Co-Founders
Academic Director & Curriculum Lead Patrice Thompson, M.B.A. & M.Ed.
Patrice is a globally minded educator and curriculum leader with over a decade of experience in international schools. Having taught in the United States, South Korea, Germany, Morocco, and China, she brings a deep understanding of how creativity, language, and culture shape learning around the world.
With experience teaching across subjects — including English, language arts, and music — Patrice helps students discover confidence through creativity and connection. Her publications explore how language inclusion strengthens student belonging and global citizenship. She has also developed a strong track record of identifying, recruiting, and mentoring exceptional teachers who share her commitment to creativity, connection, and innovative, student-centered learning.
She speaks six languages (English, Spanish, German, Mandarin, Darija, and French) and believes that language is not just a skill, but a superpower that sparks imagination and understanding. At Level Up, Patrice brings her love of learning and adventure to every project, helping campers grow in creativity, confidence, and English — all through the joy of learning by doing.
Director of Operations & Strategy Caitlin McCarthy, M.Sc.
Caitlin McCarthy is a management professional with 20 years of experience and deep roots in international education. A third-culture kid herself, she grew up attending international schools and has since lived and worked in the United States, Jordan, India, South Korea, the Netherlands, and China.
Caitlin has worked closely with international schools across China to build sustainable operational systems, develop high-performing teams, and strengthen parent and community engagement. She has led large, cross-functional teams through complex operational challenges, including new school openings, regulatory compliance, and rigorous inspections. Her work includes creating policies and procedures from the ground up while ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant learning environments.
Inspired by her own childhood camp experiences in the U.S., Caitlin co-founded Level Up, a program designed to help children build confidence and creativity through hands-on, joyful learning. She is trilingual in English, Mandarin, and Dutch, and holds a Master’s degree in International Economics and Business from Utrecht University and a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the University of Southern Maine.