Senior Leadership Team

Howard Stribbell

CIEO Director of International Education

Mr. Howard Stribbell was the Head of School at The International School of Macao (TIS) and the School Supervisor at the Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CISP). He led the growth of TIS from 300 students to over 1300 students. He is the founder of the Canadian Overseas Schools Association and Warrior Foundation, a non profit foundation that works with at risk youth. Howard graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a BA (Honours), B. Ed. (Honours) and M. Ed in Educational Leadership. He has presented at numerous conferences on topics involving technology, teacher recruitment and social media.

Tanya Thiessen

Principal

My name is Tanya Thiessen I have a Bachelor’s of Education and a Masters in Educational Psychology both from the University of Alberta.  Growing up I lived in a small French town, where I learned to speak both official languages of Canada (French and English).  I have been a school administrator for the past 8 years and have been working in education for the past 13 years.  I believe I have the best job in the world.  It is an honor to watch our students learn and grow from our professional and phenomenal group of teachers.  I am very proud to be the principal of CISGZ.

Kim Romyn

Assistant Principal

Education background: 

Bachelor of Education, University of Alberta, 2005. Major: French Minor: Sciences

Masters of Education, University of Alberta, 2013. Focus: Curriculum

Teaching experience:

2005-2013 – Grade 3-7 teacher, Alberta

2013-2016 – Alberta Education, Curriculum Manager, Mathematics K-6

2016-Present – Canadian International School of Guangzhou, Grade 3, Learning Support, Assistant Principal

I truly believe that every child can be successful. There is nothing more exciting than the moment when a child understands something or learns something new. I enjoy teaching because I enjoy being surrounded by the passion, creativity and ambition of our future leaders.

Matthew Turner

School Counsellor

Mr. Turner grew up in a small town in Nova Scotia, Canada. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Mary’s University as well as his Bachelor of Education degree from Mount St. Vincent University, both located in Halifax. He received his degrees in 2006 and 2008 respectively, with a double major in History and English and a specialization in secondary education. Mr. Turner began his teaching career in Alberta where he spent six years teaching a myriad of subjects ranging from grades seven to twelve. During this time, he completed his Master of Education degree in leadership through the Memorial University of Newfoundland. In 2015, Matthew began studying to complete his Doctor of Education degree through the University of Calgary. This venture was put on hold to pursue an opportunity in international education with CIEO in Guangzhou, China.

Philippe Bureau

ESL Lead Teacher

Education: DEC in Commerce from John Abbott College, Bachelor of Education from the University of Sherbrooke, specialized in English as a Second Language

Experience: 2 years teaching English in a private school in Montreal, Canada. 1 year teaching English and Social Studies at Huamei International College in Guangzhou. 2 years teaching English as a Second Language at CIS.

Passion: Ice-hockey, soccer, skateboarding and snowboarding

Teaching Team

Our faculty is made up of a team of dedicated professionals that all hold Alberta Teaching Certificates. 

In addition, we have a full team of Educational Assistants to help your child to be successful. Our TESOL certified assistants are equipped to help our English Language Learners from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12.