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Catarina Song Chen

Director

Catarina Song Chen has joined the UAS community after 20 years of serving in different leadership capacities. Her previous roles include head of an international school in Brazil, strategic initiatives and partnerships for the U.S. Department of State, and board member of various educational organizations.

Like many international school students, she is a third culture kid (TCK) who embraces her multicultural heritage and lifelong learning lifestyle. Her academic preparations include a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from UCLA, a master’s in educational leadership and administration from Pepperdine University, a fellowship from the Klingenstein Center for Heads of School at Columbia University, the Advanced Management Program from the University of Pennsylvania, and the Women’s Leadership Program from Washington University in St. Louis.

Ms. Catarina believes in community, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and compassion! Her passion is working with people and engaging in meaningful dialogues. She appreciates that UAS provides a supportive environment where each learner can synthesize their interests and develop their talents in a safe yet challenging environment.

Bob McCarthy

Secondary Principal

McCarthy is an experienced educator and school leader who has taught and served as a principal in a wide range of school communities – from affluent suburban communities to urban, low-income settings, as well as international schools in Colombia and Italy. He holds a Masters in Teaching from Brown University and a Masters in Education from Harvard University. He has been recognized by state and professional organizations for his efforts to lead school-wide continuous improvement efforts through collaborative structures and by keeping students at the center of every decision.

Keitsa Brisson

Elementary Principal

Brisson was the Elementary School Principal at Danube International School, in Vienna, Austria. She also served as the Primary Years Program (PYP) Coordinator, Learning Support Coordinator, and Elementary Counselor, a testament to her versatility and broad Elementary School knowledge.

Prior to her experience in Vienna, Ms. Brisson was the Early Childhood and Elementary Principal for six years at Country Day School in San José, Costa Rica. Before moving into administration, she was a teacher trainer for the Abu Dhabi Education Council in the United Arab Emirates and taught education courses at colleges in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Savannah, Georgia. Ms. Brisson began her career teaching Early Childhood and Elementary School for 13 years in her home state of Georgia in the United States. With nearly three decades in education, including having taught at every grade level from Pre-Kinder to Grade 5, Ms. Brisson brings to UAS a wealth of experience in elementary school. In addition, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Masters degree in Instructional and Curriculum Leadership, and is completing a certificate in Pedagogy and Montessori Education.