Welcome New Hires 2025-26

Camila Alves
Lower School Grade 1 Teacher
Camila joins the Grade 1 team at Graded after 18 years of teaching in renowned Brazilian, bilingual, and international schools in São Paulo. Born in São Paulo, she has also lived in the United States, Canada, Spain, and France. She holds a degree in education from the Universidade de São Paulo (USP) and another in business administration from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC-SP). Most recently, she completed a postgraduate degree in psychomotricity from ISPE-GAE. Passionate about Carnival, Camila has actively participated for the past ten years, performing as a percussionist and parading through the streets. In her free time, she enjoys dining out and playing games with family and friends.

Jessica Bowden 
Lower School ELL Teacher 
Jessica is excited to bring her experience and expertise to Graded's dynamic team of educators. Originally from Austin, Texas, she earned her BA in elementary education from Texas State University. Her international teaching career has taken her from Seongnam, South Korea, to Campinas, Brazil, and she’s thrilled to call São Paulo her new home. After a decade of teaching first grade, Jessica transitioned to teaching English as an additional language (EAL), allowing her to focus on her passion for helping students develop communication skills that make them feel included, confident, and empowered to explore new ideas in their learning. Jessica is an enthusiastic traveler who embraces immersive cultural experiences. She also enjoys hiking, listening to podcasts, reading, and exploring local cafés and brechós, always in the good company of her dog, Lizzie.

Jordan Bowman 
Middle School Humanities Teacher 
Jordan is entering his fourteenth year of teaching, all of which have been in middle school. He has most recently taught in Johannesburg, South Africa, and has also held teaching positions in Indonesia and Peru. He began his career in California after earning his BA in psychology and religious studies, teaching credential, and MEd at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Wherever he is, Jordan strives to create meaningful, interdisciplinary learning opportunities relevant to his students’ lives. Jordan will be joined by his wife, Elsa, who is the director of operations and strategic planning for a travel company, and their six-year-old dachshund. He loves basketball, road trips, and exploring countries on foot. Jordan is excited to return to South America to join Graded, a school with a deep history and sense of community.

 

Kim Brauer  
Middle School Humanities Teacher 
Kim will join Graded from Singapore American School, where she taught for four years and led the curriculum development of a new grade 9 humanities course. Previously, she was part of the tiny but mighty launch team at Baishan Annie Wright in Qingdao, China. Before that, Kim launched an online STEAM school, wrote curriculum, trained teachers to lead technology camps, and directed the education program for a retirement community. Outside the field of education, she has worked as a reporter, a line cook, and a recipe developer. Her career in international teaching began at the American School of Kuwait. She holds a BA in third-world development from Wellesley College and an MFA in creative writing from Ohio State University. Kim’s partner, Jenny, will be visiting from Seattle, and together they enjoy traveling—especially to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

 

Meghan Burns 
Upper School Optimal Learning Services Teacher 
Meghan is joining the Graded community after 16 years of teaching, 10 of which have been abroad. She is moving with her three-year-old twins to São Paulo from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Originally from Sandusky, Ohio, Meghan and her children are avid amusement park fans and spend much of their time visiting a nearby park. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and education from Saint Xavier University. Meghan will be completing her Master of Arts this summer and is looking forward to only being a student of life and not the classroom for a while. She enjoys reading while her children play at home and loves game nights with friends.

 

Beatriz Calló 
Upper School Theater Teacher
Bia is an actress, theater researcher, and educator passionate about collaborative, aesthetic, and political processes. For over fifteen years, she has worked in the fields of performing arts, education, and cultural management, developing projects that connect art, social critique, and audience development. She holds a BA in theater education, a postgraduate degree in arts education, and an MA in performing arts, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in German studies at the University of São Paulo (USP), with a research focus on Brechtian aesthetics. As a theater teacher in both Brazilian and international (IB) schools, Bia creates powerful spaces for listening and creative invention with children and young artists. She has also been a member of a theater collective since 2018, working as an actress and assistant director. She believes in sensitive, critical dynamics that are committed to social transformation through art. Bia’s practice is guided by a desire to mobilize emotions, ideas, and bodies in order to imagine other possible worlds.

Dave Chen 
High School Social Studies Teacher 
In 1995, Dave traveled to Rio de Janeiro to train in capoeira with Mestre Beiçola and Capoeira Besouro and to dance in the Carnaval parade with Beija Flor. Thirty years later, he is thrilled to return to Brazil with his wife, Allison Lee, whom he met in California while she was dancing samba and he was practicing capoeira. Named after Brazilian musical icons Baden Powell and João Gilberto’s “Izaura,” their children, Baden (grade 11) and Izzy (grade 8), will also join Graded, making this return feel like the perfect continuation of a journey that began long ago. Dave joins Graded with 20 years of secondary teaching experience, including 14 years internationally. Most recently, he has been serving as teacher librarian and extended essay coordinator at Mont’Kiara International School in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He earned a BA in international relations from San Francisco State University and an MA in secondary education from the University of Alabama. Dave is currently completing his second master’s degree in literacy education with a teacher librarian endorsement at the University of Denver. Dave enjoys scuba diving, reading, dancing, and traveling. He looks forward to exploring Brazil with his family and reconnecting with the country’s vibrant culture and history.

