Faculty & Staff

Debbie-Sue Blanks, Head Principal

Since the time I was in middle school I knew that I would be working overseas. As a teenager I moved from my home country, South Africa, to live in the United States where I became a typical TCK who thrives in multi-cultural settings. I feel so blessed to be working at CDIS because this school combines my love of students and teachers with a rich blend of people who come from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. Besides my work, I love taveling, drinking coffee, and visiting with friends.

Education: ~M.Ed., Educational Administration, Columbia International University ~HDE, Higher Diploma in Education, University of South Africa ~BS, Chemistry, Southern Nazarene University

Josh Keegan, Secondary School Principal

I am the descendant of Irish potato farmers who immigrated to North America in the 19th century and eventually settled in the northeast corner of the United States, where I was born and raised. I have always enjoyed the international experience, spending part of my growing up years in Australia, where my parents lived for 20 years. Before moving to China I worked in social work and alternative education in the city of Philadelphia, where I met and married my wife. We have now have a growing family and enjoy living and working in China. In my spare time, I love reading, sports, and spending time with my wife and kids. I feel privileged to be an educator and consider it a joy to work with the incredible students and staff that we have at Chengdu International School.

Education: B.S. Social Studies Education – Philadelphia Biblical University
M.Ed Education – Indiana Wesleyan University

Steven Dorgelo, Primary School Principal

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.

Bill Gandy, Guidance & Counselor

Bill is a school counselor who thrives on helping others through career counseling, academic achievement, and academic advising.  During his previous employment of ten years he served as the director of admissions and school counseling for an American international school in Tianjin, China. 
Bill highly values individuals and believes, "There is hope in forgiveness." *   His focus is  multicultural advising and career counseling and Bill especially enjoys coaching individuals or facilitating groups who desire to accomplish significant tasks while enjoying the process.
Bill's interests include Chinese tea culture, archery, and mountain treks.

*quote from John Piper

Chris Scott, Finance Director

I was born and raised in a small town in Texas in the USA. I have a wonderful wife and four children who all love CDIS.

Education: B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from The University of Texas and M.Ed. in Educational Administration from Tarleton State University.

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.

Christine Wei, Head Principal's Secretary

Education is the theme of my life. Whenever I see a child, I see hope, joy and love.

Education:MA in Intercultural Studies,Biola University, BA in English Education,Sichuan Academy of Education

Kathy Gandy, Student Adviser

Linda Yang, Secondary School 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

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.

Faith Ford, Registrar

I am from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I earned a college degree in the legal field and before moving to China I worked as a Paralegal for over 10 years. My husband and I have 3 children.

Vicky Wang, Primary School Principal's Secretary

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

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

Vian Guo, Office Assistant

Rebecca Leng, Receptionist & Marketing Assistant

I was born and grew up in Chengdu. I love Chengdu’s spicy food, pleasant weather and passionate people. I graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Sichuan University. I have been at CDIS since December 2009. I love meeting new people and watching the kids play. All in all, the amiable staff, parents and students always make me feel cared for, loved and part of a big family.

David Yost, High School 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

Elaine Peters, High School 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, 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.

Kirsten Rodgers, Middle & High School Math Teacher

Miss Rodgers has grown up in the busy atmosphere of Northern Virginia, and attended college at Grove City College outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She has had much experience working with math, including traveling to San Francisco to present original research on a mathematical concept relating to Abstract Algebra. She loves working with youth, and has worked as a camp counselor and as a youth group leader for over five years. She teaches Algebra 1, Algebra ½ and Musical Leadership.

Education: BA, Grove City College, PA

Doug Flowers, Social Studies Teacher

Canadian, married to Katia with two kids.

Education:Bachelors of Education; MA in Intercultural Studies; TESOL Specialization

Katia Flowers, Theology & Psychology 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

Alison Allen, Middle School English Teacher

I grew up in Texas and lived in Colorado and Northern California before settling in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. I took enough credits for a degree in English, but eventually earned a bachelor of science degree in communications. I worked as a reporter, writer, editor, editorial manager and project manager in local and Fortune 500 companies for over 20 years. After two decades in Georgia, I moved to Idaho with my daughter to become a senior editorial project manager. Once she went off to college, I decided to follow my bliss and become a teacher. So I earned a master of arts in teaching degree from George Fox University. Though I'm new to teaching, I already love the classroom and the kids! I'm excited to see them learn to enjoy literature and become better writers!

