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Meet Our Staff

In teaching, it is the staff that make all the difference to the quality of education that children receive. At IBSB we understand this, and take great care to select the best staff to ensure our students receive the outstanding educational experience they each deserve. Please see below all the members of our school staff.

ALL EYFS PRIMARY SECONDARY ADMIN
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Kendall Peet (UK)
Head of School

BCA, Marketing and Management (Victoria University, New Zealand); BA, Economic History (Victoria University, New Zealand); PGDE (English) (Canterbury University, New Zealand); CELTA; DELTA; CSML (Harvard Graduate School of Education); NPQ Facilitator (UCL, UK); HPL School Accreditor

Kendall first joined IBSB in 2005 and after a period away returned as Head of School in 2011. He has taught in variety of situations including Primary Schools, High Schools, and at University Level, working as a teacher, senior teacher, Head of Department, Director, and Head of School. He graduated from Victoria University with a BCA in Marketing and Management and a BA in Economic History, before continuing on to study toward a Post Graduate Diploma in English at Canterbury University. He is currently completing an MA Educational Leadership at the University of Bath. As Head of School, Kendall is responsible for overseeing the day to day running of the school, ensuring that the school ethos and philosophy are imbued into every aspect of school life. He also teaches English and is a passionate advocate of debating and public speaking. Outside school, Kendall enjoys reading, swimming, running (occasionally), playing tennis, and trekking to far distant locations, such as Mt Everest, Mt Kilimanjaro, and Mt Kinabalu, located on the small island of Borneo.

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Alan Cornish (UK)
Head of Primary

BA (Hons), Economics (University of Northumbria, UK); MA, Information Technology (University of Huddersfield, UK); PGCE (Leeds University, UK); NQT Mentor

Alan originally joined IBSB in 2007, and is the current Head of the Primary School. He is an experienced teacher from the UK, with over 20 years spent in education, having previously taught in Essex, near London, where he was deputy head. In 2014, Alan returned to England with his young family, but missing Romania and IBSB, returned in 2015 with a new zest for life and a clear vision for the future direction of the Primary School, built on trust and a desire to create a happy, child-centered, dynamic learning environment. Away from school, Alan indulges his passion for travelling with his family- exploring new areas and having fun adventures- and enjoys skiing and time in the mountains, swimming, and reading with his children.

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Matthew Tansley (UK)
Head of Secondary

BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with Medical Biochemistry (University of Wales, Cardiff); PGCE (University of Wales, Cardiff); ISI Team Inspector; COBIS Peer Accreditor; NQT Mentor.

Matthew joined IBSB in August 2017 as Head of the Secondary School. He is an experienced teacher of Science from the UK with 20 years’ experience in education. During this time, he has taught in a selective boys grammar school in London, a school for the children of British military personnel in Cyprus, and a comprehensive academy in Worcestershire in the UK, before moving overseas again to the UAE where he was Deputy Head Teacher in charge of the curriculum. Whilst in the UAE, Matt was part of the team that successfully obtained both BSO accreditation and full CIS accreditation for his school. Matt is also an ISI Team Inspector for BSO schools and a Peer Accreditor for COBIS. Matt enjoys travelling and has taken advantage of his time overseas to visit many different countries. He is also a massive Rugby fan and passionate supporter of Gloucester Rugby.

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Roy Chambers (UK)
Deputy Head of Secondary; Designated Safeguarding Lead; English Teacher; Life Skills (PSHE)

BA (Hons) English & Related Literature (University of York, UK); PGCE (University of Warwick, UK); MEd in Leadership & Management (Open University, UK)

Roy rejoins IBSB as Deputy Head of the Secondary School, having been Deputy Head and Boarding Housemaster at Packwood Haugh School, Shrewsbury (UK), for the last five years – where his pastoral care leadership experience will not doubt prove invaluable at IBSB in his new role. Completing his undergraduate degree in English Literature from York University, Roy begun his English teaching career in Coventry, having trained as a teacher at the University of Warwick. A little further back, Roy grew up on a farm near Stratford-on-Avon, and regularly returns to his family roots in Warwickshire when school holidays allow. He is in many ways a very proud Brit, but says he is also a ‘Romaniophile’, enjoying his time in the great outdoors, and as such he is looking forward to exploring the Carpathians further over the next few years. His other passions include public speaking, speaking Romanian (!), and cricket; and in regard to the later, he has wasted little time in laying the foundations to resurrect the IBSB cricket team, and along with it the annual staff versus students cricket match, a long standing tradition, regretfully absent from the school calendar in recent years.

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Deborah Ferguson (Scotland)
Nursery Teacher & EYFS Coordinator

BEd, Education (University of the West of Scotland, UK); QTS, TEFL

Deborah joined the EYFS team in January 2022 as the Nursery Teacher and EYFS Co-ordinator, and member of the Middle Leadership Team. She graduated from university in 2007 with a Bachelors in Education, completing a semester in Bordeaux, France, as part of her course. This led to her moving there in 2010, where she taught in a bilingual school for several years. Since then, Deborah has travelled and worked in a number of different countries, and says she now calls Bucharest home. Deborah has a passion for music and sport and uses these to make her lessons more engaging for the children. Outside of school, Deborah enjoys getting out and about with her daughter and trying out new ice-cream shops.

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Madalina Soare (RO)
Early Years Teacher

BA, French and English Literature (“Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, RO); Teaching Certificate (“Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, RO)

Madalina joined our team in 2015, having graduated from the University of Galati with a degree in French and English Literature. Before joining IBSB as a teaching assistant and French Key Stage 1 teacher, Madalina worked as a teacher in an international preschool in Poland. Madalina’s bright, warm, friendly personality, combined with her calm, supportive demeanour and genuine passion for education, however, soon identified her as a strong candidate for the Early Years Programme, where she now works in her current role as an Early Years teacher, always willing to go the extra mile for her students, and happy to help others wherever she can. Outside of her school commitments, Madalina enjoys travelling, immersing herself in literature, and embracing the thrills of winter skiing.

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Diana Coman (RO)
EYFS Teacher Assistant

BA, Psychology (Ovidius University, Constanta); MA, Psychotraumatology (University of Bucharest)

Diana joined the Early Years Team in August 2022 as a teaching assistant. Her first time working with children was in a high school, when she volunteered to work in some of Constanta’s foster homes. Having enjoyed this experience, Diana decided to study Psychology, learning about child development and emotional safety as a part of her learning journey toward becoming a licensed psychotherapist. Prior to working at IBSB, Diana worked in a Montessori kindergarten, saying that every day is a day to learn more about education, and hopes to use her love of the arts to inspire students. In her free time, Diana enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones, reading, hiking, and painting.

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Charissa Venter (South Africa)
Primary School Teacher - Year 1

BA (Honours), Special Needs Education (North West University, Potchefstroom, SA); BA, Foundation Phase Education (Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, SA)

Charissa is from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and has been working as a teacher since she graduated university in 2019. Having previously taught in Bucharest and South Africa, Charissa joins us as a Year 1 teacher who is passionate about teaching and dedicated to helping her students develop the key skills they need to become confident, happy learners. In her free time, Charissa enjoys travelling to new places and learning about their cultures. She also enjoys exploring new culinary delights, reading, and baking for others. She says she is extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to live abroad in France, The Netherlands, and most recently Romania, as she loves meeting new people, and has learnt so much in each new place she has visited and lived.

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Ioana Ciucă (RO)
EYFS Teacher Assistant

BA, Pedagogy of Primary and Pre-school Education (Dimitrie Cantemir University); MSc, Management of Rural and Regional Development Projects (Bucharest University of Economic Studies); AMI Montessori Assistant Certificate, Early Childhood Education

Ioana joined our Early Years Team in 2022, having graduated from Dimitrie Cantemir University with a degree in Primary and Pre-school Education. Her first teaching experience was in Prague, where she worked as an English Teacher Assistant in an international primary school. She describes herself as a caring and warm person who loves working with children, helping them to build confidence and to work independently on assigned tasks. In her free time, Ioana enjoys travelling, reading, and exploring portrait photography.

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Orla O’Dwyer (Ireland)
Primary Teacher in Year 2, Pastoral Leader, Middle Leadership Team

BA, Irish and Geography (Mary Immaculate College, Ireland), BEd (Mary Immaculate College, Ireland), Cert. Special Educational Needs

This is Orla’s 10th year at IBSB, and was her first teaching position abroad, having taught in Ireland for six years before arriving at IBSB in September 2012. This academic year she will teach in Year 2. She has a degree in Irish and Geography and a degree in Education from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, as well as a certificate in Special Educational Needs. She has taught in a number of situations, including Primary Schools, Secondary Schools, and Special Needs Schools. This year she continues in her role as the Primary School PSHE Coordinator, as well as the Charity Links Coordinator, and an important member of the Middle Leadership Team. Her interests include sports- especially the Irish native sport of hurling- reading, travelling, and collecting stamps from around the world!

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Dariana Margarint (Romanian)
Primary School Student Support

BSc, Philology, English and Romanian (University of Bucharest, RO); MSc, Literary Studies (University of Bucharest, RO), in progress; Psych-Pedagogical Module-Level 1 & 2 (University of Bucharest, RO)

Dariana joins the Primary School team as a student support teacher with considerable experience working and supporting children with special needs. Graduating from The University of Bucharest with a BA in Philology, and the First Level of the Psych-Pedagogical Module of the Faculty of Psychology and Sciences of Education, she is currently completing a MSc. in Literary Studies, whilst training as a teacher. Prior to joining IBSB, Dariana worked at Children in Distress for eight years (an organisation with British roots that has been helping children in Romania for over 30 years) and continues to work there as a part-time volunteer. Being a dedicated person, who loves children, she says she focuses on helping children to manage their emotions, seeking out ways to improve the student-teacher relationships, believing that every child can make real progress and integrate into society, if their learning environment is caring and supporting, with staff leading as positive role models. Away from school, as a lover of the creative arts, history, and the science of the human psyche, Dariana spends much of her time sketching, enjoying kabuki theatre, and studying the history of the Romanian and British Royals families, the connection between childhood traumas and the behaviour of adults, and the causes of addiction and obsessive-compulsive behaviours.

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Adelaide Owen (UK)
Year 3 Teacher

BA, Primary Education (Leeds Beckett University, UK); BA, Health and Social Care (University of Bolton, UK); QTS; TEFL

Adelaide arrives to Bucharest directly from Darlington, a town in the north east of England, having spent three months teaching in the mountains of Gura-Humorului prior to this. She graduated from Leeds Beckett University with a BA in Primary Education in 2020 and has since worked in a wide variety of schools and educational settings around the north of England. Adelaide has specialist knowledge and experience in teaching English as a foreign language and supporting children with special educational needs and has used this extra training to work closely with refugees in the UK and further afield. She is passionate about helping children and young people achieve their goals, both in and out of the classroom, and creating a cohesive learning environment where children feel confident to share their thoughts and ideas. In her spare time Adelaide loves to travel and learn about the history and culture of different countries, including Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Australia to date. She also has a passion for the outdoors and enjoys participating in activities such as sailing, hiking, surfing, and open water swimming. She is most excited to be fulfilling her dream of teaching internationally and being able to explore more of what Bucharest (and Romania) has to offer.

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Alison Tansley (UK)
Lower Primary School Coordinator

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International) (PGCEi) – The University of Nottingham; BScEcon Sociology (Honours) – The; University of Wales, College of Cardiff; Postgraduate Diploma in Personnel Management – Kingston University; Higher Diploma in Career Skills – Oxford Media and Business School

Alison is from London, her father was in the British Army so she attended boarding school in Sussex, England from the age of 9-18 and lived abroad in a variety of countries (Brunei, Germany, Cyprus). She met her husband at University and has lived and worked abroad in Cyprus (again!) and the UAE.
Her previous career experience is in the field of Human Resources, Recruitment and Administration and she started working in education in 2013, because she feels the education sector is a challenging, rewarding and inspiring area in which to work. Imparting knowledge and helping to teach new skills is incredibly important and fulfilling. Alison has three children who attend the IBSB Secondary School. In her free time she likes travelling, experiencing new cultures, learning new languages and her whole family love animals.

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Roxana Anghel (RO)
Teaching Assistant, EAL Teacher

BA, Faculty of Foreign Languages, English-French (Spiru Haret University, Romania), Level 1 Teaching Certificate (Spiru Haret University, Romania)

Roxana joined IBSB in October 2017 joined IBSB in October 2017 as a member of the office administration team, assisting the Head of School in the day to day running of the school, providing logistical support in a number of key areas, including community liaisons and interschool relations and events. Starting from October 2023, Roxana moved to the primary school in the role of a teaching assistant, as she really enjoys the cheerful environment in the classroom, working alongside the children, supporting them on their learning journey, saying they always bring a smile to her face and a feeling of joy to her day. Outside school, Roxana enjoys spending time with her family, reading, travelling, and discovering child friendly locations for her daughter.

