Meet the Speakers from the International Education & Schools' Fair
26 March 2024
For every Schools' Fair we're thrilled to be able to present a plethora of varied speakers covering a vast array of subjects which are continually relevant and pertinent to our Relocate Global community.Please find the bios below from our previous speakers with links to their webinar pages.
Jessica O'Brien comes with a solid foundation in education, having worked as a teacher in secondary schools for several years and the privilege of serving as the Associate Dean in an international business school for 3 years, where she managed the academic and administrative aspects of the institution. She moved to Paris 10 years ago in 2014 before joining ICS Paris as Senior Admissions Manager last year. On a personal note, she is from New Orleans, Louisiana originally and lived for short periods in Dallas, Buenos Aires, Douala, and Washington, DC. 
Originally from the UK, Amanda moved to Paris in 1989 and has been a dedicated educator at ICS (formerly EAB and EIB) since 1999. She specializes in English Language Acquisition, primarily in secondary education, but has also taught ESL in primary school, English Language and Literature, and a design course in high school. Amanda has extensive experience teaching English at the university level for Paris X, ECCIP (Chamber of Commerce), and École Fleury Delaporte, where she taught English to fashion students. She has held various leadership roles, including BML coordinator for primary and teacher/coordinator for the past two years, homeroom teacher for nine years, and Head of English for three years, making her a highly valued member of the ICS community.
Gina Bianchi, Head of School, ICS Côte d’Azur
Gina Bianchi was born and raised in the Chicago area, and after receiving her undergraduate degree in social work, she moved to Normandy, France to work as a Middle School Assistant. Before returning to the United States, she received her Advanced French language degree from the University of Rennes II.Her experiences in France solidified her passion for impactful work in education, and inspired her to pursue additional studies in education as a teacher. After teaching first grade at Milwaukee French Immersion School for five years, she earned a Master's degree in Educational Leadership. She then served as the school principal in Milwaukee for 8 years, before relocating to New Orleans with her family to serve as school principal at the Lycée Français de la Nouvelle Orléans.She joined ICS Côte d'Azur bilingual school in September 2024 as Head of School.
Spring 2024 webinarJames Wellings, Head of School, Mougins British International School
Formerly the Deputy Director and Head of Secondary at the International School of Monaco, James Wellings has a proven track record in education, having taught and managed schools in the UK, the Middle East, and Asia. As a former teacher and dedicated leader, he is passionate about implementing innovative teaching methods with a strong emphasis on student wellbeing and the quality of their learning experiences. James is committed to reinforcing the values of excellence among Mougins School's teaching staff. Whether it's teaching drama with enthusiasm or engaging in tag rugby with students during our enrichment programme THRIVE, James embodies the spirit of education with a human touch. His extensive international background aligns seamlessly with Mougins School's global perspective and commitment to educational excellence.
Autumn 2023 webinars
Valérie Besanceney (MEd) serves as the Executive Director of Safe Passage Across Networks (SPAN). Valérie is Dutch by birth, Swiss by nationality, and hold the numerous cultures she has lived in close to her heart. Valérie has been an international educator for the past 18 years. She consults for families, schools, and organisations. Author of two children's books, B at Home: Emma Moves Again and My Moving Booklet, she is passionate about helping students and their families thrive through their transitions. Together with her American husband and their two daughters, she loves exploring the benefits and challenges of beinga a multi-cultural family in Switzerland. 
Claudine Hakim is Head of Student Support at the International School of London (ISL) and is the leader of the award winning ISL Positive Transitions Care programme. Claudine was previously a Head Teacher at an independent Special School and another International School.Claudine holds a Masters degree from the University College in London, in Educational Leadership and Management and a BA in Pyschology and Counselling from Richmond International University. Claudine is a citizen of the United Kingdom, is originally from the Lebanon and born and raised in Ghana.Having lived in three continents, Claudine is passionate about fostering well-balanced and inclusive international communities. 
