Shenzhen

Maple Leaf Educational Systems China

Shenzhen

Maple Leaf Educational Systems China

Our Leadership

Angela Zhang

Executive Vice Principal of High School

Angela Zhang, the Executive Vice-Headmistress of High School, MLIA-Shenzhen. She graduated with her BSc in biology and BA in Asian studies from UBC Canada, and obtained a Master of Educational Management and Leadership from RRU Canada, holding a British Columbia Teaching Certificate. She is now a PhD candidate in Education. 

She has worked for Maple Leaf Educational Systems since 2010, and is a winner of Maple Leaf Medal of Excellence and Honor. She has held various positions, including the executive Assistant to the Superintendent and the Director of International Affairs of MLES, Director of the Headquarter Administration Office, Director of the Marketing Center of MLES, the Assistant to the President, and Director of Investor Relations, Director of the Honorary ZEL Program, General Counselor of MLIA-Shenzhen.

Zhisong Lian

World School Principal (Multivariable Calculus)

Principal Lian is a Chinese Canadian, after acquired a Provincial Teacher Certificate from BC Canada, he taught at Maple Leaf High School in Dalian and Shenzhen for more than thirteen years, served as AP Calculus teacher, head of the mathematics department, Head of Sherman Jen Education Foundation Scholarship Zhou Enlai class English program. He has served as the World School Principal of Maple Leaf International Academy-Shenzhen for more than four years now.

Principal Lian mentored students to participate in many international competitions and achieved great results: such as Tingtong Yao Secondary School Science Competition, American Secondary School Mathematics Competition, Australian Secondary School Mathematics Competition, United Kingdom Physics Cup Competition, Waterloo Math Competition. Principal Lian has sent students to lots of top universities in the world such as Oxford University, Imperial College of London, Stanford University, Brown University, University of California, Berkeley, UCLA, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Melbourne, and other world-famous universities.

Jovie Perez

World School Principal Vice Principal &Department Head of English (English 10 -11 HZEL)

Jovie P. Perez has more than twenty-one years of extensive experience in the field of education. Prior to moving to China, she dedicated seventeen years of her career to university-level teaching and administration. She earned a master’s degree from the University of Alberta and a doctorate in English. For four years now, she has been working for Maple Leaf. Dr. Perez is currently the Vice Principal of Maple Leaf International Academy-Shenzhen

Staff

Ann Kang

English Center Director

Xinfang (Ann)Kang was graduated from Dalian Maple Leaf International School in 2007. Then she went to Canada for her undergraduate degree in Economics and Environmental Studies. She has been studying and working in Canada for more than 8 years. She joined in Maple Leaf Educational System again as a teacher in the year of 2015. Her nickname is “AK47” as her English name is Ann, last name is Kang and birthday is April 7th. She is the person in charge of ESL and CSL Curriculum from elementary to high school. Her philosophy is providing the best educational services for each student.

Alvin Hao

Education Coordinator & Department Head of Advance Placement (Chemistry 11,Pre-Calculus 12)

Mr. Hao is currently serving as Education Coordinator and AP Coordinator at our school, supporting student learning and academic programs across the school. He holds a He holds a Bachelor of Mathematics (major in Math, minor in Chemistry) and a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University, and is certified to teach in Ontario and British Columbia, Canada. He’s currently pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Alberta.

With experience in both China and Canada, Mr. Hao brings a global perspective to the classroom. He’s passionate about helping students develop critical thinking, independence, and a love for learning. To him, teaching is about more than just knowledge. It’s about shaping character, inspiring curiosity, and preparing students for the future.

Tsegai Sebhatu Tesema

Department Head of ADST + Business + Arts(CT/PGL 11 (HZEL1),CS 10 (T1/T2),CS 11,AP CS A/Principles)

Tsegai is from Toronto, Ontario, and is a certified teacher in both Ontario and British Columbia. He earned a BSc in Mathematics from Addis Ababa University and a Computer Programming & Data Analysis from George Brown College in Toronto. He also completed an AQ in Integrating Technology with Pedagogy from Queen’s University Ontario, and holds an AP teaching certification from Molloy University, New York. He began teaching as a Teacher-on-Call at Vaughan Road Academy in Toronto (2016–2017). Since 2018, he has been teaching Math and Computer Science with the MLES in China, under both BC and World curriculum. He connects theory to real-life examples, helping students see the value of what they learn.

