SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS 2025-26
In the 2025–2026 academic year, we are proud to present a team of experienced and dedicated teachers who will continue to enrich our students’ learning journey in the IB Secondary School.
Leadership Team
HEAD OF SCHOOL, TOK & FRENCH TEACHER
Deborah Economou
Distinguished international school leader with over 30 years of headship experience.
SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, MATHS TEACHER
Grajina Carswell
A seasoned mathematics educator with strong leadership in secondary education.
DP COORDINATOR, HISTORY & TOK TEACHER
Tagir Zainullin
A dedicated history educator with deep expertise in the IB curriculum and international education.
CP COORDINATOR, BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & ECONOMICS TEACHER
Tania Leyland
A globally experienced educator with extensive leadership in IB and vocational programmes.
College Counselor
Sean Ragan
International admissions expert with leadership experience across global higher education institutions.
Deputy Head/Behaviour & Wellbeing Lead
Jenny Sykes
Inclusive education leader with over 30 years of global experience in SEN, wellbeing, and neurodiversity support.
Science Faculty
CHEMISTRY & BIOLOGY TEACHER
Veronika Koroleva
A passionate science educator with expertise in virtual labs and interdisciplinary STEM leadership.
PHYSICS TEACHER
Aleksey Korolev
A STEM educator with broad expertise across physics, mathematics, and interdisciplinary teaching.
SCIENCE TEACHER
Anatoly Bragin
A dynamic educator with a creative, multidisciplinary approach to teaching STEM subjects.
PHYSICS TEACHER
Ivan Stanic
A renowned physics educator with an exceptional record in mentoring students for international science Olympiads.
Maths Faculty
MATHS TEACHER, SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Grajina Carswell
A seasoned mathematics educator with strong leadership in secondary education.
MATHS FACULTY LEAD, MATHS TEACHER
Sora Kim Ramnebro
An experienced international educator with a strong focus on middle school STEM and holistic student development.
Maths Academy Coordinator, Maths Teacher
Nikos Papadopoulos
A mathematics educator with exceptional strength in gifted education and math competitions.
MATHS TEACHER
Sofia Cukic
A distinguished mathematics educator with outstanding achievements in Olympiad coaching and academic research.
Computer Science & Maths Teacher
Sergey Shashkov
An educator with exceptional expertise in Olympiad training and educational technology for mathematics and programming.
Individuals & Societies Faculty
Business Management & Economics teacher
Marios Afantitis
A seasoned business educator with deep expertise in financial education and entrepreneurship.
Faculty lead, History & Global Politics, TOK Teacher
Jason Moss
An international educator with a strong commitment to experiential learning and student leadership.
HISTORY & HISTORY OF CYPRUS TEACHER
Antrea Stavrou Tepanosyan
A dedicated tutor with specialized expertise in classical languages and historical studies.
Individuals & Societies and Geography Teacher
Taylor Rose Martin
Globally minded humanities educator with leadership experience and a strong focus on student engagement and sustainability.
HISTORY & TOK TEACHER, DP COORDINATOR
Tagir Zainullin
A dedicated history educator with deep expertise in the IB curriculum and international education.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & ECONOMICS TEACHER, CP COORDINATOR
Tania Leyland
A globally experienced educator with extensive leadership in IB and vocational programmes.
Arts Faculty
Arts Faculty Lead, Drama & Dance Teacher
Vasia Anastasiou
Multidisciplinary performing arts teacher with strong academic credentials and experience across UK schools.
Music Teacher, Service as Action Coordinator
Konstantin Labin
A versatile music educator and composer with deep expertise in sound design and student wellbeing.
film Teacher
Cristian Tanious
A dynamic media educator with expertise in IB Film and broadcast production.
VISUAL Arts Teacher
Natasha Jacobs
A skilled visual arts educator with strong expertise in IB Visual Arts and sculpture instruction.
Drama Teacher
Vasia Antoniou
A dedicated drama educator and actor with extensive experience in theatre education and community-based arts projects.
Language A Faculty
Faculty Lead, English Literature Teacher, Extended Essay Coordinator (DP)
Ekaterina Tortunova
A highly dedicated curriculum innovator with international teaching and translation experience.
Ukrainian Literature Teacher
Liliia Hinton
A dedicated multilingual educator with cross-level and international teaching experience in Ukrainian, Russian, and English literature.
Russian Literature Teacher
Tamara Martynova
Certified mindfulness meditation teacher with a passion for wellbeing and a holistic approach to education.
Hebrew Literature and Spanish Teacher
Tehila Segev
Experienced IB educator with expertise in interdisciplinary learning and multilingual instruction.
Russian Literature Teacher
Tatiana Komova
A distinguished Russian literature expert and academic with a strong record of student achievement and cultural engagement.
Language & Cultural Studies Coordinator, English Literature, EAL Teacher
Lara Neillie Katselli
A passionate educator with over a decade of experience and a strong commitment to professional growth.
English Literature Teacher
Mary Faragher
A seasoned international educator with leadership experience and a strong focus on global citizenship and critical thinking.
English as Additional Language (EAL) Faculty
EAL & Afternoon English Academy Coordinator, EAL Teacher
Erato Nicolaou
Globally experienced English educator with a focus on curriculum development and student engagement.
EAL Teacher, MYP
Eleftheria Diou
Exam-focused English instructor with a strong academic background and multilingual teaching experience.
EAL Teacher, MYP
Krinia Meletiou
Committed English language educator with a focus on exam preparation, inclusive learning, and student engagement.
Language B Faculty
HEAD OF SCHOOL, TOK & FRENCH TEACHER
Deborah Economou
Distinguished international school leader with over 30 years of headship experience.