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Aliviana Sanders (USA)
Primary Teacher in Year 4

BA in Creative Writing (University of Southern California, USA);Master of Arts in Education (University of Southern California, USA)

Aliviana joined IBSB in 2019, having taught at British schools in Kuwait over the past seven years. She was born and raised in Los Angeles and studied Creative Writing and Education at the University of Southern California. She believes that the most effective manner of teaching is to inspire a passion for learning in her pupils, and is looking forward to another year of teaching and learning at IBSB. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature, exploring new places, reading, and watching films. She is enjoying getting to know the city of Bucharest and she hopes to continue to explore the rest of Romania as restrictions begin to ease.

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Isabela Lamdes (RO)
Physical Education Teacher

BSc, Sport and Physical Performance (National University of Physical Education and Sport, RO)

Isabela joins Physical Education Department, having graduated from the University of Physical Education and Sport in Bucharest. She has been a practicing performance karate athlete since 2010, having competed and represented Romania in events and tournaments around the world. As both a both a karate instructor and physical education teacher, Isabela is interested in supporting students to be the very best version of themselves, which she says often requires them pushing beyond the limits they impose on themselves to realise there is more inside them and that their goals can be written in the stars. In her free time, Isabela enjoys keeping fit, training, dancing, and eating sweet treats, but not at the same time.

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Lee Hawkins (UK)
Primary Teacher in Year 5, Key Stage 2 Coordinator

BA (Honours) in Primary Education (Northumbria University, UK); QTS

Lee was born and raised in Newcastle upon Tyne, in the North East of England, and has worked as a qualified Primary Teacher since graduating from Northumbria University in 2012. Joining IBSB in 2019 (having previously taught in the UK and in the Middle East), Lee is the current Year 5 Teacher and Key Stage 2 Coordinator, and as such, is a core member of the Primary Middle Leadership Team. He enjoys travelling and experiencing new cultures and continues to enjoy his time in Romania – taking full advantage of the nearby ski resorts in the winter months. Outside of school, Lee is extremely passionate about football, whether it be playing, watching, or even just talking about it – his favourite team is Newcastle United, obviously- and can often be found on the terraces, supporting Rapid Bucuresti.

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Alexandra Nenciu (RO)
School Librarian

BA, Film Studies (Caragiale National University of Theatre and Film, RO); MA, History of Ideas, Mentalities, and Popular Culture (University of Bucharest, RO)

Alexandra is the school librarian, having joined IBSB in the spring of 2022. She considers her background to be a mirror of her passions and capabilities, first pursuing her passion for cinema and film, in completing a BA in Film Studies (Scriptwriting and Filmology), and then an MA in the History of Ideas, Mentalities, and Popular Culture. Post-graduation, Alexandra sampled the corporate life, working as an audit analyst for one of the Big Four, before seeking out a more creative career. In joining IBSB, Alexandra says she is looking forward to sharing her passion for books and reading, and is excited to explore new ways of making reading for pleasure and general interest fun and engaging for the tech savvy, digital generation. In her spare time, Alexandra enjoys reading, with her favorite author at the moment being Ocean Vuong a Vietnamese American poet, essayist, and novelist, recipient of the Ruth Lilly/Sargent Rosenberg fellowship, the Whiting Award, and the T.S. Eliot Prize for poetry. She also enjoys spending quality time with her friends and journaling.

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Alexandru Lacraru (RO)
PE Teacher

BSc. Physical Education and Sport (Universitatea Ecologica, Romania); MSc. Physical Education and Sport (Universitatea Ecologica, Romania)

Alexandru has been a member of the IBSB Physical Education Department since the start of 2022. He is a qualified martial arts teacher, a fitness instructor, and personal trainer, and was himself a competitor in both national and international karate Shotokan and Kempo competitions, with high results achieved over his 13 year career. His new focus is dedicating his time and knowledge to the benefit of the little children, trying to get the best out of each and every one of them. He believes in every child’s potential and that they can one day become their best self, both mentally and physically. Both in and outside school, Alexandru is always leading by example, striving to be at his best every day, for himself and those around him. In his free time, Alex likes spending time with his family, going to the gym, reading a good book, playing chess, and walking his dog.

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Daniela Momirleanu (RO)
Teacher of French

BA, Foreign Languages (Major French, Minor English, University of Craiova); BA, English (Charles de Gaulle University, France); MA, Inter-cultural and Inter-religious Exchanges (Chair UNESCO, University of Bucharest)

Daniela is a valued member of the IBSB MFL Department, now in her fifth-year teaching French at IBSB to students in Key Stages 3, 4 & 5, having previously taught also to students in Key Stage 2. With 15 years’ experience teaching languages (French, English, and Romanian) in an international school environment, Daniela (or Dana as she prefers to be called), has learnt how important it is to invest time and energy into building positive relationships in the classroom, greeting her students with a big, friendly smile at the start of each lesson, encouraging them to set high goals, and providing the right level of support and challenge needed to keep them engaged throughout the learning process. When not at school, Dana spends most of her free time with her family, biking, hiking, and attempting to play basketball with her two boys, which means she lives a very active life. She is also very well-positioned to understand and support the needs of her students on a day-to-day basis.

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Robin Morrison (Scotland)
Primary Teacher in Year 6, Science Coordinator

BA (Hons) Environmental Studies (University of Lincoln, UK); Diploma in Nursing (Nottingham University); PGCE in Primary Teaching

This is now Rab’s second time teaching at IBSB as he was with us 6 years ago and he says he is glad to be back. Rab is from Glasgow in Scotland and taught in many schools there before moving over to Romania to teach internationally. Rab has a passion for Science and Magic and has used his skills to entertain and teach children, introducing the successful Science Week to the Primary School programme. Away from school, Rab is a keen climber and mountain biker and has recently started growing fruit in his new orchard down near Giurgiu.

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Tom Wilson (UK)
Primary Teacher in Year 6

Tom Wilson BA (Hons) Primary Education (University of Sunderland); QTS

Tom joins IBSB as a Year 6 teacher, joining us from the International school in Kuwait, where he taught for 3 years. He is a keen traveller, with considerable time spent exploring countries in Asia, and a year in Australia. Outside of teaching, Tom says he is an avid football fan supporting Newcastle United and regularly attending matches when home in England, but is now looking forward to finding a Romanian team to support and watch in Bucharest. He also enjoys other sports and was a volunteer at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the European Athletics Championships, and the UK School Games. When not enjoying all things sport, he likes listening to live music and attending festivals, and says he is especially looking forward to exploring Romania and the surrounding countries, as soon as it is safe to do so.

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Alexandra Ivascu (RO)
Head of MFL, Spanish Teacher, Teacher Assistant

BA, Modern Languages Applied, English/Spanish (University of Bucharest, Romania); Teaching Certificate (University of Bucharest, Romania)

Alexandra joined our team in 2018 as a Primary School Spanish Teacher and Teaching Assistant. She graduated from the University of Bucharest (English-major and Spanish-minor) in 2010 and since then has been working as a devoted and passionate teacher. She says she especially loves working with the younger children because she enjoys sharing the innocent way they perceive the world, full of hope and dreams for the future, as well as courage and determination. Alexandra also says she is herself a child at heart, which helps her create special bonds with each of her students to best help her students develop the necessary strategies and skills needed to be the very best they can be and to live a life full of meaning and purpose. Alexandra has already shown what a positive impact she has on her students, and now in her role as Head of MFL in Primary, she has the opportunity to extend her support and encouragement to all learners of language at IBSB. In her spare time she loves reading, spending time in nature, travelling, doing yoga, and ice-bathing.

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Oana Marcu (RO)
Teacher Assistant, KS1 EAL Teacher

Bachelor of Arts, French and English (University of Craiova, Romania); QCF Teaching Assistant level 3 (Stonebridge)

Oana is the Year 6W Assistant Teacher and a highly valued member of the Primary School EAL Department. Graduating from the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature, Oana has been teaching for the past 20 years in both Romanian and international schools to students of different ages, with a proven track record of supporting students to consistently achieve above average progress and attainment across the curriculum. She is an enthusiastic and self-motivated teacher at heart, who enjoys working with children and says she couldn’t imagine herself doing anything else. Having completed her Teaching Assistant NCFE qualification in 2013, she is now involved in developing the knowledge and skills of her colleagues through regular CPD sessions. Away from school, her hobbies include travelling, reading, and cooking.

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Ioana Lilcu (RO)
Teacher Assistant

BA, Geography ( University of Bucharest. Romania); Master in Management of Resources and Tourist Activities (University of Bucharest, Romania); Teaching Certificate (University of Bucharest, Romania); COBIS DITA (Diploma for International Teaching Assistants)

Ioana joined our team in 2014, having graduated from the University of Bucharest. She is a positive and warm person who loves working with children, helping them achieve their full potential. Ioana has recently returned from her 2 year maternity leave and is very happy to be the Year 1F Teacher Assistant and also KS1 Spanish Teacher. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching films, and reading.

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Alexandra Filip (RO)
Teacher Assistant

Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies (California State University Northridge, USA); Master Degree, Cognitive Science (University of Bucharest, Romania); CELTA Certificate (International House, Romania)

Alexandra joined IBSB in 2021. She was born in Bucharest and moved to Los Angeles with her family when she was 7 years old and studied Liberal Studies at California State University, Northridge. She enjoyed an early career in real estate until family circumstances brought her back to Romania at the end of 2018. Back in Romania, Alexandra was able to explore and reconnect with the country of her birth, taking the opportunity to pursue a passion she had had for many years, completing a Master’s Degree in Cognitive Science with a focus on child development, moving into the field of teaching. She also completed her CELTA qualification at International House. In her spare time, she loves reading, exploring nature, and skiing. She also really likes playing tennis, even if she admits that she is not very good at it.

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Luiza Stoica – Diaconovici (RO)
Teacher Assistant, EAL Teacher

BA, English and Romanian (Petrol Gaze University, Romania)

Luiza joined the IBSB team almost twelve years ago after eight years of teaching in other international and state schools. This year she is the Year 4 Assistant Teacher and the EAL teacher for Key Stage 2 in the Primary School. Luiza graduated with a joint degree in Romanian and English language. She enjoys working with children, having a genuine interest in helping not just the most talented but also the less inclined to achieve their full potential. She believes that the art of teaching lies is the art of guided discovery. Luiza completed a Teaching Assistant NCFE qualification in 2013. Her hobbies include reading, travelling, exploring nature, learning about new cultures, roller-skating, and listening to music. Luiza also loves animals and is the owner of a very playful dog.

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Simona Alexandru (RO)
Teacher Assistant

Bachelor of Arts, Romanian Language and Literature (Major) and English Language and Literature (Minor) (University of Bucharest, Romania); MA in Philology (University of Bucharest, Romania); Teaching Certificate (University of Bucharest, Romania)

Simona joined IBSB in 2022, having taught Romanian for several years in other educational settings. She graduated from the University of Bucharest with a degree in Romanian Language, with a minor in English Language and Literature, before going on to complete a masters in Philology. Being a passionate learner, her main goal is to support children to reach their highest potential by developing their appetite for knowledge and lifelong improvement of the self. When not in school, Simona loves spending time in nature, reading, and listening to music.

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Mihaela Simion (RO)
Teacher Assistant

BA, English Language and Literature, German Language and Literature at the Faculty of Letters (University of Craiova); Teaching Staff Training, Psycho Pedagogical Course, Module 1, English and German Specialization.

Mihaela joined the Primary School Team in 2023, having worked in two other International Schools as an Early Years Teacher following completing a degree in English and German Language and Literature from the University of Craiova. She describes herself as adaptable, open-minded, energetic, and person with a genuine desire to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment. In her free time, Mihaela enjoys gardening, baking, and playing tennis.

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Paul Georgescu (RO)
Primary School PE Teacher

Master in Physical Education, Special needs Physical Education (National Academy of Physical Education and Sport); Bachelor in Physical Education and Sport (Kinetotherapy and Sport from the National Sport Academy); Postgraduate Certificate in physical preparation (National Academy of Physical Education and Sport - Bucharest)

Paul has been at IBSB since the school opened and as such is one of the school’s founding staff. He is responsible for implementing all aspects of the Primary School P.E. Programme, including the after school swimming club. He is a qualified water polo coach and a physical fitness coach, and was himself a professional water polo player, having won the Romanian Championship twice and the Romanian Cup once with the Steaua Bucharest Water Polo Team. Presently he is a first class water polo referee and has started coaching the IBSB Water Polo Team. He has also organised the first interschool triathlon and again competes in this sport himself on a regular basis and is a national champion in the team relay. If this was not enough, Paul is also the Romanian record holder for the fastest time to swim the English Channel and is now pursuing his dream to complete the open water endurance swim challenge, starting in America next year. Outside school Paul is a busy father of two and when not playing with his children uses most of his time to train and as such is a great role model for any students hoping to pursue a life in sport.

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Diana Lia (RO)
Head of MFL, French Teacher, Student Mentor

Master in Francophone Cultural Studies, University of Bucharest, (University of Bucharest, Romania); Bachelor of Arts, French and English (University of Bucharest, Romania); Teaching French skills at Alliance française Paris

Diana joined our team as a Secondary School French Teacher in 2007, taking on her role as the new Head of MFL in 2011, and as such is responsible for continuing the tradition of outstanding grades across all Modern Foreign Languages. A graduate from the University of Bucharest, Diana has continued to develop her knowledge by attending seminars both nationally and internationally. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Diana has also helped in organising and running the very successful Key Stages 4 & 5 Work Experience Programme. Diana has always appreciated the valuable conversations between students and teachers regardless of their mother tongue and is currently herself learning Italian- and rumour has it is planning a world tour in the future.

