Colette has an extensive background in bilingual education and inquiry-based learning. She also has a strong academic foundation from the British education system while having also gained a genuinely global mindset from her time working internationally.

Originally from Scotland, Colette was inspired to become an educator by her mother, whose care and compassion for her students left a lasting impact. Her journey has taken her around the world, including a stint at the renowned Qatar Academy, where she was involved in significant curriculum redesign as the PYP Coordinator, and a move to Awty International School in Houston, Texas, USA, where she developed her passion for bilingualism while leading the school's pedagogical shift to an inquiry-based model.

Before joining Hiba, Colette served as the Head of Elementary at Trinity School in Menlo Park, where she was instrumental in the school's strategic initiatives and has led the way in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as well as learning support programs.

Colette holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Glasgow, a Master's in International Education from the State University of New York, and a Certificate in International School Leadership. She is also a highly experienced School Accreditor, having participated in and chaired accreditation visits for organizations such as CIS, IB, CAIS, and NEASC.

Bringing our rich experience from China’s bilingual classrooms, I am excited to cultivate a vibrant learning community in San Francisco, where children will thrive in both English and Chinese. Bilingual education isn’t just about language; it’s about fostering cognitive flexibility, cultural appreciation, and future-ready skills while strengthening connections among people from varies backgrounds.

Having witnessed the transformative impact of bilingual learning in China, I am eager to share innovative teaching methods and immersive language experiences. I am deeply committed to each child’s academic and personal growth as well. My passion lies in nurturing confident, curious learners who embrace challenges and celebrate diversity. Together, we’ll build a supportive, dynamic environment where families collaborate, cultures connect, and children flourish.

Homa brings over 25 years of experience working with families in the Bay Area. She is an education professional with extensive experience in teaching, enrollment management, program development, and community building across diverse educational and cultural contexts. She was immediately drawn to Hiba Academy’s vision: a global network of bilingual schools dedicated to academic excellence, student well-being, and international-mindedness.

Her career began as a kindergarten teacher and evolved through roles in cultural program coordination, as well as English literacy and cross-cultural tutoring. For the past 15 years, Homa served as Director of Admissions at one of the leading K-8 co-educational day schools in the city, where she led with integrity and care, developing engaging admissions processes and building meaningful connections with families and colleagues across the Bay Area.

Homa is known for her professionalism and the warm, lasting relationships she forms with families during the critical stages of their child's educational journey. A lifelong learner, she earned her MA in Educational Leadership & Administration from Columbia University in 2023.

Together with her husband, an internationally known artist, Homa raised two bilingual, globally curious children, an experience enriched by a community that valued multilingualism and cultural awareness. Raised in a globally inspired home in Iran, where education was highly valued, her upbringing has shaped her open-hearted approach to both life and work. She starts each day with yoga and a walk, ready to embrace new opportunities.

Homa is thrilled to join the Hiba Academy Bay Area founding team and help shape a leading environment that supports students and educators to be learners, connectors, and changemakers.

Tariq is a strategic finance and operations professional with a career specializing in private school operations. He brings deep expertise in launching new schools, shaping financial strategies, and building sustainable operational frameworks within elite educational institutions.

Originally from Wales in the UK, Tariq worked across the Middle East before relocating to San Francisco in 2022. Most recently, he served as Director of Operational Strategy and Sustainability at a charter school in the Bay Area.

Throughout his career, Tariq has led multi-functional teams across finance, HR, procurement, facilities, and operations. He has played a key role in the development of new school projects in Qatar and Dubai. He also brings a strong interest in Learning & Development and Sustainability, completing his MBA in Sustainability Leadership in 2024.

Tariq was drawn to Hiba Academy for its pioneering vision of bilingual, values-driven education grounded in global excellence. With extensive experience launching and scaling high-performing schools internationally, Tariq is eager to develop the operational foundation that will drive Hiba’s long-term growth and ambitions. He looks forward to building systems that reflect the school’s premium positioning—ensuring financial resilience, service excellence, and a vibrant environment for students, families, and staff.

A musician and lifelong learner, Tariq values creativity, reflection, and leadership development. He is deeply committed to education as a force for equity and community building and finds joy in supporting teams that create meaningful, lasting change.

