15 AMISA Schools Welcome New Heads of School for the 2023-24 Academic Year
- Carizma McLean
- Aug 1, 2023
- 1 min read
Updated: Aug 23, 2023
Editor's Note: This post was originally published on August 1, 2023 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. See the end of this post for details.*
Fifteen AMISA member schools throughout Latin America and the Caribbean region approved new Heads of School, who are gearing up to welcome students to the 2023-24 school year. The Heads of School were among multiple individuals interviewed by school boards, school leaders, and community members, during the search process. The position changes are for varying reasons, including Heads of School who have moved to a new location within the region, school leaders promoted to the school director position, and Heads of School returning to the region after previous relocations.
We are excited to congratulate, welcome, and introduce each of the 15 Heads of School. We thank each Head of School for providing information for this post. Click each name below to learn more.
Anne Baldisseri - Avenues: The World School, Brazil (NEW AMISA MEMBER SCHOOL)
Anne Taffin d’Heursel Baldisseri is passionate about building community, motivating people, and sustaining a culture of quality where teachers and students are encouraged to learn alongside one another. Before becoming head of school in August 2023, Anne served as Avenues São Paulo’s founding head of primary division from 2016. Prior to joining Avenues, she served as head of pre-preparatory at St. Paul’s School in São Paulo from 2007 to 2016, having worked as an IB and elementary science teacher and then head of science prior to that. Before becoming a teacher, Anne completed an M.S. and Ph.D. in zoology from Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). She also has qualifications in education and education management. Anne is currently part of a research group at Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), where she is working towards a post-doctorate degree focused on bilingualism, metacognition and motivation. Anne runs national and international workshops centered on differentiated instruction and formative assessment, as well as courses to help teachers and parents to build a sustainable culture of high performance. She recently wrote a chapter for the book: Aprendizagens visíveis: Experiências teórico-práticas em sala de aula. Goal for Year 1 in new position: Strengthen leadership structures for effective information flow, decision-making, and team health across all levels. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-baldisseri Twitter: @abaldisseri Instagram: @annebaldisseri
Sonia Bustamante - Escuela Bella Vista, Venezuela
I am an experienced educator with a successful track record in leading international schools. My journey has been enriched over the last 18 years by exceptional educators who emphasized fostering a collaborative team environment, effective communication with stakeholders, and prudent financial management.
Before joining an AMISA member school, I spent nine years with EARCOS. During that time, I presented the significance of integrating technology inside and outside the classroom to fellow school leaders. At EBV, my first year saw the initiation of a school-wide intranet, streamlining systems and processes that provide seamless access to student data and school information for teachers.
As a former coach, I firmly believe in a holistic approach to education, nurturing students' academic achievement and social, emotional, and physical well-being. I am committed to creating a safe and supportive learning environment where all students thrive.
During EBV's 2023-2024 teacher orientation, I arranged for two consultants, one with the help of AMISA, to support our differentiation and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives. Acknowledging teachers as the backbone of any school, I am fully committed to providing them with the support and resources to excel.
Joining a school community unwavering in its commitment to providing a high-quality education for all students, I am thrilled to contribute my expertise to this meaningful journey.
Goal for Year 1 in new position: My first year focus is to successfully implement a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Belonging (DEIB) policy that emphasizes exemplary differentiation in the classroom and promotes social and emotional learning across our entire school community.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sonia-bustamante-ed-d-b8b8ba40/
Jaime Comandari - Colegio Decroly Americano, Guatemala (NEW AMISA MEMBER SCHOOL)*
For the past 34 years Jaime Comandari has led a very rewarding career in education, working in seven international schools in three countries.
Before moving to Guatemala, Mr. Comandari has worked as a teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, MS principal, HS principal, and school head. Over the past 11 years working in Guatemala as head of school, he has earned the trust and confidence of the teachers, the respect of the students and school parents, and has counted with the personal support of a loving family. He believes that balancing the contrasting needs of local families and the less numerous international families has been a continual challenge in his job and certainly an effort that requires the ability, vision and awareness of a mindful educator.