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Catalina Naidin (RO)
Primary School Music Teacher

BA, Music Pedagogy (Major) and Academic Choir (Minor) ( Gheorghe Dima Music Academy, Cluj-Napoca); BA, Violin (Major) and Piano (Minor) ( National University of Music, Bucharest); Teaching Certificate ( Gheorghe Dima Music Academy, Cluj-Napoca).

Catalina joined the IBSB team in 2022, having taught Music for 7 years in BSB, then Piano and Violin in Naidin Concert and Young Musicians Music School. Bringing students new experiences, enlarging the horizon for what Music is and how can develop the child and their perception towards life, makes teaching a joy and a necessity for being Catalina. When not in school, Catalina enjoys travelling with her family as her main hobby, as a speaker of four languages, which she says makes the trips abroad a lot easier and more interesting.

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Robert Radu (RO)
Student Support/ Intervention Teacher

BA, Psych Pedagogy, Psychology and Sciences of Education (University of Bucharest, Romania); MSc., Psych Pedagogy, Psychology and Sciences of Education (University of Bucharest, Romania); Combined Arts Therapy Practitioner, Certified by Romanian Ministry of Education.

Robert joined the Secondary School team as a dedicated special education teacher, with a wealth of experience in providing specialised support to students with a wide range of needs and disabilities, including autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Robert originally studied engineering at university – machines, tools and industrial robots, but decided on a new path post-graduation, attending classes in psychopedagogy at the Psychology and Educational Sciences University of Bucharest to become a certified combined arts therapy worker. With a patient, compassionate, and understanding approach, Robert works creatively and consistently to provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every student can flourish. He is highly skilled at adapting curriculum materials and teaching strategies to meet the individual needs of his students, and is committed to helping all the students in his care to achieve their full potential. Whether he’s providing one-on-one assistance, leading small group activities, or collaborating with other teachers and support staff, Robert is a true asset to our school community. Out of school, Robert enjoys an active life, cycling, going on lone nature walks, and has a real passion for chess and aquariums.

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Ioana Cojocaru (RO)
Spanish Teacher, EAL Teacher

BA, Modern Applied Languages, English and Spanish (University of Bucharest, Romania), MA, Faculty of Philosophy (University of Bucharest, Romania); PGCE; Authorised Translator (Ministry of Justice)

Ioana joined IBSB in 2019, as a Spanish and EAL teacher, and will also be a Form Tutor for Year 9. She is a graduate from the University of Bucharest, with both a Bachelor and Master’s degree, who worked for a number of years in the public school system, teaching children aged 6 to 14, before eventually making the move to an international school environment. Of teaching, Ioana says she is a passionate teacher who feels a deep sense of gratitude for every moment spent in classroom, appreciating the fulfilment that comes from helping students, who she hopes will aspire to become polyglots with a passion for learning languages. In her free time, Ioana loves playing with her two sons, enjoying lively debates with her friends, and spending time in nature.

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Aurora Stroescu Nitu (RO)
Spanish Teacher, CAS Leader

Bachelor of Arts, Spanish and Romanian (University of Bucharest, Romania)

Aurora is a key member our Modern Languages Department, with responsibility for the delivery of the Spanish curriculum for KS4 and KS5. Following graduation from the University of Bucharest, Aurora taught in the Romanian system for more than twenty years before eventually joining our team in 2010, and since this time has consistently supported her students to achieve outstanding results in both IGCSE and A Level exams. In addition to her academic responsibilities, Aurora is also an Assistant Form Tutor for 9V and is a staff member working with our sixth form student in the CAS Programme. Aurora says she enjoys her work at IBSB as she loves teaching the language of Cervantes, taking every opportunity to share her passion for Spanish culture.

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Rodica Ursu (RO)
German Teacher

Pedagogy Bachelor, German and English (University of Bucharest); Master in English Literary Translation (University of Bucharest)

Originating from a small ex-German town in the heart of Transylvania, Rodica has grown up immersed in the German language and culture since early childhood. She is a graduate of both English and German from the Bucharest Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures and has a Master’s Degree in the English Translation of Literary Texts. She has now been teaching German at IBSB for more than a decade to students across the Secondary School, in Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, and says she feels very privileged to be able to share her passion for all things German with her students. When not at school, Rodica enjoys spending time with family, reading, and travelling.

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Ioana Miliana Anghel (RO)
German Teacher

Master Studies in Literature (University of Bucharest, Romania); Bachelor of Arts –Linguistic and Literary Studies, (University of Bucharest, Romania); Germany Yesterday and Today-Applied Studies (Berlin, Germany) Goethe Institute Practice and Certificate for Teaching German; Creativity in the Classroom (Cambridge, UK); Academic Leadership (Cambridge, UK)

Ioana is our linguistically adept German teacher. She graduated from the University of Bucharest, completing a Master in Literary Studies, before going on to work as a German Teacher, as well as a teacher trainer. A passionate teacher, she strives to continuously develop her teaching skills as a lifelong learner, attending development training courses for teachers both in Romanian and abroad. She says of teaching, that she likes personalising learning and adapting materials to her students’ needs, creating new activities to make the lessons more interactive, fun, and efficient for all levels.

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Efstratia Laiou (Greece)
Head of Creative Arts, Music Teacher

MA, Historical Musicology (Goldsmiths, University of London); MA & BA (Hons) with QTS, Musicology and Music Education (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki); MMus Solo (Hons), Piano (Sygxrono Conservatorium of Thessaloniki); Dip. Mus Higher Theoretical Studies (Hons), Harmory and Counterpoint Composition (Sygxrono Conservatorium of Thessaloniki)

This is Evi’s 5th year at IBSB having taught previously in Greece, Germany, Brazil, and the UK in a variety of settings. Growing up in the small seaside town of Amfilohia in Greece (near the Ionian Islands) music has always been present in her life. With 28 years’ experience playing the piano, Evi is a wonderful example of a lifelong learner, as she continues her education following seminars in piano performance, music production, and music psychology from universities and academies around the globe. She has spent a big part of her life travelling, in order to experience culture and music in different settings, performing classical music as a solo pianist as well as a chamber music ensemble member around the world. She says ‘Every year I learn something new about a different part of the world and with it more about myself, as music surrounds us always in everyday life.’ Evi enjoys sharing her passion for music through teaching practical skills, such as playing piano, singing, and writing music, while integrating all aspects of music, technology, and other art forms. Since joining IBSB, Evi has explored many aspects of music creation, music production and management, putting on a variety of shows. Outside of teaching, her interests include music production, dancing, specifically ballet, swimming, watching films, and spending time in nature. She has taken part in dance shows in Bucharest and joined the cast of a movie production by the Romanian National Television.

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Ross Fenwick (UK)
Sociology Teacher, Form Tutor

BA Sociology (Cardiff University, UK), PGCSE (Bristol University, UK)

Originally from Wales, Ross grew up in Yorkshire and moved to Bristol to teach within a number of secondary schools in the South West of the UK. He began his career as a Sociology Teacher and as a Head of Social Sciences and Head of Year in the beautiful city of Bath. After 12 years of teaching in the UK, Ross took his first position in an international school in Dubai, working as a Sociology and Psychology Teacher for 2 years. Ross is excited to share his passion for the Social Sciences with the students at IBSB and continue the great work already being done within the department. He feels very strongly that Sociology is a vitally important subject – giving students the knowledge and skills required to fully understand and analyse the society in which they live. Outside of school, Ross enjoys travel, running, and hiking, and can’t wait to explore the abundance of natural beauty available in Romania, whilst getting to know Bucharest and learning about its rich culture and history.

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Johanna Croci (Italy)
Head of Social Sciences, Teacher of Sociology & Psychology, CAS Coordinator, DofEIA Coordinator, Student Mentor

BA, Psychology, Sociology & Political Science (Hyperion University, Romania); PGCE

Johanna first joined us in 2005 as a teacher of Italian and has since that time extended her role to include Head of Social Sciences, Teacher of Sociology and Psychology, Coordinator of the CAS Programme and Coordinator of the Duke of Edinburgh Programme. She is also involved in assisting students with University Applications. Involvement, care, and responsibility are some of the values that Johanna espouses, working with students to provide every member of our school with the opportunity to achieve and to make a positive difference. For this reason she was awarded the ECIS Teacher of the Year Award in 2011-12. Both in and out of the classroom, Johanna has one of the biggest smiles on campus and no doubt will continue to enrich the lives of both staff and students at IBSB.

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Virginia Neher (UK/German)
English & Humanities Teacher, Secondary School Clubs Coordinator

BA (Hons), English and Physical Education (University of Osnabrück, Germany); MA, English as a Second Language (University of York, UK); PGDE, Secondary Education (Birmingham City University, UK); QTS

Virginia joins IBSB as an English teacher, having arrived from Dubai where she taught for two years at an international school. Prior to moving abroad, Virginia completed her undergraduate degree in English and Physical Education in Germany before moving to the UK to specialise in English as a Second Language as part of her post-graduate degree, completing her PGDE on the Teach First Training Programme in the Midlands. Virginia is passionate about her subjects and is eager to ignite a love for both the English Language and Literature and the Humanities in her students. Outside of the classroom, she loves running and playing basketball and is excited to contribute towards extra-curricular sports at IBSB.

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Robert Gaier (DE/RO)
German Teacher

PhD Student; Master in International Relations (University of Bucharest, Romania); Bachelor of Arts, History (University of Bucharest); Teaching Certificate (University of Bucharest)

Robert was born in Erlangen (Germany), but raised mainly in Bucharest, having family in both countries and being influenced deeply by both cultures. He studied History and International Relations at the University of Bucharest, beginning his professional working life within a multinational company, before making the shift to the educational field in 2018 as a German teacher in a private school of Bucharest, also offering lessons in History and Geography, in accordance with a well-established German pedagogical system. He has experience working in the tourism industry, collaborating with one of the biggest Romanian tourism companies, as a cultural guide for German-speaking tourists, and has published a number of articles on topics relating to some of his passions: diplomacy, economy, history, and politics. In his free time, Robert enjoys swimming and playing tennis, going to the theatre and classical concerts, watching films, and supporting his favourite football team, Bayern Munich.

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James Kilpatrick (UK)
Business Studies & Humanities Teacher

BA (Honours) Human Resource Management (Ulster University. Ireland); Diploma of International Business (Maryville College, Ireland); PGCE & QTS (University of Sussex, UK)

James joins the IBSB Humanities Department having recently completed his PGCE at the University of Sussex in Brighton. He has worked across a range of roles in various Businesses and loves to get a deep understanding of what makes companies succeed or fail. He has a particular interest in the Human Resources side of Business, believing people to be the most important asset of any organisation. He also has a keen interest in History and likes to read across a wide range of topics, particularly relating to modern history. James is very passionate about all things sports, but particularly football, as a passionate supporter of Fulham. He says he also loves to explore new cultures, try new food, and meet new people, so as this is his first time in Romania, he is looking forward to visiting as much of this beautiful country as possible.

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Joseph Haynes (UK)
Economics Teacher

BSc (Hons), Economics (University of Wales, UK); MA, Teaching Advanced Secondary Education (Leiden University, Netherlands)), MA, Economics of Public Policy (Utrecht University, Netherlands)

Joseph joins the Humanities Department as a teacher of Economics, having previously taught in the Netherlands. In addition to the experience he brings from his previous teaching role, Joseph has an extensive background as a policy economist with specialist experience in economic measurement, having worked for the UK Treasury, National Statistics Institutes in both the UK and the Netherlands, and advisory groups for Eurostat, the OECD, and the IMF. In his free time, Joseph enjoys discovering new places, new foods, and new experiences. He has also been slowly ticking off visiting football teams across Europe, with a preference for the underdogs.

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Dimitrios Savvatis (Gr)
Mathematics Teacher

MSc, Mathematics of Computation and Decision Making (University of Patras, GR); BSc, Mathematics (University of Patras, GR); QTS

Dimitrios grew up in the beautiful city of Trikala, close to Meteora, a UNESCO world heritage site in Greece. He holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics with specialisation in Probability Theory & Statistics, and joins IBSB with more than 10 years teaching experience. He has taught in a number of countries around the world, including Greece, China, and Poland, and across all levels of the curriculum, including IGCSE and A Level Mathematics, and the IB Diploma. He is also TEFL certified teacher. In his free time, Dimitrios likes to head into the great outdoors, to surround himself in nature, swimming in the warm Ionian Sea, exploring the many Greek islands, and taking long walks in the forests. HE is also interested in Greek culture, especially traditional dances. Dimitrios says he is looking forward to his new adventure in Romania, supporting the students to achieve their very best as they aspire toward their immediate goals and future dreams.