As Head of Multilingualism at the International School of London, Zack Ekert works closely with all stakeholders to carefully tailor both academic and pastoral linguistic provision to meet the needs and aspirations of learners and families.Throughout his career, he has led languages departments across the London area and previously worked as an English language trainer in Paris. He speaks five languages and is currently working towards his MBA in Educational Management.
Over the past 38 years, Tammy has served as the Superintendant of several highly acclaimed schools: the Dubai American Academy, the Montecito Union School District, the Ross School District, and the Assistant Superintendent in the Cherry Hill School District.A renowned educational leader, Tammy has received numerous state and national awards for her impact as an educator and leader in the United States. She has extensive experience with the International Baccaluareate Organisation, overseeing the development of several IB Programmes at the primary and secondary levels. Tammy has a proven reputation for inspiring a culture of improvement and collaboration among faculty and students.
Dr Constanze Schummer studied Medievel History and Art History at St Andrews University, finishing with a Ph.D. in Byzantine Studies. After several years as a freelance journalist, she obtained a PGCE in History from the University of Edinburgh.From teaching in an independent school in the UK, she came to Salem in 2001. Starting as a house mistress and teacher of History, English and Theory of Knowledge, roles as a class teacher, Extended Essay Coordinator and coordinating the national system, the Abitur, followed. In 2016 she took over IB Coordination.
Paul in a leadership development specialist, learning and development practioner, facilitator, author, and qualified executive coach.He has over twenty-five years' experience working for the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), the world's largest live entertainment group. He has been a senior leader in Sales, Ticketing and Human Resources and has designed acclaimed in-house leadership development programmes, developming countless leaders at all levels within the theatre industry and beyond.Paul is also part of the UK Regional Leadership team at the Association for Coaching (AC) focusing on Corporate Development.
Ashley overseas the continued development of King's InterHigh online school. He is an experienced Headteacher, having successfully led Blatchington Mill School in Hove, Sussex, for 6 years before joining King's InterHigh. He qualified as a history teacher at University College London's Institute of Education in 2008 and taught in London before moving to the Sussex coast.He is skilled in school improvement and committed to inclusivity and excellence, with a clear focus on developing the whole learner. Ashley's leadership is rooted in the belief that learning is a tranformative force for good, and is driven by the highest expectations for all students.
Kate has over 25 years experience of supporting students with making applications to university. Prior to moving to Malaysia to join Epsom, Kate led a large and successful Sixth Form with over 350 students that grew to be the leading state school for Oxbridge success in Wales. She is a strong advocate of building students’ confidence and ability to engage with challenges beyond the classroom and has worked hard to establish a vibrant super curricular programme. Under her leadership, her previous school debate team were crowned Welsh Schools Debating Champions and made it to the British finals. At Epsom, she has continued this work for example by encouraging and supporting students in setting up and leading debate teams and academic societies that enable them to broaden their knowledge while developing their interpersonal skills.
Ryan has been a D&T teacher since 2002, teaching in the U.K., Middle East and Malaysia. He has taught students from age 7 to 18, with his students winning awards for the highest marks in the country and world. He has presented at various educational conferences in Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Madrid. In 2018 he founded ‘Youth Made Initiative’ which was voted as one of the top 100 educational initiatives in the world. He has been an Ofqual consultant for many years, was previously F1 in Schools' In-country coordinator and his students have attended four world finals. He is a D&T author of several books and a certified Autodesk trainer and content writer. He now works full-time for the D&T Association as director of education. www.data.org.uk www.blueprint1000.org.uk. 