Jane brings to Hiba a wealth of experience in strategic planning, large scale operations, and governance. She has led three international schools to higher levels of achievement: the French American International School in San Francisco, the United Nations International School in New York City, and the Canadian International School in Hong Kong. In each role, she developed programs, expanded campus capacity and enrollment, and brought development projects to fruition by raising capital and generating broad community interest. Her vision and execution promote cross-cultural understanding through education for a better world, always emphasizing the highest standards of academic excellence. She is excited to be working with a skilled and innovative team to bring the Wellington Education Group’s character-building traditions and forward-thinking bilingual pedagogy to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Previously, Jane has held a variety of key roles, including Trustee and Vice-Chair at the Manhattan Guild of Independent Schools, New York State Association of Independent Schools, and Council of Independent Schools (Board Chair-Elect). Additionally, she served as Vice-Chair of the International Baccalaureate Heads Council, Governor of Lycee International Winston Churchill, and Board Chair of the Bristol University Foundation, USA, where she received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws.

Jane has also been honored with the Chevalier des Palmes Academiques for promoting French education globally. She holds degrees from the University of Bristol, Sydney University, Stanford University, and a Klingenstein Fellowship from Columbia University.

Rowan joined Wellington College China in 2019 as the Group Senior HR Director, leading the central HR function and driving talent strategy across the group. Now, as part of the Hiba Academy Bay Area team, she oversees all HR and people-related aspects of the school, including talent acquisition, compensation, HR operations and compliance, learning and development, and performance management.

With a wealth of experience in global new school projects, Rowan is passionate about developing leadership talent, and the US expansion presents exciting opportunities for both existing and new staff to pursue their careers globally within the Wellington / Hiba family. She takes immense pride in the group's talent development strategies and in witnessing the professional growth and internal promotions of individuals.

Wellington has become well known internationally for offering rewarding and exciting career opportunities, due to our superb working culture, commitment to employee engagement and well-being and world-class professional development. With Hiba Academy, Rowan sees huge potential to replicate this success and make Hiba Academy an employer of choice for the best educators and administrators in the Bay Area.

Rowan holds a First Class BA (Hons) from the University of Leeds and is a Chartered Member of CIPD, the UK HR professional body, as well as SHRM in the US.

Jeremy Birk is an experienced executive leader with over 20 years of expertise in K-12 international education. He believes that schools must embrace a new educational paradigm that prepares students to thrive in a transforming world. This includes planning and design for emerging technologies, prioritizing personalization and real-world experimentation, and empowering students with the agency to take control of the future, shape it according to their aspirations and adeptly address its challenges.

Most recently, Jeremy served as Executive Vice President of Spring Education Group, a major operator of private schools in the United States, as well as working for the United Nations School in New York as High School Principal and Director of Curriculum, Research and Innovation. Throughout his career, Jeremy has gained broad experience working on four continents as a school group executive, head of school, principal, teacher and consultant in leading international schools and diverse programs in China, the United States, Spain, Switzerland, Kenya, Rwanda and Colombia. He has a record of success in founding schools and innovative programs, overseeing multi-site school networks, developing cross-sector partnerships, and guiding individual schools through strategic change, program development and accreditation processes. Jeremy's academic qualifications include a M.Ed. in Education Leadership from Columbia University (New York), and a B.A. in History and English from the University of Michigan.

Allen was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Wellington College China in March 2024. He leads the non-academic functions in the WCC central office, providing governance and support to group schools. He is also a Board Director for Hiba Academy Bay Area.

He has over 30 years of rich leadership experiences in service industries, including healthcare distribution, education, financial services, and F&B. For the majority of his career, he has worked in senior leadership roles for Fortune 50 companies including China CEO, APAC and China CFO, and Head of Strategy and M&A.

Allen holds a BS in Accounting from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He is a CPA, having earned the Elijah Watt Sells award on the 1991 US CPA exam for the highest score among over 66,000 participants.

Allen is originally from Minnesota, USA. Having lived in Asia since 1998, he is very passionate about building global bridges. Allen is married and has three bilingual and bicultural children. In his spare time, he enjoys time with his family and is also an active bicycle racer.

Rebecca Bihn-Wallace is an educator with experience teaching across multiple grade levels and a deep commitment to student-centered learning. She holds a B.A. in Studio Art from the University of California, Davis, with minors in Professional Writing and German, and an M.F.A. in Fiction from Brooklyn College, where she served as an adjunct professor of composition. She guides students from diverse backgrounds toward academic excellence, supports their social and emotional growth, and inspires a genuine enthusiasm for learning. 

