Founders
In 2017 Bright Futures was started by mother-daughter team who have spent over 2 decades in China. Their commitment to making sure the community has what it needs to support children and the expat community is what drove them to start their own company. Over the years, they have worked with countless individuals helping them meet their individual needs as well as with international and bilingual schools throughout China.
Barbara Poppell, M.S., is a dedicated behavior and development specialist with a rich background in supporting children and families. Originally from Southern California, Barbara began her career in Shanghai, where she honed her skills over 15 years in various educational and administrative roles. She holds a Bachelor’s in Child and Adolescent Development and a Master’s in Early Childhood Studies, and is currently seeking a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology.
Currently, Barbara specializes in behavior analysis, inclusion supports, developmental therapy, and early childhood intervention. Her expertise extends to supporting children, as well as providing support services to both schools and families through workshops, professional development, and technical assistance. Barbara is committed to fostering growth and resilience in children, their families, and the community through her work at Bright Futures.
Holly is an experienced international educator and has experience with inclusion from both the perspective of an educator and that of a parent. She is from the United States and holds a California Teaching Credential, and a Masters Degree in Counseling. Additionally, she holds certificates in Teaching ESOL in the Mainstream Classroom, and training in Developmental Continuums, sand tray therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has 25 years of teaching experience, and has spent the last 18 years in international schools in China.
Bright Futures Consulting 