Hebrew & Literature and Spanish Teacher
Tehila Segev
Experienced IB educator with expertise in interdisciplinary learning and multilingual instruction.
Language B Coordinator, French & English Teacher
Aleksei Kuklin
Exam-oriented language educator specialising in English and French acquisition in international contexts.
Greek Faculty
Greek Language TeacheR
Maria Tasioni
Inclusive education specialist with a background in Greek philosophy and special education.
Greek Language TeacheR
Foteini Chasikou
Specialist in Classics and Greek Philology with international teaching experience and expertise in ancient languages and educational technology.
Design Faculty
Design Faculty Coordinator, Design Teacher
Anil Jootna
Dynamic Design & Technology leader with global experience and a focus on student creativity and innovation.
Design Teacher
Stelios Theodosiou
Veteran Design & Technology educator with over 40 years of teaching and leadership experience in UK and Cypriot schools.
PE Faculty
PE faculty lead & pe TEACHER
Nicholas Salapatas
A versatile international educator with leadership in IB Physical Education and student wellbeing.
Service
Music Teacher, Service as Action & Community project Coordinator
Konstantin Labin
A versatile music educator and composer with deep expertise in sound design and student wellbeing.
CAS & Personal Project Coordinator
Daria Savina
Expert academic programme coordinator with a strong background in large-scale project management and cross-institutional collaboration.
Learning Support
Deputy Head/Behaviour & Wellbeing Lead
Jenny Sykes
Inclusive education leader with over 30 years of global experience in SEN, wellbeing, and neurodiversity support.
Library
HEAD LIBRArian, tok teacher
Marwa Assem
IB expert in English Literature and TOK with a strong academic and research background.
MARWA ASSEM
Head Librarian, TOK Teacher
PhD in English Literature
IBDP & IGCSE Experience
Former Academic Researcher
Marwa holds a PhD in English Literature, as well as a Master's and a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Alexandria.
She previously worked at Alexandria International Academy (AIA) as a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Coordinator, IB Teacher Librarian, and English Literature Teacher, supporting both the IGCSE and IBDP programs. Her role also included involvement in the Extended Essay component of the IBDP.
Before that, Marwa worked as an IB Teacher and TOK Coordinator at Al Rowad International School (IBCA). She also gained experience as a Researcher at the Academic Research Sector of the Library of Alexandria
Marwa is fluent in English and Arabic, enabling her to effectively support students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. She is committed to fostering critical thinking and global awareness in students, with a strong dedication to the principles and values of the IB curriculum.
Daria savina
CAS & Personal Project Coordinator
500+ student projects managed
Skilled in digital tools & media
300+ activity groups led
Daria Savina is an accomplished education coordinator with extensive experience in managing large-scale academic and extracurricular programmes. She holds a Master’s degree in Oriental Studies from Moscow State University’s Institute of Asian and African Studies, and has worked in diverse administrative and educational leadership roles.
At School 1514 in Moscow, Daria coordinated the entire school research programme, overseeing more than 500 student projects and supervising 70 teachers. She served as Head of Extracurricular Activities, overseeing nearly 300 activity groups involving over 5,000 students. Her role also included coordinating external collaboration projects with organisations such as Yandex.Lyceum
She is fluent in Russian, English, speaks French, Arabic and learning Greek, and is highly skilled in digital planning tools, data analysis, and media production.
Foteini Chasikou
Greek Language Teacher
University Lecturer in China’s Top Institutions
BA in Greek Philology & MA in Language Ed Tech
Foteini Chasikou is a passionate educator of Classics and Greek Philology with extensive international experience in secondary and higher education. She holds a BA in Greek Philology, specialising in Ancient Greek and Latin, and an MA in Technology and Language Education, both from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She also holds certifications in Teaching Greek as a Second Language and TEFL/TESOL.
Foteini most recently taught Latin and Ancient History at BASIS International School in Guangzhou, China, including AP Latin and Capstone courses in Ancient Greek Epic and Philosophy. Her university-level teaching includes positions at institutions such as Peking University, Beijing Foreign Studies University, and Xi’an International Studies University, where she lectured in Ancient and Modern Greek language, history, and culture. Earlier in her career, she taught Ancient and Modern Greek, Latin, Literature, and History at private secondary schools across Greece.
She has participated in international conferences on language learning and is the author of a published article exploring mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) among refugees. Foteini is a native Greek speaker, fluent in English, and proficient in Ancient Greek and Latin.
Krinia Meletiou
EAL Teacher, MYP
Exam Prep Specialist (Cambridge English)
Interest in SEN, Drama, Mindfulness & Psychology
Krinia Meletiou is a dedicated English Language Teacher with over seven years of experience teaching students of all ages and proficiency levels. She holds a BA in English from the University of Leicester, UK and a CELTA certification from The BSN Language Centre in The Hague, Netherlands. Krinia has taught at several educational institutions in Limassol, including the American Academy Limassol and various private language institutes, where she prepared students for national and international English examinations such as Cambridge English.
Her experience spans both classroom teaching and private instruction, with a focus on differentiated learning, student engagement, and exam readiness. Krinia has also worked as a language teacher assistant at the Cyprus University of Technology and facilitated immersive language experiences in summer camp environments.
Fluent in Greek and English, with intermediate Italian proficiency, Krinia combines a strong academic background with a passion for student success and inclusive education. Her interests include mindfulness, drama in education, psychology, and special educational needs teaching strategies.
Stelios Theodosiou
Design Teacher
Leader of Robotics & STEM Competitions
Founder & Head of D&T at The English School
Stelios Theodosiou is a highly experienced and passionate Design & Technology educator with over 40 years of teaching experience in both the UK and Cyprus. He holds a B.Ed. in Design & Technology Education and a Teacher's Certificate with a Diploma in Education from the University of London, Goldsmiths College.