In her classroom, learning is a joyful and exploratory experience. Rebecca believes the dynamic nature of classroom environments is what makes teaching both rewarding and exciting. She draws on her background in the arts and writing to create engaging, hands-on lessons that foster curiosity, creativity, and student voice. She meets each student where they are and builds their confidence step by step. 

Growing up in international school communities across Portugal, Baltimore, and San Francisco, Rebecca understands the value of a global perspective. She remembers attending elementary school in North Carolina, where she was encouraged to ask questions, think creatively, and explore new ideas. That experience continues to shape her teaching today. 

A published author and fluent French speaker, Rebecca brings creativity, curiosity, and care to her classroom, helping each child find their voice and flourish as a lifelong learner. 

Yuru is an early childhood educator with a strong foundation in child psychology and human development. She holds a Bachelor’s from the University of Washington and a Master’s in Education with a focus on Human Development from the University of Pennsylvania, along with a certificate in Early Childhood Education and Family Studies. With a career rooted in foundational early childhood growth, her work bridges theoretical research with hands-on practice across diverse, play-based, and bilingual environments. 

In the classroom, Yuru brings a warm, responsive presence. Dedicated to teaching the "whole child," she designs inclusive spaces where young learners feel safe to follow their curiosity, take creative risks, and build cognitive and social-emotional foundations through meaningful play. 

A native Mandarin speaker, Yuru is comfortable teaching in both Chinese and English, naturally bringing cross-cultural perspectives into everyday classroom interactions. Her experience spans co-teaching, designing inquiry-rich activities, and leading individualized support for diverse learners. Specializing in social-emotional learning, her background equips her to carefully balance student well-being with high academic expectations. 

Yuru grew up in northeastern China which fostered her lifelong appreciation for nature. Influenced by her own teachers who made her feel uniquely seen, she strives to bring that same empathy and sense of belonging to her students. 

Outside of school, Yuru recharges through weekend hiking and immersing herself in books. 

Eva is an Early Childhood educator with over a decade of experience working in bilingual and early childhood settings. A native Mandarin speaker, she holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Child Development from the University of California, Berkeley, along with a Certificate of Supervision and Administration in Early Childhood Education from UC Santa Cruz. 

Originally from Taipei, Taiwan, Eva brings both linguistic fluency and cultural understanding to her work with children. Her experience spans classrooms, family partnerships, and educational consulting, including bilingual environments and working closely with parents to support children’s growth. 

In the classroom, Eva creates play-based environments where children gain confidence and independence. She incorporates art, music, and hands-on experiences to support engagement and build strong social and emotional foundations. 

Her interest in early childhood education began early, influenced by her mother, an early childhood educator and leader. That influence continues to shape her approach, as she supports children in developing language, confidence, and a sense of self. Her interest in art, music, and time in nature continues to inform her work with young children, shaping environments that are creative, engaging, and grounded in real-world experiences. 

Emma is a bilingual art educator and multidisciplinary artist who holds a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts and Art Marketing. She brings over a decade of experience at Wellington College International Tianjin, the first Wellington school in China, where she helped build the art department and developed immersive, hands-on learning experiences. 

In the classroom, her approach is warm and intentional, grounded in the belief that art connects children across languages and cultures. She creates environments where young learners feel confident expressing themselves, experimenting creatively, and developing both skill and voice through their work. Strong technical foundations sit alongside creative exploration, allowing students to build confidence while finding their own artistic voice. 

Emma grew up in Shanxi, China, surrounded by rich history, architecture, and natural landscapes that shaped her early connection to art. That influence remains present in her teaching, where students are encouraged to see art not only as expression, but as a way of understanding the world and making meaning across time and place. 

She is also an experienced bilingual educator, integrating English and Mandarin to deepen both learning and cultural understanding. Alongside her work in schools, she continues to work as an artist and designer. In the classroom, this translates into a careful balance of structure and creativity, supporting each child their own journey of artistic expression and independence. 

Kate is an early childhood educator and school leader with experience as an early childhood and Kindergarten director in the Bay Area. She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of California, Merced, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Early Childhood Education. Her work is shaped by both classroom practice and leadership, alongside a clear belief in what young children are capable of. In the classroom, Kate has a calm and steady presence. Children feel seen and valued, and at the same time are pushed to develop confidence, independence, and skill. 

Her experience spans early childhood and elementary settings, leading curriculum development, working closely with teaching teams, and ensuring strong alignment with developmental milestones and standards. She is thoughtful about how learning environments are set up so that each child is both supported and challenged in the right ways. High expectations sit alongside strong relationships in her work. 