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Jayne Baker (UK)
Business Studies Teacher, University Applications Coordinator

Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (ACIBS), PGCE from University of the West of England

Jayne joined our team in 2016 to teach Business Studies. She gained her teaching degree in 2007 after a change in career from being an International Trade Manager for a British bank. Once qualified Jayne undertook her first two years of teaching in Bristol; her home city, in a Sixth Form College. In 2009 she moved to her first international teaching post in Bahrain. After five years as Head of Faculty, she moved to a new challenge in Thailand, joining Regents International School as Head of Department and University Applications Coordinator. She was able to expand her horizons in teaching the IB Diploma Programme alongside IGCSE and A Level in Business Studies, Economics and Accounting. Outside school, Jayne enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, going to the cinema, skiing and cycling. After spending time in the Far East she also wishes to discover more regarding meditation, mindfulness and yoga.

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James Hudson (UK)
History & Humanities Teacher

MA, Continental Philosophy (University of Essex); BA (Hons), Philosophy (University of Essex); PGCE; CELTA

James joined IBSB in 2017, having taught in Hong Kong for five years. He is originally from Grimsby in the the north east of England, and attended Essex University where he specialised in the history of philosophy for both his BA and MA. Outside of school, James is a keen climber and has run some trips to local climbing walls. He also has a passion for music and enjoys playing a variety of string instruments, including the guitar, mandolin, and banjo.

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Ciprian Iacob (RO)
Secondary School PE Teacher

Master in Physical Education & Sport (University of Bacau, Romania); Bachelor in Physical Education (National Academy of Physical Education and Sport, Romania)

Ciprian is our Secondary School Physical Education Teacher, and one of our longest serving staff members, having joined the school close to its official opening in 2000. He is a teacher who has over the years played an important role in the lives of the students who have passed through this school. He is a specialist swimming coach, Judo coach, and alpine ski coach, with success achieved in national competitions. In addition to running PE lessons, the after school swimming club and football club, Ciprian also organises and coordinates a number of interschool sports events. When not teaching, he can usually be found working on his training programme or enjoying conversation with the students, and is one of our more popular staff members on campus.

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Claire Kingsley (UK)
Teacher of Drama

BA (Honours), Media and Performance (University of Salford, UK); PGCE (Manchester Metropolitan University, UK); QTS

Claire joins IBSB with more than 15 years’ experience as a teacher of Drama, with plenty of practical industry experience to share with her students. After gaining a BA (Hons) in Media and Performance from the University of Salford, Claire spent several years touring with a Murder Mystery Theatre Company, experiencing the joy and gaining the skills that come from working in live performance. Wanting to share these skills led Claire to working with young people in a diverse set of environments, ultimately completing a PGCE in Secondary Drama at Manchester Metropolitan University (with Distinction). This is Claire’s first time teaching abroad, having taught Drama in a number of schools in and around Manchester and Yorkshire over the last 15 years. She has led her own Performing Arts departments, proudly putting on some amazing shows, including The Lion King, We Will Rock You, and Grease, to name just a few, saying she adores the buzz and camaraderie that comes from putting on a large-scale production, and is excited to work with the wonderful, talented students at IBSB. Outside school, Claire is a bit of an adventurer and lover of the Great Outdoors, most notably taking part in a race through the jungles of Borneo with teams from all over the world. And although she has only been here a short time, Claire says she already loves Bucharest and is very excited to experience the many other delights that Romania has to offer.

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Aidan Ryan (Ireland)
Geography & Humanities Teacher

BSc Physical Education with concurrent Teacher Education (with Geography), (University of Limerick, Ireland); CELTA (University of Cambridge)

Aidan joined IBSB in August 2020, and is currently in his 7th year of teaching. He was born and raised in Limerick, Ireland, where he trained as a Geography and Physical Education Teacher, before moving to Kent in the UK to continue his teaching career, with a further 4 years teaching in international schools in the UAE. Aidan says he is extremely passionate about Geography and aims to instil the same passion in the students he teaches. Outside of teaching, Aidan loves to travel. He tends to favour active, outdoor trips and always tries to explore a place in depth, when time allows. He confesses himself to be a sucker for a beautiful view and relishes the challenge of a tough hike to get to one. He is also a big sports fan, who enjoys an active lifestyle, playing football and tennis on a weekly basis.

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Mihaela Senzaconi (RO)
Head of Science, Biology Teacher, Eco Committee Coordinator, Student Mentor

Bachelor of Biology (University of Bucharest); Teaching Certificate - Biology (University of Bucharest)

Mihaela has been teaching Biology for 14 years (most of which she has spent in IBSB). She graduated from the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, with a degree in Genetics, which she still finds fascinating. Her aim is to inspire her students with the same passion she has for the subject from their first year in the senior school until they graduate, and her students‘ grades show that she is certainly achieving her aim. She is also the Head of Science, overseeing admissions tests for science, and is an active supporter and volunteer in our schools Community Action Service programme. She is a chair of the Environment Committee, working at improving the quality of our schools ecological background and increasing awareness and understanding of global issues, and can usually be found in the science rooms offering students extra help in her free periods.

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Dr. Daniela Baitan (RO)
Science Teacher

BSc in Chemical Engineering (Technical University of Iasi, Romania); MSc in Natural Sciences (University of Poitiers, France); MSc in Civil (Soil) Engineering (University of Aveiro, Portugal); PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (University of Hamburg, Germany)

Originating from northern Romania, Daniela completed her Bachelor’s Degree in chemical engineering, specializing in organic chemistry, before receiving a two year Erasmus Mundus Master’s Scholarship in Natural Sciences to study in France, Portugal, and Canada. In 2015, Daniela was awarded the Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellowship, allowing her to complete a PhD. in collaboration with the University of Hamburg, working with research groups from the University of Basel, University of Gothenburg, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Strasbourg, and many other world renowned research institutions. In her free time, Daniela is very much an outdoor person, enjoying practicing yoga, hiking, spending time in nature, and travelling, which has she says has enabled her to explore her interest in other country’s traditions and cultures.

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Joy Murphy (UK)

BSc (Hons) Equine Science (University of Wales, Aberystwyth), PGCE Chemistry (Canterbury Christ Church University), QTS

Originally from the UK, Joy joins us from Dubai, UAE, where she taught for 4 years (her first international teaching post), and grew to love the international school learning environment. Prior to this, Joy taught for 10 years in the UK, gaining a wide variety of experience from Key Stage 3 through to Sixth Form. Outside of school, Joy enjoys an active life, spending as much time as possible outdoors running, cycling, and doing yoga, amongst other things, and says she is very much looking forward to adding snowboarding to her long list of interests, taking full advantage of the Romania winters!

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Loredana Iliescu (RO)
Science Teacher

Bachelor in Mathematics and Physics (Transilvania University, Romania); Teaching Certificate (teacher gr.1 - University of Bucharest)

Loredana, was a mathematics and physics teacher at IBSB from 2005-7, and having taught at a number other international schools over the past eight years, including three years at an international school abroad, she returned to IBSB for her second term in 2014. With eleven years teaching experience, teaching both the English National Curriculum and the IB Programme, Loredana has much to offer our students, and will no doubt put her knowledge and skills to good use in taking on the responsibility of teaching both IGCSE and A Level Physics, including A Level Mechanics. When not in school teaching her students, Loredana is most likely to be found spending time with her family, and where possible travelling as she enjoys visiting other countries and meeting new people.

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Cristina Marascu (RO)
Head of Mathematics, Mathematics Teacher, Kangaroo Competition Coordinator

Master in Business Administration (University from Craiova, Romania); Bachelor in Mathematics and ICT (University of the West, Romania)

Cristina is a good example of a lifelong learner, having graduated from the University of Timisoara, Faculty of Mathematics with a degree in Mathematics and ICT, before continuing on to complete an MBA whilst working at IBSB. She has also completed a course in International Hospitality Tourism Leadership and during the summer break works in Greece as a tour guide. She joined the school in 2004 and is a teacher that has the ability to get the best out her students. She is a Form Tutor, the Secondary School Clubs Coordinator, and in 2014 was promoted to Head of Department, which will certainly keep her busy. She says her passion in life is travelling, and so most school breaks she is off somewhere enjoying other cultures, making friends wherever she goes.

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Dr. Darren Laffar (UK)
Mathematics Teacher

BSc (1st Class Hons), Mathematics (University of Sheffield); PhD, Mathematics (University of Glasgow); QTS

Darren joins us from Leicestershire, England, where he worked as a Lead Practitioner for Mathematics and an Assistant Head of Mathematics. Before then, Darren worked at an International school in Rome. Mathematics has always been a huge part of Darren’s life and career, where after obtaining a first class degree at Sheffield University, he went on to do research at Glasgow University on Differential Geometry. It was during this period that Darren caught the “teaching bug” and went on to become a successful teacher in the UK for over 13 years. Outside of teaching, Darren is a huge football fan (and a follower of Leicester City) and plays as a 5/6 a-side goalkeeper. He also enjoys playing pool, keeping physically fit through a variety of means (anything from Yoga to HIIT training), and enjoys time with his lovely wife and new baby daughter.

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Kelly Aldersley (UK)
Mathematics Teacher

BA(1st Class Hons), Mathematics (University of Leeds, UK); PGCE, Secondary Mathematics (UCL Institute of Education, UK); QTS

Kelly joins IBSB from Thailand, where she spent four years teaching at a prestigious international school in Bangkok. Before that, she trained for her PGCE at UCL’s Institute of Education and then taught in UK schools for three years. Kelly did not, however, find her way into teaching immediately, post-graduation. Her first job, fresh from a degree in mathematics from the University of Leeds, was working as a computer programmer, where she says she enjoyed the day to day challenge of applying the skills learned studying maths to solving complex coding problems. Fundamentally, though, her heart was always with mathematics, and so she applied to become a teacher in order to pass on her love of maths and problem solving to the next generation. Outside of school and the world of mathematics, Kelly has been heavily involved with school trips and activities, especially the Duke of Edinburgh Award. She is a keen traveller, and plans to do lots of exploring both in Romania and abroad.

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Joanna Long (UK)
Art Teacher

BA (Hons) Fine Art Printmaking (Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton, UK); PGCE Postgraduate Certificate in Education Art and Design (Secondary) (University of Brighton, UK)

Joanna joined the Creative Arts Department in March 2023 to support the delivery of art to all ages within the Secondary School. She is a qualified Teacher of Fine Art, with specialized training in Printmaking and Photography, and postgraduate studies in teaching and education. She started her journey leading Art departments in the UK, and since then has travelled and worked internationally in Malawi Africa, Bali Indonesia, Taiwan, and now Romania. She has a passion for fusion teaching, and has been the lead on multiple STEAM projects in different schools around the globe, where Art is used as the vehicle to make sense of more complex scientific principles. She has a focused interest in the Expressive Arts as a holistic way to understand the individual, and has this at the focus of all of her teaching. She has participated in many workshops that incorporate sound, movement, free writing, Japanese forms of embodied dance, and loves blending theatre and performance Art with the Visual Arts. She is a practicing Artist and maintains this consistently alongside teaching, believing, and witnessing that this inspires her students to feel confident in creating authentically too. In Taiwan, she spent years studying the Chinese Characters and calligraphy, which she integrates into her meditative Art practice and teachings. She has also lectured at a Taiwanese Arts Education University to guide newly aspiring Art teachers, as well as led digital sessions remotely for schools wishing to integrate well-being through the Arts into their programs of study for the students. When not immersed in teaching Art, Joanna loves exploring new cultures and peoples, saying it always serves in opening her heart and mind wider. She lives by the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, ‘the continual journey of improvement’ and understands that when she teaches, she is collaborating, and is always as much student as teacher.

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Bohdan Pantella (UK)
Key Stage 2-4 Computer Science and ICT Teacher, Key Stage 4 Coordinator

Bachelor of Science (Hons) Business Information Technology Management (Manchester Metropolitan University); PGCE Information Communication Technology (St Martin’s College Lancaster).

Originally from Manchester in the UK, Bohdan has been teaching for close to twenty years, both in the UK and internationally. His first five years teaching internationally were in Bucharest, which he says he enjoyed tremendously. He then moved on with a desire to see more of the world, working in a number of countries within the Middle East and Asian regions, before eventually returning to Romania in 2017. His main passion is teaching ICT and Computer Science, saying he loves sharing his knowledge and experience with his students. Being from Manchester, his other passion is football. You’ll have to guess which football team he supports. He is also an avid motorbike rider, programmer, and a dedicated AFOL. When not at school, Bohdan spends most his free time with his wife, riding around Romania, and enjoys working on DIY projects around the home.

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Michelle Gourley (New Zealand)
Head of English

BA Hons (First Class) English, Classical Studies (University of Canterbury, New Zealand); MA (Distinction), English (University of Canterbury, New Zealand); Post-Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Christchurch College of Education, New Zealand)

Michelle joins IBSB  as the new Head of English, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from a number of years teaching, both in New Zealand and internationally, in the Middle East, Europe, and South America. Originally from New Zealand, where she trained and first taught, Michelle joined the mass kiwi migration west in search of an international life of adventure. Above all else, Michelle says she looks forward to sharing her love of the English language and literature with her students, inspiring the next generation of would be writers. Outside of school, Michelle has a passion for travel and new cultures, and in her down time can be found doing typical English teacher things, like reading and correcting people’s grammar.