Steve Katz is the Elementary School Technology Coordinator and has been at The International School of Kuala Lumpur since 2015, where he loves working with students of all ages. During his career, he has been called upon to teach a variety of different subjects and has enjoyed his various roles such as Director of Educational Technology, Professional Development Coordinator, and University Professor. Steve is an Apple Distinguished Educator, ISTE CAP Trainer, authorized Google Education Trainer, and Apple Professional Development Specialist, and he presents regularly at conferences worldwide. You can check out what Steve has been working on at stevenkatz.com/blog www.iskl.edu.my. Watch the The importance of STEAM for children and the future webinar
Marianne Curphey
Marianne Curphey is an award-winning journalist at Relocate Global and the author of two finance books. She has written for The Times, The Telegraph, The Guardian and the BBC on careers, education, finance and economics and is an expert on UK student finance and loans and the UCAS application process.Fiona McKenzie, Head of Education, Carfax Education
Fiona's comprehensive understanding of the education sector has been built up over 30 years of working in schools and education consultancy, in locations as varied as South Africa, Australia, the UK, and the UAE. Fiona has worked with hundreds of families guiding them to make the best educational choices for their children whether at school or university level.As Head of Global Consultancy at Carfax Education, Fiona’s team advise families from across the globe, including the Middle East, Russia and China. They offer bespoke solutions for each family’s education needs with schools’ guidance, private tutoring, residential placements, homeschooling, university preparation and career mentoring. Fiona regularly contributes to education journals, radio shows and panel discussions in the UK, and the UAE.
Webinar: Mission Discovery Space and STEM with ISSET and NASA
Chris founded the International Space School Educational Trust in 1998 with the aim of instilling the NASA you can do it” spirit in young people around the world. ISSET uses space exploration and the people behind it to drive students into successful futures.Having been a deputy head teacher in two large high schools, Chris has a long record of leadership and transformation in education. He took his last school from below average to become the most successful school in England and Wales. Build Page Chris says “The change we see in the young people who come on our programmes astounds me time after time. I am always in awe of their accomplishments throughout their time with ISSET and their achievements years later. I am extremely proud to say that work we continue to do at ISSET has a positive impact in both the present and future lives of our participants and people they encounter.”
Sarah is currently the Head of Operations at ISSET. She was a NASA leader on the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle Programme. Her experience includes Assistant Division Chief for EVA (space walks), Robotics and Crew Systems on the International Space Station, executive support for NASA Administrator in the coordination of Space Centre Directors in implementing NASA goals, and the Project and Technical Lead in the development of NASA’s new Orion Space Vehicle which will return humans to the Moon and beyond.
Ellen Shustik, Head of Programmes and External Relations, Inner Wings
Ellen has 20 years of experience working in the fields of democracy and governance, international development and politics. She has worked for large international and multilateral organisations around the world, including the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in the Balkans, and the National Democratic Institute in Washington DC and Nepal.She spent several years working for the Liberal Party of Canada in both federal and provincial politics. With a strong background in elections, she has been an observer with over a dozen international election observation missions in all regions of the world.During her time in London, Ellen has worked for Liberal International, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change - in a range of policy, programme management and advocacy roles. As a democracy practitioner, she has worked with political parties, parliaments, civil society and on women’s political empowerment, to strengthen democratic processes. As a human rights advocate, she has worked on global campaigns against modern slavery and violence against women in politics, as well as preventing extremism through education.Ellen currently directs a charitable foundation - Inner Wings - whose mission is to build confidence in young children aged 6-12, especially girls. She holds a Masters in European Studies and a Masters in Human Rights Law, and loves living in London with her husband and two young boys.
Mark O’Donoghue is CEO and Executive Head of King’s InterHigh. He has a background of over 20 years in digital education spanning online learning, university counselling and apprenticeships.He has led online learning in digital skills with AVADO, forging partnerships with Google and Tableau. He ran Hotcourses, a web service helping students find the right course for themselves (bought by IDP Education the world’s largest education consultants). He leads Inspired Education’s online schools, King’s InterHigh and Academy 21. His primary passion is how online school can provide an education that simply works better for some children.