Jasmine Cipryk
Lower School Pre-K Teacher 
Jasmine joins Graded with more than two decades of experience in early childhood education. She spent ten years teaching preschool and kindergarten in Canada before taking her passion for teaching abroad. Over the past eleven years, she has taught pre-kindergarten and kindergarten in Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, and South Korea. Jasmine holds a diploma in early childhood education from Niagara College as well as a BA in primary education and a graduate diploma in education from Griffith University in Australia. She is excited to become part of the Graded community and to inspire her students. In her free time, Jasmine enjoys reading, traveling, and cooking. She’s especially looking forward to exploring Brazil with her rescue dog, Bella.

Jonathan Courvoisier 
Upper School Physical Education Teacher 
Jonathan Courvoisier comes to Graded after 10 years of international teaching experience. A native of Ontario, Canada, he earned his BA in physical and health education and biology. He spent two years teaching grade 10 general science in China and eight years in Kuwait as a physical and health education teacher. Jonathan is joining Graded with his wife, Deidra Schiestel, who will join the Middle School Math Department, and their one-year-old daughter, Frances. Passionate about sports and physical activity, he enjoys coaching and developing skills in young athletes, believing in the power of a growth mindset, determination, and perseverance.  Jonathan’s hobbies include exercising, walking, hiking, and playing sports—his favorite of which is football. Additionally, he is an avid fan of board, card, and console games and loves traveling to experience new cultures, explore historical sites, and try new foods. Eager to take risks and embrace challenges, he is always ready to step out of his comfort zone and try new things. 

Shira Daryn 
Deeper Learning Coordinator 
Shira comes to Graded after 20 years of international teaching, most recently at the American International School Chennai in South India, where she served as a secondary learning coach, science teacher, and head of department. Before that, she taught in Israel and Nepal. Shira received her BA in chemistry and her doctorate in physical chemistry from Oriel College at the University of Oxford and a certificate in instructional coaching from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is passionate about science, education, and the intersection between them. When not geeking out over learning, Shira can most likely be found reading nonfiction or historical fiction, swimming, listening to music, cooking, or experimenting with new plant-based recipes. She loves to travel and explore new cultures with her husband, Gil, and looks forward to learning Portuguese and discovering Brazilian culture.

Myesha Davis 
High School Science Teacher (Biology)
Myesha joins Graded after 12 years in the classroom, most recently at St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju, where she taught AP Biology and middle school science. She previously worked at BASIS International School in Huizhou, China. Before moving abroad, Myesha worked for five years at iMater Charter Middle and High School in Miami, Florida, where she taught middle school science, served as an eighth-grade class sponsor, and was the head of the science department. Myesha holds a BS in biology from the University of West Georgia and an MEd in curriculum, instruction, and assessment from Walden University. She is currently pursuing her EdD in leadership, with a focus on profit and nonprofit organizations, and she dreams of opening her own international school one day. When she is not in the classroom, Myesha can be found spending time with her family, coaching or playing basketball, swimming at the beach, or participating in hip-hop or afrobeats dance classes. She also enjoys traveling the world, learning about new cultures, and trying new foods. One of her most memorable trips was bringing 70 of her international friends and family to Accra, Ghana, to celebrate her wedding. 

Mike Dickinson 
High School Computer Science Teacher 
Mike is excited to join Graded after teaching computer science for the past three years at the University of Kentucky. He began his teaching career in 2013 at RAF Lakenheath, England, where he taught second grade for several years. Mike then transitioned to high school computer science, teaching at Busan Foreign School in South Korea and the American Community School in Abu Dhabi. Before becoming an educator, Mike served for more than 20 years as a US Air Force officer and C-130 pilot, spending a significant portion of that time in Germany and Belgium. He holds a BS in computer science from the University of Kansas, an MS in education from Old Dominion University, and an MS in military history from the Air Command and Staff College. Mike will be accompanied by his lovely wife, Summer, and two children, Max and Kate. He cherishes time with his family and enjoys hiking, playing and watching sports, and traveling whenever and wherever possible. 

Summer Dickinson 
Lower School Grade 2 Teacher 
Summer Dickinson joins the Graded School community with 15 years of international teaching experience in elementary education and special education, having taught in Belgium, England, South Korea, Abu Dhabi, and her home state of Kentucky. She holds a master’s degree in elementary education and recently earned a graduate certificate in special education from the University of Kentucky. Summer is relocating to São Paulo with her husband and their two children, Max and Kate. Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and watching sports with her family.