From 1988 to 2024, Stelios served as the Head of Design & Technology at The English School in Nicosia, Cyprus, where he founded and led the department. He taught KS3, IGCSE, and A Level Design & Technology, led department meetings, developed rigorous curricula, and implemented high-impact assessment strategies. He also spearheaded numerous student enrichment activities, including Robotics, F1 in Schools, and 4x4 in Schools competitions.
Prior to this, he held teaching and leadership roles at Copland Community School and The School of St. David’s and St. Katherine’s in London, where he taught Design & Technology and Graphic Communication across various key stages.
Stelios is bilingual in English and Greek and is known for his commitment to fostering active learning environments and personalising education to meet individual student needs.
JennY Sykes
Deputy Head/Behaviour & Wellbeing Lead
Specialist in Neurodiversity
Experienced with Deaf, Blind, and Gifted Learners
Jennifer Sykes is an experienced and passionate Special Educational Needs (SEN) educator with over 30 years of international teaching experience across the UK, Australia, China, and Indonesia. She holds a Bachelor and Master of Education from the University of Western Australia, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Hearing Impairment) from the University of Melbourne. Jennifer is also a certified Irlen Assessor, COGMED trainer, and holds qualifications in Gifted Education and Psychometric Testing.
Jennifer has held multiple leadership roles, most recently serving as the Individual Needs Coordinator at the British School Jakarta, where she implemented student support systems, led wellbeing initiatives, and introduced programmes such as Zones of Regulation. Her previous roles include Head of AEN and Gifted & Talented Coordinator at Dulwich College Suzhou and SENCo positions at several UK and international schools. Her teaching career has included work with deaf and blind students, development of inclusive curricula, and collaboration with educational psychologists and support professionals.
Jennifer regularly delivers parent and staff workshops on topics such as ADHD, neurodiversity, and social-emotional support. Fluent in English, and a dedicated advocate for inclusive education and student wellbeing.
Taylor Rose Martin
Individuals & Societies, Geography Teacher
M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership
Blended & Inclusive Learning Advocate
Team Leader & Club Advisor
Taylor is an experienced educator with a Master of Education in Teacher Leadership from Western Colorado University and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Anthropology from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
She has taught 9th Grade World History and 12th Grade Philosophy at Colegio Menor in Quito, Ecuador, delivering culturally diverse and globally focused lessons. Taylor also served as the 9th Grade Team Leader and Environmental Club Advisor, fostering student leadership and sustainability initiatives. Her teaching experience includes 9th Grade Geography at Gunnison High School in Colorado, USA, where she emphasized critical thinking, collaboration, and blended learning.
Taylor has also supported students with behavioral and learning needs as a Paraprofessional. Beyond the classroom, she led international student trips, including a cultural tour to Ecuador and the Galápagos.
She is native in English.
Sean Ragan
College Councellor
MA in International Relations
Director-Level Roles in Admissions & Counseling
Sean is an experienced higher education professional with extensive expertise in international admissions, student recruitment, and university counseling.
He holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from Webster University Thailand and dual Bachelor's degrees in International Business and Linguistics from Rockhurst University.
Sean's career includes roles as Director of College Counseling at Collège Alpin Beau Soleil in Switzerland, Associate Director of International Admissions at Brandeis University, and Associate Director of International Admissions at Maryville University in St. Louis. He also served as International Recruiter at the University of Missouri - St. Louis and as Study Abroad Advisor and International Program Lecturer at Siam University in Bangkok, Thailand. His work focused on student recruitment, admissions processes, global outreach, and international student services. Sean is multilingual, speaking proficient French, advanced Thai, and beginner Czech.
He is a native English speaker.
Deborah Economou
The Head of School, TOK & French Teacher
Strategic Leader in UK, Cyprus & Indonesia
TEDx Speaker & Recognized Educational Innovator
Diploma in Positive Psychology
Experienced Inspector & Accreditation Contributor
Deborah Economou is an accomplished educational leader with over three decades of experience in British and international schools, including headship roles across the UK, Cyprus, and Indonesia. A passionate advocate of inquiry-based learning and student autonomy, she has served as Head of Secondary at the British School Jakarta, Principal of The Junior and Senior School in Nicosia, and Headteacher at prominent schools in both Cyprus and the UK.
Her expertise spans multiple curricula, including IB MYP and DP, IGCSE, and A Levels, with a deep commitment to modern pedagogy, wellbeing, and positive psychology. Deborah holds an MA in Educational Management, Open University, UK, a Diploma in Positive Psychology, Langley Group Institute, Australia, BA in French and Spanish from the University of Durham, UK, PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages from the University of York, the UK National Professional Qualification in Headship and has completed numerous IB leadership certifications. In addition to her leadership roles, she has taught French and Spanish at IGCSE, A Level and MYP and DP TOK and contributed to professional development, inspections, and international school accreditations (CIS, WASC, ISI).
Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, Deborah combines strategic vision with practical teaching and inspection experience, making her a respected voice in global education. She has delivered a TEDx Talk on the evolving nature of education and was named one of the “Top Ten Headteachers to Watch” by the Sunday Telegraph and Good Schools Guide.
Aleksei Kuklin
Language B Coordinator, French & English Language Teacher
Exam Prep Expert (KET–ЕГЭ)
Supportive Teaching Style
IB MYP Specialist
Aleksei holds a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching English and French from the Mari State Teacher’s Training Institute and completed a Post-graduate course in Comparative, Historical, and Typological Linguistics at Moscow State University.
He previously taught English Language Acquisition at the European Gymnasium in Moscow, covering Phases 1–6 of the IB MYP program and preparing students for various exams, including KET, PET, FCE, ОГЭ, and ЕГЭ.