Goal for the Year: Engaging our students and teachers in the joy of learning!
David Esch - Colegio Granadino, Colombia*
David Esch has been appointed as the Head of School at Colegio Granadino in beautiful Manizales, Colombia.
David has worked in education for around twenty years in a variety of diverse settings including schools in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and the United States. Prior to becoming a Head of School, David served in a wide array of roles at all levels of K-12 education including Middle School Principal, Elementary School Principal, Assistant Principal, High School College Counselor, Educational Programs Coordinator, Data Facilitator, Testing Coordinator, Middle School Teacher, and Elementary School Teacher.
David feels incredibly blessed and honored to join the special community of learners and the outstanding team of educators at Colegio Granadino.
Goal for Year 1 in new position: Relationship and team building, listening/understanding school community and culture, school-wide alignment, begin the development of a shared and clear vision for the future
Dr. Don Francis - American School of Guatemala, Guatemala
Dr. Don, as the students call him, holds a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from Washington State University, with his action research dissertation focused on Developing Professional Learning Communities within Schools. He earned his Master’s Degree, Principal and Superintendent Credentials and Teaching Certificate from Eastern Washington University.
He began his career teaching English and Spanish at a small rural Native American Reservation school in Washington state and also taught at Colegio Nueva Granada in Bogotá, Colombia while leading the AP program. He enjoyed his experiences as both an Elementary Principal and High School Principal. Throughout his educational career, Dr. Francis has cherished most the relationships built with students, staff and parents as a community celebrating student growth. Before Ecuador, he served as Director of Awsaj Academy, a school for students with learning challenges in Doha, Qatar.
Dr. Francis is married to Andrea and together they enjoy their six children and several spouses of those children. The first grandchild will arrive in August of 2023! Along with family, he enjoys sports, outdoor adventures, and has enjoyed competing in several Ironmans.
He has already established himself with his passion for creating a viable learning environment for every child. He currently serves on the AMISA Board of Directors, has been a leader in several Master Facilities Plans and several accreditations across the world.
Goal for Year 1 in new position: Becoming a part of the community and building community
Instagram: @Dohadrdon
Jessica Gilway - InterAmerican Academy (IAA), Ecuador
Dr. Jessica Gilway started in July 2023 as the Executive Director of InterAmerican Academy in Guayaquil Ecuador. Go SHARKS! Previously, she was the Director of Santa Cruz Cooperative School in Santa Cruz, Bolivia for four years, the Director of Two Rivers Community School for 4 years, the Founding Principal of GALA for 2 years, and the Director of Curriculum & Instruction of Urban Community School for 2 years. She was an educator teaching 5th through 8th grade for 9 years as well. She served as a professor in Expressive Arts Therapy & Educational Leadership at Appalachian State University. She has a bachelor's degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in Environmental Studies & Latin American Studies, as well as Spanish. She has a Masters Degree in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of New Mexico, and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Appalachian State University. She is a licensed bilingual teacher and school administrator in the states of North Carolina, New Mexico, and Ohio. In addition, she is a certified yoga and mindfulness instructor. Her areas of passion & proactive engagement include: social-emotional learning, trauma informed educational practices, sustainable educational leadership practices, women in leadership, and international education. She is fluent in English and Spanish.
Goal for Year 1 in new position: #GrowingTogether - to Build an Inclusive Community where All Stakeholders feel a sense of Belonging & Support! #TellOurStories - Courageously Narrate the Story of IAA & it's amazing Journey towards to Becoming an Inclusion School!