Education: B.S., Communications, Kennesaw State University; Master of Arts, Teaching, George Fox University.

Travis Miller, High School English Teacher

I grew up in the most beautiful place on earth, Gold Beach, Oregon. After graduation from Gold Beach High School, I took a few years off and then entered Western Oregon University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in the Humanities and my Master of Arts Teaching. This is my eighth year teaching high school English/Language Arts, and I love my work as much as I ever have. I’m looking forward to another great year with the remarkable students, parents, and staff here at CDIS.

Matt Perdue, High School Social Studies Teacher

I was born in Tuscaloosa, AL USA (Roll Tide!). I have been married to Sarah Storm Perdue since December 1, 2006. We have two children, Brynn and Aubrey. In my spare time, I love to watch/play sports, watch movies/TV shows and play video games.

Education:B.S. in Mass Communications with a Journalism Concentration from the University of Montevallo. Teaching certification in Secondary Social Sciences from the University of West Alabama.

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

Bethany Broesder, Band & Music 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 studied flute and Music Education. I believe my purpose at CDIS is to have a personal impact in the lives of my students and to instill in them a love for music and a desire to strive for musical excellence. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for CDIS and for the music department! CDIS Band website https://cdisband.wikispaces.com

Education: Cedarville University, Music Education

Tom Ford, Choir & Music Teacher

I grew up in Taiwan where my parents ran an orphanage. After high school I returned to the U.S. where I received my undergraduate degree in Music Education and have taught music for 10 years, and love working with kids of all ages.

Education:Master of Music Education, Lebanon Valley College, PA

Harmony Liu, Music Co-Teacher

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

Rhetta Atkins, Art Education

I grew up in the foothills of Gowensville, South Carolina. I studied art education as well as teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. I have taught art for three years in a primary school prior to coming to CDIS. The thing I value most about the arts is their inspirational potential. There are few things I appreciate more than learning, laughing, and diversity.

Education: B.A. in Art (K-12 Education) from Anderson University; ESOL (K-12) Teaching Certification from University of South Carolina Upstate

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

Brian Spata, Physical Education (Secondary School)

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

Bryan Hou, Technology Director & Computer Science 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

Andy Whitlock, High School Science Teacher

My wife Aimee and I, along with our three children, are from beautiful Charleston, South Carolina. We love fun in the sun especially at the beach. I look forward to bringing over fourteen years of both professional and teaching experience into the science classroom at CDIS.

Education:BS in Biology, Clearwater Christian College in Clearwater, FL. MA in Education, The Citadel in Charleston, SC.

Daniel Wang, Middle School Science Teacher

I was born in Beijing, but grew up in Ontario, Canada. In my spare time I like to play sports, and relax with friends. I am an avid player and fan of the beautiful game (soccer), and of Manchester United, the greatest football club in the world.

Education:BS in Biology and Adolescence Education, Houghton College, NY

Cindy Lee, Middle School Math Teacher

I grew up in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. My parents immigrated to America from Hong Kong (originally from Fujian Province) in their 20s. Growing up with 3 sisters and 1 brother, I would always tag along with my older brother to play all kinds of sports with basketball being my favorite. Before CDIS, I taught middle and high school Math in the city of Philadelphia.

Education: Master of Science in Education at Philadelphia Biblical University. Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies at Pennsylvania State University.

Nannico Zhang, Junior Kindergarten Teacher

I love kids, and like to learn.

Education: Associate Degree in English, Sichuan Normal University

Jennifer Maruschak, Kindergarten Teacher

I grew up in a small town near Cleveland, Ohio, with my backyard being Lake Erie. After graduating from my university, I moved to Columbia, South Carolina, which has a climate very similar to Chendgu's summer heat. My bachelor's degree is in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Intervention Specialist. Before coming to China, I taught kindergarten children with special needs in a school in Columbia, South Carolina.

Lu Xia, Kindergarten Co-Teacher

I was born and raised in a village along Chinese longest river- Yangze River in Anhui Province, Central part of China. Since Graduated from college, I have been teaching in international Schools for 6 years. It is a big blessing in my life to work with kids especially with younger ones. I believe that being a teacher is a lot more than just teaching. To me, being a teacher is given an opportunity to make difference in kids’ life as well as my own life.

Education: B.A. in English, Southwest University for Nationalities .