Before joining European Gymnasium, Aleksei taught English Language Acquisition in Primary School at the Cambridge International School, Skolkovo Campus, where he also assisted class teachers and taught Russian Language Acquisition to international students. His earlier experience includes teaching General and Business English to adult learners at International Professional Training.
Aleksei is fluent in Russian, English and French. He is committed to fostering language skills and supporting student achievement through effective teaching strategies and exam preparation.
Eleftheria Diou
EAL Teacher, MYP
IGCSE & IELTS Preparation
DELTA & CELTA Certified
EAP & General English Expert
Eleftheria holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from the University of Cyprus, where she graduated with distinction. She also completed a Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (DELTA) from the University of Sheffield and holds a CELTA from the University of Cambridge.
She previously taught English as a first and second language at PASCAL Private English School, where she prepared students for IGCSE and IELTS exams.
Before that, Eleftheria taught English for Academic Purposes (EAP) at KES College and IGCSE English at the GC School of Careers, where she worked with both children and adults, including beginners. She also gained experience as an English Assistant Teacher in both a Private English Language Institute and a Public Primary School in Leeds, UK.
Eleftheria is fluent in English and Greek, with intermediate proficiency in German and pre-intermediate proficiency in Russian. She is committed to fostering language skills and global awareness in her students through engaging and student-centered learning experiences.
Erato Nicolaou
EAL & Afternoon English Academy Coordinator, EAL Teacher
Over 10 Years of Teaching Experience
Curriculum Design Specialist
Corporate Training Experience
Erato holds a Master of Education (MEd) in English Language Teaching from the University of Glasgow and a Bachelor of Arts in English from City University of New York, Queens College.
She has over 10 years of teaching experience in New York, working in various educational settings. Erato served as an English Teacher and Content Writer at Woodmont Charter School and as a Curriculum Developer and ESL Teacher at the New York Language Center. She also taught at St. Catherine’s Greek-American Private School, where she built strong relationships with students and parents to support their learning progress.
In addition to her teaching roles, Erato contributed to curriculum design and content development as a Corporate Trainer and Content Developer at Monlinks and as an ESL Teacher/Curriculum Developer at 51talk.
Erato is fluent in English and highly skilled in curriculum development, lesson planning, and student engagement, bringing a global perspective to language education and a strong commitment to student success.
Anil Jootna
Design Faculty Coordinator, Design Teacher
A-Level & IBDP Expert
Global Teaching Experience (UK, Asia, Africa)
Enrichment Activity Leader
Anil Jootna is an experienced Design and Technology educator with over a Decade of teaching experience across international schools in the UK, China, Brunei, and Tanzania.
He holds a PGCE in Secondary Education Design and Technology from Sheffield Hallam University and a BA (Hons) in Design Management & Innovation from De Montfort University.
Anil has served as a Teacher of Design at Jerudong International School in Brunei, where he also took on the roles of A-Level and IBDP Teacher, Deputy Housemaster, and Tutor for KS3. His experience includes leading the Art & Design Department at Huili School Shanghai, and serving as Head of Design and ICT at UWC, where he managed IT support and spearheaded curriculum development. Anil also taught Design and Technology at Stanley Park High School, Chessington Community College, and Bourne Academy in the United Kingdom. His leadership roles extended to enrichment activities, including CrossFit, Duke of Edinburgh, Makerspace, Coding, and U19’s Rugby. Anil is recognized for his commitment to developing student creativity and technical skills in design and technology. He is a native English speaker.
Maria Tasioni
Greek Language Teacher
Individualized Student Support
Classroom & Private Tutor
Inclusive Teaching Advocate
Maria is an experienced educator with a strong background in Greek Philosophy, Education, and Special Education.
She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Greek Philosophy and Education from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a Master's Degree in Special Education from the University of Nicosia.
Maria's teaching career includes classroom teaching, private tutoring for school students, and specialized instruction for students with learning difficulties at 'diaλexis' Private Educational Center. In addition, she collaborated as a School Partner at the Primary School of Limassol, supporting students with learning challenges. Maria is committed to fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments that meet the diverse needs of her students.
She is fluent in Greek and English.
Nicholas Salapatas
PE Faculty Lead & PE Teacher
Football Coach (University & Club)
Head of PE & Dean Roles
MA in Sport & Lifestyle Management
Nicholas is an experienced educator with a PGCE & QTS from the University of Buckingham, a Master in Sport & Lifestyle Management from Rome Business School, and a BSc (Hons) in Sports Science from Brunel University, London.
He has served as the IB PYP Head of PE and Dean of Students at Beanstalk International School (BIBS UES, Beijing), and held the role of MYP/DP Events & Assembly Coordinator at BIBS Chengdu. Nicholas has extensive experience teaching IB PYP, MYP, and DP Physical Education in leading international schools. He also led PE and student wellbeing initiatives as Head of PE at Eton House International in China. His passion for sports extends to coaching professional and university football teams, including UCL Men’s Football 1st Team and St. Panteleimon Football Club in the UK.
He is native in English and Greek, and also speaks Chinese (Mandarin).
Antrea Stavrou Tepanosyan
History & History of Cyprus Teacher
Ancient Greek & Latin Expertise
Humanities Specialist
MA in Medieval Studies & English Lit
Holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Archaeology from the University of Cyprus and two Master's degrees: an MA in Medieval Studies from King's College London and an MA in English Language and Literature from the European University Cyprus.
She has been working as a History and Modern Greek Tutor since 2019, supporting Gymnasium and Lyceum students with their studies. Her tutoring expertise extends to Ancient Greek and Latin, and she also offers support in Modern Greek for both local students and foreigners.
