by yvelasco | 7 December, 2023 | ISP Group Educational team
Group Senior Director of Learning
Nick was raised and educated in England, but now lives very happily in Valencia with his family.
Having spent a lot of time in Spain growing up, and speaking the language almost fluently, he was thrilled to start working with the International Schools Partnership (ISP) in 2015 within the Laude group of schools.
This role measuring and tracking student progress and learning has developed over the past five years into his current role of Senior Director of Learning.
Prior to joining ISP, Nick’s career in education started in the UK state sector as a teacher of Mathematics, where he quickly established himself as an excellent teacher and leader, helping students of all abilities learn and enjoy what he will tell you is: ‘The best subject’. During this time, he also led training and development programmes for student and graduate teachers in school and worked alongside the Roehampton University delivering training to PGCE students there on assessment and measuring learning.
Nick’s greatest pride in working in education is in having learnt so much since starting, and he hopes to keep on learning for a long time!
Nick’s main focus in life is getting better at stuff! He has a wide range of hobbies, including playing the piano, restoring furniture, DIY, and golf, which keep him busy learning and struggling (particularly the golf); but most of his time at home, by far, is dedicated to spending time with his family and his two small children.
by Orianna Quintero | 7 December, 2023 | ISP Group Educational team
Group Head of Learning and Learning Improvement
Sarah’s adventures into the world of education began after careers in journalism, music PR and the police force sparked a curiosity for life-long and life-wide learning.
An interest in learning and the brain led to a natural move into primary education, where she spent years as a teacher.
A passion for curriculum design opened the door to many happy years working and learning with the International Primary Curriculum and leading professional development and accreditation for schools around the world, before becoming head of programme.
Before joining International Schools Partnership (ISP) in 2019, Sarah moved to the Netherlands to collaborate on the first comprehensive review of the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Programme, evaluating the philosophy and pedagogy of the framework and developing support materials, videos and podcasts. During this time, she deepened her interest in the fields of educational neuroscience and student wellbeing, both of which are the research focus for her doctorate studies at the University of Bath.
Sarah loves creating and curating events and experiences where diverse groups of people can learn – and ideally laugh – together. Whether that’s online or face to face, involves education, music, immersive theatre, improvisation, philosophy or film nights, bringing people together is what makes her happy. And Japan – from the sake to the stationery, the gardens to the green tea, the karaoke to the cat faces – Japan makes her really happy!
by Orianna Quintero | 7 December, 2023 | ISP Group Educational team
Group Head of Teacher Professional Learning & Development
Marianne was born and raised in Malaysia and immigrated to Canada with her family in 1989.
Her passion for learning and positively impacting other learners motivated her to attain her Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California in 2017.
Marianne also holds a Master’s degree in International School Leadership. She began as a public high school science teacher in Ontario before embarking on an exciting journey in international school leadership and education in 2001. Before joining ISP in January of 2021, she held a variety of teaching and leadership roles, including Director of Learning and Founding Head of School. Her understanding of the significance of school leadership and professional learning compelled her to develop Middle Leadership for Learning cultures and sustainable teacher development models in schools. Marianne is an experienced program developer and workshop leader. She has also led a successful schoolwide CIS-NEASC accreditation process and has been on visiting accreditation committees to other international schools.
Through Marianne’s diverse experience in well-established Pre-K to 12 international schools such as the United World College of South East Asia, International School of Manila, Shekou International School, and Anglo-American School of Sofia, she has learned the value of collaboration, trust and relationship building in engaging and empowering learners.
Marianne enjoys spending time with her family hiking, playing sports, card games and highly competitive games of Scrabble. She loves to travel, and her favourite family vacations are often excursions to remote places worldwide.
by Orianna Quintero | 7 December, 2023 | ISP Group Educational team
Group Head of People Operations
Jo joined the International School Partnership (ISP) as Head of HR UK in May 2019 before she became Group Head of People Operations.
Having grown up on the North Norfolk coast in the UK, Jo moved to London after graduating from the University of St Andrews.
She joined the graduate training scheme at Harrods before moving into recruitment and then into generalist HR where, over time, she was responsible for areas as diverse as Fashion Accessories, the Stables, IT and Engineering! After 13 years at Harrods, Jo worked in consultancy for a couple of years and spent six years at Leica UK where her role combined HR and operational responsibilities.