Mirjana Petrovic-Filipovic

World School Teacher (English 10-12,Theatre Production 12)

Dr. Mirjana Petrovic-Filipovic is a lifelong educator, literary scholar, and award-winning writer. With a PhD in Literature from the University of Belgrade and over 20 years of international teaching experience, she brings a world-class depth of knowledge to her classroom. Previously a professor and a government-appointed evaluator of doctoral studies in Serbia, Dr. Petrovic-Filipovic now channels her expertise into inspiring young minds. She has translated over thirty literary works and is the author of several critical studies on poetry. Her greatest passion is helping students discover the power of language and the magic of storytelling.

Aleksandar Filipovic

Department Head of Social Studies+ CT/ PGL + PE (Psychology 12,PE10,SR / CT/PGL 10/12 ) 

Aleksandar Filipovic is an accomplished educator and Head of the Social Studies Department with over 16 years of international teaching experience. He holds a Master's degree in Sociology and Philosophy from the University of Belgrade, complemented by a degree as a Senior Recreation Coach in combat sports.

An expert in interdisciplinary teaching, Mr. Filipovic specializes in English, Sociology, Philosophy, and Human Rights. He is also a published author and researcher, with his work focusing on cross-cultural studies and the sociology of martial arts, exploring the cultural dialogue between East and West. His expertise extends beyond the classroom, with 20 years of experience as a combat sports coach.

Mr. Filipovic is a dedicated leader committed to innovative teaching methodologies and fostering critical thinking in his students.

Kirby Lau

World School Teacher (Science 10,Physics 11,CT/PGL 11,Pre-Calculus 12)

Kirby Lau is a Canadian who studied in Vancouver, British Columbia. He has a Bachelor of Applied Science degree and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia. He also has a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership and Management from Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia. Throughout his time with Maple Leaf Educational Systems, he has taught Science and Math courses as well as Creative Thinking and Problem Solving, Personal and Global Leadership, and Food Studies. He believes that every student is like an individual flower, and when given enough care, each flower can blossom beautifully.

Sunshine Cheng

Department Head of Chinese (Mandarin 11)

Sunshine Cheng , graduated from the Literature Department of Southwest University, joined Maple Leaf in 2019 and currently serves as the Chinese curriculum leader and Chinese language teacher in the International High School Department. He has been awarded the title of "Excellent Teacher in Longgang District". Always adhering to the Maple Leaf education philosophy, we cultivate students to become Maple Leaf students who express themselves elegantly, think deeply, and walk confidently in the world through the optimization of Chinese and Western education.

Dorothy Yan

Department Head of Science (AP Biology/Biology 12,Art 10 (T1/T2),Biology 11)

Ms. Yan is from Vancouver, Canada. She holds a B.Sc. in Oceanography and Biology and a B.Ed. in Secondary Teacher Education, both from the University of British Columbia. Ms. Yan joined Maple Leaf Educational Systems (MLES) in 2019 and has primarily taught Biology, with additional experience in Visual Arts, Physics, and Psychology. She currently serves as the Science Department Head at MLIA-Shenzhen.

Solomon Taonameso

World School Teacher (AP Environmental Science,Chemistry 11,AP Chemistry/ Chem 12)

Dr. Solomon Taonameso was a former Head of the Science Department for the 2021-2024 school year at Maple Leaf Shanghai. He is currently a STEM teacher offering AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, World School Chemistry and Biology at Maple Leaf International Academy Shenzhen. He has an Undergraduate Honors Degree in Biological Sciences from the Midlands State University, a Teacher Diploma in Education from the University of Zimbabwe, and a Master of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Venda, in South Africa and, a Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology, South Africa. He is an author and academic writer with over 40 citations. This is his 7th year teaching for Maple Leaf Education System-China, and he continues to be amazed at how his past experiences continue to shed light on his present.

Walton Liu

Department Head of Math (AP Calculus BC,Pre-Calculus 11 /HZEL,Calculus 12,AP Calculus BC/ Calc 12)

Walton Liu has brought my passion for mathematics and my dual Canadian-Chinese teaching certifications to the classroom at Mapleleaf (ML) since 2015. He is deeply committed to a student-centered approach, meeting each learner where they are to ensure meaningful growth. He is a proud advocate of ML's unique educational model, which allows him to blend the best practices of Eastern and Western pedagogy to deliver a truly global curriculum and foster a world-class mindset in every student.

Ada Wang

World School Teacher (Math 10,AP Statistics12,Pre-Calculus 11) 

Ms. Wang is a dedicated mathematics educator with four years of experience teaching high school Mathematics. She specializes in instructing AP Statistics and a range of courses for grades 10 through 12. Ms. Wang holds a dual bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Education from Lakehead University, providing her with a deep content knowledge and strong pedagogical foundation.