She is fluent in Greek and English, with conversational proficiency in German and Spanish. Antrea is committed to fostering an appreciation for history and language in her students, promoting critical thinking, and creating a supportive learning environment.
Jason moss
Faculty Lead, History & Global Politics, TOK Teacher
CAS & NHS Advisor
Debate & MUN Mentor
History & Social Studies Expert
Jason is a dedicated educator with a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education from the University of Alberta, majoring in Social Studies.
He has taught History and Social Studies in international schools across IBDP, MYP, and Alberta Curriculum frameworks, with experience in the International School of Florence (Italy), American International School of Cyprus (Cyprus), Escuela Bella Vista (Venezuela), and Edmonton Catholic Schools (Canada).
Jason has organized historical study trips to Belgium and cultural field excursions, enriching students' learning experiences. He also served as a CAS advisor and National Honor Society lead teacher, fostering student leadership and community engagement. Beyond the classroom, Jason coached and mentored students in Model UN, Debate Club, and various sports teams.
He is fluent in English and Polish.
Marios Afantitis
Business Management & Economics Teacher
Business & Economics Specialist
MSc in Monetary & Financial Economics
Financial Literacy Program Leader
Marios is an experienced educator with over 20 years of expertise in teaching Business, Economics, and Financial Education across secondary and higher education institutions.
He holds an MSc in Monetary and Financial Economics from the University of Cyprus and a BSc in Economics (Honors) with a Minor in Justice from American University, Washington D.C., where he studied under a Fulbright Scholarship.
Marios is known for designing and delivering engaging, inquiry-based learning experiences and is actively involved in entrepreneurship education, guiding students in real-world business creation. His experience extends to multiple startups and business initiatives, bringing valuable industry insights into his teaching. Additionally, he has been deeply involved in curriculum development, coaching, and financial literacy programs, collaborating with the University of Cyprus to deliver Financial Education courses.
He is fluent in English and Greek.
KONSTANTIN LABIN
Music Teacher, Service as Action & Community Project Coordinator
Composer & Sound Director
Theatre & Studio Experience
Performance Background
Konstantin is a dedicated Music Teacher, as well as an accomplished Music Composer and Sound Designer. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Technology and a Master’s degree in Digital Media and Communications from the University of Nicosia.
Since the founding of Island School, Konstantin has been a committed member of the team, bringing creativity, ambition, and a student-centred approach to every aspect of his work. He has also served as a Pastoral Care Lead and continues to support students in his current roles as Service as Action Coordinator and Wellbeing Mentor.
Prior to his work at Island School, Konstantin worked as a Sound Director in the theatre, where he was responsible for music selection, sound editing, recording, and live mixing. He worked in a recording studio at UNIC and has experience working as a composer, creating original music for content creators, video games and most recently a theatrical play Mousetrap showcased in Pattihio.
His musical journey began as a saxophonist in a Mesa Geitonia philharmonic orchestra, performing in major concerts and international festivals.
Fluent in both Russian and English, Konstantin is known for his adaptability, technical expertise, and passion for enhancing musical experiences across media platforms.
Cristian Tanious
Film Teacher
Tech-Integrated Teaching
Esports & Radio Manager Experience
Filmmaking Background
Cristian is a dedicated educator with a Master of Arts in Communications (Emphasis in Documentaries) and a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Media Studies (Emphasis in Filmmaking) from Northern Arizona University.
He previously taught IB High School Film and TV Media Broadcast at Willow Canyon High School in Arizona, USA, where he prepared students for IB assessments and led live-stream production and news-style broadcasts.
Prior to that, Cristian taught 7th Grade Math at Sinagua Middle School, where he implemented differentiated instruction and tech-based projects to engage students. His background also includes serving as KJACK Radio Manager and Esports Event Organizer, leading university-level media and technology initiatives.
He is native in English.
Natasha Jacobs
Visual Arts Teacher
MA in Fine Art
Sculpture & Studio Practice
University Lecturer Experience
Natasha is an accomplished Visual Arts educator holding a Master of Arts in Fine Art from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, alongside a Bachelor of Technology and a National Diploma in Fine Art from Durban University of Technology, South Africa.
She has extensive experience teaching MYP and DP Visual Arts at Jeddah Knowledge International School in Saudi Arabia, where she worked with Grades 9–12 in both IB and American Diploma curricula.
Natasha briefly served as a Sculpture Lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand for one semester, where she focused on clay portrait modeling and mold-making, before relocating to Saudi Arabia, where she lived and taught for a total of seven years.
She is native in English.
Vasia ANTONIOU
Drama Teacher
Founder of The Yart Studio
Cultural Program Collaborator
B.Sc. in Theatrical Studies
Vasia is an experienced drama teacher and actor with over a decade of experience in theatre education. She holds a B.Sc. in Theatrical Studies from the University of Peloponnese and a Diploma in Acting from Vladimiros Kafkarides Drama School.
Vasia taught drama at public elementary schools, Polemidia Open School, The Yart Studio, On Stage Music Centre, and La Salle de Dance, working with children and adults to develop skills in acting, improvisation, and theatrical expression. She is the founder of The Yart Studio in Episkopi, Limassol, where she directed and led numerous theatre projects.
Vasia also collaborated with various cultural and educational programs, including TheatrETC, Limassol Municipality workshops, and the Cyprus Theatre Museum, designing and leading workshops focused on social issues, theatre games, and artistic expression.
She is fluent in Greek and English.
Vasia Anastasiou
Arts Faculty Lead, Drama & Dance Teacher
BTEC & KS3–5 Teaching
MA in Dance & MA in Education
Drama & Dance Specialist
Vasia holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Performing Arts from London Metropolitan University, an MA in Dance Performance and Choreography from the University of Bedfordshire, a PGCE with QTS from the University of Bath and Royal Academy of Dance, and an MA in Education from University College London.
