Faculty & Staff

Jim Belcher, Principal

Mr. Belcher has seventeen years teaching and administrative experience at public elementary and secondary schools in California and in China. He has been teaching at CDIS since 2005. He loves the Chinese people, having been back and forth between the US and China for a total of eleven years in China stretching back to the early 1980's.

Education: B.S. in Microbiology from California State Polytechnic University Pomona; M.Ed. in Educational Management from University of LaVerne; Teaching and Administrative Credentials issued by the State of California.

Chris Scott, Assistant Principal-Business Services

Before coming to CDIS, my previous 12 years in education have all been in the Texas public school system. During that time, I have been a math and science teacher, a high school assistant principal, and a district Director of Finance. I have a wonderful wife and 4 children who are wonderful 94% of the time.

Education: BS in Aerospace Engineering from University of Texas; MEd in Educational Administration from Tarleton State University.

Steven Dorgelo, Assistant Principal-Elementary

I was born, raised and educated in The Netherlands, Europe. After some years of traveling around the world and teaching in schools for special education, I moved to Chengdu in 2002 with my wife and 2 children. In my free time I love to travel and do some photography, read a good book or listen to classical music.

Karen Jiang, National Staff Coordinator

I was born and grew up in Chengdu. Before I came to CDIS, I once worked in a middle school as a Chinese teacher, and then worked in office for many years. I love kids and I also have a child. I believe that challenges will help people make progress.

Linda Yang, Principal's Secretary

I was born in Chengdu, but my family hometown is Shenyang. I'm not good at singing or acting, but somtimes I like to imitate people's performances. Before I came to CDIS, I was a news reporter in a small television station. I love working at CDIS. I always view it as my home, every staff here is my family member. I feel so happy that I can work with them. I also love the kids around me. I love their shiny smiles and their innocent faces.

Education: B.A. in Scientific English, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China

Pearl Pu, Office Manager

I love kids and spicy foods!

Education: BA in English, Sichuan University

Adelle Schanely, Registrar, Math Teacher

I was born and raised in the Carolina's and have spent most of my life living in North Carolina. For eight years of my early years I spent time in Papua New Guinea. After living in PNG I went to middle and high school in the small town of Waxhaw, NC. After graduation I traveled about 8 hours away to the state of Ohio where I spent four awesome years at the best university in the world - Cedarville! I majored in Middle School Education and love working with middle schoolers. I teach Algebra Half, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Advanced Math.

Education: BA in Childhood Education: emphasis im Math and Science, Cedarville University

Yonkyung Choi, Korean Community Liaison, Teacher

I was born in Seoul, Korea. I had worked in CCU, Severance hospital in Seoul for 6 years. After marriage I quit my job and studied linguistics. I have three children. I love reading books, especially Christian books.

Education: B.A. of nursing science, EHWA Women's University, studied 2yrs linguistics at Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics in Dallas.

Vicky Wang, Assistant Principals' Secretary

I like drawing, reading, sports, traveling, music, and watching TV.

Education: BA in English, University of Electronic Science Technology of China

Cecilia Li, Purchase Manager

Lily Leng, Receptionist

Education: Associated degree of English Interpreting, Sichuan International Study’s University (Chengdu College)

Jenny Zichi, 12th Grade Home Room & English Teacher

I was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. At the University of Florida I majored in Literature and minored in Secondary Education. I went on to receive my masters degree in Education. After graduation, I taught for two years at a public high school in Gainesville, Florida. This is my fifth year teaching at Chendgu International School. I love working with teenagers and being a part of CDIS.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Masters of Education, University of Florida

Bev Swem, English Teacher

David Yost, 11th Grade Home Room & Theology Teacher

I grew up mostly in the Mid-West states of the U.S. I taught Math and Music at an International School in Uijongbu, South Korea for three years. Most recently my wife and I worked as Family Teachers to troubled youth in San Antonio, Texas. We have two kids, Marissa and DJ.

Education: BA in Liberal Arts from Crown College, MM in Christian Studies from Master's International Divinity School

Dehua Zhao, Upper School Co-Teacher

I was born and raised in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia. I lived in Guangzhou for 7 years for college. After graduation, I came to Chengdu and have been working at CDIS since 2001. I love movies and different foods and places.

Education: Bachelor of Philosophy, postgraduate study experience, Sun Yat-Sen University

Elaine Moss, 10th Grade Home Room & Math Teacher

I was born and grew up in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. I majored in Mathematics and minored in Philosophy at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. After graduating, I spent two months teaching English in Thailand. Before coming to CDIS, I taught middle and high school math for two years at a private school in my hometown. I enjoy reading, the beauty of mathematics, and hearing people's stories.

