Administration

Portrait of Yvan Zebroff, Principal at Clifford International School in Panyu, Guangzhou, China

Yvan Zebroff

Principal
yvan_zebroff@clifford-school.org.cn

My name is Yvan Zebroff, and I am honoured to serve as Associate Principal of Clifford High School. I have worked as an educator in Canadian schools for over 25 years. This is my 12th year working as a school leader.

I completed Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of British Columbia. Later I earned a Master’s of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Simon Fraser University and enrolled in a PhD program at that institution. While a majority of my years as an educator have been spent working in K-12 schools in British Columbia, I have also had the pleasure of working for six years in Canadian offshore schools in China.

As an associate principal, my role is to help build a positive school environment by supporting teachers, empowering students, and engaging families. At Clifford, I will work to ensure that every student has the tools they need to succeed.

Portrait of Chelsea Gomes, Associate Principal at Clifford International School in Panyu, Guangzhou, China

Chelsea Gomes

Associate Principal
chelsea_gomes@clifford-school.org.cn

I’m a Canadian educator with a passion for literacy, leadership, and inclusive education. Since Canada, I have gained experience working in bilingual and bicultural international schools. I spent six years in Mexico working as a teacher and instructional literacy coach, followed by a year as Head of Elementary in Tanzania. I’m now here and very happy to be part of this community, serving as an Associate Vice Principal. I’ve also recently completed my Doctor of Education, an achievement I’m incredibly proud of.

My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that every student deserves to feel seen, valued, included, and empowered to succeed. I believe inclusive education means creating learning environments where differences are celebrated, barriers are thoughtfully addressed, and every learner has meaningful opportunities to participate, grow, and thrive. As an educator and leader, I strive to build communities where belonging, equity, and high expectations go hand in hand.

Dr. Terrance Kurtz

Dean of Students
& Geography
terrance_kurtz@clifford-school.org.cn

My name is Dr. Terrance Kurtz, and I am the Dean of Students at Clifford International School. This marks my 25th year in education and my sixth year serving as Dean.

I earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Azusa Pacific University, followed by a master’s degree in English as a Second Language and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. These qualifications form the foundation of my commitment to delivering high-quality education.
My educational philosophy centers on the belief that every student can learn. To provide the best education possible, educators must understand each student individually, recognizing that every student possesses a unique learning process. This understanding requires building meaningful relationships with students, identifying their strengths and challenges, and adapting instructional approaches to meet their diverse needs.

I believe that effective education extends beyond academic achievement to encompass the whole child, including their social, emotional, and character development. Creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment is essential for students to take intellectual risks, develop resilience, and reach their full potential. When students feel valued and understood, they are more likely to engage deeply with their learning and develop the confidence necessary for success.

As Dean of Students, I am committed to fostering a school culture where high expectations are paired with compassionate support. I work collaboratively with teachers, families, and students to remove barriers to learning and ensure that every member of our school community has the resources and encouragement needed to thrive. My approach is grounded in the conviction that education is a partnership, one that requires open communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to student growth and well-being.

Portrait of Amanda-Lee Friesen, a teacher at Clifford International School in Guangzhou, China

Amanda-Lee Friesen

Dean of Curriculum
& HS English Language Arts
amanda_friesen@clifford-school.org.cn

My name is Amanda-Lee Friesen and I am from Manitoba, Canada. This is my second year serving as the Dean of Curriculum and my tenth year as a teacher at Clifford International School.

I hold a Bachelor of Education degree and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Winnipeg. I have spent sixteen years as an educator, and I have had the pleasure of working in schools in Canada, Egypt, and China.

As an educator, I am passionate about fostering critical and analytical thinking skills, essential tools that empower students to succeed and develop into independent learners who can thoughtfully evaluate information, make well-informed decisions, and become astute problem solvers.

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