She has taught Drama and Dance in the UK both in state and private schools. Her experience spans Key Stages 3, 4, and 5, including BTEC qualifications. Also Vasia supported students with their UCAS applications
Vasia is fluent in English and Greek and is committed to providing high-quality education that promotes both academic and personal growth.
Tehila Segev
Hebrew Literature, Spanish Teacher
Interdisciplinary Unit Designer
CAS Supervisor
Experienced in Multi-Age Classrooms
Tehila is an experienced International Baccalaureate (IB) educator specializing in Individuals and Societies and Language Acquisition across PYP and MYP levels. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from Universidad Tecnológica Latinoamericana in collaboration with UNICEF.
Tehila taught Jewish Culture and Hebrew in MYP Years 1–5, PYP Grades 2–4, and served as a CAS Supervisor for Grade 12 at Albert Einstein School in Ecuador. Her educational background includes designing transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary units, project-based learning, and multi-age classroom settings. In addition to her teaching roles, she was actively involved in academic enrichment programs and social committee activities.
Tehila is fluent in Hebrew, English and Spanish.
Liliia Hinton
Ukrainian Literature Teacher
Private Tutoring Expertise
Cross-Level Teaching
Leadership Role in Foreign Languages
Liliia is an experienced educator with a rich background in language and literature teaching. She holds a Specialist Master's Degree in Ukrainian Language & Literature and Russian Language & Literature from Kamianets-Podilskyi Pedagogical University, and a postgraduate qualification in English Language & Literature from Kyiv National Pedagogical University.
Her teaching career spans across various educational settings, including primary, secondary, and international schools. Liliia taught Ukrainian Language and Literature at a primary school in Ternopil district, Ukraine, and served as an Educator and Deputy Head of Foreign Languages at a boarding school in Khmelnytskyi and Kyiv regions. She also worked with adult learners as a Ukrainian Business Language Teacher at the Academy of Tax Service in Kyiv and as a Teacher of Foreign (World) Literature in a secondary school. Additionally, she taught Russian at an international school in Cyprus and Ukrainian as a private tutor in Limassol.
Liliia's multilingual capabilities include fluency in Ukrainian, Russian, and English. Her passion for language education has defined her as a dedicated and versatile teacher.
TATIANA KOMOVA
Russian Literature Teacher
PhD in Literature
National Olympiad Coach
Digital Content Creator
Tatiana is an accomplished educator with extensive experience in Russian Language and Literature instruction. She holds a Magister (Specialist) degree in Philological Sciences and a PhD in Theory of Literature from Moscow State University by Lomonosov.
Tatiana taught Russian Language and Literature for 12 years at School 1514, one of the top public schools in Moscow, where she implemented author-specific methodologies and led educational trips to culturally significant Russian cities. She also directed student performances in the Shakespeare School Festival across the UK. Her students achieved exceptional results in national competitions, including the All-Russian Olympiad for Schoolchildren (VSOSh), with multiple top placements in Literature and Russian Language.
Tatiana additionally worked as a Literary Theory Lecturer at Moscow State University and developed digital content for literature modules at the SBER Digital School platform.
She is multilingual, speaking English, French, Polish, and Serbian.
TAMARA MARTYNOVA
Russian Literature Teacher
Special Education Expert
Adaptable to Diverse Learners
Psychologist & Speech Therapist
Tamara is a certified mindfulness meditation teacher with a passion for wellbeing and a holistic approach to education.
She holds a Master's degree in Special Defectological Education, as well as degrees in Pedagogy and Psychology, Speech Therapy, and Organizational Psychology from Orel State University and Moscow Financial and Industrial University "Synergy."
Tamara's teaching career includes roles as a Primary School Teacher and a Teacher of Russian Language and Literature at School "Windsor," where she focused on classroom management, curriculum development, and student socialization. She also worked as a Primary School Teacher at European Gymnasium, where she designed and implemented structured lesson plans, adapted teaching methods for diverse learners, and created engaging learning environments. Tamara's educational approach emphasizes interactive learning and comprehensive student support, making her a dedicated and versatile educator. She is fluent in Russian and English.
Mary Faragher
English Literature Teacher
Leadership & Governance Involvement
IB DP Specialist
Former Academic Head
Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Linguistics and a PGCE in English from the University of Cape Town.
She previously taught as an English Teacher at Yangon International School in Mandalay, Myanmar. Before that, she worked as an Academic Head and English Teacher at Crescent International School in Bangkok and as an English Teacher at Galaxy International School in Uganda. Mary also taught English and Global Perspectives at Alexandria International Academy in Egypt and worked as an IB DP Language and Literature Teacher at Özel Bilkent School in Turkey.
Her teaching career began in South Africa, where she taught English, Technology, and Arts and Culture at Eshowe High School and COSAT. She also served as a Teacher Representative on the School Governing Body at Eshowe High School.
Mary is fluent in English and brings a global perspective to her teaching, aiming to inspire critical thinking and cultural awareness in her students.
Lara Neillie Katselli
Language & Cultural Studies Coordinator in CP, English Literature, EAL Teacher
Cross-Cultural Teaching Experience
Committed to Educational Excellence
10+ Years of Teaching Experience
Lara holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in English Studies at the European University Cyprus.
Since 2012, she has been teaching English as both a foreign and second language at institutions such as Protagoras Private Institute, A.X. Genius Maths Private Institute, as well as through private tutoring. Her experience spans working with both Greek-Cypriot and English-speaking students, with a strong focus on English language acquisition and literature appreciation. Lara has been a valued member of the Island School since its opening, where she has consistently demonstrated professionalism, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous development. Her dedication to student success and high-quality teaching is evident in her dynamic and reflective approach to education.