Education: Bachelor of Science, Murray State University

Glen Walanda, 9th Grade Home Room & Science Teacher

I grew up in the Ozark Foothills region of Missouri. I lived 15 miles from my "hometown" of 405 people (there were only around 5000 people in the entire county). After college I moved to Los Angeles were I spent four years. I have taught integrated science, physical science, biology, chemistry, and physics in public and charter schools in both Missouri and California.

Education: BS in Education (BSE) in Physics from Central Missouri State University. Unified Science Teaching Certification in Missouri and a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential: Physics in California.

Du Qiang, Science Co-Teacher

I'm interested in flowers and I like mountain climbing. Tennis is my favorite sport.

Education: BS in Biology, Sichuan Normal University

Rachel Allmen, 8th Grade Home Room & Social Studies Teacher

Even though I was born in Minnesota and went there for high school, I now think of Chicago as my hometown. There I was able to meet my husband, gain experience teaching, and make a lot of wonderful friends. I am very excited to be teaching at CDIS. It is wonderful to teach social studies to teenagers who already understand that the world is a lot bigger than their neighborhood. I look forward to challenging my students and getting to know them.

Education: BS in Secondary Education from Northwestern University, Masters of Arts in Teaching History from University of Illinois-Chicago

Solomon Lee, Middle School Co-Teacher

I am an outgoing person and I have many hobbies. They include collecting coins, stamps, reading Chinese classical books, and watching history movies.

Education: Associate Degree in English, Sichuan Int'l Studies University

Alan Allmen, 7th Grade Home Room & Science Teacher

I am originally from Farmington Hills, MI, which is a suburb of Detroit. I moved to the Chicago area for college, and stayed there for several years teaching science in the public schools in Chicago. Aside from teaching, I love sports, politics, the environment, reading, good food, and playing strategy games.

Education: BS Ed from Northwestern University, majoring in Biological Sciences. MEd from University of Illinois at Chicago, majoring in ESL.

Kate Mariner, 6th Grade Home Room & Social Study Teacher

I love poetry and my favorite thing to do is go for a long jog! I moved to China in 2008 after teaching in Atlanta for 2 years. I grew up in Ohio and went to college in Grove City, Pennsylvania.

Education: BA, Grove City College, Pennsylvania

Bethany Broesder, Upper School Band Teacher

I grew up in Lakeland, Florida and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina just before high school. After high school I attended Cedarville University in Ohio where I majored in Music Education. My passions are music, teaching and graphic design. I am very excited about the potential of the CDIS band program and looking forward to growing it into something extraordinary!

Education: Cedarville University, Music Education

Harmony Liu, Music teacher assistant

I was born in Luzhou. After graduation, I've been teaching piano and vocal. I love music and teaching.

Education: Bachelor of Music Education, Sichuan Conservatory of Music

Barbara Janz, Music Specialist for Lower and Middle School

My husband, son, and I moved to Chengdu in 2007 and are very fond of China, Chengdu and its people! It is a privilege to be working with the students and teachers at CDIS. My passion is to teach students to discover and develop an appreciation for music.

Education: Teacher-Performer certificate, Western Board of Music; Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Education, University of Manitoba, Canada

Katie Spata, Art Education

I was born in Ashland, OH USA, but lived in Bellefontaine, Ohio for the majority of my life. I went to Taylor University in Indiana for four years, graduated in May 2005, got married July 9, 2005, and moved to China two weeks later. I enjoy the arts in every aspect, and I love to exercise, especially swimming, hiking and exploring the unknown world around me. I am a traveler at heart!

Education: BS in Art Education, Taylor University

Sophia Cheng, Art Co-Teacher

I love arts. That is why I study art in college. I like singing, dancing, traveling, etc. I enjoy working with arts & kids in CDIS!

Education: Bachelor of Art, Sichuan University

Bryan Hou, Technology Director & Teacher

I was born and grew up in Guangzhou, China. After finishing graduate schools in Philadelphia, I stayed in that area and worked as an Information Analyst and Programmer in financial and healthcare industries. I enjoy tennis and badminton.

Education: Bachelor of Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical College; Masters of Science, Temple University; Masters of Business Administration in MIS, LaSalle University

Michael Meng, Technology Support

I worked in the financial auditing area before I came to CDIS. I enjoy digital multimedia.

Education: Graduated from 4 yrs Computer Science program from University of Electronic Science and Technology, China

Brian Spata, Physical Education (K-12)

Originally from Chicago, IL, I graduated from Taylor University in May of 2005. Katie and I were married in July 2005, and moved to China 2 weeks later. I enjoy almost every outdoor activity from soccer to biking, as well as tennis, skiing and golf.