Kate grew up in San Jose and was influenced early on by her mother, a teacher, who fostered her love of learning. That continues to show up in her classrooms, where children feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and build confidence as learners. 

She brings warmth and clarity to her work, helping each child find their voice, develop independence, and realize their potential. 

Emma-Leigh Stoll is an educator with a strong foundation in elementary education and a deep commitment to supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of every child. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, with minors in Children's Literature and Childhood Studies. She believes learning is a collaborative process in which mistakes are embraced as meaningful opportunities for growth.

Inspired by a teacher who transformed her own relationship with school, Emma-Leigh strives to create classrooms where students feel safe, heard, and valued. She believes strong relationships are at the heart of successful learning and works to ensure every child feels a genuine sense of belonging.

Through her work with elementary-aged students, Emma-Leigh has developed a deep passion for helping children build confidence as learners while finding their voice in the classroom. She empowers students to take ownership of their learning, reflect on their growth, and build on their individual strengths. She also guides students in setting both individual and shared goals, helping them recognize their progress and celebrate growth along the way.

Emma-Leigh brings warmth and intention to her work, supporting each child to build confidence, develop resilience, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning.

Kitty is an early childhood educator who brings a reflective approach to the classroom and a deep interest in how children learn. She holds a Bachelor’s in Education and Psychology from the University of Cambridge, UK, and a Master’s in Human Development and Education from Harvard University. Her academic background shapes a research-informed approach to teaching that is both intentional and grounded in practice. 

A native Mandarin speaker, Kitty creates environments that are joyful and purposeful, where young children are encouraged to think, explore, and build confidence through meaningful experiences. Born in Taiwan and educated in East Asia, Europe, and the United States, she brings a genuinely global perspective to her teaching. This shapes how she supports children in developing language, identity, and a sense of connection to the wider world. 

Kitty has worked with students across a range of international school settings, supporting both academic and social development through well-structured learning experiences. Her work is grounded in a strong understanding of child development and evidence-based practice, which she brings to the classroom in accessible ways for young learners. She brings a balance of joy and intellectual depth, encouraging each child to think deeply, gain confidence, and develop a lasting love of learning. 

Hilary is an experienced educator with over a decade of experience across early childhood and elementary settings. She holds a Master’s in English and Bilingual Education and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. Her work is shaped by both experience and a strong academic foundation, alongside a clear belief in the confidence and capability of young learners. In the classroom, Hilary creates environments where children feel secure, valued, and ready to take risks, while being guided to grow in independence, skill, and understanding. 

Originally from Arizona, she has lived and worked internationally, which has shaped her global perspective on teaching and learning. These experiences have reinforced her belief in the importance of strong relationships, a sense of belonging, and the role of community in helping children thrive. 

Hilary has extensive experience in the IB Primary Years Programme and has worked in bilingual and international school environments. She designs learning experiences that balance student agency with strong academic foundations, and is skilled in curriculum development, collaborative planning, and working closely with colleagues to strengthen practice across teams. At Hiba Academy, she will serve as PYP Coordinator while continuing her work in the classroom. She brings a balance of warmth and rigor, helping each child build confidence, develop independence, and become an active, engaged member of their community. 

Junhua is an experienced educator with over a decade of experience in bilingual and immersion settings, specializing in Mandarin language teaching and curriculum design. She holds a Master’s in Teaching and Curriculum from Michigan State University and a Bachelor’s in Chinese Language and Literacy. 

Her work extends beyond the classroom to include leadership across teaching teams, curriculum development, and the design of cohesive, well-structured learning experiences. She has significant experience in well-established bilingual programs, contributing to cohesive, high-quality learning experiences and supporting the professional growth of colleagues. 

In the classroom, Junhua creates learning environments that are purposeful, engaging, and grounded in strong relationships. Her students learn through hands-on experiences, collaboration, and meaningful conversation, supported by clear routines that foster both independence, and a strong sense of belonging. Her teaching reflects a clear belief in helping children grow into confident, curious, and thoughtful individuals.

Originally from China, Junhua has built her career in the United States, and spent most of her professional life in New York City, where she has worked in a dynamic, culturally diverse school community.  This experience has deepened her cross-cultural perspective and continues to shape both her approach to language learning and her commitment to inclusive education. Junhua brings clarity and care to her work, supporting students in developing strong academic foundations alongside a sense of self.