Primary

David NANGLE

I am from the Emerald Isle of Ireland where the grass is green, the rain is plentiful and the hills seem to roll on forever! I moved to the UK as a young man and became a teacher before emigrating to the hot and sunny United Arab Emirates. Having taught for a number of International schools and projects in the Middle East, my outlook on teaching has always been positive, inclusive and culturally diverse. As I love to travel and experience new cultures, I made the move to Hong Kong and found my passion teaching IB to primary students. Outside of school, my hobbies include going to the gym, playing football (the kind we play in Ireland) and golf.

Fiona MCLOUGHLIN

I grew up in a coastal town on the east coast of South Africa. After 11 years of teaching at both private and state schools, and starting my own family, we decided it was time to see more of the world. We have lived in Vietnam and Norway before coming to Hong Kong.  

I feel very grateful for the opportunities international teaching has afforded my family and I. I love learning from new cultures, making new friends and, having worked in international IB PYP schools, I appreciate how this curriculum prepares young people for the future.

Away from the classroom I enjoy being near the water, reading and taking photographs.

Vivian WANG

Ni hao! It’s my pleasure to join the amazing Chinese team at Discovery College.I was born in Mainland China. I have completed my double master degree in Australia and PGDE in Hong Kong. Before coming to Discovery College, I have experience teaching at other international schools. I enjoy traveling, hiking, jogging or having meals with friends during my spare time.

YanPing ZHAO

I am originally from Nanjing, China and this is where I started my journey as an international school educator. I have worked as a Chinese homeroom teacher, Chinese study teacher and team leader in Beijing, Thailand and Singapore for the past 13 years. I like to travel and learn about different cultures.

Jordana VELASCO (Jordy)

I was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, which is located in South America near the Caribbean Coast. As a Clinical and Educational Child Psychologist, I’ve always been interested in education and working with kids especially those with learning difficulties and/or social-emotional needs.

As part of my international experience, I’ve worked in Doha and Beirut as a Lower School Counsellor/Psychologist for Grades 1 through 5.  I’m actually very pleased with all the rewarding experiences I have acquired through my 13 years of work and such valuable people I’ve met through this journey. 

I have been able to grow professionally and personally and right now am extremely interested in continuing with my International opportunity as well as being able to learn about different cultures and above all helping others. As part of my hobbies, I enjoy listening to music, dancing, traveling, reading, learning new things, and watching movies as well as spending valuable time with my family and friends.

Megan DUCKETT

I am British born and spent the first five years of my life in Cyprus before my family moved to Hong Kong to work as teachers for ESF. After finishing school, I spent nine years studying and working in various countries, before returning to Hong Kong in 2015 to become a teacher myself. While starting out as a mainstream class teacher, my love of the arts has always been a driving force in my teaching and I feel passionately about fostering creativity in young minds. My love of art and design at secondary school led me to study Design at University and I have since developed a particular interest in finding ways to be sustainable with creativity. I love everything about nature, and when I am not in the classroom, I enjoy exploring the hills – always on the hunt for Hong Kong’s best views and waterfalls.

Heather DARLING

I have worked in ESF primary schools for the past 15 years in a variety of roles including class teacher and technology integration coach. Previously I taught in London, UK. Outside of work, I love hiking, camping and skiing. My most recent hobby is rooftop gardening with my family members.

Craig GOUK

I was raised in a small town about an hour from Toronto, Canada. As soon as I could, I set off to explore the world and have lived in seven countries and visited many more. The diversity of people in international education is amazing and something I enjoy celebrating in my own classroom. I’m passionate about research and spend a lot of time reading, trying to figure out how to support students to the best of my ability. Outside of the classroom, I’m up for anything outdoors, especially ultimate frisbee. I also really enjoy playing the guitar, exploring my surroundings, and watching films.

Christopher McLEAY

I grew up on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia. Prior to coming to Hong Kong, I taught Music at Doveton College. Throughout my teaching career I have drawn on my experiences of performing in various original and cover bands. I believe that music should be practical based, engaging and above all fun.

Kevin MCDAVID

I’m from the east coast of Canada. I have taught elementary in Ontario, Canada, Seoul, and South Korea. I enjoy travelling, reading, and playing sports such as basketball, tennis, and soccer, but my favorite is hockey. I am always looking for new and exciting experiences.

