Dr. Erica Smeltzer

Head of School

Welcome Message From The Head of School

Erica Smeltzer

Head of School

I am honored to support RD American School as Head of School in its founding year, but more importantly, I am inspired by the vibrant and dedicated community of educators who will make this school an incredible place to learn and grow.

We at RD American School are committed to the care and relationships that we know motivate and support students. However, we also believe that students deserve more than care alone can provide. They deserve the best possible tools and opportunities for success and wellbeing, and this means learning opportunities of the highest quality.

This is why we have invested deeply in providing our teachers with extensive training in research-based methodologies and have partnered with leading institutions like Riverdale Country School in New York to support the development of our educational program.

However, we also recognize that students do not only learn from their teachers: they also learn from each other and from their environment. Classrooms and schools themselves can either support or hinder the interaction and exploration that are at the heart of the learning experience. For this reason, we have enlisted award-winning architect Trung Lê to design a distinctive physical space that fosters collaboration, interdisciplinary connections, and discovery.

At RD American School, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where every child is known, supported, and challenged.

I invite you to learn more about our school and to join us in our work to help young people build meaningful lives of purpose and connection in a rapidly changing world.

Sincerely,
Dr. Erica Smeltzer

CEO

Tony Wang

Tony Wang is the Founder and President of Three W International, a global leader in international education. Since 2016, he has led efforts to expand access to quality education across Southeast Asia, building expert teams and strong school partnerships.

Under his leadership, Three W has facilitated the enrollment of thousands of students into top institutions worldwide, with offices in Los Angeles, Toronto, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and collaborations with over 200 schools across North America.

Head of School

Dr. Erica Gale Smeltzer

Erica Gale Smeltzer brings more than a decade of international school leadership experience, with a proven record of building strong school cultures that balance high standards with individualized support.

Prior to joining RD American School, Erica helped the BASIS network in the United States open their first international school campus in China, where she went on to serve as the Head of School at the BASIS flagship campus in Shenzhen and at the first BASIS boarding school campus in Guangzhou. She is committed to teaching and learning, and has continued to lead classes and clubs alongside her leadership roles.

Erica holds a Ph.D. in Literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz, a B.A. in English and Philosophy from the University of South Carolina, and has studied Educational Leadership at the University of Virginia. She has also completed advanced training in international education, diversity and inclusion, project management, and student wellbeing.

Chief Commercial & Operations Officer

Patrick Kelly

Patrick Kelly is a strategic leader with over 25 years of experience in marketing, sales, and operations across global finance, healthcare, insurance, and education. A Cannes Lions Bronze winner and the creator of HSBC’s first global Online Savings product, he holds an Executive MBA from Melbourne Business School.

A Singapore Permanent Resident since 2008, Patrick has led cross-border teams and driven growth in both corporate and educational sectors. He also served as Head Rugby Coach at Centaurs for ten years and helped secure a four-year EduTrust license for Knightsbridge International School.

Elementary Principal

Gary Bradshaw (M.A.)

Gary Bradshaw brings over 25 years of experience in international education, with a focus on bilingual and inquiry-based learning. As former Head of School at 3e International School in Beijing, he led one of the region’s premier bilingual early years and elementary programs.

His expertise includes curriculum development, school leadership and cross-cultural education. Gary is a graduate of Victoria University, Wellington and the University of Tasmania and holds a master’s degree from Newcastle University, Australia.

Board of Advisors

Nathaniel Conard (MBA)

Nathaniel Conard is a seasoned leader in independent education, having served for over 14 years as Head of School at The Pingry School, one of the top private schools in the U.S. Previously a Strategic Management Consultant at Bain & Company, he now advises schools in the U.S. and internationally on leadership, governance and strategy.

He is a graduate of Yale University and holds an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.

Academic Advisor

Dr. Kevin Mattingly

A leading expert in translating cognitive science research into educational practice, Dr. Kevin Mattingly consults with private and public institutions on curriculum design and research-informed instructional approaches. He has served as Lead Learning Designer at Riverdale Country School in New York City and as Director of Teaching and Learning at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, shaping pedagogical excellence in top-tier institutions. He has also been a faculty member at the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College Columbia University for over 25 years, and holds a Ph.D. from Indiana University.

Board of Advisors

Dr. Stephen Robinson

Dr. Stephen Robinson is a prominent educational leader, serving as President of the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and a member of the Education Reimagined initiative. He has held leadership roles as Superintendent of Bilingual Schools for the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras and as Headmaster at two U.S. boarding schools.

A Fulbright Scholar in Germany, Dr. Robinson pursued postdoctoral studies at the Wharton School and Harvard University. He holds a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University.

Board of Advisors

Richard Gehman (M.A.)