Wendy Hall - Escuela Santa Maria del Valle, Honduras (NEW AMISA MEMBER SCHOOL)
I was born and raised in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. I majored in Special Education at Ashland University in Ashland Ohio. Later I received my Masters Degree in School Administration from Marymount University in Arlington, Va. After graduating from College, I worked for Dublin City Schools in Dublin, Ohio for two years as a Resource Room Teacher. Then I decided to return to Honduras to be with my family. I worked at Escuela Internacional Sampedrana for five years teaching different grade levels. In the year 2000 I founded Discovery Corner, an Early Childhood Center where we served students from one- three years old. We became the first ECC in Honduras to also serve students with different learning needs, giving them an opportunity to receive an education fully immersed in the regular classroom. In 2009, I founded Escuela Santa Maria del Valle (ESMV) a Catholic practicing school, internationally accredited by Cognia and serving today over 900 students, with 10% of our school population being students with special learning needs, completely immersed in the regular classroom. I call this stage in my professional life, The Golden Era, because I am doing what I love, teaching the whole child; in mind, body and soul and very fortunate to do all this with a great team of passionate educators who strive to impact the lives of all students so they can integrate into society as transforming leaders, practicing morals and values as a way of life.
Goal for Year 1 in new position: Professional Development
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wendy-hall-3014a4181/
Shauna Hobbs-Beckley - Georgetown International Academy, Guyana
Shauna Hobbs-Beckley is currently the Director of Georgetown International Academy in Georgetown, Guyana. Prior to arriving in Guyana she was the Director of Analytics, Innovation, and Research and Director of Teaching and Learning at Graded, The American School of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo Brazil. She has been a school administrator across the US and internationally for the past 25 years. Her experience includes leading professional development, principal coaching, curriculum design, materials adoption, student supports and grant-funded initiatives. In addition to the Director of Teaching and Learning, she has served as Executive Director of Curriculum, Assessment & Instruction of Seattle Public Schools. She also led preschool and elementary principals and staff in their professional work as PK-5 Instructional Services Director for City Schools of Decatur, Georgia and has served as a principal in Washington, Georgia and Tennessee.
Goal for Year 1 in new position: My instructional vision and focus areas for GIA are:
We'll strive to foster a learning environment based on social emotional, DEIB and curriculum to ensure our students' holistic success. We need to integrate these pillars into our practice and PD sessions to foster engagement, trust, alignment and cultural understanding.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-hobbs-beckley-eds-5b042818/
Dr. Brian Kelly - Carol Morgan School, Dominican Republic
Dr. Brian Kelly has been recently appointed the new Headmaster at the Carol Morgan School, located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is very happy to be returning to the region after serving as Head of School for three years in an Independent Academy in southeastern Connecticut. His previous experience includes 15 years as an administrator in Colombia, and 10 years working in South Korea, Greece and California. Dr. Kelly holds a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership, with an emphasis in international education, from the University of Minnesota, and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision. After more than 25 years in education, Dr. Kelly still believes that through the passion and dedication of talented educators, and through equitable learning environments, all students are capable of learning.
Goal for Year 1 in new position: As the new Head of School, the first focus area is to learn about the Carol Morgan School Community and understand the various perspectives of the school stakeholders. This will require creating a strong connection to students, teachers, staff, parents, board members and the key community members. I want to see the core values of the school in action, and understand how they are integrated within each of the groups. This will give me the insight to lead the school through the implementation of a comprehensive strategic plan.
Dr. Kelly Kramer - International School of Aruba, Aruba
I am experienced, dedicated educator with over 30 years in international education. I have worked in a variety of educational settings, including small, medium, and large schools in seven different countries. Throughout my career, I have held a range of positions, including elementary, middle school, and secondary school teacher and principal, as well as head of school for over 10 years. I also served as an AASSA (now AMISA) board member for three years when I was director at Colegio International de Caracas in Venezuela.
With my husband, Dennis, who is a retired athletic director, we raised our two children overseas. Both our son and daughter are also PE/Health teachers. We are fortunate to have five grandchildren, who bring me joy and remind me daily why I do what I do—to make children’s learning experiences joyful!
While my doctorate is in educational leadership and policy analysis, my passion for education is rooted in my love for connecting with people and identifying their strengths to grow and support an outstanding organization. I believe that every member of a school community has unique talents and abilities that can be harnessed to create a thriving, joyous learning environment. I focus on building strong relationships with students, staff, and parents, to create inclusive and supportive school culture.