Alison KUTRZYK

I am originally from Perth, Western Australia; however, Hong Kong has been my home for the last 15 years. I have worked in various school settings, from large International schools in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom to small community schools in remote Australia. Previously I have worked at ESF Beacon Hill School and ESF Glenealy School.

When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two boys, cooking, reading, and sewing. I love to design and create things with my own hands. You may also see me coaching the Lantau Island Aussie Rules Football Team – Go Lizards!

Winne YAM

A Singaporean who moved from Singapore to Hong Kong mid 2017 with my husband who is a teacher at DC. I was a former flight attendant with an International Airline for 15 years, and worked in private aviation for 3 years, decided to clip my wings and join DC as an EA with the Chinese department so that I and my husband can set up a family and spend quality time together.

Marc Yeung

I am from Hong Kong. I’m trained as a learning support teacher; I love my role in supporting students to grow and do their best. I like the challenges I have in this role, which brings great joy; I enjoy growing with my students. I love being outdoors and can often explore different hiking trails in Hong Kong, running and swimming. As well as being a teacher, I am also a learner. I love learning different things and having new experiences. Recently, I started learning how to play the clarinet, and hopefully, I will be able to play some songs very soon.

Carmel HANLON

I am originally from Melbourne, Australia. I have been teaching for many years and in many locations in Melbourne, London, Tokyo and now Hong Kong. I feel very fortunate to have had such an interesting and rewarding career and to further extend these experiences as a teacher at DC.

Lauren MILLER

I am originally from Akron, Ohio, USA, but began my teaching career in the Pacific Northwest in Portland, Oregon. I found my passion for international education while teaching kindergarteners in Seoul, South Korea, and pre-kindergarteners in Shanghai, China. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of immersing myself in another culture, language, and way of life. From these experiences, I knew I wanted to be a part of the international community at Discovery College. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by like-minded students and staff where international-mindedness is valued and global citizenship is practiced on a daily basis. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, hiking and exploring Hong Kong.

Cindy ALFLATT

I am originally from the United States, where I grew up in Northern Virginia, but I consider California home too. I have taught for over ten years internationally, including positions in Japan, Indonesia, Norway, and the United Kingdom. 

My classroom is a learning space that encourages curiosity, empathy, and fun learning! I love physical movement, from running, cycling, Crossfit, to yoga. As a qualified yoga teacher, I like to incorporate elements of it into my classroom. In my free time, I enjoy spending it with my husband and two children, aged 6 and 4.

Joanna HUBBARD

I am so excited to be teaching at Discovery College this year. I am a native Texan who has taught IB PYP Theatre for the last four years in Houston, TX. I have been a teaching artist with various professional theatre’s education programs since I was in Drama School, and love working with this age group. Outside of the school day, I write, direct, and act within the theatre community. Currently, I have a passion for making sure all stories and storytellers are represented and celebrated within the industry. I believe that starts with making sure that all young artists know the value of their creative voices.

Shaila SUBBA

I was born in Darjeeling, however, have lived in Hong Kong nearly all my life. I am mother to two teenagers and a mini Schnauzer. I enjoy hiking, reading and watching good movies.

Lydia CLOHESY

I am originally from Country Victoria in Australia. Being a true expat at heart, I taught in Dubai for eight years and prior to this was in London for over five years. I take great joy in sharing my genuine lifelong passion for sport and physical activity ensuring students of all abilities are given the opportunity to represent the College whilst cultivating the sporting experiences for our elite athletes. My sporting specialisms range from swimming and water polo to netball. I also enjoy the great outdoors and on my travels I have had many adventures such as camping on the banks of the Zambezi River and trekking in the Himalayas.

Melanie WILLIAMS

I was born in Australia but grew up in Hong Kong and call Asia home. I am an avid traveller and have worked in Canada, England, Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and USA. I have a passion for inquiry and a Master of Science and spent five years as the Head of Primary Science. I recently lectured pre-service teachers in technologies at a university as I presented findings from my PhD research, interested in how emergent bilinguals learn science. I am grateful to be back in Hong Kong at such a wonderful school where I can spark students’ passions again through inquiry. When I find spare time I enjoy kayaking, diving, hiking and painting. I also love watching musicals and training my new cavoodle puppy.