AISA 2019 Invitational Conference
 
Lynn Abercrombie
Student Support Coordinator
American International School of Lagos
Lynn Abercrombie is currently the Student Support Coordinator at the American International School of Lagos. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and French, as well as a Master of Education in Special Education. Over the past 36 years, she has taught high school Spanish and French, special education, resource science, resource English, and resource instruction. Her passion and most extensive teaching career has been in the field of special education, which she has taught for over 18 years. Throughout the course of her career, Lynn has taught grades K-12 at private & public schools, a residential treatment center, a therapeutic boarding school, Native American tribal schools, and at a medical model intensive in-patient mental health unit. She brings a wealth of experience from these diverse educational settings and student populations.
 
Osarume Akenzua
Corporate Training Lead
West Africa Vocational Education
With a background in Law, I use my advocacy skills to deliver interventions that engender reforms in service delivery and educational design.
 
Sean Areias
Elementary Principal
American International School of Lagos
Sean Areias is currently the Elementary Principal at the American International School of Lagos. In addition to Nigeria, he has worked as a principal or teacher in Belgium, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the United States, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Sean's professional interests include promoting a 21st Century progressive education and developing teacher leadership. He is married with three children. Outside of work, Sean enjoys spending time with his family, reading, traveling, and watching or playing soccer.
 
Adzo Ashie
Africa Regional Development Manager
International Baccalaureate
Adzo Ashie is the International Baccalaureate Development and Recognition Manager for Africa. Adzo is a Diploma Programme graduate from the first IB World School in Ghana, SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College. She holds a first degree from Mount Holyoke College and a Master’s in Education Policy and Management from the University of Massachusetts, U.S.A. Prior to joining the IB she worked at Ashesi University College as Dean of Student and Community Affairs. She served on the IB Africa, Europe and the Middle East regional council from 2008-2012 before taking on her current role in the IB.
 
Andrew Bauman
Technology and Engineering Education
American International School of Lagos
Has taught for 17 years. 11 years teaching high school engineering in Wisconsin, 6 years science and engineering internationally. Currently teaches Technology and Engineering at the American School of Lagos
 
Luisa Cappuccio
K-4 Spanish Teacher
American International School of Lagos
Luisa Cappuccio has been an educator for over 35 years. Luisa’s first international teaching experience began in Venezuela where she taught and developed ELL and Spanish Language programs from K-12. After years of good practice and learning, Luisa ventured to India to teach Spanish at an IB school. Currently, she works in Nigeria and teaches K-4 grade Spanish.
As a teacher, Luisa takes pleasure in working with and learning from young people. She is passionate in her commitment to maximizing individual student performance, instill the love of learning, inspire students to view the world critically.
 
Helen Chatburn-Ojehomon
Deputy Head of School
Ibadan International School

Helen Chatburn-Ojehomon has been the Deputy Head of School at Ibadan International School, Ibadan Nigeria since 2014 and has been the Primary Years Programme Coordinator at Ibadan International School since 2010. A Canadian by citizenship, she has been working outside of Canada for over 15 years. She currently holds roles with the International Baccalaureate Organization as a Consultant, Site Visitor, and Workshop Leader in the Africa, Europe, and Middle East region. With a previous Masters in Environmental Studies which focused on Equity and Development, she is currently completing her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education, University of Toronto. Helen is married and has two young daughters.

 
Cindy Clifford
High School Mathematics Teacher
American International School of Lagos
Cindy Clifford is an experienced educator with over 30 years of overseas teaching experience in 9 countries. She has a background in elementary education and as a mechanical engineer, has taught everything from 2nd grade to 12th grade, and has taught science and computers as well as math. She has also coordinated gifted and talented programs and been an IB Diploma Coordinator. Cindy is also an examiner and moderator for the IB, as well as being an IB workshop leader in mathematics and in approaches to teaching and learning. Cindy is interested in constructivist learning and inquiry approaches, as well as the growth mindset. She is also interested in using technology to enhance the development of mathematical concepts. Outside of the classroom, Cindy is an avid scuba diver and she also loves to hike and read.
 
