Denise Mastro
Administrative Director

Universidade De Mogi Das Cruzes: Bachelors in Physical Education-Sao Paulo
Universidade Santana E Sao Paulo: Master in Physical Education-Sao Paulo
Other languages: Portuguese, Spanish
Email: dmastro@ssu-us.org

Robert S. Tepper
Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer

Robert has over 25 years of experience in starting and operating businesses, and is using that experience to strengthen the infrastructure, organization and programs at SSU. Prior to coming to SSU, Robert was the President of Day Elevator & Lift, a company that sells, installs, services and maintains residential elevators, stairlifts and wheelchair lifts. Before being recruited to Day, Robert was the President of UR Group, a sales rep organization that sold products from a variety of electronic component and test equipment manufacturers to customers throughout California. Prior to UR Group, Robert co-founded, raised money for, and was the first president of eBilities.com, an internet portal for people with disabilities, their caregivers, family and friends. Before founding eBilities.com, Robert held a variety of technical and management positions at AMCC, a semiconductor design company. Robert has an MSEE from Stanford University and a BSE from Duke University.
Other languages: Portuguese, Spanish
 Email: rtepper@ssu-us.org

Wendy Du
Campus Director

She received her B.S. in Accounting and Hotel Management from Tianjin University in China. She worked as an Income Auditor at Sheraton Tainjin before coming to the U.S. She has passion for other languages, and meeting people all over the world.
Other Languages: Chinese
Email: wdu@ssu-us.org

Lucy Mattson
Administrator

A San Diego native, Lucy has a B. A. in Education and received her TESOL. certificate from the Canadian Institute of English. She has spent time in Asia and the Middle East, and taught in Mexico and France. After working at La Jolla Elementary and Bird Rock Elementary schools, she conducted the reading program for EFL students at Doyle Elementary School. She taught for four years in New York, at New York Language Center, and more recently at UCSD in San Diego. Lucy  speaks Spanish, French, some Italian and Arabic, and is currently studying Persian. She has enjoyed working with the students and staff of Southern States University for approximately three years.
Email: lmattson@ssu-us.org

Heather Tyler
Instructor, Head Teacher and ACICS Accreditation Liaison

Heather was born and raised in Austin, Texas. With a passion for culture and language, she has traveled the world as both a teacher and a writer. Most recently, she taught in small villages on the coast of Ecuador. She speaks Spanish and Portuguese, and hopes to learn French and Italian next. Other than writing and teaching, her hobbies include yoga, art and the great outdoors.
Other Languages: Portuguese
Email: htyler@ssu-us.org

Mia Chaokasem
Intern

Mia got her B.A. in Economics from Chiang Mai University, Thailand.  She came to San Diego to pursue her Master's Degree as well as to improve her English.  In her free time, she enjoys traveling, sightseeing and picnics.  She likes the diversity of Southern California that gives her an opportunity to experience different cultures, people and especially food.  She is open minded and willing to help IAE students with any admission issues.
Other Languages: Thai
Email: schaokasem@ssu-us.org

Max Soares

Max got his BA in History from Pontificia Universidade Catolica in Sao Paulo. He came to San Diego to improve his English skills and find all the opportunities that he can. In his free time, Max likes to hang out with friends, go to the beach and go to good restaurants. He is a really helpful guy and he is always ready to assist with student needs.

Other Languages: Portuguese
Email: msoares@ssu-us.org