Melissa Saunders

World School Teacher (CT/PGL 11,English 10/12)

Melissa Saunders is thrilled to be teaching English Language Arts to grades 10 through 12 students. She holds a Master’s degree in Reading and Language Arts, from Central Connecticut State University, along with a Bachelor’s degree in English and Literature. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she is passionate about helping students discover the power of words — whether through reading, writing, or speaking.

Her goal is to create a welcoming and exciting classroom where every student feels confident to explore stories, express their ideas, and think critically about the world around them. She believes that strong literacy skills open doors to endless opportunities, and she is here to support each student in becoming a confident reader, thoughtful writer, and clear communicator.

She looks forward to working together with students and families to make these years meaningful, inspiring, and full of growth!

Nicole De Jager

World School Teacher  (Accounting 11,AP Macro,AP Microeconomics,Economics 12)

Xinfang (Ann)Kang was graduated from Dalian Maple Leaf International School in 2007. Then she went to Canada for her undergraduate degree in Economics and Environmental Studies. She has been studying and working in Canada for more than 8 years. She joined in Maple Leaf Educational System again as a teacher in the year of 2015. Her nickname is “AK47” as her English name is Ann, last name is Kang and birthday is April 7th. She is the person in charge of ESL and CSL Curriculum from elementary to high school. Her philosophy is providing the best educational services for each student.

Kristen Marée Cleary

World School Teacher (English 10-11 ,Literary Studies 10)

Kristen Marée Cleary is from New York, in the United States. She has a BA in English from Fairfield University and an MA in English from Boston College. Kristen has been teaching since 1999, when she began working as an Adjunct Lecturer at Pace University and the University of Mount Saint Vincent. She has taught Middle School and High School English, as well as serving as a private tutor. Kristen enjoys sharing her love of literature and writing with her students.

Luca Marziano

World School Teacher (Physics 12,AP Physics C (E&M)/Mechanics,Physics 11 (HZEL3)  

Luca Marziano is from Canterbury, United Kingdom. He graduated with BA and MSci degrees in astrophysics from the University of Cambridge in 2024 and began working for Maple Leaf Educational Systems in 2025. He helps with the teaching of physics and mathematics but his main work concerns supporting the student who have aspirations of studying the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge. He is passionate about inspiring students to realise their potential by applying to these top institutions, as well as helping students to develop an intuitive understanding of physics through appreciation of the importance that mathematics holds as the language of science.

Amy Chang

ESL Teacher

Ms.Chang has 7 years of dedicated experience in Maple Leaf Educational Systems. She is a writing teacher. She is passionate about guiding students to find their unique voice through writing. Her educational philosophy is simple yet profound: "Teach with authenticity, educate with heart." She is committed to creating a supportive and inspiring classroom environment where students develop not only academic skills, but also confidence as thinkers and effective communicators.

Chen Yang

Zhou Enlai Class Counselor

Chen Yang joined MLES in 2013,having served at the Shanghai campus and the Shenzhen campus in succession.She holds a High School Chinese Teaching Certificate and a Shanghai Municipal School Psychological Consultant Certification,and won some awards. Her students have been admitted to top universities in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. She fosters an inclusive environment that recognizes and nurtures each child's uniqueness, making them feel seen, understood, and supported through a multifaceted approach to holistic development.

Kongliang Wei

Chinese teacher (Mandarin 10/12)

Mr. Wei has been working at Maple Leaf Educational Systems since 2003 and currently serves as a senior high school Chinese language teacher at Shenzhen Maple Leaf School.

Over the past two decades, he has engaged in teaching and administrative work at Maple Leaf campuses in Dalian, Luoyang, and Shanghai under Maple Leaf Educational Systems. He has successively established Chinese Calligraphy Classrooms at these campuses and has gained extensive educational experience through his involvement in primary, junior high, and senior high school education.

Passionate about education at Maple Leaf, Mr. Wei consistently upholds his professional philosophy: "The stricter in discipline management, the better; the more free and open in academic research, the better." He is committed to accompanying students on their journey of healthy and joyful growth.

Kristine Cagurol

World School Teacher (Physics 11-12,AP Physics C (E&M)/Mechanics)

Kristine Hope Cagurol is from Davao City, Philippines. She is a licensed teacher with a degree in education specializing in physics. She has been teaching physics to high school students since 2004. Before joining Maple Leaf in 2023, she taught A-level physics to STEM students in Kazakhstan. Currently, she is enjoying teaching general physics and AP courses.