Martha Da Costa-Sherwood
Head of Senior School
Children's International School
I'm a dedicated practitioner who is passionate about education and personal development. Born and raised in the UK to Jamaican parents, I am now working in Nigeria as the Head of Senior School. I hold a BSc Honours Degree in Business and Psychology and started my career in education in 2005. I earned an MA in Education Leadership and Management from Roehampton University and I am currently pursuing my second MA in Educational Planning, Economics and International Development from UCL Institute of Education along with an ILM Certificate in Executive Coaching and Mentoring. Throughout my career I have worked in various roles with increasing responsibility, in challenging inner-city schools in the UK and British International schools in Nigeria securing outstanding results. I'm a firm believer in life-long learning and facilitates personal and professional development for individuals and schools across Nigeria and the UK through my company Da Cosme Consulting and Charity MTTT both face-to-face, online and via my blog.
 
Mudirat Danmole-Logun
Early Childhood Teacher
American International School of Lagos
Mudi Danmole-Logun has been an an educator of over 20 years 17 of which have been at AISL. She has experience in teaching Early Childhood and World Languages at the Elementary level. She is married with four kids. Her passions include, educating, coordinating events and training, traveling and most of all listening to music!
 
Olatokunbo Fashoyin
Elementary School Counselor
American International School of Lagos
Olatokunbo is the Elementary School Counselor at AISL. She holds a Master's degrees in Counseling Psychology and International Education Development. Olatokunbo has worked in three international schools, and this is her fourth year at the American International School, Lagos (AISL). She has interests in character education, developing and teaching life-skills units, and empowering students with strategies to solve problems responsibly. Olatokunbo enjoys singing, dancing and playing guidance games with students.
 
Carolina Freund
IB High School Spanish Teacher
American International School of Lagos
Carolina Freund is a high school IB Spanish teacher , Service Learning/CAS Coordintor, and advisor for the Associated Student Body at the American International School of Lagos. She has been teaching languages for 10 years internationally: Spanish and French at the middle school and high school levels as well as ELL in elementary school level. She was previously in China and Egypt before landing in Nigeria. She is passionate about giving students voice, and leadership opportunities within the school setting especially when connecting learning to service in the community.
 
Teresa Fry
Vice Principal Middle School
American International School of Lagos
Teresa Fry is currently the Middle School Vice Principal of the American International School of Lagos. Her experience in education spans 26 years as classroom teacher, professional development and subject coordinator and school administrator. As a teacher and school leader/administrator she has worked collaboratively with school and district groups and presented internationally on topics such as assessment, standards based grading, mindfulness in education, professional cultures and communities (PLC’s) and curriculum alignment. She earned her Masters in Educational Leadership in 2007 and is currently working on a PhD in Educational Leadership. This is a hands-on workshop where discussion and the sharing of ideas is encouraged through structured protocols. If you attend this workshop you will leave with list of resources and ideas to begin the discussion regarding assessment change in your own school. This workshop is ideal for classroom teachers, heads of department, and school administrators/leaders.
 
John Heil
IB Chemistry Teacher
American International School of Lagos
I am currently an IB Chemistry and TOK teacher at the American International School of Lagos. I have previously taught IB Chemistry and TOK at Escuela Campo Alegre in Caracas Venezuela. Prior to teaching overseas I taught AP Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science at the International Community School in Kirkland Washington
 
Darlene Heilman
School Counselor
American International School of Lagos
Darlene Heilman is the middle school counselor at the American School of Lagos. She has lived and worked overseas for 18 years in international schools. She studied International School Counseling at Lehigh University in the USA.
 
George Hobson
School Support & Evaluation Officer
Council of International Schools
George joined CIS as School Support & Evaluation Officer working within the School Support & Evaluation team in September 2014. Previous to this, George was the Headmaster and CEO at Academia Británica Cuscatleca in El Salvador, a school of 1,460 students from Pre-K to 12th grade with 200 staff. The school offers the IB Diploma, IGCSE, National Curriculum of England, International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and the Salvadorian Curriculum.
From 1996 - 1999, George was at St. Julian’s School in Portugal as Deputy Headmaster. He also served as their Vice Principal and IB Coordinator (1995 - 1996), and Head of the IB Section (1992 - 1995). George worked at The Bahrain School, Manama for ten years (1982 - 1992) as Mathematics Coordinator (K-12). Prior to this he taught in the UK.
 