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Aydın Korucuoğlu (TUR)
Computer Science Teacher

BSc (Hons) Electronics and Computer Science Education (Marmara University, Turkey)

Aydin is a true international, being born in Bulgaria, raised in Turkey, and for more than twenty years working as a teacher in Romania. His teaching focus is ICT and Computer Science, with a background in solution development in management and career counseling. He says he is particularly looking forward to challenging the students in the areas of Programming, Artificial Intelligence, 3D Printing, Robotics, Web Development, and Gaming. In his free time, Aydin enjoys participating in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, cycling, and snowboarding, and was a volunteer in the UEFA Euro 2020 European Football Championship as a Mobility Maker Team Lead. He is also an avid traveller, seizing every opportunity to visit other countries to make new friends and learn about different cultures.

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Peter Ennion (UK)
English Teacher, Upper Primary School Coordinator, Literacy Coordinator, Middle Leadership Team

BA, First Class Hons English Language and Literature (University of Liverpool, UK); PGCE (Liverpool Hope University, UK)

This is Peter’s thirteenth year teaching at IBSB. Peter hails from Wirral (just outside Liverpool) and he completed a degree in English Language and Literature before completing his PGCE and moving to Romania to teach at IBSB. After spending twelve years as a core member of the Primary School team, he has now moved across to our Secondary School for a new challenge. Peter will be teaching English in Key Stages 3 and 4 and is looking to promote literacy-related events and enjoyment of all aspects of the subject. Over the years, Peter has picked up enough Romanian language skills to survive in Bucharest and has travelled all over the country he now considers home.

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Tara Bennett (UK)
English & Humanities Teacher

BA(Hons), English Literature (De Montfort University); PGCE, Secondary Education (University of Leicester); QTS

Tara joins IBSB as an English teacher, arriving from Abu Dhabi where she taught for three years. Prior to moving abroad, Tara attended university, completing a degree in English Literature at De-Montfort University and a PGCE in Secondary Education at the University of Leicester, then worked as a qualified Teacher in Leicestershire, England. Tara says of her teaching, that she is passionate about English Language and Literature, seeking not only to pass on her love of reading, but also to empower her students to think critically and communicate effectively. As an avid reader, she is particularly looking forward to browsing the shelves of the school library, and has already planned a visit to Bucharest’s largest bookstore, Carturesti. Outside of work, Tara says she is a self-professed “nerd” who enjoys gaming and playing Dungeons and Dragons. She is also a keen traveller and as such is eager to explore the many beautiful cities and locations of Romania.

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Carmen Răducanu (RO)
Secondary EAL Coordinator & Spanish Teacher

BA, English & Spanish (University of Bucharest, Romania); Simultaneous and Consecutive Interpreter Certificate English/Spanish ( University of Extremadura, Spain); CELTA (International House, Spain)

Carmen joins IBSB as the Secodary School EAL Coordinator, having spent twelve years in Spain working as an English teacher. She graduated from the University of Bucharest with a BA in Modern Foreign Languages (English and Spanish), before moving to Spain to perfect her Spanish language skills and gain first-hand experience of the vibrant Spanish culture. Whilst in Spain she completed a course in Simultaneous Interpreting, at the University of Extremadura in Caceres, whilst studying TV, Radio, and Movie Production, then accepted an Erasmus scholarship in Brescia Italy, where she successfully completed her training working for a local TV station. Spain beckoned once more, moving to Barcelona, where she worked as an English teacher, completing her CELTA qualification at International House. Carmen says she is excited to be a member of the IBSB community, and is looking forward to creating a warm, friendly, motivating learning environment for her students.

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Delia Ciobanu (RO)
Student Counsellor, SENCO Coordinator, & DSL

BA, Psychology and Education Sciences (University of Bucharest, Romania); MA, Health Psychology - Clinical Research and Behavioural Optimization (University of Bucharest, Romania); MA, Applied Psychology in the Field of National Security (University of Bucharest, Romania)

Delia joined IBSB in 2021 as a Primary School Counsellor and SENCO Coordinator. Upon finishing her MA, Delia started practising in private clinics as a licensed psychotherapist, working with children and adults struggling with anxiety, life transitions, depression, behavioural difficulties, and self-esteem issues. She says she enjoys working with children to identify obstacles and create effective strategies for working towards goals. Outside of work, Delia enjoys traveling, doing sport, and learning new skills.

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Anamaria Stere (RO)
Extracurricular Coordinator

BA Faculty of Marketing and Economic Affairs “Spiru Haret University”
 

Ana first joined IBSB in September 2001 as a teaching assistant, after graduating University. She then moved from the classroom to the office, bringing with her the experience of the classroom, taking over the responsibility for organising school lunches, school transport, after school clubs, trips, and events. Whether in the classroom or the office, Ana says that working at a school is a fulfilling experience as the children teach you so much about discovery, imagination, curiosity, and joy. Outside school, Ana enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, going to the cinema and cooking for friends.

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Cristina Latcu (RO)
Student Counsellor, SENCO Coordinator, & DSL

BA, Psychology (Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca); MA, Clinical Psychologist, Counsellor and Psychotherapist (Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca); Independent Clinical Psychologist; Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist (CBT), APPCR.

Cristina joined IBSB in 2021 as a Secondary School Counsellor and SENCO Coordinator. During her BA, she volunteered for Autism Transylvania Foundation (AAT) for a semester; it was then that she realised how special autistic children are, dedicating the next three years to working as a therapist for ASD children whilst continuing her studies. Upon finishing her MA, Cristina opened a private practice and continued working with ASD Children, along with teenagers and adults. In addition to running her private practice, Cristina also provided focused support supervising, facilitating behavioural change, and assisting with curricula adaptation for an autistic child in a private international school in Cluj-Napoca, prior to relocating to Bucharest. Outside of work, Cristina enjoys reading, traveling, and hiking.

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Nicoleta Vasilescu (RO)
Science Technician

Technician, Grade 1A

Nicoleta joined IBSB as a part-time technician in 2019, as an chemistry laboratory technician with 28 years experience working at the Polytechnic University of Bucharest – Faculty of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering – discovering the secrets of chemistry, biology, and physics and enjoying participating in numerous extra-curricular science activities. Since joining IBSB, Nicoleta has been an important member of the Science Team in the Secondary School helping prep the laboratory for experiments and supporting staff in all matters science, instil in our student a passion for the sciences. In her free time, Nicoleta enjoys travelling, cooking, and spending time with her family and her dog.

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Bogdan Gabaroi (RO)
Support Teacher

Bachelor of Arts, English and Romanian (University of Craiova)

Bogdan joins the Secondary School Student Support Team, having worked as a translator since 1999, both in Romania and the UK, and with 20 years teaching experience as an English Teacher, having completed a BA in English and Romanian from the University of Craiova. His passion for the English language started at a very young age, inspiring him to initially pursue a career as a translator and later a teacher of English, enjoying working with students of all ages to ensure they fall in love with Shakespeare’s mother tongue. He speaks highlight of his time living in London, where he worked as a translator, becoming well-acquainted with the British lifestyle and culture. As a fully converted anglophile, Bogdan says he is very happy to be a member of the IBSB community, where children learn to speak English as a native speaker, and looks forward to supporting the children on their learning journey each and every day. Outside of school, Bogdan enjoys riding horses in the woods with his riding students, as a long time horse-riding instructor, with occasional guest appearances on Romanian TV stations and other media outlets.

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Iulia Boboc (RO)
HR Manager

Spiru Haret University Bachelor in Law (Bucharest), Masters in Law and Public Administration-Probation in Criminal Law Spiru Haret University (Bucharest), HR Inspector National Certification

Iulia joined IBSB in March 2007, as a graduate from the Faculty of Law at University of Spiru Haret, where she completed a Bachelor and Master Degree in Law and Public Administration. On a day to day basis, Iulia brings not only a warm friendly smile to the school, but a wealth of knowledge and experience. As a lifelong learner, Iulia has continued to develop her knowledge since joining the IBSB team, attending HR and Safer Recruitment courses and seminars. She plays a primary role in regard to ensuring safer recruitment policies and procedures re followed, and assisting new staff and their families to settle into life here in Romania. Outside work, Iulia enjoys travelling and exploring beautiful countries and meeting new people. She also enjoys skiing, photography, and spending time with her daughter.

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Florina Georgescu (RO)
PR & Admissions Officer

BA in Law at University Romano- Americana, BA in Pedagogy for Primary and Early Years Education at the Romanian University Bucharest of Psychology and Educational Science, Masters in  Educational Management at the Romanian University Bucharest

Flori joined IBSB in September 2000 as one of the original team members, and as such has seen the school grow from just 9 students to more than 350 today. Originally joining the team as a teaching assistant, Flori took some time out in 2010 to have her first child, returning to work in the school office as the Admissions Officer, and is now also involved in PR. After 16 years of work at IBSB, surrounded by students, staff, and parents, Flori says she feels like IBSB is her second home. When not at school, she likes spending time with her family, travelling, and discovering different places, cultures, and people. She enjoys reading and doing sport and can be found more recently participating in many of the school Triathlons and Marathon events.

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Elena Iliuta (RO)
Finance Manager

BA, Faculty of Financial Management Accountant (University of Spiru Haret, Bucharest); MA, Audit and Financial Business (Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest); Human Resources Inspector – National Certification; Advanced Postgraduate certification in Accountancy;

Elena joined IBSB in April 2006 as an Economist, quickly becoming a valued member of the office team, handling the day-to-day planning, implementing, managing, and controlling of all financial-related activities. A graduate from the Faculty of Financial Management Accountant, University of Spiru Haret, she completed her academic studies with a Master Degree in Audit and Financial Business. In her free time, Elena says she likes to relax, with much of her free time spent reading books and watching movies.

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Simona Ion (RO)
Contract and Invoice Specialist

MBL, Masters in Business Law (Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest), Graduation Certificate of S.P.D.P.P. Level I and Level II, Psychopedagogical studies (Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest)

Simona recently joined the IBSB team, where she brings her valuable expertise to the financial department. With a Business Law master’s degree and over a decade of experience in business administration, including four years specializing in debt recovery, she excels in strategic planning, operations, and effective debt collection. Simona’s proficiency is grounded in her solid academic foundation and practical know-how. Beyond her professional endeavors, she enjoys spending quality time with friends, diving into a good book, and teeing off for a round of golf.

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Claudia Hulea (RO)
Finance Department

BA, Economics, (Academy of Economic Studies, Romania); MA, Financial Audit and Consulting (Academy of Economic Studies, Romania)

Claudia joined the IBSB team as a member in the financial department. She completed a degree in Economics from the Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, before going on to do her master’s in Financial Audit and Consulting. Related to accounting, she has over 15 years experience working in a variety of companies across a number of business sectors. When not at work, Claudia likes spending time with friends, reading, and going to the theatre.

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Andreea Simion (RO)
Head of Admissions and Corporate Communication

BA, Banks and Finance (Valahia University, Romania ); Erasmus Student (Universite Val de Marne, France); Certified Coach (Coachingdipity)

Andreea joins the office team as the new Head of Admissions. She describes herself as a happy, optimistic, enthusiastic person by nature; a positive thinker with a can-do attitude and the courage to try new things, to be original, always thinking outside the box. She graduated from university in 2005, immediately joining a financial institution in Bucharest, growing professionally from teller to Branch Manager and Head of Department, before moving on to Italy in 2010 to work for Group Holding in their Innovation Department, and then Austria to coordinate the implementation of group projects for all CEE Banks. In total, Andreea has more than 15 years’ experience in multinational companies, with expertise in sales and business development, project management, and commercial strategy. She describes herself as a lifelong learner, and has recently certified as a life coach to support others on their learning journey. When not at school, Andreea spends most of her free time with her two children, who she says challenge her to be the very best version of herself. She also enjoys experimenting with interior design ideas, playing chess, and travelling when time allows.

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Iulia Antocica (RO)
Admissions and Corporate Relations Officer

BA and Master Degree, Geopolitics & International Relations (Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest)

Iulia is the latest acquisition in our Admissions department. Before arriving to IBSB she has mainly worked in the corporate environment, growing from a curious junior level into a senior specialist in projects’ implementation and markets’ technical support. She describes herself as a disciplined, problem solver and hard working person. She is fluent in English, French and Portuguese. Iulia enjoys dedicating her spare time to her family and close friends, to explore new travel destinations and to study as much as possible about psychology, interior design & styling.

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Madalina Taraze (RO)
Sixth Form College Administration Support, Head of School PA

Bachelor of Law, Faculty of Law (Bioterra University of Bucharest, Romania)

Madalina joined the IBSB Administration Team in the summer of 2022 as a graduate from the Faculty of Law, at the Bioterra University of Bucharest. Her initial role was Front Desk Administration Support. In October 2023, Madalina moved to the Sixth Form College in the role of Sixth Form College Administration Support Officer, and Head of School Personal Assistant. She describes herself an extremely organized and efficient person, but also as a kind, caring, and cheerful person, and is the first smiling face our Sixth Form Students greet when they arrive at school each day. When asked about her experience working at IBSB, Madalina says she gets a lot of self-satisfaction from helping others, especially children, and enjoys using her English every day, which is why she applied to work at IBSB. When not at work, Madalina likes to read and to go on long walks, and is a passionate traveller who enjoys experiencing foreign countries, cultures, and cuisine.

