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Dr. Eric L. Dustman
Head of the Lower School at QAISDr. Eric L. Dustman is currently the Head of the Lower School at Qingdao Amerasia International School (QAIS). He holds a doctoral degree in Educational Studies from the University of Cincinnati, a master’s degree in Montessori Education and Administration from Xavier University, a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Personnel and Industrial Relations from the University of Cincinnati, Elementary I & II credentials from the American Montessori Society, an Assistant Superintendents license from the State of Ohio and a certificate in teaching and learning from the International Baccalaureate. Dr. Dustman has enjoyed a career spanning more than 20 years in both US and international schools focusing on public and private Montessori education, traditional educational pedagogies, and the International Baccalaureate Programme. Prior to moving to Qingdao, Dr. Dustman was the head of The New School Montessori, the only fully accredited Montessori school in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA for 14 years. During that time, he served as a board member of the Ohio Association of Independent Schools, former chair and representative of the American Montessori Society Accreditation Commission, a member of the Accreditation Review Committee for the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, and board member for Children’s International Summer Village, a non-profit organization focused on developing international mindedness among children ages 8 - 18. Dr. Dustman lives in Qingdao with his wife and three children.
Dr. Christopher Vicari
Director of QAISChris Vicari has been Director of Qingdao Amerasia International School (QAIS) since 2011. He holds an Educational Doctorate in Administrative and Instructional Leadership from St. John's University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Fordham University, a Bachelor of Arts in English and Italian Literature from the University of Notre Dame, an IB Administrator's Certificate for the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), and an Administrator's credential from the American Montessori Society (AMS). Prior to moving to China, Dr. Vicari spent 11 years as an IB English teacher at Yonkers High School, which ranked among the top ten open enrollment magnet schools in the United States. Dr. Vicari is the recipient of numerous awards including the 2006 USA Disney Teacher of the Year Award for High School English, the Cleas Nobel Educator of Distinction Award (2009), the New York State English Council Educator of Excellence Award (2006), and the Sam's Club Teacher of the Year Award (2002-2003). Dr. Vicari was also a national finalist in the Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award (2006) and the recipient of the University of Notre Dame Scholar Award for Academic Excellence (1995). Prior to becoming a high school teacher, Dr. Vicari spent two years in Bologna, Italy as a Fulbright Scholar (1995-1997) before teaching beginner and intermediate Italian language and culture at New York University. Dr. Vicari is a classically trained pianist and bassist who has performed in numerous venues throughout the United States including Carnegie Hall in New York City. In his free time, Dr. Vicari enjoys traveling, scuba diving, and spending time with his family, including seven loving godchildren who live in various regions of the United States.
Benjamin Westby
4th Grade Teacher at ISQBen Westby holds his ME.d in Teacher Leadership and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Pre-Primary Education, and Teaching English as a Second Language. Ben has been at ISQ teaching in the Elementary School for the past five years. He has been a huge proponent for ISQ’s iPad program and loves to use educational apps to boost kids learning.
Barbara Xu
Executive Director of Lan International LLCBarbara Xu Executive Director for LAN INTERNATIONAL LLC., a company which she founded in 2009 is a highly motivated leader, articulate speaker and female entrepreneur. Barbara was amongst one of the first wave of Chinese high school students to study abroad during the early 2000’s. Whilst in America, Barbara supported herself, studying first for a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Sciences, then a Master’s in Education Leadership. Over the years Barbara has taken up many leadership roles, utilizing her knowledge, experience and expertise to help students studying abroad develop confidence and high self-esteem. Barbara has emphatically dedicated herself to working alongside University student bodies, NGO’s and non-for profit organizations. Determined to be the positive influence that will shape the lives of our future global leaders.
Natasha Tapley
Primary School Teacher at ISQNatasha Tapley is a primary school teacher from Australia with over 20 years of teaching experience. She has lived and worked in China for many years. Natasha is the coordinator of the popular Bright Start Community Playgroup, which began back in 2011.
Ian G. Burns
Managing Director of REDSTAR WorksIan has almost 22 years China experience, having arrived in Qingdao early September 1994. Initially he helped grow a joint venture (between a US/European high technology company and a Chinese State Owned Enterprise) to what has become HEXAGON Qingdao, the world's largest manufacturer of Coordinate Measuring Machines. In 2003, Ian switched career completely, becoming an entrepreneur and co-founding REDSTAR. Today his company publishes the eponymous monthly city guide; the bi-monthly 'Qingdao Family' and the annual 'Shandong Education Guide'. In addition, the REDSTAR Works international team provide a host of creative services for clients in China and overseas.