Governance
Elizabeth Pepek - Chair
Elizabeth Pepek has a background in business strategy and analytics. She graduated from Georgetown University before obtaining her MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management. Elizabeth began her career at American Express in a marketing and operations capacity. After business school, she accepted a position with McKinsey & Company, serving companies in a range of industries. Most recently, Elizabeth worked at the FBI as an intelligence analyst in White Collar Crime and Counterintelligence. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees both for the Princeton Symphony Orchestra and for the Friends Executive Committee at the Institute for Advanced Studies. Elizabeth has four children, two of whom attend YHIS..
Elizabeth Pepek has a background in business strategy and analytics. She graduated from Georgetown University before obtaining her MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management. Elizabeth began her career at American Express in a marketing and operations capacity. After business school, she accepted a position with McKinsey & Company, serving companies in a range of industries. Most recently, Elizabeth worked at the FBI as an intelligence analyst in White Collar Crime and Counterintelligence. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees both for the Princeton Symphony Orchestra and for the Friends Executive Committee at the Institute for Advanced Studies. Elizabeth has four children, two of whom attend YHIS..
Heather Howell - Secretary
Heather Howell is a Research Scientist in the Foundational Research division at ETS. Her research focus includes the study of teacher content knowledge for teaching, with a focus in secondary mathematics teaching, and the study of teacher learning around instructional practices such as discussion and argumentation. She has led multiple projects funded by the National Science Foundation (Grant No. 1621344, 2032179, and 2037983) exploring the use of simulated teaching in methods classes using the Mursion® environment as a way for new teachers to practice ambitious teaching methods in low stakes environments before working with children. Heather holds a MS in Mathematics, a MA in Mathematics Education and a PhD in Teaching and Learning with specialization in Mathematics Education from New York University. Previously, she taught mathematics in grades 9-12 and at the undergraduate level, mathematics teaching methods for future elementary and secondary level teachers, and mentored mathematics teachers in grades 6-12 in New York City. Her son is thriving as a student and member of the YingHua community.
Heather Howell is a Research Scientist in the Foundational Research division at ETS. Her research focus includes the study of teacher content knowledge for teaching, with a focus in secondary mathematics teaching, and the study of teacher learning around instructional practices such as discussion and argumentation. She has led multiple projects funded by the National Science Foundation (Grant No. 1621344, 2032179, and 2037983) exploring the use of simulated teaching in methods classes using the Mursion® environment as a way for new teachers to practice ambitious teaching methods in low stakes environments before working with children. Heather holds a MS in Mathematics, a MA in Mathematics Education and a PhD in Teaching and Learning with specialization in Mathematics Education from New York University. Previously, she taught mathematics in grades 9-12 and at the undergraduate level, mathematics teaching methods for future elementary and secondary level teachers, and mentored mathematics teachers in grades 6-12 in New York City. Her son is thriving as a student and member of the YingHua community.
Laurie Schrimpf - Treasurer
Laurie Schrimpf is a licensed CPA in New Jersey and holds the designation of Chartered Global Management Accountant. She is the Senior VP of Finance for Michael Graves Architecture & Design. In this role, Laurie defines and executes the firm’s strategy in accounting, financial planning, audit, tax, treasury, risk management, and IT. Prior to this, Laurie’s career spanned more than 15 years in the financial oversight and management of entrepreneurial businesses and professional service firms. Laurie received a B.S. in Business Administration with an Accounting Concentration and a Minor in Finance from California State University San Bernardino. She received her M.S. in Accountancy with an emphasis in Taxation from San Diego State University. She was a participant in the Executive Education program, Leading Professional Services Firms, at Harvard Business School. Laurie is passionate about multicultural understanding and language learning. She speaks Spanish and studied Italian for a year. She has lived in Germany and London, spent summers in Mexico, and has travelled through 40 countries. Since 2015, Laurie has continuously hosted participants from an international cultural exchange program, through which she has welcomed visitors from China, Mexico, Brazil and Colombia. A mother of three, Laurie supported her eldest daughter’s international exchange program to Chile for her junior year of high school. Her two youngest children attend Ying Hua.
