Staff Profiles
Year 3 – Year 4
At St Christopher’s, our dedicated and well-qualified team of staff put your children at the heart of everything we do.
Year 3 – Year 4
Ashley Byrne
Year 3 AB
English Leader
Ashley is originally from the United Kingdom and has a BA in Education from the University of Northampton. After training, Ashley taught in Rugby, England for 5 years as both a class teacher and member of the Senior Leadership Team.
He enjoys being creative, active and being outdoors whenever possible. Ashley also has a passion for cars and motorcycles. He loves the challenge of anything mechanical and has built his own kit car.
Having visited Penang many years ago, Ashley fell in love with the island and thought it to be an ideal location to launch his international career in teaching. After spending his first year at SCIPS teaching year 6 his is enjoying his move down to year 3.
Jennifer Barry
Year 3 JB
Jennifer is from the United States, received a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and earned her Master Degree in Education from Wilkes University. She worked at a junior high school in Pennsylvania as a special education teacher for 6 years, teaching students with a variety of disabilities.
Wanting to explore the world and experience cultures outside of her own, Jennifer looked into international teaching and landed in beautiful Penang. This is Jennifer’s second year teaching Year 3 at St. Christopher’s. In her free time, she enjoys reading, training martial arts, being outdoors, and exploring Southeast Asia.
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Lauren Bailey
Year 3 LB
Lauren is from the United Kingdom and has a Bachelor degree in History from the University of Leeds. She then went on to complete her PGCE teaching qualification at the same university. After four years teaching in Leeds and Manchester, her passion for travel and learning about other cultures has led her to make the decision to move to Penang.
This is Lauren’s first international teaching post and she is looking forward to learning alongside all the teachers, children and parents at SCIPS. In her free time Lauren enjoys hiking, climbing and swimming. She is most looking forward to exploring the hiking trails on the island, sunbathing and of course the food!
Louise Keen
Year 4 LK
Mathematics Leader
Louise studied at St. Martin’s College, Lancaster, England for four years and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Drama with Qualified Teachers Status. She began her career in the east of England and had the privilege of teaching children in Key Stage One and Two, coordinating Science, Drama and Mathematics. After an inspirational holiday to Asia, she decided to apply for an international posting at St. Christopher’s International Primary School and was appointed as a Year one teacher and Maths Coordinator in 2012. Louise is now in her sixth year teaching at SCIPS and this year, has moved from teaching Year 2 to Year 4.
Louise thoroughly enjoys travel, new experiences and socialising, although one of her biggest passions is horse riding. She is married with one son, Khalifa.
Tom Owst
Year 4 TO
Science Coordinator
Tom is from Hastings, a coastal town in the United Kingdom. After completing his degree in primary education at Canterbury Christ Church University, specialising in mathematics and art, he went on to work at a school in East Sussex for 3 years. At his previous school, Tom co-ordinated design and technology and was a mentor for newly qualified teachers.
Tom was once a tumbler (a form of gymnastics) and competed at a national level. He loves all sorts of sports, from swimming to running. Tom thoroughly enjoys the food and jungle that penang offers.
This is his second year teaching Year 4 at SCIPS.
Luke McRae
Year 4 LM
PHSE Leader
Luke is from Newbury in the United Kingdom, which is just outside of London. He began studying in 2011 at Roehampton University and graduated in 2014. Before graduating from university, he travelled and lived overseas, spending large amounts of time in Australia, South-East Asia and India. Malaysia has often felt like his home away from home to him. During his time overseas, he became inspired to become a teacher. He began his teaching journey six years ago in London and has since taught in Qatar. His favourite hobby is travelling with his young family. His wife is also a teacher on the island and his young son keeps him busy and entertained. Luke is looking forward to his second international teaching post as he hopes to embrace the opportunity to develop himself both professionally and personally. However, he is most looking forward to being welcomed as a member of the SCIPS family.