Richard Gehman is an internationally recognized leader in education, known for driving innovation in curriculum design. As Head of School at one of the U.S.’s top independent schools, he led the development of interdisciplinary research programs, progressive STEAM initiatives and a nationally acclaimed Global Studies program.
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He is a graduate of Princeton University and holds a master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Board of Advisors

Dr. Edward Shanahan

Dr. Edward Shanahan is a respected leader in international education, with a career spanning senior roles at Dartmouth College, Wesleyan University and a 20-year tenure as President and Headmaster of Choate Rosemary Hall. He also has served as Founding President and Executive Director of the distinguished Eight Schools Association for 5 years. And for almost 15 years, Dr. Shanahan has been a senior member of the Board of the Icahn Charter Schools in New York City.

Before serving as President of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), Dr. Shanahan served as chair of both the NEASC Commission on Colleges and Universities and its Commission on Independent Schools.

Lead Teacher

Jeneane Paxson

Jeneane Paxson brings 24 years of teaching experience to her role, including 15 years in Singapore where she taught 8 years at United World College and 4 years at Singapore American School, 2 years in Thailand, and 7 years in her home state of New Jersey.

She holds a degree in Elementary Education, a master’s degree, and K–8 teaching certification. Jeneane has taught across Grades 3 to 6 and is known for her deep commitment to student growth and learning.

Lead Teacher

Leanne Shang

Leanne Shang is an experienced educator with over 15 years of teaching across grades K–6, specializing in first grade. An Orton-Gillingham Associate through The Orton-Gillingham Academy, she is passionate about literacy and believes it is a right, not a privilege.

Originally from the U.S.A., Leanne has taught in California, New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. She enjoys reading, exploring new places with her family, and discovering new foods and restaurants. As a mother of two daughters and a lifelong learner, Leanne brings warmth, energy, and dedication to her students each day.

Lead Teacher

Stephanie Ringler

Stephanie Ringler has six years teaching experience, specializing in inquiry-based, student-centered learning. She holds an IB Certification and earned her Bachelor of Elementary Education (Cum Laude) with a major in Early Childhood Education.

She has served as Math Curriculum Coordinator for the primary level and is an advocate for a forward-thinking education that fosters 21st-century skills and promotes international mindedness.

Lead Teacher, Art

Aparna Patil

Aparna Patil is a lifelong artist and visual arts educator with over five years of experience teaching students from age 4 to adults. She currently teaches Early Years to Grade 3, integrating art theory, cultural exploration, and sustainability themes.

She holds certifications in Fine Arts, Chinese Painting, and Western Art, and she mentors young artists to connect their creativity with global themes and social impact.

Lead Teacher of EAL and
Learning Support

Lynn Friesen

Lynn Friesen has 18 years of teaching experience across China, Singapore, and Canada, and she brings a global perspective to education. Holding a degree in psychology, she is passionate about creating learning environments where students thrive socially, emotionally, and intellectually. Her expertise includes English as an Additional Language (EAL), curriculum development, and student well-being, with a focus on supporting learners to reach their full potential.

Lynn loves exploring innovative ways to make learning engaging and meaningful, and she draws on her international experience to inspire curiosity and confidence in every learner. Outside of her work, she enjoys discovering new cultures, reading widely, and finding joy in everyday moments that spark creativity and connection.

Lead Teacher, Chinese

Wendy Qiu

Wendy Qiu is a seasoned bilingual educator with eight years experience teaching Mandarin in international schools. She specializes in differentiated curriculum design for diverse proficiency levels and innovative assessment methods.

Her comprehensive teaching portfolio demonstrates expertise in integrating technology, project-based learning, and cultural education while connecting language instruction to student well-being and real-world applications.

Student Engagement and
Learning Specialist

Rebecca Crasto

Rebecca Crasto is an educator who believes in the power of inquiry and student voice to drive meaningful learning that lasts. She holds a master's degree in education from Teachers College, Columbia University where she specialized in education leadership.

Rebecca has previously worked at Riverdale Country School in New York City, one of the leading independent schools in the United States, where she focused on inquiry-based and student-centered learning practices. She is dedicated to creating learning experiences that nurture curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning in every child.

Learning Assistant

Shamil Jumali

Shamil Jumali is a dedicated Learning Assistant who is passionate about supporting children in their academic and personal growth. He began his journey in education as a Teacher Apprentice in American and Japanese schools before joining RD American School. With a growing background in early childhood and primary education, he brings patience, creativity, and empathy to the classroom, working closely with teachers to ensure every student feels supported and encouraged.

He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in Early Childhood Education Leadership, which deepens his understanding of childhood development and learning needs. Beyond academics, Shamil believes in nurturing a positive and inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive and flourish.

Learning Assistant

Vivian Bu

Vivian Bu is an experienced Chinese language educator with over five years of teaching in international schools. She has taught native speakers, second language learners, and foreign language learners, with expertise in Chinese language instruction and cultural education.

She holds a master's degree in Literary Arts from Beijing University of Science and Technology and a master's degree in teaching Chinese as an International Language from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Beyond the classroom, Vivian enjoys exploring traditional Chinese dance as a hobby and reading detective fiction, particularly the works of Agatha Christie.