With an interest in ethical and sustainable farming and food production, Jo is also Co-Chair of Trustees at Stepney City Farm in the East End of London. During her career, Jo has spoken at the Health and Wellbeing at Work Conference at the NEC in Birmingham and at the NCVO Christmas Reception in the House of Commons.
Jo is most passionate about the learning and development side of HR and her most recent “Amazing Learning” experience has been working towards a formal coaching qualification with the ICF.
Outside of work Jo loves photography, art, classical music and sport (particularly running, wild swimming, skiing and zipwires) as well spending time with her family and new dog. She cycled 500km across France for charity and most Saturday mornings she can be found at her local Parkrun trying to get that elusive PB…
by Orianna Quintero | 7 December, 2023 | ISP Group Educational team
Group Director of Health & Safety
Andy joined the International Schools Partnership (ISP) in October 2017 as Group Health & Safety Director.
Before joining ISP, he spent nineteen years working in the construction industry in several different positions.
These included thirteen years at Sunley Turiff working in Finance roles including Management Accountant and Sales Ledger and six years at Jarvis Plc as their Northern Compliance Manager for school refurbishment and construction projects.
Following this he worked at Nord Anglia as Building & Projects Manager, successfully completing new build school projects in Abu Dhabi and Prague. During his time at Nord Anglia he progressed to Head of Health & Safety and successfully implemented the global Health & Safety strategy.
Andy’s Father was a big influence and an inspiration to him growing up, he admired his work ethic and he taught him the importance of how to work with people and work with integrity. Andy has continued to learn and get better at these skills every day. His most recent roles have taught him how to be more relaxed, promote well-being and develop his social and people skills further in an international context.
In his spare time Andy enjoys nothing more than building his LEGO Architecture and exploring Britain with his wife Jane accompanied by their youngest daughter, Ellie, the Cockapoo! He loves travelling, which is a good job, as his role at ISP involves weeks on end in different countries all over the world that would not be possible without the suport Jane provides. He also enjoys spending time with his family and couscous!
by Orianna Quintero | 7 December, 2023 | ISP Group Educational team
Group Head of Safeguarding
Lisa started her career as a Police Officer which included secondments to the Child Protection unit.
This started a 30 year involvement in jobs in safeguarding and working with vulnerable children, an area she is passionate about.
She has passed on her knowledge and experience by leading safeguarding training at schools, colleges and university teacher training courses.
Due to an injury on duty Lisa turned to a career in education. During the past 20 years she has worked in private and state schools, multi academy trusts, and UK local authorities in two counties as an Education Welfare Officer, manager of Inclusion Units and project lead in multiple education projects and a multimillion pound academy project, before qualifying as a teacher following completion of a BSC (Hons) degree in Social Science with Politics with the Open University.
Lisa loved to teach children in socially deprived areas, helping enhance their life chances through amazing learning opportunities, particularly teaching early years despite having spent most of her previous working life with teenagers. Having had extensive experience in educational management Lisa moved swiftly to become a Headteacher and has led schools in the UK and overseas. Her post with ISP has allowed Lisa to continue to share her knowledge, passion and experience of safeguarding children to schools across the world.
Lisa and her husband now live in Spain where they love their outdoor lifestyle, full of boating, golf and walking which she loves sharing with her daughter on her regular visits to the UK.
by Orianna Quintero | 7 December, 2023 | ISP Group Educational team
Regional Director of Learning – South America
Monica has a vast amount of experience in leading schools.
She began her career as a teacher of English, then became Head of Department, and for the last twenty years a Head of private schools in Santiago, Chile.
She recently joined International Schools Partnership (ISP) as the Regional Director of Learning for the South American region.
Monica has always given great importance to the role and welfare of teachers in schools, committing herself to building enthusiastic and caring teams. She has led teams through changing their learning paradigm, encouraging them to adapt to a more active and student-centred teaching and learning approach. Helping whole school communities in raising their standards and practices has also been one of her priorities and she has implemented international programmes and Project Based Learning environments. Ultimately, Monica believes that learning should be a thriving, happy experience and this is what keeps her motivated and enthusiastic about her work every day!
Monica has an English teaching degree and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Art Studies from the Catholic University of Santiago. She also holds a master’s degree in Quality and Leadership in Education from Universidad del Desarrollo of Santiago.
Monica loves nature, trekking, watching films and dancing, but most of all spending time with her family! She lives with her three “children”: Agustina, Antonia and Santiago.
by Orianna Quintero | 7 December, 2023 | ISP Group Educational team
Regional Director of Learning – Europe
Fiona grew up in Lancashire in the UK where her passion for the Expressive Arts began.