Brian Caintic

World School Teacher (CT/PGL 11 (HZEL2),WHG 11,WHG 10) 

Mr. Brian Caintic is a passionate and ambitious teacher who loves to see his students improve and reach their full potential. He taught internationally for 7 years in the United States of America and China. Before teaching abroad, he taught in high school in the Philippines for 13 years and was a part-time social science college/university instructor for 8 years. He also has 8 years of managerial experience as a coordinator and department head of social studies locally and internationally.

Mr. Caintic holds a Master in Management in Educational Management from Philippine Christian University, and he completed the academic requirements for a Master of Arts in Education major in teaching social studies from Holy Cross of Davao College. He finished Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies from Holy Cross of Davao College.

Allanie Brown

ESL Teacher (Science &ML English,Geography)  

M.A. Brown is a dedicated Jamaican educator and medical science professional. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology (Clinical Laboratory Science) from Northern Caribbean University. With a background of several years working as a medical technologist, including volunteer service both locally and internationally, she brings a wealth of practical experience to her classroom. For approximately nine years, Allanie has taught a diverse range of students, from kindergarten and primary to middle school, and has tutored adults. She currently specializes as an English and Science teacher, skillfully merging language arts with scientific inquiry. She is deeply committed to advancing education, health, and science by inspiring her students to become the best versions of themselves. Allanie strives to live by the words of Malcolm X: "The future belongs to those who prepare for it today."

Jarry Mc Donald

ESL Teacher (Science &ML English,Geography)

Jarrytt McDonald is from Lumberton, New Jersey, America. He graduated from Temple University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies and Production. Soon after graduation, Jarrytt became a substitute teacher across southern New Jersey, helping teach many classes in various subjects and all grade levels. In 2008, He moved to China and taught English for the past 7 years. He has taught adults and children at learning centers and is now teaching elementary and middle school students.

Jarrytt strives to teach students how to focus on key details to find solutions, and how to “think outside of the box”. He reminds students that it’s ok to make mistakes, since that’s the only way to grow. This is taken from Michael Jordan, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”.

Larry Kong

ESL Teacher (Listening&Speaking ,Science)

Larry is a British who has been in education for over 15 years, teaching English and Chemistry at all levels, and he has been a director of studies of an international English learning institution. He has taught in the UK and HK before coming to Shenzhen. He has acquired The Diploma in English Language Teaching Management and an English teaching qualification from The University of Cambridge. He always makes the effort to establish great rapport and create a fun learning environment, as he believes that learning without fun is a failure.

Mickey Wong

ESL Teacher (Science &ML English,Geography)  

Mickey Wong is a dedicated and experienced English educator from the U.K. with over a decade of experience living and teaching in China. He began his teaching career in 2012 after graduating from Buckinghamshire New University with a degree in International Travel and Tourism Management and earning his TESOL certification.

His extensive tenure in China's education sector includes six years at the prestigious Wall Street English, where he honed essential interpersonal skills such as patience, cross-cultural communication, rapport-building, and the effective use of graded language to facilitate student learning.

Mickey currently teaches at Maple Leaf International School, where he is embracing new challenges in his fifth year to further develop and enhance his professional teaching capabilities. He is a skilled professional known for his cultural awareness and commitment to student success. 

Mickey embodies the belief that "excellence is not a skill, it is an attitude," an approach he brings to every classroom.

Rain Dong

Chinese Teacher (Chinese Humanities 10-12)

Ms. Dong Qiuyu graduated from the Chinese Language and Literature major of Mudanjiang Normal University. She holds four Senior High School Teacher Qualification Certificates, covering Chinese, Geography, History, and Politics, and is mainly responsible for teaching Chinese Humanities to senior high school students. Since joining the Maple Leaf family in 2019, she has been adhering to Maple Leaf's educational philosophy. In teaching, she adopts the method of "teaching students in accordance with their aptitude", excels at communicating with students, and aspires to build a "teacher-friend" relationship with them, so that they can grow and thrive together in the ocean of knowledge.

Richard Yao

University Counselor

Richard Yao who was a student since 2000 at Dalian Maple Leaf International School, and having studied & lived in Canada for nearly 10 years.

Richard is now a director of Senior International Education Graduation Consultant at Maple Leaf International Academy- Shenzhen, he dedicated and results-driven education consultant with over 11 years of experience specializing in premium university applications (US, UK, Canada, Australia,Hong Kong China and other countries universities with English programme ). He has a proven track record of guiding almost 1000 students towards acceptances at world top universities, he turned the impossible into the possible.

