as a professional artist, with a MFA degree in painting and drawing and diverse teaching experiences in a wide range and level of art classes in both China and the United States for over 5 years. She taught painting, drawing and 2-D design courses at the University of Missouri from 2012-2013. She helped students prepare art portfolios for U.S./U.K. art and design college admission and many of her students are accepted to prestigious institutes including Parsons, Pratt, Royal College of Art, University of the Arts London, School of Visual Arts, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, etc. Additionally, she had more than three years of gallery work experience. She highly values diverse experiences, perspectives, and opinions.

Bachelor of Music, Music Composition, University of Texas, Tyler
Associates of Arts, Music Composition, Collin College

Mr. Francis first graduated from Collin College in Plano, TX with an Associates Degree in Music focusing on composition and minoring in piano. At this school he studied composition under Dr. Christopher Morgan, and piano under Zhou Xiaolan. He then studied music composition at the University of North Texas in Denton, TX for one year, while continuing piano lessons under Ms. Zhou, before transferring to the University of Texas, Tyler where he majored in composition, studying under Dr. Brian Bondari and Dr. Kyle Gullings, with piano lessons from Ms. Vicki Conway. It is at the University of Texas, Tyler that Colton graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors

of Music in Music Composition.

Mr.Francis is a bi-lingual (English and Mandarin) educator who from 2012 to 2018 taught music theory, music composition, and aural skills at Lang Lang’s personal piano school, Lang Lang Music World, where he developed new game-based methods for teaching theory to young musicians. Since 2018, he is stationed at the Vanke Meisha Arts Academy for professional musicians teaching music composition, music theory, and music history. His composition students have been accepted into such prestigious schools as Juilliard, Eastman, Peabody Institute, Mannes School of Music,San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Berklee College of Music, and Manhattan school of music.

As a composer, numerous solo and small ensemble pieces have been performed by members of the Longview Symphony Orchestra, while also composing commercial and game music for some of China’s largest companies – such as Double Happiness and Tencent. Additionally, his award winning musical, The Beard Clan’s Secret Treasure, performed to sold-out audiences in Shenzhen’s Baoli theatre and Children’s Palace theatre.Since 2020 he has been composer in residence for the Trout Piano Quartet, responsible for composing original works for the chamber group as well as making chamber arrangements from other popular and Classical works.His pieces have been premiered in a number of top concert halls throughout all of mainland China including the Shenzhen Concert Hall, Shenzhen Baoli Theatre, Shanghai City Theatre, Shanghai Daning Theatre, Beijing National Arts Center, and many more.

Wu Xiaoping, a young pianist with a Master degree in piano performance, graduated from Belarusian State Academy of Music. She is currently a piano teacher in Shenzhen Vanke Meisha Academy of Arts and a judge in the National Piano Examination by the Chinese Musicians’ Association.

She graduated from Shenzhen Art School. In the second year of high school, she was admitted to the piano department of Belarusian State Academy of Music and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in piano with high grades. From here she received a double master’s degree in piano performance and chamber music performance.

When performing, she pays special attention to the expression of timbre and musical flow, which manifestly shows the characteristics and styles of the Russian school.

Her students disperse in renowned music schools around the world, and win awards in major international piano competitions. Aside from teaching, she actively participates in piano solo and ensemble performances. Because of her achievements in piano education and her extensive performances, she has been invited multiple times to be the judge in piano competitions not only in all parts of China, but also in the wider Asian area.

M.Sc. & B.Sc.: Engineering, University of Adelaide, Australia

Mr. Frankie has 6 years of study and life experience in Australia. He has been teaching for 9 years for his career ,served as a A-LEVEL mathematics teacher and course head in well-known education companies, high school international departments, & international schools, etc. During this period, he was also duty for MAT, PAT (Oxbridge admission tests) teaching as well as other tests. Mr. Frankie is not only good at a humorous and relaxed teaching environment, but also likes to share the process of knowledge delivery with students.

Post Graduacte Certificate in Strength and Conditioning - Coventry University

Post Graduate Certificate of Education in Post-Compulsory Education - University of Wolverhampton

Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Graphic Communication - University of Wolverhampton

Mr Jackson is a distinguished teaching professional and sports specialist with experience in a range of education provisions. He graduated his collegiate years at the top of his class with a Triple Distinction. He went on to achieve a Diploma in Higher Education, followed by his Honorary Bachelor's Degree and two Post-Graduate Certificates. Since graduation, he has been formally recognised as a member of the Society for Education and Training, being awarded the coveted QTLS status. Mr Jackson believes learning experiences should be student-centred and built on relationships. He values new experiences, self-development and facilitating growth in others and he is excited to contribute his expertise to the team at Vanke Meisha Academy.