Laurie Schrimpf is a licensed CPA in New Jersey and holds the designation of Chartered Global Management Accountant. She is the Senior VP of Finance for Michael Graves Architecture & Design. In this role, Laurie defines and executes the firm’s strategy in accounting, financial planning, audit, tax, treasury, risk management, and IT. Prior to this, Laurie’s career spanned more than 15 years in the financial oversight and management of entrepreneurial businesses and professional service firms. Laurie received a B.S. in Business Administration with an Accounting Concentration and a Minor in Finance from California State University San Bernardino. She received her M.S. in Accountancy with an emphasis in Taxation from San Diego State University. She was a participant in the Executive Education program, Leading Professional Services Firms, at Harvard Business School. Laurie is passionate about multicultural understanding and language learning. She speaks Spanish and studied Italian for a year. She has lived in Germany and London, spent summers in Mexico, and has travelled through 40 countries. Since 2015, Laurie has continuously hosted participants from an international cultural exchange program, through which she has welcomed visitors from China, Mexico, Brazil and Colombia. A mother of three, Laurie supported her eldest daughter’s international exchange program to Chile for her junior year of high school. Her two youngest children attend Ying Hua.
Rob Ambrogi
After graduating with a Chemistry degree from Cornell University, Rob began his multicultural career as a Teacher Corps science teacher in inner city Lackawanna, NY. He later served as a Chemistry teacher in Peace Corps Cameroon, after which he began his administrative career at the American School of Yaoundé. After earning his doctorate in Educational Administration and Curriculum at the University of South Carolina, he went on to serve as the head of international schools in Monrovia, Lisbon, Islamabad, and Johannesburg. During his time overseas he served on the boards of various regional associations of international schools. He recently retired as Vice President of the School Management Department at International Schools Services, a not-for-profit organization in Princeton that establishes and supports international schools around the world. He presently volunteers as a Board Member at the Princeton Learning Cooperative, a not-for-profit organization that runs self-directed educational centers for teens. He and his wife Kathi have three sons and four grandchildren. Rob enjoys photography, sleight of hand magic and ‘underhanded’ games (e.g. bocce, horseshoes, beanbag toss, axe throwing, KUBB, etc.).
After graduating with a Chemistry degree from Cornell University, Rob began his multicultural career as a Teacher Corps science teacher in inner city Lackawanna, NY. He later served as a Chemistry teacher in Peace Corps Cameroon, after which he began his administrative career at the American School of Yaoundé. After earning his doctorate in Educational Administration and Curriculum at the University of South Carolina, he went on to serve as the head of international schools in Monrovia, Lisbon, Islamabad, and Johannesburg. During his time overseas he served on the boards of various regional associations of international schools. He recently retired as Vice President of the School Management Department at International Schools Services, a not-for-profit organization in Princeton that establishes and supports international schools around the world. He presently volunteers as a Board Member at the Princeton Learning Cooperative, a not-for-profit organization that runs self-directed educational centers for teens. He and his wife Kathi have three sons and four grandchildren. Rob enjoys photography, sleight of hand magic and ‘underhanded’ games (e.g. bocce, horseshoes, beanbag toss, axe throwing, KUBB, etc.).
Susan Caime
Susan Caime is currently a Principal Consultant for consumer goods industries. With over 20 years of experience, Susan has developed and brought to market some of the world’s most loved products at such organizations as Campbell Soup Company and Chiquita Brands International. In addition to holding leadership positions in the private sector, Susan has supported the agricultural industry where she investigated emerging pathogens and alternate processing technologies to inhibit unwanted microbial proliferation. Susan holds a B.S. degree in Food Science and Nutrition from Clemson University and a M.S. in Food Safety and Biosecurity from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Passionate about travel and teaching youth the importance of global awareness, Susan has traversed the globe and volunteered in mission work in Central America. Susan has two children, both of whom have progressed through the Mandarin program in Princeton’s local school system and one who participated in the STARTALK program at YHIS.
Susan Caime is currently a Principal Consultant for consumer goods industries. With over 20 years of experience, Susan has developed and brought to market some of the world’s most loved products at such organizations as Campbell Soup Company and Chiquita Brands International. In addition to holding leadership positions in the private sector, Susan has supported the agricultural industry where she investigated emerging pathogens and alternate processing technologies to inhibit unwanted microbial proliferation. Susan holds a B.S. degree in Food Science and Nutrition from Clemson University and a M.S. in Food Safety and Biosecurity from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Passionate about travel and teaching youth the importance of global awareness, Susan has traversed the globe and volunteered in mission work in Central America. Susan has two children, both of whom have progressed through the Mandarin program in Princeton’s local school system and one who participated in the STARTALK program at YHIS.