His expertise lies in strategic school selection, personal graduation plan, compelling personal statement crafting, and comprehensive application mentoring. He is passionate about transforming students' unique stories into standout applications that get noticed by admissions committees.

Page Wu

High School Counselor

I graduated from Huanggang Normal University with a major in translation. During my time at university, I have passed the Test for English Major-8 and Test for English Major-4, and obtained the qualification of a high school English teacher certificate. After entering the education field, I continued my studies and obtained the TEFL certificate. I have been working in student management for more than six years. I am a rigorous and friendly, straightforward and sincere in my work. I strictly demands myself, hoping to influence students with my words, actions, and every detail, paying close attention to every student, thinking more from their perspective, seeing the different shining points of each student, and condensing them into a big beam of light for the class collective.

Adela Bai

ESL Counselor & ESL Teacher (Language Arts)

Teacher Bai Yu holds a master's degree in Management from the Education University of Hong Kong. She has been deeply engaged in the Maple Leaf Education System for 8 years and currently serves as a counselor for the ESL Grade and an English Teacher at Shenzhen Maple Leaf School.

Throughout her 8-year teaching career, relying on her solid professional foundation, rich teaching experience, and humorous personal style, she has created a lively and interesting classroom atmosphere. This not only significantly enhances students' interest and ability in English learning but also earns her the trust of students and high recognition from parents with her warm and approachable attitude.

"Foster with love and wait patiently for the flowers to bloom" is the educational motto that Teacher Bai Yu has always adhered to. In her daily teaching and counselor work, she always listens to students' needs with patience, cares for their growth with love, and guides students to establish a positive attitude towards learning and life with a sense of responsibility. She strives to help every student move forward steadily on their growth path and shine with their unique brilliance.

Rainbow Wang

High School Counselor

Rainbow Wang holds a Master’s degree in Musicology from Xinjiang Normal University, specializing in Piano Performance, with additional training in Vocal Music and Chinese Ethnic Dance. She is a highly qualified educator, possessing advanced certifications such as the Senior Vocal Music Certificate from the China Children’s Culture Promotion Association and the ABRSM Teaching Certificate. She is also certified as a Level III Coach and Judge by the China Sports Dance Association.

Currently serving as a Senior School Counselor Teacher at Maple Leaf International Academy – Shenzhen, Rainbow brings over 10 years of front-line music teaching experience. Many of her former students have been admitted to prestigious music conservatories and university music programs across China.

Rainbow is dedicated to fostering a vibrant artistic and cultural environment on campus. She has extensive experience organizing school music evenings, leading student clubs, and directing a variety of extracurricular activities. Recognized as a Longgang District Key Teacher, she has guided students to achieve second prize in district-level competitions.

Her educational philosophy is:“Cultivating wisdom and health together; nurturing character and ability side by side!”

Karen Cao

Zhou Enlai Class Counselor

Ms. Karen Cao serves as the Counsellor of the HonoraryZhouEnlaiClass. She holds a postgraduate degree in English, has obtained the TEM-8 certification, and possesses a Senior High School Teacher Qualification Certificate.

She is down-to-earth and steady in character, skilled in communication and listening, and maintains an optimistic and positive attitude. She enjoys a teacher-student relationship that is both instructional and friendly. Many of the students she has taught have been admitted to the world's top 10 universities.

With 11 years of experience in teaching and managing English classes as a head teacher, she also holds the qualification of a Family Education Instructor. The classes she has led have won the title of "Municipal Excellent Class" on multiple occasions. Her educational motto is: "Respect first, education second, and love in between."

Geoff Cui

Academic Secretary

Geoff is a 2017 alumnus of Dalian Maple Leaf, and now works as the secretary in the high school’s counsellor department in Shenzhen Campus. He majored in psychology and graduated from Lakehead University in Canada, then he pursed further studies, completing an MSc in psychology in the UK in 2023. His years abroad gave him new perspectives on the world, and fostered a readiness to explore new knowledge and ideas while remembering where he belongs. So, he returned to his homeland, and proudly became a “Maple Leafer” again.

Danna Pang

Foreign Affairs Secretary

Ms. Pang joined Maple Leaf in 2022 and is mainly responsible for foreign teacher related affairs, including entry arrangements, contract signing, salary accounting, expense reimbursement, work document processing, file management, etc. She also assists foreign teachers in solving daily affairs and problems during work; Also responsible for handling foreign student visa applications and related business.

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Maple Leaf International Academy – Shenzhen


68 Bibao 2nd Road, Nanyue Community,

Longgang District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China