Goal for Year 1 in new position: To leverage the strengths of the school, identify areas of growth, and foster a sense of community within the International School of Aruba (ISA) by implementing a comprehensive strategic plan that includes regular communication and engagement with stakeholders, professional development opportunities for staff, and targeted initiatives to enhance students' and teachers' learning and well-being.
Patti Marshall - Colegio Roosevelt, The American School of Lima, Peru
I am an international independent school leader who enjoys building effective teams around a shared sense of welcoming and belonging. I have been teaching and leading in the United States, Colombia, Guatemala and Peru for over 30 years.
I hold a commitment towards organizational purpose, vision, mission and strategic planning as compass in reaching the heart of a community in the advancement and the delivery of a robust value proposition in benefiting students, teachers and families. I believe communities can enjoy creativity and innovation when entrusted with high levels of autonomy balanced with collaboration, accountability, and a willingness to learn, grow, and share. I also enjoy leading and being inspired by governance, leadership teams, students, teachers, alumni and the greater community.
It's the last point that speaks to my passion for leading schools and communities in Central and South America. I am proud of my time in the AMISA region; believing that our contribution to professional communities helps enrich out network and collaboration across this expansive and diverse hemisphere filled with unique cultures and people that are are interconnected through language. With hundreds of American and international schools in the AMISA community, I have enjoyed working in this greater community who share in comparable experiences, perspectives and challenges.
Goal for Year 1 in new position: My first year will be focused on a lot of listening and learning in order to understand what it means to be a Colegio Roosevelt Condor and I hope to build upon the foundations of the school's connected community and academic excellence-most especially advancing the work of the school's Integrity Committee.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-marshall-13549539/
Instagram: @patricialeemarshall
School Instagram: @colegio_roosevelt_peru
Eric Olsen - Santa Cruz Cooperative School, Bolivia
Eric Olsen is a lifelong learner and educator originally from Colorado. For the previous two years Eric served as the Elementary School Principal at the Santa Cruz Cooperative school, and he is excited to be taking over as the General Director this year.
His professional experiences range from teaching high school social studies in California to opening a K-8 Expeditionary Learning School, and from running professional development for leadership teams and teachers to serving as the President of the Colorado Association of Elementary School Principals. His PhD. research centered around the conditions in schools that foster collective teacher efficacy, which he has sought to build and promote through his leadership in schools ever since.
His wife, Kristen Olsen, is the Chief Learning and Innovation officer at SCCS. Together with their two sons, Carter (10) and Xavier (9), they are enjoying the hospitality of the Bolivian people, the enriching academic atmosphere that SCCS provides, and the opportunity to appreciate the beauty and adventure of South America. Eric is a passionate believer in the importance of engaging and stimulating the mind while consciously nurturing the heart, and the power of a positive community to transform lives.
Goal for Year 1 in new position: Creating a more inclusive, respectful, and unified campus community.
Instagram: @ericolseneo
Jeffery Richardson - Escuela Campo Alegre, Venezuela
Jeff Richardson is originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and has been working overseas since 2005. He has worked and lived in Colombia, Guatemala, and most recently Venezuela. He studied at the University of Manitoba, SUNY, and most recently, completed his Certificate in Advanced Educational Leadership (CAEL) at Harvard.
Jeff has been passionate about the accreditation process of schools while working with Cognia as a lead evaluator and visiting schools across Latin America. He is now working on the re-accreditation of Escuela Campo Alegre (ECA) with CIS and MSA.
Jeff is focused on providing a balanced education for all students that includes academics, arts, and sports so that all students can flourish in the areas that they are most interested in. At the same time working hard to develop a healthy professional environment. that allows all staff to set goals and grow as people and educators.
In his free time Jeff can be found traveling, exercising, cooking, gardening, spending time with his family, or reading a good book.
Goal for Year 1 in new position: Continuing to strengthen the climate of ECA while providing a personalized education for each student. Implementing the new ECA strategic plan for 2023.