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Dan Boboc (RO)
System Administrator

BA, International Relation and European Studies (Spiru Haret University, Romania), Certified IT Technician and SQL Programming

Dan joined IBSB in January 2007 and since this time has been involved in various areas of support across the school. In his current role as System Administrator, he is responsible for the smooth functioning and development of the IT infrastructure in our school, saying he is always happy to offer his support to our staff and students in their day-to-day encounter with the IT world within IBSB, and does so with a warm, welcoming smile. Outside school, most of all, Dan enjoys spending time with his daughter. In addition, he enjoys travelling, music, movies, video games, staying in touch with technology and everything that involves physical activities.

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Florin Ghita (RO)
MIS Administrator

BA, Public Administration (National School of Political and Administrative Studies, Romania)

Florin is our MIS Administrator. He joined our team in 2009 and is responsible for the smooth running of the IT system in the school. In addition to ensuring that all our school servers, computers, tablets, electronic whiteboards, and printers are running smoothly, Florin is also involved in a host of other jobs, including maintaining and updating SchoolBase (the school MIS), issuing reports, and maintaining all staff and student accounts, which added together means that he is usually the last staff member to leave school each night. Outside school, Florin enjoys spending time with his family and friends, watching movies, and keeping up to date with the latest innovations in technology.

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David Oprescu (RO)
Examination Officer

BA (Hons), Faculty of Law & Public Administration (Spiru Haret University, RO)

David joined IBSB as a member of the administration team overseeing examinations, having graduated with a degree in law from Spiru Haret University. Since graduation, David has pursued a number of interests including, but not limited to, Archaeology (Technical Drawer on Capidava site) and Restoration (mural oil painting restoration). He is the sort to person who loves to learn new things, and enjoys being active, being an ex-athlete, a Municipal Champion in the 60m, 100m, and 200m sprint and an ex-rugby player (having played wing for 3 years). In his free time, David likes to reading or take photos of landscapes, and to relax watching documentaries.

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Nicoleta Micu (RO)
School Nurse

General Medical Assistant (Fundeni Sanitary School)

Nicoleta joined the IBSB in 2017 as the school nurse, having previously worked as a medical assistant in several private medical clinics in Bucharest. With more than 13 years’ experience as a nurse, and with much of this time spent in a school environment, Nicoleta a valued member of the administration team, saying she really enjoys each and every day at school. When not in the medical room, she can often be found walking around outside during the breaks, building a positive, caring, and supportive relationship with the students. Outside of school, Nicoleta likes to spend time with her family and especially enjoys playing with her two children.

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Deborah Ferguson (Scotland)
Nursery Teacher & EYFS Coordinator

BEd, Education (University of the West of Scotland, UK); QTS, TEFL

Deborah joined the EYFS team in January 2022 as the Nursery Teacher and EYFS Co-ordinator, and member of the Middle Leadership Team. She graduated from university in 2007 with a Bachelors in Education, completing a semester in Bordeaux, France, as part of her course. This led to her moving there in 2010, where she taught in a bilingual school for several years. Since then, Deborah has travelled and worked in a number of different countries, and says she now calls Bucharest home. Deborah has a passion for music and sport and uses these to make her lessons more engaging for the children. Outside of school, Deborah enjoys getting out and about with her daughter and trying out new ice-cream shops.

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Madalina Soare (RO)
Early Years Teacher

BA, French and English Literature (“Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, RO); Teaching Certificate (“Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, RO)

Madalina joined our team in 2015, having graduated from the University of Galati with a degree in French and English Literature. Before joining IBSB as a teaching assistant and French Key Stage 1 teacher, Madalina worked as a teacher in an international preschool in Poland. Madalina’s bright, warm, friendly personality, combined with her calm, supportive demeanour and genuine passion for education, however, soon identified her as a strong candidate for the Early Years Programme, where she now works in her current role as an Early Years teacher, always willing to go the extra mile for her students, and happy to help others wherever she can. Outside of her school commitments, Madalina enjoys travelling, immersing herself in literature, and embracing the thrills of winter skiing.

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Diana Coman (RO)
EYFS Teacher Assistant

BA, Psychology (Ovidius University, Constanta); MA, Psychotraumatology (University of Bucharest)

Diana joined the Early Years Team in August 2022 as a teaching assistant. Her first time working with children was in a high school, when she volunteered to work in some of Constanta’s foster homes. Having enjoyed this experience, Diana decided to study Psychology, learning about child development and emotional safety as a part of her learning journey toward becoming a licensed psychotherapist. Prior to working at IBSB, Diana worked in a Montessori kindergarten, saying that every day is a day to learn more about education, and hopes to use her love of the arts to inspire students. In her free time, Diana enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones, reading, hiking, and painting.

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Ioana Ciucă (RO)
EYFS Teacher Assistant

BA, Pedagogy of Primary and Pre-school Education (Dimitrie Cantemir University); MSc, Management of Rural and Regional Development Projects (Bucharest University of Economic Studies); AMI Montessori Assistant Certificate, Early Childhood Education

Ioana joined our Early Years Team in 2022, having graduated from Dimitrie Cantemir University with a degree in Primary and Pre-school Education. Her first teaching experience was in Prague, where she worked as an English Teacher Assistant in an international primary school. She describes herself as a caring and warm person who loves working with children, helping them to build confidence and to work independently on assigned tasks. In her free time, Ioana enjoys travelling, reading, and exploring portrait photography.

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Alan Cornish (UK)
Head of Primary

BA (Hons), Economics (University of Northumbria, UK); MA, Information Technology (University of Huddersfield, UK); PGCE (Leeds University, UK); NQT Mentor

Alan originally joined IBSB in 2007, and is the current Head of the Primary School. He is an experienced teacher from the UK, with over 20 years spent in education, having previously taught in Essex, near London, where he was deputy head. In 2014, Alan returned to England with his young family, but missing Romania and IBSB, returned in 2015 with a new zest for life and a clear vision for the future direction of the Primary School, built on trust and a desire to create a happy, child-centered, dynamic learning environment. Away from school, Alan indulges his passion for travelling with his family- exploring new areas and having fun adventures- and enjoys skiing and time in the mountains, swimming, and reading with his children.

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Charissa Venter (South Africa)
Primary School Teacher - Year 1

BA (Honours), Special Needs Education (North West University, Potchefstroom, SA); BA, Foundation Phase Education (Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, SA)

Charissa is from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and has been working as a teacher since she graduated university in 2019. Having previously taught in Bucharest and South Africa, Charissa joins us as a Year 1 teacher who is passionate about teaching and dedicated to helping her students develop the key skills they need to become confident, happy learners. In her free time, Charissa enjoys travelling to new places and learning about their cultures. She also enjoys exploring new culinary delights, reading, and baking for others. She says she is extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to live abroad in France, The Netherlands, and most recently Romania, as she loves meeting new people, and has learnt so much in each new place she has visited and lived.

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Orla O’Dwyer (Ireland)
Primary Teacher in Year 2, Pastoral Leader, Middle Leadership Team

BA, Irish and Geography (Mary Immaculate College, Ireland), BEd (Mary Immaculate College, Ireland), Cert. Special Educational Needs

This is Orla’s 10th year at IBSB, and was her first teaching position abroad, having taught in Ireland for six years before arriving at IBSB in September 2012. This academic year she will teach in Year 2. She has a degree in Irish and Geography and a degree in Education from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, as well as a certificate in Special Educational Needs. She has taught in a number of situations, including Primary Schools, Secondary Schools, and Special Needs Schools. This year she continues in her role as the Primary School PSHE Coordinator, as well as the Charity Links Coordinator, and an important member of the Middle Leadership Team. Her interests include sports- especially the Irish native sport of hurling- reading, travelling, and collecting stamps from around the world!

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Dariana Margarint (Romanian)
Primary School Student Support

BSc, Philology, English and Romanian (University of Bucharest, RO); MSc, Literary Studies (University of Bucharest, RO), in progress; Psych-Pedagogical Module-Level 1 & 2 (University of Bucharest, RO)

Dariana joins the Primary School team as a student support teacher with considerable experience working and supporting children with special needs. Graduating from The University of Bucharest with a BA in Philology, and the First Level of the Psych-Pedagogical Module of the Faculty of Psychology and Sciences of Education, she is currently completing a MSc. in Literary Studies, whilst training as a teacher. Prior to joining IBSB, Dariana worked at Children in Distress for eight years (an organisation with British roots that has been helping children in Romania for over 30 years) and continues to work there as a part-time volunteer. Being a dedicated person, who loves children, she says she focuses on helping children to manage their emotions, seeking out ways to improve the student-teacher relationships, believing that every child can make real progress and integrate into society, if their learning environment is caring and supporting, with staff leading as positive role models. Away from school, as a lover of the creative arts, history, and the science of the human psyche, Dariana spends much of her time sketching, enjoying kabuki theatre, and studying the history of the Romanian and British Royals families, the connection between childhood traumas and the behaviour of adults, and the causes of addiction and obsessive-compulsive behaviours.

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Adelaide Owen (UK)
Year 3 Teacher

BA, Primary Education (Leeds Beckett University, UK); BA, Health and Social Care (University of Bolton, UK); QTS; TEFL

Adelaide arrives to Bucharest directly from Darlington, a town in the north east of England, having spent three months teaching in the mountains of Gura-Humorului prior to this. She graduated from Leeds Beckett University with a BA in Primary Education in 2020 and has since worked in a wide variety of schools and educational settings around the north of England. Adelaide has specialist knowledge and experience in teaching English as a foreign language and supporting children with special educational needs and has used this extra training to work closely with refugees in the UK and further afield. She is passionate about helping children and young people achieve their goals, both in and out of the classroom, and creating a cohesive learning environment where children feel confident to share their thoughts and ideas. In her spare time Adelaide loves to travel and learn about the history and culture of different countries, including Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Australia to date. She also has a passion for the outdoors and enjoys participating in activities such as sailing, hiking, surfing, and open water swimming. She is most excited to be fulfilling her dream of teaching internationally and being able to explore more of what Bucharest (and Romania) has to offer.

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Alison Tansley (UK)
Lower Primary School Coordinator

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International) (PGCEi) – The University of Nottingham; BScEcon Sociology (Honours) – The; University of Wales, College of Cardiff; Postgraduate Diploma in Personnel Management – Kingston University; Higher Diploma in Career Skills – Oxford Media and Business School

Alison is from London, her father was in the British Army so she attended boarding school in Sussex, England from the age of 9-18 and lived abroad in a variety of countries (Brunei, Germany, Cyprus). She met her husband at University and has lived and worked abroad in Cyprus (again!) and the UAE.
Her previous career experience is in the field of Human Resources, Recruitment and Administration and she started working in education in 2013, because she feels the education sector is a challenging, rewarding and inspiring area in which to work. Imparting knowledge and helping to teach new skills is incredibly important and fulfilling. Alison has three children who attend the IBSB Secondary School. In her free time she likes travelling, experiencing new cultures, learning new languages and her whole family love animals.

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Roxana Anghel (RO)
Teaching Assistant, EAL Teacher

BA, Faculty of Foreign Languages, English-French (Spiru Haret University, Romania), Level 1 Teaching Certificate (Spiru Haret University, Romania)

Roxana joined IBSB in October 2017 joined IBSB in October 2017 as a member of the office administration team, assisting the Head of School in the day to day running of the school, providing logistical support in a number of key areas, including community liaisons and interschool relations and events. Starting from October 2023, Roxana moved to the primary school in the role of a teaching assistant, as she really enjoys the cheerful environment in the classroom, working alongside the children, supporting them on their learning journey, saying they always bring a smile to her face and a feeling of joy to her day. Outside school, Roxana enjoys spending time with her family, reading, travelling, and discovering child friendly locations for her daughter.

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Aliviana Sanders (USA)
Primary Teacher in Year 4

BA in Creative Writing (University of Southern California, USA);Master of Arts in Education (University of Southern California, USA)

Aliviana joined IBSB in 2019, having taught at British schools in Kuwait over the past seven years. She was born and raised in Los Angeles and studied Creative Writing and Education at the University of Southern California. She believes that the most effective manner of teaching is to inspire a passion for learning in her pupils, and is looking forward to another year of teaching and learning at IBSB. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature, exploring new places, reading, and watching films. She is enjoying getting to know the city of Bucharest and she hopes to continue to explore the rest of Romania as restrictions begin to ease.

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Isabela Lamdes (RO)
Physical Education Teacher

BSc, Sport and Physical Performance (National University of Physical Education and Sport, RO)

Isabela joins Physical Education Department, having graduated from the University of Physical Education and Sport in Bucharest. She has been a practicing performance karate athlete since 2010, having competed and represented Romania in events and tournaments around the world. As both a both a karate instructor and physical education teacher, Isabela is interested in supporting students to be the very best version of themselves, which she says often requires them pushing beyond the limits they impose on themselves to realise there is more inside them and that their goals can be written in the stars. In her free time, Isabela enjoys keeping fit, training, dancing, and eating sweet treats, but not at the same time.

