Eagle Landings: Introducing Our Newest Middle School Teachers

Ashley Cunningham
Math and Science Teacher

Ashley joins us from Cambridge, Massachusetts, by way of The American School in Japan, bringing more than a decade of experience in science education and curriculum design. She has a Master’s in Education degree and is known for her curiosity, genuine approach to building relationships, and her knack for finding the best flight deals. Ashley brings energy, humor, and a talent for helping students see the world with wonder.

Tiaya Daniels
Language Arts Teacher

Tiaya brings more than 20 years of experience teaching in the United States, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Ethiopia. She holds a Master’s in Education, an Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. Whether leading student government or artfully dodging tourists to get the perfect travel photo, Tiaya approaches each new opportunity with curiosity and care.

Deniza Ibrahimi-Dzaferovic
PE/Health Teacher

With 19 years of international teaching experience across five countries and a Master of Science, Deniza brings a global perspective to movement, wellness, and student engagement. She’s currently pursuing a PhD in Leadership and Wellbeing and has a passion for community building both on the court and in the classroom. Whether she’s coaching basketball, organizing a Model UN debate, or adding a new pair of kicks to her sneaker collection, Deniza is all about lifting others up and leading with purpose.

Jonathan Iliffe
Learning Support Teacher

After four years supporting student growth in the SAS Elementary School, Jonathan now brings his expertise to the Middle School learning support team. With a Master’s in Education and 12 years of international teaching experience in Canada, South Korea, Vietnam, and China, he is deeply committed to helping every learner thrive. Known for his calm, student-centered approach, Jonathan meets learners where they are and helps them take confident steps forward.

Claire Greene
Counselor

Claire joins us with 13 years of school counseling experience, a Master’s in Education, and a deep belief in student voice, resilience, and connection. Originally from Vermont, she’s worked at top international schools in Beijing and Jakarta and is delighted to be back in China (and back to jianbing breakfasts). Claire is an empathetic and approachable presence on campus, and word on the street is she makes an impressive homemade pesto.

Seth Gibson
Design Technology Teacher

Seth brings 15 years of international teaching experience, including eight years in China, and holds a Master’s in Educational Technology. Originally from Kansas, he has previously taught in Bolivia, Egypt, and South Africa. Seth has already been part of the SAS community and is ready to bring his expertise to the middle school design tech classroom. Whether students are prototyping solutions or learning to troubleshoot with patience, Seth is there with a steady hand and a toolkit full of possibilities.

Matt Grieve
Design Technology Teacher

Originally from Australia, Matt brings a love of surf, salt water, and a hands-on mindset to the Design Tech classroom. Matt has taught across several countries but feels most at home in Asia, where the energy, resilience, and curiosity of his students inspire him daily. He is deeply committed to student growth through creative learning and values honest communication and strong relationships.

Kristie Hudson
Humanities Teacher

Kristie arrives from Bogotá, Colombia, with 13 years of middle school teaching experience and a Master of Education degree. A passionate advocate for inclusion and student-centered learning, she brings with her a collaborative spirit and a strong commitment to community. When she’s not leading volleyball or STUCO, you’ll likely find her reading, hiking, or tasting her way through a new recipe, thanks to a hidden talent for detecting flavors most of us miss entirely.

Taski Huo
Chinese Teacher

Taski returns to Shanghai from Hong Kong with 15 years of international teaching experience and a Master of Fine Arts. Originally from Shanghai, she brings both a local perspective and a global outlook to her teaching. Her love of film, travel, and pottery finds its way into her classroom, where she encourages students to build meaningful connections to the Chinese language.

Russel Laubscher
Humanities Teacher

Russel brings a global lens to the humanities classroom, shaped by experiences in both South Africa and the United States. He holds a Master’s in Teaching and a Master of Arts in Journalism, and brings a strong commitment to curiosity, empathy, and joyful learning. Whether coaching basketball, guiding student magazine publications, or reviewing one of the 176 films he watched last year, Russel brings warmth and intellectual energy to everything he does. Fun fact: he was once a competitive ten-pin bowler!

Holly Poppell
Science Teacher

Holly returns to SAS after 25 years in international education, including two decades in China and a memorable first teaching post right here as an Eagle in 1999. She holds a Master of Arts and brings with her a deep well of experience, empathy, and yes, Disney trivia. Known for her energetic spirit and easygoing approach, Holly is excited to rejoin the SAS community. If you spot someone who always has a cup of coffee in her hand, chances are it’s her.

Ty Urquhart
Counselor

Ty has worked in international education for 19 years and brings a wealth of experience in student support and wellbeing. With a Master’s in Counseling and a background that spans the United States and China, she understands the unique challenges and opportunities of working with adolescents in global contexts. Having already worked in the High School at SAS, Ty is now joining the Middle School team and looks forward to continuing her work in a community that values connection, empathy, and personal growth.