Dr. Raymond J. Schmidt - Escuela Internacional Sampedrana, Hondoras
Dr. Schmidt has been an education professional for nearly 30 years. He began his teaching career in Chicago in 1994 and that new teaching journey carried him to Arizona and then Alaska. During that time, he ascertained his Master’s Degree in Education and began teaching aspiring educators at university and in the classroom. By 2009, Dr. Schmidt began his first official education leadership position as an advisor to school principals in Abu Dhabi, UAE. From there he served as an instructional coach in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Those opportunities ignited a passion for enhancing his educational leadership skills and he returned to the States to complete his Administrative Services Credential coursework. While completing said coursework, he served first as an executive director and middle school principal and then as a lower school principal in south-central Los Angeles. In 2018, he accepted a lower school head position at Colegio Americano de Guatemala in Guatemala City. While serving the CAG community, he completed his doctorate degree in educational leadership and published peer-reviewed research on educational leadership decision-making. Currently, he is serving as the Superintendent at Escuela Internacional Sampedrana in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
It is Dr. Schmidt’s belief that all members of a global society should have access to robust educational programs, and it is a great honor to apply the expertise acquired in his professional and scholarly career toward building a future of life-long learners around the globe. He strives to be a leader who is deeply committed to the success of all stakeholders by being organized, informative, and supportive, utilizing coaching styles that cater to varying personalities and abilities. He endeavors to challenge himself and others to think critically. Having this conviction combined with being community-minded has led to strong, long-lasting relationships with students, faculty, parents, and beyond.
It is also Dr. Schmidt’s belief that truly effective directors, administrators, and educators facilitate and empower students, faculty, and community stakeholders rather than merely transmit knowledge. Successful education professionals work together to help students, and each other, learn how to study and grow through inquiry and constructive-based education. Students and people, in general, are eager and inquisitive by nature, and with organized guidance and diverse opportunities, they will naturally seek out and discover knowledge, thus equipping them with relevant and meaningful understanding.
As an effective leader, it is Dr. Schmidt's responsibility to inspire students, faculty, and community stakeholders in the pursuit of knowledge while recognizing when individual situations and motivations may require differentiated instruction and/or a design thinking change process. It is also his responsibility to impart deep learning of principles and not just rote memorization – critical analysis and creative problem-solving instead of mere knowledge of facts. Students and faculty should not just have technical skills in a specific subject matter, but should also know how they are all built upon each other within that subject matter and how they integrate across other disciplines. Education needs to be engaged with enthusiasm and a desire to evaluate, hypothesize, and construct. As a balanced leader, administrator, and educator, Dr. Schmidt shows support for all students and faculty as he demonstrates an interest in both their professional and their personal growth, cultivates their independence to develop and sustain high expectations for themselves, and encourages them to continually seek out new questions and new answers as lifelong, global learners.
Goal for Year 1 in new position: Meeting All Students’ Needs Effectively & With Student Voice
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-raymond-j-schmidt-54b7703b/
Twitter: @DrRJSchmidt
Instagram: @dr._raymond_j_schmidt
Todd Zukewich - Colegio Internacional de Carabobo, Venezuela
Director
Colegio Internacional de Carabobo July 2023 Valencia, Venezuela
Superintendent - Escuela Bella Vista
Maracaibo, Venezuela
Aug 2010 - June 2023
International Schools
Apr 1991 - Jun 2010
Canada, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Korea
Education
Columbia University Teachers College
Master’s Degree, Organizational Psychology - Change Leadership & Consultation
Framingham State University
Education Master's Degree, Education
University of Alberta
Bachelor’s Degree, Secondary Education
Goal for Year 1 in new position: Understand the Human Side of the organization. Get to know the school's strengths through students, staff, parents, and Board. Get perspectives on present reality and dreams for the future.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/todd-zukewich-b6964749
To our new Heads of School, welcome to the AMISA region, and congratulations!
*Since we originally published this blog, AMISA has welcomed a new school and learned of a new Head of School at one of our existing Member Schools. This blog post will continue to be updated as needed.
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