Faculty Profiles

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Dr. Ron Wilder (Head of School) earned his Doctorate in Education Policy and Administration from the University of Minnesota, a Master’s in Philosophy (Peace Studies) from Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from The George Washington University. Dr. Wilder served for 25 years as a teacher, principal, and head of school in a variety of American and international schools in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Since returning to the US in 2016, he has consulted for schools, businesses, and non-profits in strategic planning and change management. Dr.Wilder also counsels individual students and families in university admissions planning for private and public colleges and universities in the US, Canada, and Europe. He has three grown sons, all who were born and raised internationally. 

Mrs. Glenda Candido (History, Business) earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from Estadual de Campinas (Brazil), and two Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degrees, one from Pontificia Universidade Catolica (Brazil), and another from Anhembi Morumbi University (Brazil). She has taught middle and high school history and social studies in traditional and virtual settings since 2011 and is a curriculum specialist with experience in both US and International Baccalaureate curricula.

Dr. Mariela Diocares (Psychology, Sociology) earned her Doctor of Education in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University, following a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University. She has served as an Adjunct Professor at Arizona College of Nursing and Jersey College, teaching Psychology, Statistics, Sociology, and Life Span Development. Dr. Diocares has extensive experience in mental health counseling, clinical supervision, and academic leadership at both secondary and postsecondary levels.

Mr. James Dolecki (Social Sciences) earned his Bachelor of Science in Communications from East Carolina University and completed his Teacher Credential Program with BCLAD Certification at National University in California. He has taught History, Geography, Government, and Economics in schools across Africa, the Middle East, and the United States, including the American School of Douala and Khartoum American School. Mr. Dolecki holds TOEFL certification and brings expertise in AERO and California standards, IB MYP training, and multicultural education.

Mr. Zadkiel Elder (Economics, Social Sciences) holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of California, Riverside, a Master of Arts in Economics from San Diego State University, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Sunderland. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Riverside. Mr. Elder has taught Economics and Business Studies internationally at Dulwich International High School, Wellington College, and Nord Anglia School, specializing in A-Level and IB Economics as well as literacy and learning support for English language learners.

Mrs. Gaia Gerard (Languages, ESL) holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Ca Foscari University in Venice, Italy in Western Modern and Post-Colonial Languages and Literature. Mrs. Gerard is certified through EUROLTA to teach Italian, English, Spanish, French and Portuguese as a second language and is a certified examiner for the Diploma de Español como Lengua Estranjera (DELE) certification and for Certificato di Italiano come Lingua Straniera certification (CILS). She has taught Foreign Languages and Teaching Methodologies at the University of Coventry, UK. Mrs. Gerard is the Team Lead for the English as a Second Language program.

Mr. John Hawkins (Physics, Engineering, Math) earned his Master of Science in Physics and Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and pursued doctoral studies in Theoretical High Energy Physics at the University of Minnesota. With more than three decades of teaching experience, he has taught Physics, Astronomy, and Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Stout, Metropolitan Community Colleges, and the American School of Kuwait. Mr. Hawkins was honored with the Missouri Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Ms. Sarah Kulla (School Counselor) graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Latin American Language and Literature. She holds a K-12 teaching certification from the state of Montana, as well as both Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certifications. She is fluent in Spanish. Mrs. Kulla has served as the Humanities Chair at AIA, where she has worked as an online instructor since 2020. She now leads the Counseling team at AIA as the SEL and College Counselor.

Dr. Andre Lawe (Chemistry, Math) earned his Doctor of Education in Educational and Instructional Leadership from St. John’s University, along with additional graduate credentials from Harvard University, Jones International University, and Columbia University. He holds permanent New York State certification as a Teacher of Science and Chemistry, a New Jersey Chemistry Teacher License, and NCLB Highly Qualified Status in Mathematics. Dr. Lawe’s distinguished career includes teaching Advanced Placement Chemistry at Tilden High School, developing mathematics and science curricula, and mentoring pre-service teachers through Grand Canyon, Concordia, and the University of Phoenix.

Mrs. Kirsty Ann Liesenberg (Social Sciences, ESL) graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Geography, a second Bachelor’s degree with Honours, and a Master’s degree in Education from Rhodes University in South Africa. Mrs. Liesenberg holds a diploma in Educational Psychology, certificates in Digital Literacy (ICDL and ECDL), and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). She has been a Lecturer in the Department of Education at Rhodes University, a private tutor in various subject areas, and has worked as a professional online instructor since 2020. 

Mr. Steve McNutt (Social Sciences) earned his Master of Arts in U.S. History from Brigham Young University, following a Bachelor of Education from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Canadian Studies from Acadia University. He completed doctoral studies in U.S. Southern History at Vanderbilt University. Mr. McNutt has served as Principal at Branksome Hall Asia and IB Diploma Coordinator at multiple international schools across Korea and China, teaching IB History, Theory of Knowledge, and AP U.S. History.

Mr. Steve Reed (Sciences) earned an M.A. in Educational Technology Leadership from The George Washington University and a B.S. in Secondary Education (Biology Composite, Chemistry minor) from Utah State University. He holds a Utah Secondary Teaching License with endorsements in Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Environmental Science, and serves as an AP Chemistry Instructor. Mr. Reed has taught AP Chemistry at Juan Diego Catholic High School, previously led AP Chemistry and chaired department initiatives in Canyons School District, and has taught Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Integrated Science in Utah, Arizona, Oregon, and internationally at the American School of El Salvador. Honors include University of Chicago Outstanding Educator, Corner Canyon High School Teacher of the Year, and American School of El Salvador Teacher of the Year.