Annemarie Hodge
ELA and History Teacher
American International School of Lagos
Annemarie Hodge has enjoyed working with the entire AISL community for the past five years. Now teaching grade 7 ELA and history, her first 4 years were spent in grade 3 where she enjoyed re-vamping the curriculum to include project-based learning and service learning opportunities. Having moved from British Columbia where she taught for 12 years, Annemarie still enjoys the year round beach weather of Lagos and on weekends can be found on her stand-up paddle board or in a hammock with a good book.
 
Joy Isa
Head of Junior School
Children’s International School
Mrs Joy Isa is an energetic woman who is passionate about education. She has a first degree in French and Linguistics from the University of Jos and started her career in education in 1996, right after her National Youth Service. She earned an MSc in Multidisciplinary Studies from Buffalo State University of New York and holds a Certificate in International School Leadership, from the Principals Training Centre, in the UK. She is also a certified Child Protection and Safeguarding Officer. She is currently completing a doctoral degree in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment from Walden University, Minnesota.
She has worked in British and American International schools across Nigeria over the past 22 years and now serves as Head of Junior School, in Children’s International School, Lekki. Joy facilitates professional development for educators across Nigeria using both face-to-face and online platforms. She has facilitated seminars and workshops for AISEN (Association of International School Educators of Nigeria), APEN (Association of Private Educators in Nigeria), and Corona College of Education. She works extensively with young people and serves on the board of TMNA (Teen Mentors Network Africa).
In addition to her work in education, she is a published author and has a blog where she shares inspired messages centred on building the lives of young people and adults alike. She is married with two teenage children.
 
Ania Judson
Homeroom Teacher - Kindergarten
American International School of Lagos
An international teacher with 8 years of experience and PYP and Montessori background.A member of TEN (Teacher Educator Network) - ran a series of workshops for teachers in Ghana.
 
Kelly Knipe
Senior Director Europe-Africa
AdvancED

Ms. Kelly Knipe has over thirty years in the education profession and currently is the Senior Director, Europe-Africa Region, of Global Services with AdvancED. The Senior Director works closely with the regional Vice President to develop and implement effective strategic plans encompassing AdvancED services, products, compliance, policies and regulations, and provides technical assistance, professional development and delivery.

Ms. Knipe has been a Bilingual/ESL Instructor from the Elementary grades through High School in three different states in the U.S. and taught Citizenship Classes and GED Classes in local Adult Education Programs for several years. Ms. Knipe served as a Teacher Trainer for the Cadre of Teacher Trainers with the Dallas Independent School District. She worked with pre-entry university students in the English Language Institute at Oklahoma State University and taught ‘Survival English’ to Saudi nationals. After 25 years in public education, Kelly transitioned to the private sector to join AdvancED, where she has worked since July 2017.

 
Dan Luce
Middle School Principal
American International School of Lagos
Dan Luce has worked in education for 30 years serving as a Teacher, Counselor, Dean of Students and Principal. Dan worked in the US in public education for most of his career and has worked as an Elementary Principal for 8 years and in the Middle School for 11.Dan was hired to implement the American Middle School Model at AISL as the first principal having responsibility exclusively over middle school. Dan is currently is his 6th year. The AISL Middle School includes grades 5-8.
 
Mark Page
Director of Technology
American International School of Lagos
I’m a second career teacher who started off as a cartographer in addition to many other jobs in the technology sector. I’ve also worked in some capacity over the last few decades with children either in schools or city recreation programs. For the last few years I've been working as a teacher in American international schools across the globe. Currently, I'm stationed at the American International School in Lagos, Nigeria as the Technology Director of a K-12 school.
 
Anna Pehar
Consultant
Calix Consulting

Anna is an organizational consultant in education management and as such also serves as consultant and (lead) evaluator with AdvancED internationally. From 2016 to 2019 Anna was the Vice President Europe – Africa for AdvancED Global Operations.

