Director of School Development

Carlene is currently based in the Asia-Pacific office in Shenzhen, China where she has spent the last 13 years. Originally from New Zealand, Carlene trained and worked as a teacher for several years before heading to China where she led the rapid development of a local kindergarten group upon arriving in Shenzhen, growing the school over six years from 20 students to reach upwards of 400. Moving to Shekou International School following this, Carlene returned to teaching, however soon moved into leading the Early Childhood Department and then onto Director of Curriculum and Learning. Most recently Carlene developed a thorough and intensive parent learning program at Shekou International School, thus instilling a very transparent and communicative approach demonstrating how the walls of a school can be broken down. Further studies via Columbia University, COETAIL, University of Waikato, and Adaptive Schools have continuously kept Carlene up to date with educational trends and developments. Carlene has recently completed her Masters in Education based on Knowledge Networks and Digital Innovation. When not working, Carlene loves to spend time with her two young boys involved in sports and spending time outdoors.