Education: Taylor University, Bachelor of Science; Health and Physical Education

Folake Orekoya, Theology Teacher

II worked with a private organization as an editor of a corporate journal and taught as a lower school teacher on part-time in Singapore for five years before I came to China in 2002. I also taught adult literacy and worked with both indigenous and overseas organizations doing research. This is my seventh year with the ISC/CDIS and I have taught Kindergarten, first, third, and fifth grades during these years. I am currently teaching Theology (7th & 8th). I am married with three children. Some of my hobbies are: reading, writing and dancing.

Education: BA in Theology and Mass Communications, Patten College, California, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria, M.Ed, Indiana Wesleyan University

Catie Walker, Kindergarten Teacher

I grew up in a small town in Michigan but went to college in Ohio. I graduated from Cedarville University in 2006 and moved back to Michigan. Before coming to China I lived and worked at a family camp near my hometown. I love yellow flowers, reading, laughing, and watching movies.

Education: BA in Early Childhood Education, Cedarville University

Nannico Zhang, Kindergarten Co-Teacher

I love kids, and like to learn.

Education: Associate Degree in English, Sichuan Normal University

Laura Fulford, 1st Grade Teacher

My husband, two daughters and I have lived in China over 3 years. I like seeing new places and making new friends. I have lived in several other countries as well and have taught for many years. I am glad to be at CDIS, and I really enjoy my students and the wonderful staff members.

Education: Graduated from Biola University with BA in Communications, California State University Fullerton - Bilingual Education (Spanish)

Jake Tang, 1st Grade Co-Teacher

I was born and raised in Guanghan, Sichuan. I went to college during 1996 to 2000, majoring in English education. I have been a teacher all the time since my graduation. I love my parents, sisters and friends. I have a wide range of hobbies, and especially like to workout.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Sichuan Normal University

Admanda Elliott, 2nd Grade Teacher

I am from Ellsworth, Maine. I recently graduated from Cedarville University. I have very much enjoyed getting to know the people here, exploring the city, and experiencing many new and interesting things.

Education: BA in Early Childhood Education, Cedarville University

Michelle Zeng, 2nd Grade Co-Teacher

I was born and grew up in Sichuan. I graduated from Sichuan Normal University in 2004. This is my 5th year teaching in CDIS. I love dancing, traveling and spicy food. I enjoy teaching kids a lot!

Education: BA in English Education, Sichuan Normal University

Zack Brewer, 3rd Grade Teacher

I am from Knoxville, Tennessee. In 2004 I moved to Johnson City, Tennessee and attended ETSU. In my spare time I like to explore Chengdu, write music, write short stories, take pictures, and make movies.

Education: BS in Elementary Education from East Tennessee State University

Summer Zeng, 3rd Grade Co-Teacher

I came to CDIS in 2003. I taught at Chengdu Financial and Trade Vocational High School from 2000 to 2003.

Education: Bachelor of English, Sichuan University

Sara Lawrence, 4th Grade Teacher

My home country is the United States of America. Though I was not born in Oregon, I still consider myself a transplanted Oregonian. I enjoy hiking in the mountains, being in nature and a good rainstorm. My hobbies include reading, watching movies,gardening, cooking and many artistic and crafty pursuits including drawing, painting, beading, and stained glass.I also love learning about Chinese language and culture and feel privileged to be able to live and teach in China.

Education: Bachelor in Elementary Education, Western Oregon State College

Rejoice Huang, 4th Grade Co-Teacher

I am a typical Cantonese and seafood is my favorite food. I studied at South China Normal University and got a bachelor's degree in biology education. I moved to Chengdu when I graduated. I have been working at CDIS as a science co-teacher for three years. I was married in 2004. I love watching movies and practicing calligraphy.

Education: BS in Biology Education, South China Normal University

Katia Flowers, 4th Grade Teacher

I was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where I attended a British School from JK - grade 9 and an American School from grade 10 - 12. I am married with two children, and I love reading and interacting with students.

Education: Bachelor and licensure in Psychology and teaching, Pontifical Catholic University

Jane Liang, 4th Grade Co-Teacher

I was born and grew up in Chengdu. I studied in Kenya for IGCSE in an English International School, and then went to study in England in business administration. Before coming to work at CDIS, I had heard about it a lot. Now here I am!! I love the working environment, the teachers and of course the students.

Education: Associate Degree in Business Administration, West London College, UK

Jeff Lehman, 5th Grade Teacher

I grew up in Canada in a city one hour west of Toronto. Since graduating from university, I have had the opportunity to travel to New Zealand and to live and work in Cambodia and Indonesia. Outside of school, my main interests are mountain biking and cycling, photography, reading, and listening to music.

Education: BA in Environmental Science: Emphasis Geography, University of Waterloo, BA in Education, University of Windsor, MEd, Indiana Wesleyan University

Angel Mei, 5th Grade Co-Teacher

I was born in a town near Chengdu in 1979. After graduating from college, I worked for two years in a public middle school in my hometown, then, I studied English for two years in Sichuan University. I'm very happy to work here with my colleagues.