Nishi Gupta
Nishi is Head of Compliance at Eco, a novel consumer fintech company focused on putting money back to work for its users. Prior to joining Eco, Nishi spent 10 years in financial crimes compliance at American Express. In his last role at American Express, he led a team that provided technical and subject matter capabilities and services to the other financial crime compliance program areas (Sanctions, Anti-corruption, AML, and KYC). He was also responsible for developing and executing American Express’ financial crime compliance technology strategy and oversight of relevant technology projects. Prior to American Express, Nishi was in-house counsel at Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. and served for three years at the Manhattan District Attorney’s office assisting and advising on white collar crime and terrorism financing investigations.
Nishi is Head of Compliance at Eco, a novel consumer fintech company focused on putting money back to work for its users. Prior to joining Eco, Nishi spent 10 years in financial crimes compliance at American Express. In his last role at American Express, he led a team that provided technical and subject matter capabilities and services to the other financial crime compliance program areas (Sanctions, Anti-corruption, AML, and KYC). He was also responsible for developing and executing American Express’ financial crime compliance technology strategy and oversight of relevant technology projects. Prior to American Express, Nishi was in-house counsel at Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. and served for three years at the Manhattan District Attorney’s office assisting and advising on white collar crime and terrorism financing investigations.
Eric Lock
Eric Lock comes to the Yinghua International School’s Board of Directors with 20 years of experience as a social work educator. Since earning an M.A. in Social Welfare Administration at the University of Chicago, Mr. Lock has taught social welfare policy and administration courses at the University of Chicago, University of Washington, and University of Wisconsin. He currently teaches at the Rutgers University School of Social Work as an Associate Teaching Professor in both its BASW and MSW programs. Mr. Lock’s teaching and research has centered on how innovative human services agencies implement new ideas while managing complex political and policy environments. Beyond his academic work, youth development is Mr. Lock’s first love as a social worker. While a graduate student in Chicago, he co-founded and developed an innovative sports program for disadvantaged youth on the city’s south side. While in Chicago, Mr. Lock also worked as a social services administrator, managing a work-training program for developmentally disabled adults. Since moving to New Jersey to join the Rutgers faculty, Mr. Lock has been involved in criminal justice reform work through his church in New Brunswick and the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey. He is currently working with fellow faculty at the Rutgers School of Social Work exploring ways to increase the school’s outreach to, and support of, former felons seeking to pursue higher education through the New Jersey’s STEP program. Beyond work, Mr. Lock enjoys spending time with his two teenaged children, exploring New Jersey’s many beaches, as well as its biking and hiking trails, and volunteering as a Sunday School teacher at his church in New Brunswick. Every once in a while, he even dusts off his old drum set and raises a ruckus in the basement, trying to resurrect his former glory days as a rock n’ roll drummer (which usually reminds why he never quit his day job…).
Eric Lock comes to the Yinghua International School’s Board of Directors with 20 years of experience as a social work educator. Since earning an M.A. in Social Welfare Administration at the University of Chicago, Mr. Lock has taught social welfare policy and administration courses at the University of Chicago, University of Washington, and University of Wisconsin. He currently teaches at the Rutgers University School of Social Work as an Associate Teaching Professor in both its BASW and MSW programs. Mr. Lock’s teaching and research has centered on how innovative human services agencies implement new ideas while managing complex political and policy environments. Beyond his academic work, youth development is Mr. Lock’s first love as a social worker. While a graduate student in Chicago, he co-founded and developed an innovative sports program for disadvantaged youth on the city’s south side. While in Chicago, Mr. Lock also worked as a social services administrator, managing a work-training program for developmentally disabled adults. Since moving to New Jersey to join the Rutgers faculty, Mr. Lock has been involved in criminal justice reform work through his church in New Brunswick and the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey. He is currently working with fellow faculty at the Rutgers School of Social Work exploring ways to increase the school’s outreach to, and support of, former felons seeking to pursue higher education through the New Jersey’s STEP program. Beyond work, Mr. Lock enjoys spending time with his two teenaged children, exploring New Jersey’s many beaches, as well as its biking and hiking trails, and volunteering as a Sunday School teacher at his church in New Brunswick. Every once in a while, he even dusts off his old drum set and raises a ruckus in the basement, trying to resurrect his former glory days as a rock n’ roll drummer (which usually reminds why he never quit his day job…).