Amy has been working with children with language based learning differences for over twenty years. Before joining Lab School to lead and create the Global Division, Amy worked in schools on three continents.Her experience has varied from teaching and leading in public schools in the states to teaching and leading in private schools both in the states and internationally. Amy has spent significant time teaching and leading in International Baccalaureate schools and has guided two schools through the IB authorization process. As a former school head, Amy understands the importance of new program development and the need to design solutions for students and families. Amy believes that all children can be successful academically if they are provided with the tools that are right for them. Amy has degrees in Linguistics, Special Education, and Education Administration, and is widely regarded as a creative, visionary, and innovative thinker and educator.
Aleka Bilan is a Certified education transitions coach who helps children, their parents and educators navigate cultural transitions around the world and is currently based in central Oregon, USA.Safe Passage across networks (SPAN) is a not for profit organisation that helps to build transitions care practices around the world, particularly for schools and organisations.
Melodi Jordan is currently the Head of Lower School at TASIS England. She has served as an international educator for over 20 years, holding positions in Lithuania, Italy, the UK, and the US. Melodi has worked as a New England Association of Schools and Colleges Lead Accreditation visitor, supporting schools as they improve practice. Melodi is passionate about maximizing opportunities for deep, authentic, and meaningful learning for all students.She has significant experience in the areas of child development, curriculum design, and data-informed instruction. Melodi originally comes from America, but now lives in England with her husband. Carmen Powell, children’s author and professional educator
As a professional educator, with a passionate belief in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) philosophy and approach Carmen Powell established productive relationships with stakeholders, collaborating across all professional levels and with parents. When educating young children, it is vital to incorporate parents into the learning process. Ofsted noted her relationship with parents as ‘exemplary,’ which is a true point of pride for her. She has three children’s books published, ‘Matthew and the Magic Goat’, ‘Sprite and the Two Talking Turtles’ and ‘Sprite’s Christmas Flight’. The books focus on inclusion, to support children’s personal, social and emotional development as well as their communication and language skills.Service has always been very important to her. She volunteered at the Bulembu School in Eswatini, assisting with curriculum development. She also volunteered at Epsom RDA, supporting disabled children. Currently, she is a trustee for an educational charity.
Watch the Focusing on inclusion from an early age webinar
Ruth Van Reken is a second generation Third Culture Kid* (TCK) and mother of three adult TCKs. She is co-author of Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds, 3rd ed., and author of Letters Never Sent, her personal journaling seeking to understand the long-term impact of her cross-cultural childhood.For more than thirty years (pre-covid!) Ruth travelled extensively speaking about issues related to the impact of global mobility on individuals, families, and societies. She is co-founder and past chairperson of Families in Global Transition. In addition to her two books and many articles, she has written a chapter in other books including Strangers at Home, Unrooted Childhoods, and Writing Out of Limbo. In 2019 she received an Hon. Litt.D from Wheaton College for her life's work. Ruth is currently Chairperson of the Governing Board of Safe Passage Across Networks (SPAN). She now lives in Indianapolis, USA with her husband, David.
Jeff is the High School Principal and has been with ISKL since 2014. He has been an administrator for more than 20 years. Jeff began his international education career in 1994 and is actively involved in leading instruction, assessment, and teacher supervision since 2000 (MS Principal, HS Principal, K-12 Director of Learning). He was a recipient of the US-based National Association for Secondary School Principals (NASSP) 2021 Principal of the Year. Jeff holds a Master’s degree in International Education, BEd, and BSc.
