Early Years Team

Caroline Coghlan

Deputy Head of Early years of TH

EY curriculum coordinator of LW

• As the Early Years coordinator of ISA Tianhe, Caroline brings over 16 years of education experience to our school. Caroline became a member of ISA Tianhe International School of Guangzhou in 2018. Throughout her career, she has worked in Primary and Early Years schools in Ireland, UK and Hong Kong, as well as Early Childhood Centers in USA.
• Caroline graduated from Queens University of Belfast with both a BA Hons in Psychology and then later returned to complete her Masters Degree in Education. She studied for her Postgraduate Certificate in Education at the University of Bath Spa. Caroline has trained in Special Education Needs provision and holds various IB certificates, as well as those specific for teaching English to second language learners. Caroline has held a mentor and supervisor role supporting colleagues who are completing their Postgraduate Certificate of Education. She enjoys forming close relationships with students, parents and co-workers to ensure all members of the ISA Tianhe school community feel seen, heard and valued.

Pamela Wang

Teaching Affairs Management Coordinator of TH &LW

• Pamela has been in the education industry for over ten years and is currently the Teaching Affairs Management Coordinator & Associate Teacher & Classroom Assistant Coordinator at ISA Tianhe. She has many years of experience working in international schools, and she is keen at international education concepts and the differences between Chinese and western education philosophies. She is currently responsible for the school curriculum, teaching arrangements, associate teachers and the training of classroom assistants.
• She has also attended and passed the PYP programme teacher training for IB school accreditation. As an educator, she believes that "Every child is unique" and is passionate about helping every student to know themselves and become the best they can be.

Sandra Buckner

Teacher of Early Years

• Sandy Buckner- Basil is a USA/International Educator with over twenty-five years' experience. She has been a KG2 Coordinator and Grade Level Leader in her previous schools. She has a Masters with Honors in Special Needs from Kaplan University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Cincinnati. She also has a TESOL certification.
• Sandy is new to China but not to International teaching. She has a belief that all children are capable of learning, no matter where they come from. She is excited to be a part of the ISA Liwan family.

Darryl Wells

EY PE and Swimming Teacher

• Diego comes from Toronto, Canada and has been teaching physical education at international schools for more than 25 years. He has worked in 11 different countries: Bolivia, Canada, Ecuador, Ghana, Indonesia, Myanmar, Peru, Thailand, Turkey, Venezuela and now about to start his 8th year teaching in China.
• Diego is eager to promote lifelong fitness, and the love of sport, for the students of the early years programme. He hopes to harness their energy in a positive manner, to create an exciting, interactive, individualized physical education programme for each student.

Anisa Farabi

Teacher of Early Years

• Anisa was born and raised on the island of Trinidad and Tobago. She embodies a unique blend of cultural influences, complemented by her British and Persian heritage. This multicultural background has shaped her into a true global citizen. She loves travelling and possesses a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and traditions.
• Anisa has taught in both London and Shanghai, bringing with her extensive teaching experience primarily focused on Early Years and Key Stage 1. She firmly believes in the effectiveness of child-led, play-based, and inquiry-driven learning methods. Anisa uses children's interests as a starting point for planning, ensuring a personalised learning experience for each student. Her teaching philosophy revolves around nurturing confident and self-motivated learners through the integration of play, discovery, and guided techniques. She aims to create an inclusive, enjoyable and engaging environment where children can thrive and develop as independent learners driven by their curiosity about the world around them.

Geneva Louise Jones

Teacher of Early Years

• Geneva has been working with children for over 20 years, and in an Early Years setting for nearly 10 years.
• She grew up in San Francisco and graduated from New York University with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Geneva moved to Dubai in 2014 and completed her PGCE in 2016. Geneva is new in Guangzhou and very excited to be teaching at ISA Liwan! She has taught the IB curriculum for many years, as well as American curriculum and the British EYFS. She moved here with her dog, a Pekingese named Taft, and enjoys trying new food and looks forward to exploring neighborhoods in Guangzhou.

Lesley Marie Walker

Teacher of Early Years

• Highly experienced Early years teacher and centre Manager
• An In-depth knowledge of Reggio and Magda Gerba Philosophies
• UK International Curriculum experience
• Close to 20 years of Experience within Early years Education centres
• Experienced within all EY age groups, teaching and leading
• Lesley, New Zealand Qualified and experienced Early years teacher who believes that learning comes from play, from exploring and questioning. Lesley feels her role as an Early Childhood Educator is to evoke interest and curiosity in young minds. She feels passionate about developing positive relationships within a nurturing and stimulating environment. Her role is to provide the best quality care and service for our children, to support the implementation of the learning framework, and support the children's wellbeing, learning and development. Her personal philosophy aligns with Magder Gerber when working with babies and infants and Reggio Emilia.