Meet Our Learning Support & English as an Additional Language Staff

Carine Parks

Originally from South Africa, I have lived in the UK since qualifying at university in SA and have had the privilege of teaching in a variety of school settings, both in the private and public sectors. I have 2 children at BISH myself, and understand how an international move can impact a family in many different ways. After many years teaching and managing SEN provision in UK schools, we moved to the UAE for 5 years, where I managed SEND and EAL departments in large international schools.  With experience in leading SEND across three countries, I have found it fascinating to see how cultural influences affect how we approach SEND in different parts of the world. As a leader in education, I believe the support for students is everyone's responsibility, and collaboration is a high priority of mine.

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Arwen Batiste

I am originally from London, although my family are from Guernsey in the Channel Islands: a small island off the coast of France. I love to travel and explore different cultures. I have been fortunate enough to visit many places in North America, East Asia, Europe and South East Asia. My bucket-list of dream destinations continues to grow! I am an avid reader and read a variety of literature. I also enjoy film and visiting art galleries and exhibitions; exploring textiles, photography and painting at home when I have the time. Whilst living in Hong Kong for three years, I developed a love of hiking, which is something I have continued here. I am very passionate about charity and service work, particularly with children, and actively engage with a number of local and international organisations.

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Suzanne Brighty

I knew I always wanted to be a teacher and started my career in a small Village Infant School.  From there, I taught Early Years and Key Stage One in a variety of different state and private schools before moving to Houston.  I was aware of the amazing campus in Katy and was delighted to be offered a position teaching EY2 before taking on the role of Learning Support Teacher this year. I look forward to continuing to experience a truly international school and am proud to be part of the Bis Houston Team.

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Amie Green

I moved from Redditch, UK to Houston in the summer of 2014 with my husband and daughter. In 2016 we welcomed another beautiful daughter and have since added two pups to our forever growing family. As a family we love to go on vacation and trips to see and experience different histories, cultures and ways of life. When I’m not spending time with my family I love to bake, anything for simple scones to decorative cakes. I have a passion for art and I bring this enthusiasm and creativity into the classroom. 

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Astrid Krenn

I obtained my bachelor’s degree in English and American Studies and my teaching diploma from the University of Vienna. Since then, I have been teaching in my home country Austria as well as in Indonesia, South Korea, and the Netherlands. In addition, I have been running various school wide activities and clubs (e.g.: debate club) and was part of the learning diversity team at my previous workplace. All of this allows me to build better relationships with students and colleagues, which is very important to me. This was also a reason why I chose to join BISH, as it is one big welcoming community.

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Andrea Mackenzie

After gaining my bachelor's degree in Applied Psychology from Durham University, I embarked on a PGCE at Newcastle University.  For a number of years, I taught in mainstream schools in the north-east of England and held lead positions in ICT and mathematics.  I joined BIS Houston in 2019/2020 as part of the Learning Support Team.  My years of experience have taught me the value of patience and encouragement.  I work closely with each student, providing the individualised support and praise they require.  I like to make sure I stay connected with family members and any specialists involved, to encourage the success of each student, in and outside of the classroom.  I've truly appreciated and learned from every student and every family I have worked with;  I cannot imagine having any other job!  

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Amanda Martin

I joined the BIS Houston community as a parent when I arrived from Perth, Australia in 2019 with my three children Chloe, James and Sylvie and my husband Brad. When I'm not at school I enjoy socializing with my friends, relaxing with my family, playing with our mini-aussie Frankie and traveling. 

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Michelle McLaughlin

I joined the EAL team at BISH Houston in 2016 and have two children. My daughter recently graduated from BISH and is now studying at University in the U.K. and my son is currently in Year 11 taking the IGCSE course.

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