à PROPOS DE LA CÔTE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

As former principal of three schools (two in the UK and one in China) where I was proud to have my own children as students, I experienced first-hand the critical importance of the right choice of school. As principal, I want parents and students to feel they know me well. I encourage them to come to see me anytime, whether to celebrate success or to raise a concern, however small. “I first joined Nord Anglia in 2013 as principal of the British School of Beijing, Shunyi, after 16 years as headteacher of two large and highly successful schools in the UK. I was then appointed Education Director at Nord Anglia, driving the strategy for building an outstanding education for Nord Anglia students worldwide, and guiding the organisation's philosophy and quality assurance. Prior to joining Nord Anglia, I had been teaching French, German, and Latin in the UK since 1986, following a career path through Head of Modern Languages in a large Essex school and then deputy headship, also in Essex. I graduated from Corpus Christi College Cambridge with an MA in Modern and Medieval Languages, and hold a PGCE from Cambridge and a Diploma in Education Management from Anglia University.

In 1989 I started my career as a primary and middle school teacher in the UK, working with children from 7 to twelve years old. I taught French as a foreign language and assumed a variety of leadership roles in special educational needs, language, and literacy, and acted as a primary phase coordinator. I moved to Switzerland in 1999 and worked in several schools until 2008, when I was offered the incredible opportunity of opening a new international school, LCIS. The founding and expansion of LCIS from a school of 42 Primary pupils to a well-established, highly reputed school in the La Côte region has been—and continues to be—a labour of love.

I have always had a thirst for study, so it’s no surprise that after more than 45 years in education—as a student and a teacher—I remain as committed to learning as I was when I was at primary school myself! I graduated with a BSc in Psychology and completed a Postgraduate Certificate of Education in the UK. I have a Master’s in Educational Management and Leadership, and most recently qualified as a school accreditor with NEASC, an independent international education organisation.

I am passionate about the positive impact schools and educators can make in supporting and shaping students on their learning journey. Mutual respect and collaboration are key values for staff and students to embrace. I believe excellence and striving for the highest performance reflect the giving of one’s best, and lead to personal fulfilment and a sense of attainment.

Born and raised in Canada, I completed my Bed at McGill University, specialising in Secondary English and History. After teaching in Montréal for a year, I went on to work at schools in Japan, Australia, the UK, and the UAE, before joining LCIS in 2018. Throughout my career I have had many roles in addition to my teaching responsibilities, including Head of Department, Director of Communications, Assistant Head of Sixth Form, and Deputy Head of Secondary.

I have always found working with young people an enriching and fulfilling pursuit. Beyond my love of literature, I have a genuine interest in supporting students in realising their ambitions, while ensuring they can flourish and achieve success in an ever-changing world.

Besides travel, I also enjoy reading, music, sport, and cooking. A committed lifelong learner, I enjoy challenging myself, and welcome opportunities to try something new.

I am absolutely thrilled to be part of the LCIS family, and am committed to ensuring we continue to collaborate as a team to offer our students the best possible provision. This helps them develop the skills to lead happy and fulfilling lives, both during their time at LCIS and beyond.