She is fluent in both Greek and English.
EKATERINA TORTUNOVA
Language A Faculty Lead, English Literature Teacher, Extended Essay Coordinator in DP
Curriculum Designer
IB DP Experience
Experienced Translator & Interpreter
ESL Specialist
Ekaterina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from Moscow State Linguistic University.
She has worked at European Gymnasium, Russia, as an IB DP English Teacher since 2020, managing both Higher and Standard Level courses and supervising Extended Essays. In addition, Ekaterina has been an ESL Teacher at School 1514, Moscow, preparing students for Russian and International English exams and creating individualized curricula. She also co-established an exchange program with an English school and designed a unique online curriculum during the Covid-19 quarantine to enhance learning efficiency.
Ekaterina translated over 40 non-fiction books and was interpreting for TV, radio, and art workshops.
Ekaterina is fluent in Russian and English. She’s passionate about helping her students grow in both their language and analytical skills, and their understanding of the world around them.
TAGIR ZAINULLIN
DP Coordinator, History & TOK Teacher
International Conference Participation
Strong Communication Skills
IB Programme Expertise
Experience in Museums & Archives
Tagir holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the National Research University Higher School of Economics in Moscow and pursued a Master of Science in History at the same institution.
Tagir worked at European Gymnasium, Russia, as an MYP History Teacher, DP History Teacher, and DP Coordinator. Tagir participated in various IB Global Conferences and Workshops across the world. He also served as an IB Junior Examiner for History Paper 3 and Internal Assessments.
Before joining European Gymnasium, he worked at the State Historical Museum in Moscow, Russia as an Exhibition Guide, where he designed and conducted tours, and interned at the Russian State Archive of Ancient Acts, where he processed historical documents.
Tagir is fluent in Russian and English, and he has experience teaching history in both languages, supporting students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. He is committed to fostering critical thinking and global awareness in students, creating a learning environment that values inquiry and academic excellence.
GRAJINA CARSWELL
Secondary School Principal, Maths Teacher
Team-Oriented
STEM Expertise
Highly Qualified (PGCE, MSc in Finance)
Leadership Experience
Grajina Carswell is an experienced mathematics educator with a strong background in leadership roles within secondary education. She has served as Head of Maths at Worthing High School, UK, since 2020 and previously held the same position at Court Moor School, UK, from 2017 to 2020. Earlier in her career, she worked as Deputy Head of Department and Teacher of Maths at Court Moor School, contributing to curriculum development and mentoring teachers.
She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Mathematics from the Open University and a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Strathclyde. Grajina has also worked as a university lecturer at the University of Roehampton, bringing academic and industry experience into her teaching practice.
TANIA LEYLAND
CP Coordinator, Business Management & Economics Teacher
20 Years in Education
Digital Learning Innovator
Strong Cross-Cultural Competence
IBDP & IBCP Leadership
Tania is an experienced educator with a Master of Science (MSc) and a PGCE from the University of Gloucestershire, along with additional studies in Education Leadership (IB) from the University of Leicester.
She has 20 years of teaching experience, including 15 years in leadership roles and 14 years in IB International Schools across Africa, South East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Tania has been a member of the IBCP - PPS Curriculum Development Team for the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and served as an examiner for IBDP Business Management, IBCP Reflective Project, IBDP Extended Essay, Cambridge IGCSE Enterprise, and Edexcel IGCSE Business Studies (9-1). Her leadership experience includes serving as an IBDP & IBCP Coordinator, successfully guiding two schools through the IBCP candidacy and accreditation process. Additionally, she created integrated IBDP & IBCP Digital Learning Portals to support classroom, hybrid, and independent learning. Tania also managed BTEC programs as a programme manager and quality nominee. She is native in English.
VERONIKA KOROLEVA
Chemistry & Biology Teacher
Virtual Labs & Distance Learning Integration
STEM Leadership
Holds a Master's Degree in Chemistry and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, St. Petersburg, with specialization in integrating virtual labs into distance learning.
A passionate educator with extensive experience teaching chemistry and science at various institutions, including Le Sallay International Academy, Le Sallay Dialogue, and Public Grammar School #74 in St. Petersburg. Served as Head of STEM at Le Sallay International Academy, where responsibilities included interdisciplinary curriculum development, faculty leadership, and staff recruitment. Managed an English language summer camp for Viva Lingua Group. Skilled in curriculum design, classroom management, and collaborative teaching methods, and possesses strong interpersonal communication skills. Veronika is Fluent in English & Russian, and proficient in French.
ALEKSEY KOROLEV
Physics Teacher
Multi-Subject STEM Expertise
13+ Years of Teaching Experience
Olympiad & Robotics Instruction
Holds a Bachelor's degree in Physics specializing in Earth and Planetary Physics from Saint Petersburg State University. Experienced Physics, Mathematics, and STEM educator with over 13 years of teaching experience.
Previously taught Physics and STEM curricula at Le Sallay International Academy and Le Sallay Dialog, focusing on grades 5-9. Also taught IB MYP and IB DP Science, Mathematics, and Digital Design at the International School of Herzen University, and conducted courses in Mathematics Olympiads and robotics at the Centre for Youth Creativity and Technical Education, Saint Petersburg.
Aleksey is fluent in Russian (native), proficient in English, and basic French.
ANATOLY BRAGIN
Science Teacher
Interactive Teaching
IGCSE Teaching Experience
STEM Multidisciplinarity
Student Engagement Focus
Anatoly holds a degree in Physics of Kinetic Phenomena (Chemical Physics) from the National Nuclear Research University (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute).