Claudine is currently the Head of Advancement, Transitions and Student Support at the International School of London. She was the founding Head of Secondary at ISL Surrey and leader of the award-winning Crossroads Transitions programme. Claudine leads the Student Support department and is passionate about fostering well-balanced and inclusive international communities.Claudine holds a Masters degree from the University College of London, Institute of Education in Educational Leadership and Management and a BA in Psychology and Counselling from Richmond International University.She is Vice-Chair, Safe Passage Across Networks (SPAN).Julia Love, Director of Admissions, International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), Malaysia
Julia Love is currently the Director of Admissions at the International School of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Before joining ISKL in July 2012, Julia worked in private school admissions in both the USA and the UK.With over 20 years’ experience in Boarding, Primary, Secondary and International schools, Julia is passionate about and committed to ensuring that school placement meets the requirements of every child.Additionally, having spent a good portion of her childhood overseas attending British, German and International schools, Julia understands first-hand the complex transitional needs of children during international relocation.She has participated in numerous international conferences, having presented and led training sessions on topics relating to school placement and the educational needs of Third Culture Kids (TCK) in Global Transition.
Tony is currently the Vice-Principal - Head of Senior School at Jerudong International School (JIS) in Brunei. This role involves the overall management of the academic, pastoral and enrichment aspects of the Senior School (Years 7-13) at JIS. The Senior School comprises 1,081 students and is home to over 50 nationalities. Tony has been at the school for 12 years and during this time has also been the Head of Humanities and the Head of Sixth Form. Tony is a passionate geography teacher and has taught the subject at KS3, IGCSE, A Level & the IBDP level and enjoys nothing more than understanding the demography of a city or examining the history of a U-Shaped valley.JIS is his first international posting and before arriving in Brunei taught in the United Kingdom for 4 years. Without doubt what continues to inspire him is the students in his care. He tries to create the right environment in a school to inspire the students to be the next generation of socially conscious and environmentally responsible global leaders. When not at work, Tony & his wife enjoy the rainforest life of Brunei as well as trying to keep their three and four year old children in some sort of order! https://www.jerudonginternationalschool.com/
Mireille Rabaté's career has been an international one from the start. She began her career as a French lecturer at Brandeis University, Massachusetts, USA and then continued at the University of Oslo, Norway.Her international experience in pedagogical innovation greatly influenced her career during the following twenty years as Head of schools in France and the USA. After various senior teaching positions in France, Mireille was offered the prestigious position of Deputy Head at the Lycée Rochambeau in Washington D.C. In 2009, Mireille assumed the role of Middle School Principal and Assistant Head at the French-American International School in San Francisco.After thirteen years in the USA, Mireille was thrilled to return to Europe to take on her new responsibilities with enthusiasm and commitment. “Having the opportunity to create and lead the Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill is every Head’s dream!" says Mireille. https://www.lyceeinternational.london/
Kili Lay is inspired by learning and driven to help create a school where that is a hallmark of its culture. By helping teacher leaders find their voice within a school’s change initiatives, they are more confident and able to contribute to a shared vision where all learners are engaged and inspired by their learning.Leveraging her strengths like zest for learning and perseverance, she blends strategy with planning to guide vertical alignment and elevate the learning experiences within her PreK-12 school. A former high school chemistry teacher, Kili has served as an IB diploma coordinator, accreditation coordinator, taught middle and high school math as well as middle school science in Connecticut, Spain, and the Netherlands. Kili holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University and a bachelor’s degree in science from Bucknell University, both located in Pennsylvania, USA. She and her family currently reside in The Netherlands.