Catie Walker, 1st Grade 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

Jing Zeng, 1st 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

Amanda Elliott, 2nd Grade Teacher

I am from Ellsworth, Maine. I graduated from Cedarville University in 2005 and I have been working at CDIS since. I very much enjoy getting to know the students and families here, and love the school atmosphere and dynamics. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, outdoor recreational activities, reading, and experiencing and seeing more of the world than I had before coming to China.

Education: BA in Early Childhood Education, Cedarville University

Lily Leng, 2nd Grade Co-Teacher

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

Sara Dwight, 3rd Grade Teacher

I grew up in beautiful Minneapolis, Minnesota. In addition to educating students, I enjoy sports, hiking, watching movies, and reading. I love being a part of the CDIS community!

Education:North Park University in Chicago, Illinois where I majored in Elementary Education and History.

Jake Tang, 3rd 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

Laura Fulford, 4th Grade Teacher

I graduated from Biola University in California with a major in Communication. Then I studied Bilingual Education at California State University, Fullerton and received a Bilingual Spanish Teaching Certificate. I have taught children in all different grades from K-8 in schools in California, Peru, the Philippines, China and Idaho, U.S.A. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Mike, for 16 years and we have two daughters, Grace and Joy. I like to walk, read, write, bake and chat with friends.

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

Dawn Scott, 5th Grade Teacher

After growing up in Illinois, USA, I moved to Texas,USA. There I met the fabulous Mr. Scott, got married and became a teacher. Our four fabulous children all love CDIS, as do I. My favorite hobbies are my family and encouraging kids to read.

Jane Liang, 5th 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: Advanced Diploma in Business Administration, West London College, UK

Mikey Gao, PE Teacher (Primary School)

My first job was a martial art coach. After graduating from Sport's University in 2005, I have been working in CDIS since. I love physical education, kids and enjoy teaching.

Caleb Xiao, PE Teacher

I love sports and I also like to be around kids.

Education:BA in P.E from Chengdu Sports University

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

Michelle Zeng, Chinese 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

Rebecca Pan, Chinese Teacher

I was born and grew up inChengdu. This is my 4th year working at CDIS. I love reading and being around my dogs and cats. There is nothing more wonderful than watching chidren growing and growing with them.

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

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

Julia Deng, Chinese Language Teacher

I was born in Shanxi Province which is a famous historical and cultural place. Because of this, I was getting more and more interested in history and culture. My major in college is Chinese literature. After my graduation, I have taught Chinese in CDIS for six month, and then I started Language Center until I went to the Philippines in 2007. I am very happy and excited to be back to CDIS and share my knowledge with my students here.

Education: BA in Chinese literature, MA in classical Chinese literature from Southwest University for Nationalities

Lin Lin Xu, Chinese Teacher

I was born, raised, and educated in Shandong. I taught Chinese in the Philippines from 2008 to 2010. During my time there I was able to improve my teaching skills. I love to be with kids and enjoy every moment that I spend with them. For me it is a blessing to be a part of the CDIS community.

Education:Yantai Teacher Training University, major in Physical Education

Dandan Liu, Chinese Tutor

Gloria Cheng, 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

Mercy Xie, Chinese Tutor

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.

Lynn Lin, ESOL Teacher

What a wonderful project it is to grow together with students! Right after my graduation from university, I started teaching college students who were only a couple of years younger than me. They were not only my students but my friends as well. A lot of sweet memories! This is my 20th year of teaching ESL__9 years at colleges in China, 3+ years at an ESL school in Canada and 6+ years at international schools in Chengdu. To my friends’ surprise, I am still enthusiastic for teaching. I have a feeling that education will be my life-long passion. I am married with a son, and I enjoy time with my family and friends.

Education: C-TESOL from Carleton University, Canada; BA in English Language and Literature from Sichuan University, China

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

Pensiri "Nuk" Kongkaw, Secondary ESOL Teacher

I am your average third culture kid. I was born in Bangkok, Thailand but moved to Texas and spent eight years of my life there. My family and I then moved back to Thailand where I attended Grace International School for six years, and then I graduated and went to college in New York. I have racked up years of experience in traveling, being a language learner, and learning to love and work with people from many different countries and all walks of life. I'm looking forward to getting to know my students in the classroom, mentoring them, and showing them who's boss on the basketball and soccer fields.

Education: BA in Intercultural Studies and TESOL, Houghton College. Certified for TESOL for K-12 by New York State.

Angel Mei, ESOL 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

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