He previously worked as a Physics and Mathematics Teacher at Exupery International School in Riga, delivering the IGCSE curriculum to students in grades 7–10. His creative approach contributed to enhanced student engagement and assignment completion.
From 2015 to 2022, Anatoly was part of London Gates Education Group (LGEG) in Moscow, teaching Science, Physics, English, and Mathematics to students aged 5 to 16. During his tenure, he designed multiple workbooks for curriculum support, created extracurricular Science modules, and managed academic development for a team of 30 teachers.
Anatoly is fluent in English and Russian and is dedicated to fostering scientific curiosity and mathematical understanding in his students through interactive and engaging teaching methods.
IVAN STANIC
Physics Teacher
Olympiad Coaching Excellence
Competition Organization
Leadership in Gifted Education
20+ Years in Physics Education
An accomplished physics educator holding M.Sc. and M.Phil. degrees in Physics from Yale University (2006–2009), as well as B.Sc. and M.Phil. degrees from Belgrade University (1998–2006).
Ivan previously served as a Physics Teacher and Board Member at the Mathematical Grammar School in Belgrade, renowned for guiding students to over 80 medals in prestigious competitions including the International Physics Olympiads, European Physics Olympiads, International Junior Science Olympiads, and Balkan Physics Olympiads.
He is recognized as Serbia’s leading physics teacher in national competitions over the past decade. Co-authored a high school physics textbook scheduled for publication in 2025. Organized the Mathematical Grammar School Cup, an international STEM competition for young learners. Served as an IB DP Physics Tutor in Belgrade, specializing in supporting international school students. Former Lecturer and Teaching Assistant at Yale University's Department of Physics.
Ivan is Fluent in English and Serbian.
Sora Kim Ramnebro
Maths Faculty Lead, Maths Teacher
IB MYP & Swedish Curriculum Expertise
Holistic Education Advocate
Extracurricular Leadership
Student Mentorship
Sora holds an M.Ed. in Math and Science Education from George Mason University and a BA in Economics and Statistics from Columbia University.
She has extensive experience teaching Middle School Science and Mathematics across diverse curricula, including the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Swedish National Curriculum, at prominent international schools such as Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Laroverket (Sweden), UWC South East Asia (Singapore), and American Embassy School of New Delhi (India).
Beyond her academic roles, Sora has actively served as a mentor and faculty advisor, significantly contributing to student personal and social development. Additionally, she has led and coached various extracurricular activities, including climbing, sailing, and the Special Olympics.
She is fluent in English, Swedish, Korean, and conversational German.
Nikos Papadopoulos
Maths Academy Coordinator & Teacher
Applied Mathematics & Game Theory Expertise
Lecturer in Mathematics and Finance
Gifted & Talented Program Leadership
Nikos holds an MSc in Risk Management from ALBA Graduate Business School, awarded with a Scholarship for Academic Excellence, and a BSc in Mathematics with a focus on Applied Mathematics, Chaos & Complexity from Patras University, Greece. His extensive teaching experience includes roles at The Junior & Senior School in Nicosia, Cyprus, where he taught Mathematics and coordinated the Gifted & Talented Program. He coached students for mathematical competitions, achieving notable success with award-winning teams in the Kangaroo Competitions, Math Olympiads, National Cypriot Competitions, National Math Relay Competitions and Euromath/Euroscience Conferences.
Nikos also founded and led the Strategic Thinking and Games Club (STaG). His expertise extends to teaching Game Theory at the Center for Talented Youth (CTY) – Johns Hopkins University. Additionally, he lectured on Mathematics and Finance at Private Schools in Greece. He is fluent in English and Greek.
Sofia Cukic
Maths Teacher
Olympiad Coaching Excellence
Students Admitted to Top Global Universities
PhD in Mathematics
Published Researcher
A highly accomplished mathematics educator and researcher, holding a PhD from ETH Zurich, with academic qualifications from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Sweden, and the University of Belgrade.
Since 2006, she has taught mathematics at top-tier schools, including the Mathematical Grammar School Belgrade and Računarska gimnazija, where she specialised in mathematics and discrete mathematics for highly gifted students.
Sonja has made a profound impact through mathematical Olympiad training, having coached students who have earned more than 50 medals at international competitions.
Her students have gone on to study at some of the world’s leading universities, including MIT, Harvard, Yale, Oxford and Cambridge.
In addition to teaching, Sonja is the co-author of official mathematics textbooks for schools specializing in mathematics in Serbia and has published her research in top international journals. Her academic journey includes postdoctoral and teaching positions in the USA, Germany, and Serbia, and regular participation in global conferences.
Fluent in Serbian and English, with moderate knowledge of German.
SERGEY SHASHKOV
Computer Science & Maths Teacher
Backend developer, EdTech specialist
Olympiad Coaching Excellence
Designer of 1,000+ Programming Challenges
Educational Technology Innovator
20+ Years of Teaching Experience in Top Math Schools
Sergey is an accomplished Mathematics and Programming Educator with over 20 years of experience teaching in leading mathematics-focused schools in Russia. He holds a Master's degree in Mathematics from Lomonosov State University, Russia. His expertise lies in Olympiad training, curriculum development, and educational technology, particularly in creating interactive learning tools and automated assessment systems. At Moscow School No. 179, Sergey designed over 1,000 programming challenges, developed automated testing systems, and led a popular Olympiad Math Circle with weekly participation of over 1,000 students, successfully training multiple Olympiad finalists, including a winner. At Moscow School No. 57, he managed advanced mathematics courses, coordinated student admissions, and developed innovative Python-based problem generators and auto-checkers. Additionally, Sergey contributed significantly to UCHi.RU by creating interactive math problems for 600,000 Olympiad participants and developing advanced automated assessment tools. Is a Senior Backend Developer at Yandex. He speaks English and Russian.