Bachelor of Science, Harbin Normal University
Teaching Certificate of High School

He served in Shanghai Guanghua Education Company as the leader of AP teaching and Research Group.

Master of Science, International Business, Aston University
Bachelor of Management, Qingdao University of Science and Technology
Bachelor of Arts, English Literature, Qingdao University of Science and Technology

Ms. Chen has been working in international education field for 11 years, having accumulated profound experience in college counseling. She has a deep understanding of the higher education system of the major countries for overseas study, and has helped students admitted by top universities of US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand. She is a member of IACAC and China ICAC, and used to be the panel speaker of professional college counseling conferences, such as EMW conference and China ICAC Annual conference as well. Before joining in VMA, she acted as the Deputy Director of College Counseling Center of The Second-High School Attached to Beijing Normal University, International Division.

University College London , Master of Arts in Human Rights

University of West London, Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Business Studies with Finance

Hold the certificates of TEFL, IB-DP Economics Teacher

6 years study and work experience in UK

Years of teaching and management experience in International School

He enjoys the class which is active and humorous.

Won ‘The most popular teacher’ award for many times..

Master of Science, Human Geography, Sun Yat-sen University

Excellent Teachers in Yantian District, Shenzhen, 2017-2018.
Ms. Yin won a national scholarship and "outstanding graduates at provincial level" during undergraduate period. She also served as a professor assistant of human geography at Sun Yat-sen University and taught urban planning and architectural geography. Her paper "Perception of the city by students from different places in the Internet Age" is included in the collection of papers "Spatial and Temporal Dimensions of China's Social Transition".

Currently, she is served as the instructor of the "Sino-Finnish Cultural Exchange Project" for two consecutive years in VMA and the instructor of the school Geographical Society. As the instructor of China Thinks Big, Ms. Yin won the first and second prizes for two consecutive years, and achieved excellent results in the North American International Competition. As the instructor of the "Environmental Map" Competition, her team won four second-class prizes in 2018.

Bachelor of Applied Science, Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia

She had great working experience as international student program assistant in School of Engineering, University of British Columbia in Canada. She also worked as an instructor assistant for math and engineering courses in the University. She is very active, and always passionate about having activities and events with students. She loves singing and playing sports.

Bachelor of Arts (Honours), History and Geography, Bachelor of Education

Graduated from Queen’s University, Kingston, Mr. Zhou received five years of systematic and rigorous training in teaching. He is licensed teacher in Ontario and British Columbia, and he is also trained to teach AP. Mr. Zhou has experience teaching in top international schools, private schools, and public schools in both Canada and China.

Master's Degree: University of Surrey, UK

Bachelor's degree: Shanghai University of International Business and Economics

2019-2020 Outstanding Homeroom Teacher of Yantian District

2020-2021 Advanced Educator of Yantian District

She has served as the external affairs specialist and human resources officer of the school and has more than five years of experience as a mentor after join VMA. She holds an advanced certificate in mental health education for primary and secondary school teachers. She is a patient and careful communicator with students and is a good listener.

With rich experience in finance, Bella has participated in the financial investigation of many companies, pre-listing accounting and taxation basis specification, share restructuring, listing declaration work and financial report audit of many listed companies during her working period in accounting firms. Now she is responsible for coordinating the financial work in VMA.

Director of Admissions and Marketing Office
Master's Degree: University of Glasgow, UK – Education
Bachelor's Degree: Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai Campus – Law

With nearly 10 years of experience in international education, certified as a CIAFO College Admissions Advisor, Carol possesses unique insights into the international school market, admissions, branding, and student management. She has extensive experience in organizing large-scale events, successfully creating multiple major IP events. Having worked in VMA for six years, she understands the psychology of parents and teenagers, helping nearly a thousand families find the most suitable development plans for their children.

Yilia Zhao graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, with a major in Simultaneous Interpreting and has 5 years of experience in administrative operations at international schools. She holds certifications including IBDP Administrator, Senior High School Teaching License (English), CATTI, and a Mental Health Certificate for Primary and Secondary Schools. During her tenure at Vanke Meisha Academy, Yilia Zhao has been responsible for managing administrative tasks such as operations coordination, government relations, cooperation programs, alumni networks, and archives/school history.