Leadership
At Raffles American School, our leadership team is dedicated to creating a positive and supportive environment for student success. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, they guide both staff and students to reach their full potential.
Dr. Alexandar Pethan
Superintendent
Dr. Pethan’s 25-year educational journey began when he volunteered to teach elementary students to read, sparking his passion for teaching.
Dr. Alexandar Pethan
Dr. Pethan’s 25-year educational journey began when he volunteered to teach elementary students to read, sparking his passion for teaching. He later taught Spanish and coached sports in the U.S. before moving to the Philippines, where mentorship and leadership opportunities shaped his path. Dr. Pethan has since led dynamic school communities in Saudi Arabia, Beijing, and Kuwait. Now serving as Superintendent at Raffles American School, he aims to build on its strong foundation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in zoology and Spanish, a master’s in educational leadership, and a doctoral degree in leadership from Vanderbilt University.
James Elliott
Elementary School Principal
Mr. James Elliott is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and he joined Raffles American School in 2020 as a teacher and admissions representative. Mr. Elliott holds a BA in Rhetoric and Writing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
James Elliott
Mr. James Elliott, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, joined Raffles American School in 2020 as a teacher and admissions representative and has since been our Elementary Principal. He holds a BA in Rhetoric and Writing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is licensed in Elementary Education and ESOL. Starting his career in 2014 as a Pre-K teacher, Mr. Elliott has taught students from early childhood to university. At Raffles American School, he has taught ELL, 4th and 5th grades, and led various CCAs while helping enroll hundreds of new students. He believes authenticity is key to matching families with the right school and uses his teaching experience to guide prospective families at Raffles American School.
Darla Her
Elementary School Assistant Principal
Mrs. Darla Her, from Missouri, USA, joined Raffles American School in 2022 as the Elementary ELL teacher and Learning Support Specialist before becoming Assistant Principal.
Darla Her
Mrs. Darla Her, from Missouri, USA, joined Raffles American School in 2022 as the Elementary ELL teacher and Learning Support Specialist before becoming Assistant Principal. She holds a Bachelor’s in Childhood Education, a Master’s in Special Education from Nyack College, and an Education Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership. Starting her career in 2016 in New York City, she worked closely with parents, teachers, and students to ensure quality education for all. At RAS, Darla has led various projects, including the yearbook, sewing club, and standardized testing. She is a passionate advocate for helping all students reach their potential and become lifelong learners.
Sarah McRoberts
Secondary School Principal
From Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Sarah McRoberts brings 19 years of educational experience to Raffles American School.
Sarah McRoberts
From Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Sarah McRoberts brings 19 years of educational experience to Raffles American School. She has taught secondary students in both public and private schools across the U.S., including AP English courses, and has held roles at international schools in Seoul and Guangzhou. A Fulbright-Hays Fellow in Kolkata, Sarah holds a B.S. in Broad-Area English and History from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, as well as two M.Ed. degrees in Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership. She is passionate about working closely with students, families, and colleagues to support each student in reaching their dreams.
Sok Wee Kho
Secondary School Assistant Principal
Mr. Sok Wee Kho, a native Singaporean, holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the National University of Singapore. As our secondary high school principal with teaching expertise in Cambridge, IB, and AP curricula.
Sok Wee Kho
Sok Wee Kho, a Singaporean native and National University of Singapore alumnus, brings extensive experience as our Secondary High School Principal. Proficient in Cambridge, IB, and AP curricula, Mr. Kho ensures that our school meets high educational standards with research-based approaches. He holds a Master’s in Education, specializing in Teaching Multilingual Learners, making him well-suited to support our diverse student body. Passionate about 21st-century education, Mr. Kho fosters an environment where students feel confident, supported, and prepared to embrace challenges, make informed decisions, and grow as lifelong learners.
John Fraser Georgie
College Counselor Director
Originally from the UK, Mr. John Georgie brings over a decade of experience in international and private education,
John Fraser Georgie
Originally from the UK, Mr. John Georgie brings over a decade of experience in international and private education, specializing in university guidance across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Asia. With expertise in both the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) curricula, he holds an MEd in International Education and a College Counseling Certificate from UC San Diego. Most recently at Korea International School Jeju, he helped students gain admission to top universities through thoughtful planning and building strong, distinctive portfolios.
Andy Manion
Athletic Director
Mr. Andy Manion, an Australian educator with over 38 years of experience in Physical Education, joined Raffles American School after teaching at the Australian International School in Vietnam.
Andy Manion
Mr. Andy Manion, an Australian educator with over 38 years of experience in Physical Education, joined Raffles American School after teaching at the Australian International School in Vietnam. He holds a Bachelor of Education and has served as Head of PE Departments in Tasmania and Queensland, as well as Director of Sport at a P-12 school on the Gold Coast. Andy was honored with the Australian ‘National Excellence in Teaching Award’ in 1997 and Life Membership of ‘School Sport South Coast’ in 2015. His passions include cricket, golf, SCUBA diving, and more. Andy believes enjoyable, active participation is essential for personal and physical development.
John S. D. Devadoss
Boarding Director
Mr. John S. D. Devadoss brings over 20 years of experience in developing inclusive and supportive boarding programs.
John S. D. Devadoss
Mr. John S. D. Devadoss brings over 20 years of experience in developing inclusive and supportive boarding programs. Having lived in six countries and traveled to 40, he offers a truly global perspective on student care. He is an Accredited Boarding Practitioner Level 4 (ABSA, Australia) and has completed Leadership in Boarding training with the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA, UK). Passionate about student well-being, John actively participates in youth service initiatives and international conferences. He is currently pursuing an M.A. in Residential Education at the University of Buckingham, UK.
Ian Nenke
Business Development Director
Mr. Ian Nenke, from Perth, Western Australia, joined Raffles American School in 2018, actively contributing to Admissions, Communications, and the International Camps program.
Ian Nenke
Mr. Ian Nenke, from Perth, Western Australia, joined Raffles American School in 2018, actively contributing to Admissions, Communications, and the International Camps program. He holds a Master of Business Administration (Digital) from Monash University and brings over 20 years of experience in management, communications, and business development across education, tourism, and agri-business sectors. Ian also collaborates with Raffles Parents for Education (RPFE) to organize events like International Day and Beach Clean-ups. On weekends, he enriches Boarding students’ experiences with activities like rock climbing. As a father of four sons, Ian believes in inquiry-based learning and emphasizes clear communication, compassion, honesty, and integrity in education.