Education: English, Sichuan University

Mikey Gao, PE Co-Teacher

Caleb Xiao, PE Co-Teacher

Molly Yang, Chinese Teacher

I was born in Jingzhou of Hubei Province. I came to Chengdu for my University study. My major was Chinese in University. After graduation, I taught for one year at a Chinese training center. This is my second year teaching at Chendgu International School. I enjoy working with such wonderful colleagues and being a part of CDIS. I love spicy food very much!

Education: Bachelor of Chinese in Southwest University for Nationalities

Joy Wu, Chinese Teacher

I was born in Dazhou, a city in the east of Sichuan, where I spent most of my childhood. In 2000, I was accepted as an English Education major by Sichuan Normal and studied there for 4 years. In college, I received many schoolwide scholarship awards. In 2004, I graduated from my university as one of The Excellent College Students and got the job at CDIS. In 2001, I met my boyfriend (now my husband), Colin, in another university. We were baptized together and got married both on Easter in 2005 (We think that's meaningful). I love being with kids and teaching them. And I love running and doing outdoor activities (by the way, I was a distance runner for many years).

Education: BA in English Education, Sichuan Normal University

Wendy Tang, Chinese Teacher

I was born in Chengdu. I graduated form Sichuan University in 2006 majoring in Journalism. After that I served ICBC as a personal assistant for 1 year. I love reading books and raising pets.

Education: Master degree of Literature, Sichuan University

Sherrie He, Chinese Teacher

I was born in and grew up in Guang'an of Sichuan Province. Now my parents live in Mianyang. During 2001-2005, I went to college in Chongqing. After graduation, I furthered my study in Sichuan University for a Master degree. For seven years, I have majored in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language. Besides my study, I also did a lot of practice Chinese teaching in several universities. I like teaching Chinese. I like challenging myself to improve my teaching skills. I enjoy being a part of CDIS.

Education: Master degree of Literature, Sichuan University

Madeleine Li, Chinese Teacher

I was born and raised in Hunan province . I like teaching and I like spicy food.

Education: BA, Chinese Language and Literature from Hunan Jishou University. Currently the third year of Master’s program of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language in Sichuan university

Natasha Tan, Chinese Teacher

I am from the Guangxi Province which is known for its love of singing. I also enjoy singing as well as dancing, reading, watching movies, and traveling.

Education: Associates Degree in English, South West Minority University

Dandan Liu, Chinese Tutor

Judd Jiang, Chinese Tutor

I have two years teaching and training experience at a public middle school in Mianzhu, Sichuan. I've worked at CDIS since 2002 as cashier and Chinese tutor.

Education: Bachelor of business management of Sichuan University

Andrew Zeng, Accountant

I was born in Luzhou of Si Chuan and went to Si Chuan Wu Zi Institute of accounting in 1981. I got married in 1994 and we have one girl. I worked almost 5 years for a publicly traded company in Hai Nan.

Steve Chen, Accountant

I was born and raised in Shenyang, Northeastern China. In 1997 I received my bachelor degree in Business Finance from the University of Toledo, Ohio, and subsequently went on to study for my MBA which I received in 1999. Overall I spent more than a decade studying and working in the US. This experience had proved to be invaluable because it offered me a great opportunity to understand a different culture. An in-depth understanding in both cultures, East and West, allows me to see myself and the world in a much more meaningful way. I feel both honored and humbled to find myself in CDIS where I could develop myself both professionally and spiritually. I am looking forward to working with each and everyone of the staff members of the international school system to enjoy a wonderful career and spiritual growth.

Education: BA, MBA, University of Toledo, Ohio

Helen Hu, Cashier

My first job was in sales for a warehouse. Later I worked in the office in another international school. Now, I am a casher in CDIS. I like every change in my life for it will lead me to a new world.

Education: BS in Economic Trade, Northwestern Polytechnical Univercity, XI'an

Ryan Swaim, ESOL & Math Teacher

I have been living in China and teaching English since 2001. I am married to my wife, Sydney, and a son, Jeremy, who was born in Beijing and an adopted daughter Lucy.

Education: MS MangmntInfo Sys, BS Eng.Tech. from University of Colorado - Denver

Lynn Lin, ESOL Teacher

Mercy Xie, Elementary Support Services Co-Teacher

I was born in nature. When I recall my childhood my memory is filled up with all the countryside beauty. That's why I have deep love of trees, plants, flowers and animals. So I love traveling from places to places especially hiking. And also I love sports and exercises.

Education: I was graduated from Xihua University, the former Chengdu Teachers' College. My major is Education English.

Zhou Li, ESOL Co-Teacher

I love teaching and enjoy being with students very much. I'm from Chengdu so I speak Chengduhua very well. I love Sichuan food especially hotpot!

Education: B.A English and Literature from Sichuan Normal University