Anna’s corporate background is in the professional services sector with a focus on education and organizational development. From there she moved into academia and was the director of Executive Education at the Rotterdam School of Management/Erasmus University in the Netherlands for 10 years. After leaving RSM she worked at EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development) in Brussels (Belgium). EFMD is the European accrediting body for International Business Schools and Corporate Universities and in her role as Director Business School Services, Anna was responsible for the academic conferences and developmental programs, providing information and disseminating knowledge to the member institutions globally. In 2010 she established her own educational consultancy practice, Calix Consulting, linking her profound professional experience in education management with her extensive international academic and corporate network.

Anna holds a Master’s Degree in Linguistics, with majors in Spanish, socio- and psycho linguistics. Her motivation to work in education is that she finds education the biggest gift you can give to anyone, because it enables human beings to grow, take charge of their own life and become independent.
Anna is born in Italy from Croatian parents; she was raised and educated in Sweden and obtained her University Degree in the Netherlands where she is currently based. She has lived and worked in several countries and cooperated with people from many different cultures and she finds that has enriched her, both professionally and personally. She communicates fluently in 5 languages and sees herself as a true global citizen with her roots in Europe.
 
Kim Rayl
Director of Teaching and Learning
American International School of Lagos
Kim Rayl is the Director of Teaching and Learning at the American International School of Lagos, Nigeria. She has lived and worked in schools around the world including Southern Oregon, Egypt, Bolivia, Indonesian and most recently, Nigeria. Kim is passionate about collaboratively designing and supporting teaching, learning and feedback systems that engage and inspire students through authentic problem-based learning and technology integration.
 
David Schult
High School Principal
American International School of Lagos
David is a devoted father, educator and school leader. His practices align to the best known pedagogical theory practiced today. Constantly striving to find new ways to reach students and teachers, David implements constructivist theory with technological savvy, servant-leadership philosophy and the deceptively simple notion of LBWA: Leading (and Learning) by Walking Around.As an International Educator, Teacher and Administrator, David has over twenty-four years of experience and has traveled to more than 25 countries. He focuses on organizational skills, computers and technology, and critical thinking skills.David has Masters degrees in Education and Philosophy, and is currently the high school principal of the American International School of Lagos, Nigeria.
 
Donna Valentino
HS Spanish Teacher
American International School of Lagos
Donna Valentino is a high School Spanish teacher at AISL. She has taught in Spain, Colombia, Venezuela, and Texas. She received her Masters degree in Spanish Language Teaching through Southern Oregon University while studying at La Universidad de Guanajuato in Mexico.
In her free time, she enjoys travel, reading, yoga, and spending time with her friends and family.
 
Graham Watts
Director of Professional Learning
Association of International Schools in Africa
Graham is an educational writer, advisor, and consultant with experience of leading professional learning in over 25 countries. He has published educational books in the UK and the USA, as well as publishing articles and peer, reviewed papers in the UK, New Zealand, and Australia.Before joining AISA, Graham was Global Director of Education and Training for an international children’s wellbeing charity; forming strategic partnerships with major funders, research partners, government agencies, and universities.In his spare time, Graham enjoys theatre, cinema, art galleries and exhibitions and enjoying all that life in London has to offer!
 
Geraldine Ziadeh
High school teacher
American International School of Lagos
I am Lebanese by birth but consider Africa as a second home, as I have been living in Lagos since 2004. I have been teaching at the American International School of Lagos (AISL) since 2008, where I teach foreign languages at the high school level. I piloted the first Arabic program at AISL in 2015/16. I am currently teaching French, Arabic, and the IB courses of ab initio French and ab initio Arabic. For the past three years I have been a presenter at our school’s Nigerian International School Conference where I have presented various workshops on teaching foreign languages with a modern approach. In my lessons, I always connect and integrate the diverse cultures of my students, which enrich our learning environment. I often invite guest speakers from the AISL community to share and talk about their expertise. I have learned valuable teaching methods and strategies, and I had the chance to be involved in multiple professional development and workshops opportunities in the US and other parts of the world. My professional interest is to focus on project based learning, and encourage my students to be actively involved in their own learning, by deepening their knowledge through active exploration of authentic and real-world challenges.