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Lee Hawkins (UK)
Primary Teacher in Year 5, Key Stage 2 Coordinator

BA (Honours) in Primary Education (Northumbria University, UK); QTS

Lee was born and raised in Newcastle upon Tyne, in the North East of England, and has worked as a qualified Primary Teacher since graduating from Northumbria University in 2012. Joining IBSB in 2019 (having previously taught in the UK and in the Middle East), Lee is the current Year 5 Teacher and Key Stage 2 Coordinator, and as such, is a core member of the Primary Middle Leadership Team. He enjoys travelling and experiencing new cultures and continues to enjoy his time in Romania – taking full advantage of the nearby ski resorts in the winter months. Outside of school, Lee is extremely passionate about football, whether it be playing, watching, or even just talking about it – his favourite team is Newcastle United, obviously- and can often be found on the terraces, supporting Rapid Bucuresti.

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Alexandru Lacraru (RO)
PE Teacher

BSc. Physical Education and Sport (Universitatea Ecologica, Romania); MSc. Physical Education and Sport (Universitatea Ecologica, Romania)

Alexandru has been a member of the IBSB Physical Education Department since the start of 2022. He is a qualified martial arts teacher, a fitness instructor, and personal trainer, and was himself a competitor in both national and international karate Shotokan and Kempo competitions, with high results achieved over his 13 year career. His new focus is dedicating his time and knowledge to the benefit of the little children, trying to get the best out of each and every one of them. He believes in every child’s potential and that they can one day become their best self, both mentally and physically. Both in and outside school, Alexandru is always leading by example, striving to be at his best every day, for himself and those around him. In his free time, Alex likes spending time with his family, going to the gym, reading a good book, playing chess, and walking his dog.

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Robin Morrison (Scotland)
Primary Teacher in Year 6, Science Coordinator

BA (Hons) Environmental Studies (University of Lincoln, UK); Diploma in Nursing (Nottingham University); PGCE in Primary Teaching

This is now Rab’s second time teaching at IBSB as he was with us 6 years ago and he says he is glad to be back. Rab is from Glasgow in Scotland and taught in many schools there before moving over to Romania to teach internationally. Rab has a passion for Science and Magic and has used his skills to entertain and teach children, introducing the successful Science Week to the Primary School programme. Away from school, Rab is a keen climber and mountain biker and has recently started growing fruit in his new orchard down near Giurgiu.

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Tom Wilson (UK)
Primary Teacher in Year 6

Tom Wilson BA (Hons) Primary Education (University of Sunderland); QTS

Tom joins IBSB as a Year 6 teacher, joining us from the International school in Kuwait, where he taught for 3 years. He is a keen traveller, with considerable time spent exploring countries in Asia, and a year in Australia. Outside of teaching, Tom says he is an avid football fan supporting Newcastle United and regularly attending matches when home in England, but is now looking forward to finding a Romanian team to support and watch in Bucharest. He also enjoys other sports and was a volunteer at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the European Athletics Championships, and the UK School Games. When not enjoying all things sport, he likes listening to live music and attending festivals, and says he is especially looking forward to exploring Romania and the surrounding countries, as soon as it is safe to do so.

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Alexandra Ivascu (RO)
Head of MFL, Spanish Teacher, Teacher Assistant

BA, Modern Languages Applied, English/Spanish (University of Bucharest, Romania); Teaching Certificate (University of Bucharest, Romania)

Alexandra joined our team in 2018 as a Primary School Spanish Teacher and Teaching Assistant. She graduated from the University of Bucharest (English-major and Spanish-minor) in 2010 and since then has been working as a devoted and passionate teacher. She says she especially loves working with the younger children because she enjoys sharing the innocent way they perceive the world, full of hope and dreams for the future, as well as courage and determination. Alexandra also says she is herself a child at heart, which helps her create special bonds with each of her students to best help her students develop the necessary strategies and skills needed to be the very best they can be and to live a life full of meaning and purpose. Alexandra has already shown what a positive impact she has on her students, and now in her role as Head of MFL in Primary, she has the opportunity to extend her support and encouragement to all learners of language at IBSB. In her spare time she loves reading, spending time in nature, travelling, doing yoga, and ice-bathing.

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Oana Marcu (RO)
Teacher Assistant, KS1 EAL Teacher

Bachelor of Arts, French and English (University of Craiova, Romania); QCF Teaching Assistant level 3 (Stonebridge)

Oana is the Year 6W Assistant Teacher and a highly valued member of the Primary School EAL Department. Graduating from the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature, Oana has been teaching for the past 20 years in both Romanian and international schools to students of different ages, with a proven track record of supporting students to consistently achieve above average progress and attainment across the curriculum. She is an enthusiastic and self-motivated teacher at heart, who enjoys working with children and says she couldn’t imagine herself doing anything else. Having completed her Teaching Assistant NCFE qualification in 2013, she is now involved in developing the knowledge and skills of her colleagues through regular CPD sessions. Away from school, her hobbies include travelling, reading, and cooking.

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Ioana Lilcu (RO)
Teacher Assistant

BA, Geography ( University of Bucharest. Romania); Master in Management of Resources and Tourist Activities (University of Bucharest, Romania); Teaching Certificate (University of Bucharest, Romania); COBIS DITA (Diploma for International Teaching Assistants)

Ioana joined our team in 2014, having graduated from the University of Bucharest. She is a positive and warm person who loves working with children, helping them achieve their full potential. Ioana has recently returned from her 2 year maternity leave and is very happy to be the Year 1F Teacher Assistant and also KS1 Spanish Teacher. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching films, and reading.

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Alexandra Filip (RO)
Teacher Assistant

Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies (California State University Northridge, USA); Master Degree, Cognitive Science (University of Bucharest, Romania); CELTA Certificate (International House, Romania)

Alexandra joined IBSB in 2021. She was born in Bucharest and moved to Los Angeles with her family when she was 7 years old and studied Liberal Studies at California State University, Northridge. She enjoyed an early career in real estate until family circumstances brought her back to Romania at the end of 2018. Back in Romania, Alexandra was able to explore and reconnect with the country of her birth, taking the opportunity to pursue a passion she had had for many years, completing a Master’s Degree in Cognitive Science with a focus on child development, moving into the field of teaching. She also completed her CELTA qualification at International House. In her spare time, she loves reading, exploring nature, and skiing. She also really likes playing tennis, even if she admits that she is not very good at it.

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Luiza Stoica – Diaconovici (RO)
Teacher Assistant, EAL Teacher

BA, English and Romanian (Petrol Gaze University, Romania)

Luiza joined the IBSB team almost twelve years ago after eight years of teaching in other international and state schools. This year she is the Year 4 Assistant Teacher and the EAL teacher for Key Stage 2 in the Primary School. Luiza graduated with a joint degree in Romanian and English language. She enjoys working with children, having a genuine interest in helping not just the most talented but also the less inclined to achieve their full potential. She believes that the art of teaching lies is the art of guided discovery. Luiza completed a Teaching Assistant NCFE qualification in 2013. Her hobbies include reading, travelling, exploring nature, learning about new cultures, roller-skating, and listening to music. Luiza also loves animals and is the owner of a very playful dog.

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Simona Alexandru (RO)
Teacher Assistant

Bachelor of Arts, Romanian Language and Literature (Major) and English Language and Literature (Minor) (University of Bucharest, Romania); MA in Philology (University of Bucharest, Romania); Teaching Certificate (University of Bucharest, Romania)

Simona joined IBSB in 2022, having taught Romanian for several years in other educational settings. She graduated from the University of Bucharest with a degree in Romanian Language, with a minor in English Language and Literature, before going on to complete a masters in Philology. Being a passionate learner, her main goal is to support children to reach their highest potential by developing their appetite for knowledge and lifelong improvement of the self. When not in school, Simona loves spending time in nature, reading, and listening to music.

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Mihaela Simion (RO)
Teacher Assistant

BA, English Language and Literature, German Language and Literature at the Faculty of Letters (University of Craiova); Teaching Staff Training, Psycho Pedagogical Course, Module 1, English and German Specialization.

Mihaela joined the Primary School Team in 2023, having worked in two other International Schools as an Early Years Teacher following completing a degree in English and German Language and Literature from the University of Craiova. She describes herself as adaptable, open-minded, energetic, and person with a genuine desire to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment. In her free time, Mihaela enjoys gardening, baking, and playing tennis.

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Paul Georgescu (RO)
Primary School PE Teacher

Master in Physical Education, Special needs Physical Education (National Academy of Physical Education and Sport); Bachelor in Physical Education and Sport (Kinetotherapy and Sport from the National Sport Academy); Postgraduate Certificate in physical preparation (National Academy of Physical Education and Sport - Bucharest)

Paul has been at IBSB since the school opened and as such is one of the school’s founding staff. He is responsible for implementing all aspects of the Primary School P.E. Programme, including the after school swimming club. He is a qualified water polo coach and a physical fitness coach, and was himself a professional water polo player, having won the Romanian Championship twice and the Romanian Cup once with the Steaua Bucharest Water Polo Team. Presently he is a first class water polo referee and has started coaching the IBSB Water Polo Team. He has also organised the first interschool triathlon and again competes in this sport himself on a regular basis and is a national champion in the team relay. If this was not enough, Paul is also the Romanian record holder for the fastest time to swim the English Channel and is now pursuing his dream to complete the open water endurance swim challenge, starting in America next year. Outside school Paul is a busy father of two and when not playing with his children uses most of his time to train and as such is a great role model for any students hoping to pursue a life in sport.

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Catalina Naidin (RO)
Primary School Music Teacher

BA, Music Pedagogy (Major) and Academic Choir (Minor) ( Gheorghe Dima Music Academy, Cluj-Napoca); BA, Violin (Major) and Piano (Minor) ( National University of Music, Bucharest); Teaching Certificate ( Gheorghe Dima Music Academy, Cluj-Napoca).

Catalina joined the IBSB team in 2022, having taught Music for 7 years in BSB, then Piano and Violin in Naidin Concert and Young Musicians Music School. Bringing students new experiences, enlarging the horizon for what Music is and how can develop the child and their perception towards life, makes teaching a joy and a necessity for being Catalina. When not in school, Catalina enjoys travelling with her family as her main hobby, as a speaker of four languages, which she says makes the trips abroad a lot easier and more interesting.

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Robert Radu (RO)
Student Support/ Intervention Teacher

BA, Psych Pedagogy, Psychology and Sciences of Education (University of Bucharest, Romania); MSc., Psych Pedagogy, Psychology and Sciences of Education (University of Bucharest, Romania); Combined Arts Therapy Practitioner, Certified by Romanian Ministry of Education.

Robert joined the Secondary School team as a dedicated special education teacher, with a wealth of experience in providing specialised support to students with a wide range of needs and disabilities, including autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Robert originally studied engineering at university – machines, tools and industrial robots, but decided on a new path post-graduation, attending classes in psychopedagogy at the Psychology and Educational Sciences University of Bucharest to become a certified combined arts therapy worker. With a patient, compassionate, and understanding approach, Robert works creatively and consistently to provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every student can flourish. He is highly skilled at adapting curriculum materials and teaching strategies to meet the individual needs of his students, and is committed to helping all the students in his care to achieve their full potential. Whether he’s providing one-on-one assistance, leading small group activities, or collaborating with other teachers and support staff, Robert is a true asset to our school community. Out of school, Robert enjoys an active life, cycling, going on lone nature walks, and has a real passion for chess and aquariums.

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Efstratia Laiou (Greece)
Head of Creative Arts, Music Teacher

MA, Historical Musicology (Goldsmiths, University of London); MA & BA (Hons) with QTS, Musicology and Music Education (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki); MMus Solo (Hons), Piano (Sygxrono Conservatorium of Thessaloniki); Dip. Mus Higher Theoretical Studies (Hons), Harmory and Counterpoint Composition (Sygxrono Conservatorium of Thessaloniki)

This is Evi’s 5th year at IBSB having taught previously in Greece, Germany, Brazil, and the UK in a variety of settings. Growing up in the small seaside town of Amfilohia in Greece (near the Ionian Islands) music has always been present in her life. With 28 years’ experience playing the piano, Evi is a wonderful example of a lifelong learner, as she continues her education following seminars in piano performance, music production, and music psychology from universities and academies around the globe. She has spent a big part of her life travelling, in order to experience culture and music in different settings, performing classical music as a solo pianist as well as a chamber music ensemble member around the world. She says ‘Every year I learn something new about a different part of the world and with it more about myself, as music surrounds us always in everyday life.’ Evi enjoys sharing her passion for music through teaching practical skills, such as playing piano, singing, and writing music, while integrating all aspects of music, technology, and other art forms. Since joining IBSB, Evi has explored many aspects of music creation, music production and management, putting on a variety of shows. Outside of teaching, her interests include music production, dancing, specifically ballet, swimming, watching films, and spending time in nature. She has taken part in dance shows in Bucharest and joined the cast of a movie production by the Romanian National Television.

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Robert Gaier (DE/RO)
German Teacher

PhD Student; Master in International Relations (University of Bucharest, Romania); Bachelor of Arts, History (University of Bucharest); Teaching Certificate (University of Bucharest)

Robert was born in Erlangen (Germany), but raised mainly in Bucharest, having family in both countries and being influenced deeply by both cultures. He studied History and International Relations at the University of Bucharest, beginning his professional working life within a multinational company, before making the shift to the educational field in 2018 as a German teacher in a private school of Bucharest, also offering lessons in History and Geography, in accordance with a well-established German pedagogical system. He has experience working in the tourism industry, collaborating with one of the biggest Romanian tourism companies, as a cultural guide for German-speaking tourists, and has published a number of articles on topics relating to some of his passions: diplomacy, economy, history, and politics. In his free time, Robert enjoys swimming and playing tennis, going to the theatre and classical concerts, watching films, and supporting his favourite football team, Bayern Munich.