She went on to study a BA Honours in Dramatic Arts and Dance at Bretton Hall College, Leeds University. It was during this time that she discovered her desire to become a teacher.
Fiona studied a PGCE in Drama and Special Educational Needs and moved to live in Essex and take up her first teaching role and went on to teach in eight secondary schools. One of her key achievements was her creation and leadership of ‘My Learning Choices’; a programme that advocates personalised learning and fosters independence through reflection. A significant learning experience for Fiona was supporting a colleague to secure Apple Distinguished Schools Status in 2017; it was a real challenge but with real grit and determination it was achieved and recognised at the Manchester Apple Learning Conference. In 2018 Fiona took on the exciting opportunity of becoming the Head at The British School of Málaga before becoming Regional Director of Learning for the European region.
She prides herself on being a positive, enthusiastic role model. Her learner-centred approach to education, passion for all young people to be ambitious and successful and her dedication, allows young people and adults to feel valued and supported, generating a positive and successful ethos and culture. Her work ethic and commitment to securing success for young people defines her.
In her spare time Fiona enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, exploring new countries, trying new foods, walking and dancing.
by Orianna Quintero | 7 December, 2023 | ISP Group Educational team
Deputy Director of Learning for Iberia
Natasha was born and grew up in London but spent holidays in Spain, where she learned Spanish.
These experiences inspired her love of languages, leading her to study a BA in French, Spanish and Portuguese at the University of Nottingham.
She has a background in developing Teaching and Learning having worked at three of the UK’s top state schools in various leadership positions. She then moved to Spain to become Head of Secondary at the British School of Málaga, which led her to apply for her current role. She is passionate about creativity in the classroom and completed a Masters degree at Cambridge University in Leading Teaching and Learning, specialising in Digital Learning.
Natasha used this experience to help the British School of Málaga to move from using a traditional model of education to a blended learning model where all students have access to digital technology and creative learning experiences.
In her spare time, she enjoys making music and singing at cathedrals with her choir back in the UK. She likes to go to as many live concerts as possible including music from all genres from rock to rap to classical. She is a football fan and had a season ticket to Watford FC in England prior to moving to Spain. She also loves to travel and owns a suitcase that has visited all the inhabited continents in the world.
by Orianna Quintero | 7 December, 2023 | ISP Group Educational team
Director of Learning – Europe
Fidelma joined ISP in September 2022 as Director of Learning for Europe; she supports our schools in Italy, the UK and Switzerland.
Fidelma was born and educated in Ireland but has worked and lived internationally in both Europe and the Middle East.
She has an MA in languages and a Higher Diploma in Education from Trinity College Dublin. She has extensive experience in education as a teacher, coordinator of International programmes, consultant to start-up schools in the Middle East, recruiter, school principal and an IB school visitor.
She is a linguist and particularly enjoys supporting the development of multilingual language programmes. She also enjoys building partnerships with schools wishing to become part of a bigger educational family.
Fidelma comes from a family of educators. Her father was a Senior Lecturer in the Dept. of Higher Education and Research at Trinity College Dublin, his passion lying in comparative education. Fidelma shares his passion for International Education.
In her free time Fidelma enjoys cooking, travelling, yoga and practising water sports.
by Orianna Quintero | 7 December, 2023 | ISP Group Educational team
Head of Learning – Malaysia
Liz steps out of the classroom for the first time in almost twenty years to join the International Schools Partnership (ISP) as the Regional Head of Learning.
Previously Liz led the International Secondary School at Tenby Schools Penang and has positively impacted many colleagues.
Liz has been part of the Tenby Schools Group since 2014, arriving at Tenby Setia Eco Park where she was successful raising the Learning and Teaching standards across the secondary team.
Liz grew up in Hampshire in the UK and decided after a couple of different jobs and her love of sport that she would study BA (Hons) Business Management and Sports Science and continue with a PGCE to become a secondary physical education teacher. A love for learning, leading, and developing teachers was established from the start of her career and after five different schools spanning three countries Liz now collaborates, shares, and supports nine campuses and their teams.
Keen to connect with people and continue her own journey of discovery, Liz enjoys blogging or reading anything related to learning and leadership with her ultimate goal of continually improving the learning offer and outcomes for our stakeholders.
You can usually find Liz running, trekking, swimming, or kayaking in Penang, unless she’s exploring another country and discovering new vegetarian delights.
On the radar