Webinar: Explore ICS Paris: A Gateway to an international Education & Parisian Living
Jessica O’Brien, Senior Admissions Manager, ICS Paris International School
Amanda Casleton, Bilingual and Multilingual Learners (BML) Coordinator, ICS Paris International School
Webinar: The Benefits of a Bilingual Education
Gina Bianchi, Head of School, ICS Côte d’Azur
Spring 2024 webinar
Webinar: Exploring the English National Curriculum on the French Riviera
James Wellings, Head of School, Mougins British International School
Autumn 2023 webinars
Webinar: Latest on cross cultural positive transitions-care
Valérie Besanceney, Executive Director, Safe Passage Across Networks (SPAN)
Claudine Hakim, Head of Transitions Care and Student Support, Interantional School of London and Chair of SPAN Board of Trustees
Zack Ekert, Head of Multilingualism, International School of London
Watch the Latest on cross cultural positive transitions-care webinar
Webinar: Future-Oriented Education in Singapore
Tammy Murphy, XWA Head of School and XCL CEO Singapore Schools
Watch the Future-Oriented Education in Singapore webinar
Webinar: A unique IB programme in a unique boarding environment
Dr Constanze Schummer, IB Coordinator, Salem International Boarding School
Watch the A unique IB programme in a unique boarding environment webinar
Webinar: The Journey – How the arts, creativity and storytelling can unlock profound insight for everyone
Paul Williamson, author and Head of talent development, Ambassador Theatre Group
Watch The Journey – How the arts, creativity and storytelling can unlock profound insight for everyone webinar
Spring 2023 Webinars
Webinar: An Introduction to King's InterHigh
Ashley Harrold, CEO, Inspired Online Schools
Watch the An Introduction to King's InterHigh webinar
Webinar: Future Ready Education for Future Success
Kate Carden-Brown, Director of Admissions and Head of Higher Education, Epsom College in Malaysia
Watch the Future Ready Education for Future Success webinar
Autumn 2022 Webinars
Webinar: The importance of STEAM for children and the future
Ryan Ball, Director of Education, Design and Technology Association
Steven Katz, ES Coordinator, The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL)
Watch the The importance of STEAM for children and the future webinar
Webinar: How to choose the right university for your globally mobile teen
Marianne Curphey
Fiona McKenzie, Head of Education, Carfax Education
Watch the How to choose the right university for your globally mobile teen webinar
Webinar: Mission Discovery Space and STEM with ISSET and NASA
Chris Barber, ISSET
Sarah Murray, NASA, ISSET
Watch the Mission Discovery Space and STEM with ISSET and NASA webinar
Webinar: Helping Children Find Their Voice
Ellen Shustik, Head of Programmes and External Relations, Inner Wings
Watch the Helping children find their voice webinar
Autumn 2021 Webinars
Webinar: Virtual school options for international students
Mark O’Donoghue, CEO and Executive Head, King’s InterHigh
Watch the Virtual school options for international students webinar
Webinar: Learning Differences: Virtual School Option
Amy Oswalt, Head of Global Division and Director of Innovation, The Lab School of WashingtonWatch the Learning Differences: Virtual School Options webinar
Webinar: What you need to know about school and family transitions in the Covid world
Aleka Bilan, SPAN Safe Passage Across NetworksWatch the What you need to know about school and family transitions in the Covid world webinar
Webinar: Outstanding early years education for international families
Melodi Jordan, Head of Lower School, TASIS The American School in EnglandWatch the Outstanding early years education for international families webinar
Webinar: Focusing on inclusion from an early age
Carmen Powell, children’s author and professional educator (see above).Watch the Focusing on inclusion from an early age webinar
Webinar: Third culture kids today
Ruth Van Reken, author and speaker on globally mobile familiesWatch the Ruth Van Reken Third culture kids today webinar
Tuesday 16th November 2021
Webinar: Redefining a school's purpose: Forging innovative pathways to meet the needs of every student
Jeff Farrington, High School Principal at The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL)Watch the Redefining a school's purpose: Forging innovative pathways to meet the needs of every student webinar
Webinar: Admission done well: success for everyone
Claudine Hakim, Head of Advancement, Transitions and Student Support, International School of LondonWatch the Admission done well: success for everyone webinar
Wednesday 17th November 2021
Webinar: Choosing the right curriculum and the future of International Schools
Tony Piper, Vice Principal and Head of Senior School, Jerudong International School, Brunei
Mireille Rabaté, Head of School, Lycée International De Londres Winston Churchill
Kili Lay, Director of Curriculum and Staff Development, American School of The Hague, The Netherlands
Watch the Choosing the right curriculum and the future of International Schools webinar
See our Speakers from our previous Schools' Fairs
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