Jourdan Dixon 
High School SEL Counselor 
Jourdan is joining Graded with eight years of experience in school counseling. He is currently a high school counselor at the American International School of Vienna, where he has been working for the past three years. Before moving to Austria, he served as a school counselor for Indianapolis Public Schools in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jourdan holds a Bachelor of Science in exercise science and an MEd in school counseling. He is passionate about working out, cooking, personal finance, and traveling, and he’s been known to hit a move or two on the dance floor. He looks forward to joining the Graded community and learning Portuguese!

Kenta Ferrin 
Middle School Science Teacher 
Kenta brings more than 17 years of experience in education, having served as both a middle school science teacher and a fundraising professional for independent schools. He joins the Graded community with his husband, Doug Robbins, who will be part of the High School Social Studies Department. Kenta holds a MEd in teaching from the University of Hawaii and is an alumnus of the Teach For America program. In his free time, he enjoys surfing, reading, exploring cities on foot, and diving deep into Google Maps. He has a passion for languages and is excited to begin studying Portuguese!  

Jenny Friedman 
Upper School Optimal Learning Services Teacher 
Jenny will enter her 21st year in the classroom when she arrives at Graded. Most recently, she taught middle school learning support at the International School of Kenya. She previously worked at NIST in Bangkok, Thailand, and before that, at the American International School of Dhaka in Bangladesh. Before “going international,” Jenny spent 10 years working for the New York City Department of Education. A career changer, she worked in advertising before becoming a teacher. Jenny is currently completing an MEd in international counseling at Lehigh University. She holds an MS in educational leadership and supervision from the College of Saint Rose and an MS in urban education from Mercy College. Outside school, she enjoys reading, exploring new places, trying new foods, and Broadway musicals. Jenny will be joined by her daughter, Becca, and her mother, Paula, who travels the world with them.

Michael Jobe 
Upper School Mathematics Teacher 
Michael is joining Graded from Asociación Escuelas Lincoln in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Arts in international education from Framingham State University. He met his wife, Marisol Valverde, an incoming lower school teacher, almost 19 years ago while working at Country Day School in San José, Costa Rica. After getting married, they moved to Seoul, South Korea, and spent the next four years working at Korea International School. Following the birth of their twins, Michael and his family relocated to Singapore, where Michael served as the head of middle school mathematics at United World College of Southeast Asia. Seven years, one dog, and another child later, the Jobe family relocated to Argentina during the pandemic. Michael enjoys sporting and gaming events, as well as playing music. He is looking forward to learning Portuguese and experiencing Brazilian culture. 

Allison Lee 
High School English Teacher 
Allison joins Graded with 26 years of teaching experience. She began her career in the Bay Area, working in California public schools for 10 years. Since 2011, she has taught internationally in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and most recently, Malaysia. Over the past eight years, she has taught IBDP Theory of Knowledge and English language and literature. Allison earned her BA from Rutgers University, where she double-majored in English and French literature, and her MEd from Vanderbilt University. She will be joined at Graded by her partner, Dave Chen, a high school business and economics teacher; their two children, Baden (grade 11) and Izaura (grade 8); and their beloved Westie, Vida. In addition to being a passionate educator, Allison enjoys cooking, running, listening to music, spending time with family, and exploring the outdoors with Vida. One of her favorite places in the world is Pisac in the Sacred Valley of Peru.

Jane McGee 
Superintendent 
Jane brings more than 30 years of experience as an educator and leader at international schools, including 10 years as a head of school. Her career has spanned a wide range of roles—from math teacher and department head to IB coordinator, principal, and head of school. Jane has most recently served as head of school at UNIS Hanoi and has previously held roles at the American Overseas School of Rome, the American International School in Egypt, the International School Bangkok, the American School of Warsaw, the American School of Bombay, and Vientiane International School. She received her Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Science (Hons) in mathematics and statistics, as well as her Master of Education in administration and policy, from Queen’s University in Canada. In her spare time, Jane enjoys reading and staying active at the gym. She looks forward to immersing herself in Brazilian culture, getting to know members of the school community, and working to enhance Graded's already exceptional educational programs. Jane will be joined in São Paulo by her husband, Brian. 

James Morris 
Upper School Design & Technology Teacher 
James joins Graded with 15 years of teaching experience, the past 10 of which he spent at international schools. Most recently, he taught at the International School Manila in the Philippines and has also worked in Egypt, Bangladesh, and Texas. He holds a BA in radio-television-film from the University of Texas at Austin and is nearing completion of an MEd in interdisciplinary STEM education from The Citadel. Additionally, he has completed robotics courses through Carnegie Mellon University and the South Carolina School of Engineering. James will be joined by his son, Stirling, a sophomore who enjoys playing fútbol and skateboarding, and their two dogs, Nala and Nicco. Passionate about learning new things, James enjoys working out, eating well, and exploring new cultures.

