College Leadership Team

Alice CHENG

I am an adventurer and strong believer in lifelong learning.

So far I have only taken two three-year learning breaks in my life, one was in my infancy and the other one was my daughter’s infancy. Every year, I have set my target to learn at least one new thing or getting a new license. During my spare time, I have lots of hobbies such as hiking, running, camping, snowboarding, SUPs, flight training, film photography, candle wax crafting and baking. As an adventurer, I have done skydiving, aerobatic flight, completed 19 running races within six months and been to Arctic Circle three times to chase the Aurora Borealis. Over the last few years, I have been focusing on completing my private pilot license in Canada and my bread making chef license in Hong Kong.

I lived in Toronto when I was in high school and university. Before joining Discovery College, I was working in Banking & Finance industry for many years. My most rewarding achievement is being a mom of a DC student. She was my first passenger on one of my flight trainings in Vancouver a few years ago.

James SMITH

I am originally from Cheshire in the UK, and started my teaching career there before moving to Hong Kong in 2007. Since then Hong Kong has very much become home, and I never get tired of the stunning scenery to be seen while out hiking, the city’s incredible restaurants and eateries, and the opportunities for getting involved with Music and Drama, two great passions of mine. My wife and I have two children, both of whom study at Discovery College, and we love being part of this vibrant and diverse school community. I arrived at the College in 2016 and was Head of Secondary for three years before being appointed as Principal in 2019. Prior to life at Discovery College, I was the Vice Principal at King George V School where I held responsibility for the Middle School and worked with curriculum, student support and learning technologies. ESF is a remarkable organisation to work in and the opportunity to serve Discovery College, with its mission to enable everyone in our community to Grow, Discover and Dream, excites and enthuses me every single day I walk through the door.

Mark POULSUM

Marco Menendez

I was born and raised in the United States with cultural roots from Cuba and Puerto Rico. My upbringing, education, and amazing opportunities in life have cultivated a passionate love of travel, nature, cuisine, music, and family.

Throughout my career, I have made inquiry-based learning, culturally responsive teaching, interdisciplinary approaches, and world citizenship the pillars of my leadership in education. As a teacher, in the US, Guatemala, and China, I used the transformative learning approaches of collaboration, project-based learning, and formative assessments to engage every student and guide them to achieve high academic standards. Those experiences proved equally beneficial when I transitioned to administration. Before joining Discovery College, I have been fortunate to serve as a Head of School for a British international school in Guangzhou, China, a Dean of Academic Services for a community college in California, and a Principal for a New Tech High School in Silicon Valley. In each of these positions, my leadership was based on a culture of inclusion, positivity, and diversity, which is why I was delighted to join the DC community. 

My wife is from China and is also a teacher. We have two boys who are happy to attend Discovery College.

Emma-Louise Cathrae

I am originally from the Northeast of England but have been an Expat for most of my life. I have been lucky to live and work across three continents, thoroughly enjoying the adventures and new cultural experiences this has brought.

Having started my teaching career in Secondary Schools in England, I have spent the last 8 years working in Primary and all through education. I have been privileged to be part of three founding teams over the years, where I have built positive, engaged communities in which students and teams thrive as independent, happy, curious individuals.

I represented England Athletics as a teenager and believe it is essential to provide a vast array of opportunities for students outside of a curriculum to support character building and develop various skills. Outside of school life, I enjoy travelling, a variety of sports, and the arts with my amazing family.

Annette GARNETT

I am a founding staff member at Discovery; joining the team in 2006-2007 teaching in the PYP and now the MYP programme (specialising in Language and Literature). Over this time, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the students mature and become more independent in their thoughts and actions. In addition to my school work, I love reading young adult fiction novels to recommend to my students. 

Brian McCANN

Originally from Scotland, I have taught in Egypt, Colombia, England and Thailand, as well as Hong Kong. Before joining Discovery College, I was Head of Science at Renaissance College for five years. I have degrees in both Physics and Psychology, and have taught in the MYP and IB Diploma programmes for many years. I have worked closely with the IB as Deputy Chief Examiner for IB Diploma Physics and Assistant Examiner for Theory of Knowledge. My current role is Secondary Vice-Principal responsible for Years 12 and 13, and the IB Diploma Programme in particular. When not working or spending time with my wife and young twin children, I enjoy hiking in the beautiful hills of Hong Kong.

Jonny TATE

I am originally form Northern Ireland and have over ten years experience in secondary education. Upon leaving the UK in 2008, I have enjoyed seven years as an international educator, teaching IB Diploma Biology and MYP Science as well as coaching rugby and football. I am committed to empowering students, developing leaders and modelling a community of acceptance, democracy and respect for the environment, so that they can all be successful members of our global society. I am currently studying an MBA in International Education and look forward to completing my research. I am an avid sailor and enjoy exploring the waters and islands of Hong Kong. My wife and I recently celebrated the arrival of our first child and we are thoroughly enjoying the challenge of being new parents.