Amber Peirsol 
High School SEL Counselor 
Amber joins Graded with eight years of international experience in Germany, Chile, and Thailand. Her approach to both individual and systems work is rooted in her early career as a social worker in Vermont, where she also earned her BS in social work from the University of Vermont. Since then, she has strengthened her practice as a teacher and counselor, working with both high school and elementary school students and earning an MA in school counseling from the College of New Jersey. Amber is excited to foster community development and growth at Graded, building connections through her passions for reading, running, cycling, and spending time outdoors.  

Doug Robbins 
High School Social Studies Teacher 
Doug Robbins will join the Graded team after a long and varied teaching career that has included roles in both public and independent schools, middle and high schools, as well as administrative and international settings. He is a proud (but not fanatical) graduate of the University of Michigan, where he earned a BA in history. He also holds an MEd in bilingual/bicultural studies from Wayne State University. Most recently, Doug taught AP and college prep US history at The American School Foundation of Guadalajara. He will be accompanied by his amazing husband, Kenta Ferrin, who will be joining the Middle School Science Department. In his spare time, Doug enjoys hiking, biking, cooking, eating, and exploring. After teaching, his second great passion is coffee. Your São Paulo coffee recommendations would be well received.

Deidra Schiestel 
Middle School Mathematics Teacher 

Deidra joins Graded after 10 years of teaching internationally. She spent the past eight years at the American International School in Kuwait and previously taught in China. Deidra holds a BSc from Brock University, a BEd in science and mathematics from the University of Ottawa, and an MEd from Queen’s University with a focus on assessment and evaluation and classroom specialization. She is passionate about data-driven instruction and believes that assessment is essential for guiding instruction and supporting student learning. Deidra joins the Graded community with her husband, Jonathan, and their one-year-old daughter, Frances. Deidra loves staying active and being outdoors, with a particular passion for ice hockey and competitive softball—sports that keep her connected to her Canadian roots. She also enjoys cooking, reading, and crafting polymer clay earrings.

Lindsey Schubert 
Upper School Librarian 
Lindsey comes to Graded with more than 25 years of experience as a librarian in international schools.  She has spent her professional career working in Paraguay, London, Myanmar, and most recently, Ghana. Lindsey earned her BA in English and her MS in library and information science from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.  Although she grew up in the Midwest of the United States, she now considers London her home. Outside of work, Lindsey enjoys running, scuba diving, exploring, and spending time outdoors (when she is not reading). Lindsey will come to São Paulo with her husband, Gavin.

Marisol Valverde 
Lower School Kindergarten Teacher 
Marisol Valverde joins Graded after more than 16 years in the classroom, most recently at Asociación Escuelas Lincoln in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she has taught second grade for the past five years. Before moving abroad, Marisol taught at her hometown's Country Day School in Costa Rica. She then moved to Asia, where she worked at Korea International School in Seoul, South Korea, and United World College Southeast Asia in Singapore. She holds a BA in bilingual preschool education from the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica. Teaching is her passion, and nothing brings her more pride than seeing her students’ faces light up with understanding and watching their love of learning grow. Marisol enjoys nature and exercise, and the beach holds a special place in her heart. She will arrive in São Paulo with her husband, Michael Jobe, an upper school mathematics teacher, and their three children: Luka, Lilah, and Arya.

Amy Vriend 
Upper School (Grade 8/9) SEL Counselor 
Amy comes to Graded with more than 25 years of international school experience, both as a student and an educator. A third culture kid, she grew up in England and also spent time in Pakistan and Israel during her formative years. After attending university in the US, Amy began her teaching career in England before moving to Japan, where she has spent the past 14 years, along with her two wonderful sons and husband, Pete. A former physical education and health teacher turned counselor, Amy has a love for learning about people and their stories. She looks forward to getting to know more about her students, colleagues, and life in Brazil. Outside of work, Amy enjoys exercising, spending time outdoors, dancing, reading, and going on coffee dates with her family.

Pete Vriend 
Upper School Physical Education Teacher 
Pete is excited to join Graded's Physical Education and Health Departments.  He is coming from Tokyo, where he, his wife, Amy, and their two sons, Finn and Will, have spent the past 14 years working and learning at the American School in Japan. Prior to that, Pete taught at the International School of Prague, soaking up the wonderful European lifestyle. His international education journey began near Boston, Massachusetts, where, after graduating with his BA from Calvin College, he attended an international job fair in Cambridge that sparked his interest in living abroad. Though he remains loyal to Canadian hockey, Tim Hortons, and cottaging in Ontario, Pete is keen to explore São Paulo and learn about Brazil. His passions include staying active both indoors and outdoors, reading international spy novels, cooking, and trying to keep up with his competitive sons.