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Delia Ciobanu (RO)
Student Counsellor, SENCO Coordinator, & DSL

BA, Psychology and Education Sciences (University of Bucharest, Romania); MA, Health Psychology - Clinical Research and Behavioural Optimization (University of Bucharest, Romania); MA, Applied Psychology in the Field of National Security (University of Bucharest, Romania)

Delia joined IBSB in 2021 as a Primary School Counsellor and SENCO Coordinator. Upon finishing her MA, Delia started practising in private clinics as a licensed psychotherapist, working with children and adults struggling with anxiety, life transitions, depression, behavioural difficulties, and self-esteem issues. She says she enjoys working with children to identify obstacles and create effective strategies for working towards goals. Outside of work, Delia enjoys traveling, doing sport, and learning new skills.

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Kendall Peet (UK)
Head of School

BCA, Marketing and Management (Victoria University, New Zealand); BA, Economic History (Victoria University, New Zealand); PGDE (English) (Canterbury University, New Zealand); CELTA; DELTA; CSML (Harvard Graduate School of Education); NPQ Facilitator (UCL, UK); HPL School Accreditor

Kendall first joined IBSB in 2005 and after a period away returned as Head of School in 2011. He has taught in variety of situations including Primary Schools, High Schools, and at University Level, working as a teacher, senior teacher, Head of Department, Director, and Head of School. He graduated from Victoria University with a BCA in Marketing and Management and a BA in Economic History, before continuing on to study toward a Post Graduate Diploma in English at Canterbury University. He is currently completing an MA Educational Leadership at the University of Bath. As Head of School, Kendall is responsible for overseeing the day to day running of the school, ensuring that the school ethos and philosophy are imbued into every aspect of school life. He also teaches English and is a passionate advocate of debating and public speaking. Outside school, Kendall enjoys reading, swimming, running (occasionally), playing tennis, and trekking to far distant locations, such as Mt Everest, Mt Kilimanjaro, and Mt Kinabalu, located on the small island of Borneo.

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Matthew Tansley (UK)
Head of Secondary

BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with Medical Biochemistry (University of Wales, Cardiff); PGCE (University of Wales, Cardiff); ISI Team Inspector; COBIS Peer Accreditor; NQT Mentor.

Matthew joined IBSB in August 2017 as Head of the Secondary School. He is an experienced teacher of Science from the UK with 20 years’ experience in education. During this time, he has taught in a selective boys grammar school in London, a school for the children of British military personnel in Cyprus, and a comprehensive academy in Worcestershire in the UK, before moving overseas again to the UAE where he was Deputy Head Teacher in charge of the curriculum. Whilst in the UAE, Matt was part of the team that successfully obtained both BSO accreditation and full CIS accreditation for his school. Matt is also an ISI Team Inspector for BSO schools and a Peer Accreditor for COBIS. Matt enjoys travelling and has taken advantage of his time overseas to visit many different countries. He is also a massive Rugby fan and passionate supporter of Gloucester Rugby.

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Roy Chambers (UK)
Deputy Head of Secondary; Designated Safeguarding Lead; English Teacher; Life Skills (PSHE)

BA (Hons) English & Related Literature (University of York, UK); PGCE (University of Warwick, UK); MEd in Leadership & Management (Open University, UK)

Roy rejoins IBSB as Deputy Head of the Secondary School, having been Deputy Head and Boarding Housemaster at Packwood Haugh School, Shrewsbury (UK), for the last five years – where his pastoral care leadership experience will not doubt prove invaluable at IBSB in his new role. Completing his undergraduate degree in English Literature from York University, Roy begun his English teaching career in Coventry, having trained as a teacher at the University of Warwick. A little further back, Roy grew up on a farm near Stratford-on-Avon, and regularly returns to his family roots in Warwickshire when school holidays allow. He is in many ways a very proud Brit, but says he is also a ‘Romaniophile’, enjoying his time in the great outdoors, and as such he is looking forward to exploring the Carpathians further over the next few years. His other passions include public speaking, speaking Romanian (!), and cricket; and in regard to the later, he has wasted little time in laying the foundations to resurrect the IBSB cricket team, and along with it the annual staff versus students cricket match, a long standing tradition, regretfully absent from the school calendar in recent years.

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Alexandru Lacraru (RO)
PE Teacher

BSc. Physical Education and Sport (Universitatea Ecologica, Romania); MSc. Physical Education and Sport (Universitatea Ecologica, Romania)

Alexandru has been a member of the IBSB Physical Education Department since the start of 2022. He is a qualified martial arts teacher, a fitness instructor, and personal trainer, and was himself a competitor in both national and international karate Shotokan and Kempo competitions, with high results achieved over his 13 year career. His new focus is dedicating his time and knowledge to the benefit of the little children, trying to get the best out of each and every one of them. He believes in every child’s potential and that they can one day become their best self, both mentally and physically. Both in and outside school, Alexandru is always leading by example, striving to be at his best every day, for himself and those around him. In his free time, Alex likes spending time with his family, going to the gym, reading a good book, playing chess, and walking his dog.

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Daniela Momirleanu (RO)
Teacher of French

BA, Foreign Languages (Major French, Minor English, University of Craiova); BA, English (Charles de Gaulle University, France); MA, Inter-cultural and Inter-religious Exchanges (Chair UNESCO, University of Bucharest)

Daniela is a valued member of the IBSB MFL Department, now in her fifth-year teaching French at IBSB to students in Key Stages 3, 4 & 5, having previously taught also to students in Key Stage 2. With 15 years’ experience teaching languages (French, English, and Romanian) in an international school environment, Daniela (or Dana as she prefers to be called), has learnt how important it is to invest time and energy into building positive relationships in the classroom, greeting her students with a big, friendly smile at the start of each lesson, encouraging them to set high goals, and providing the right level of support and challenge needed to keep them engaged throughout the learning process. When not at school, Dana spends most of her free time with her family, biking, hiking, and attempting to play basketball with her two boys, which means she lives a very active life. She is also very well-positioned to understand and support the needs of her students on a day-to-day basis.

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Diana Lia (RO)
Head of MFL, French Teacher, Student Mentor

Master in Francophone Cultural Studies, University of Bucharest, (University of Bucharest, Romania); Bachelor of Arts, French and English (University of Bucharest, Romania); Teaching French skills at Alliance française Paris

Diana joined our team as a Secondary School French Teacher in 2007, taking on her role as the new Head of MFL in 2011, and as such is responsible for continuing the tradition of outstanding grades across all Modern Foreign Languages. A graduate from the University of Bucharest, Diana has continued to develop her knowledge by attending seminars both nationally and internationally. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Diana has also helped in organising and running the very successful Key Stages 4 & 5 Work Experience Programme. Diana has always appreciated the valuable conversations between students and teachers regardless of their mother tongue and is currently herself learning Italian- and rumour has it is planning a world tour in the future.

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Ioana Cojocaru (RO)
Spanish Teacher, EAL Teacher

BA, Modern Applied Languages, English and Spanish (University of Bucharest, Romania), MA, Faculty of Philosophy (University of Bucharest, Romania); PGCE; Authorised Translator (Ministry of Justice)

Ioana joined IBSB in 2019, as a Spanish and EAL teacher, and will also be a Form Tutor for Year 9. She is a graduate from the University of Bucharest, with both a Bachelor and Master’s degree, who worked for a number of years in the public school system, teaching children aged 6 to 14, before eventually making the move to an international school environment. Of teaching, Ioana says she is a passionate teacher who feels a deep sense of gratitude for every moment spent in classroom, appreciating the fulfilment that comes from helping students, who she hopes will aspire to become polyglots with a passion for learning languages. In her free time, Ioana loves playing with her two sons, enjoying lively debates with her friends, and spending time in nature.

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Aurora Stroescu Nitu (RO)
Spanish Teacher, CAS Leader

Bachelor of Arts, Spanish and Romanian (University of Bucharest, Romania)

Aurora is a key member our Modern Languages Department, with responsibility for the delivery of the Spanish curriculum for KS4 and KS5. Following graduation from the University of Bucharest, Aurora taught in the Romanian system for more than twenty years before eventually joining our team in 2010, and since this time has consistently supported her students to achieve outstanding results in both IGCSE and A Level exams. In addition to her academic responsibilities, Aurora is also an Assistant Form Tutor for 9V and is a staff member working with our sixth form student in the CAS Programme. Aurora says she enjoys her work at IBSB as she loves teaching the language of Cervantes, taking every opportunity to share her passion for Spanish culture.

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Rodica Ursu (RO)
German Teacher

Pedagogy Bachelor, German and English (University of Bucharest); Master in English Literary Translation (University of Bucharest)

Originating from a small ex-German town in the heart of Transylvania, Rodica has grown up immersed in the German language and culture since early childhood. She is a graduate of both English and German from the Bucharest Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures and has a Master’s Degree in the English Translation of Literary Texts. She has now been teaching German at IBSB for more than a decade to students across the Secondary School, in Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, and says she feels very privileged to be able to share her passion for all things German with her students. When not at school, Rodica enjoys spending time with family, reading, and travelling.

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Ioana Miliana Anghel (RO)
German Teacher

Master Studies in Literature (University of Bucharest, Romania); Bachelor of Arts –Linguistic and Literary Studies, (University of Bucharest, Romania); Germany Yesterday and Today-Applied Studies (Berlin, Germany) Goethe Institute Practice and Certificate for Teaching German; Creativity in the Classroom (Cambridge, UK); Academic Leadership (Cambridge, UK)

Ioana is our linguistically adept German teacher. She graduated from the University of Bucharest, completing a Master in Literary Studies, before going on to work as a German Teacher, as well as a teacher trainer. A passionate teacher, she strives to continuously develop her teaching skills as a lifelong learner, attending development training courses for teachers both in Romanian and abroad. She says of teaching, that she likes personalising learning and adapting materials to her students’ needs, creating new activities to make the lessons more interactive, fun, and efficient for all levels.

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Efstratia Laiou (Greece)
Head of Creative Arts, Music Teacher

MA, Historical Musicology (Goldsmiths, University of London); MA & BA (Hons) with QTS, Musicology and Music Education (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki); MMus Solo (Hons), Piano (Sygxrono Conservatorium of Thessaloniki); Dip. Mus Higher Theoretical Studies (Hons), Harmory and Counterpoint Composition (Sygxrono Conservatorium of Thessaloniki)

This is Evi’s 5th year at IBSB having taught previously in Greece, Germany, Brazil, and the UK in a variety of settings. Growing up in the small seaside town of Amfilohia in Greece (near the Ionian Islands) music has always been present in her life. With 28 years’ experience playing the piano, Evi is a wonderful example of a lifelong learner, as she continues her education following seminars in piano performance, music production, and music psychology from universities and academies around the globe. She has spent a big part of her life travelling, in order to experience culture and music in different settings, performing classical music as a solo pianist as well as a chamber music ensemble member around the world. She says ‘Every year I learn something new about a different part of the world and with it more about myself, as music surrounds us always in everyday life.’ Evi enjoys sharing her passion for music through teaching practical skills, such as playing piano, singing, and writing music, while integrating all aspects of music, technology, and other art forms. Since joining IBSB, Evi has explored many aspects of music creation, music production and management, putting on a variety of shows. Outside of teaching, her interests include music production, dancing, specifically ballet, swimming, watching films, and spending time in nature. She has taken part in dance shows in Bucharest and joined the cast of a movie production by the Romanian National Television.

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Ross Fenwick (UK)
Sociology Teacher, Form Tutor

BA Sociology (Cardiff University, UK), PGCSE (Bristol University, UK)

Originally from Wales, Ross grew up in Yorkshire and moved to Bristol to teach within a number of secondary schools in the South West of the UK. He began his career as a Sociology Teacher and as a Head of Social Sciences and Head of Year in the beautiful city of Bath. After 12 years of teaching in the UK, Ross took his first position in an international school in Dubai, working as a Sociology and Psychology Teacher for 2 years. Ross is excited to share his passion for the Social Sciences with the students at IBSB and continue the great work already being done within the department. He feels very strongly that Sociology is a vitally important subject – giving students the knowledge and skills required to fully understand and analyse the society in which they live. Outside of school, Ross enjoys travel, running, and hiking, and can’t wait to explore the abundance of natural beauty available in Romania, whilst getting to know Bucharest and learning about its rich culture and history.

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Johanna Croci (Italy)
Head of Social Sciences, Teacher of Sociology & Psychology, CAS Coordinator, DofEIA Coordinator, Student Mentor

BA, Psychology, Sociology & Political Science (Hyperion University, Romania); PGCE

Johanna first joined us in 2005 as a teacher of Italian and has since that time extended her role to include Head of Social Sciences, Teacher of Sociology and Psychology, Coordinator of the CAS Programme and Coordinator of the Duke of Edinburgh Programme. She is also involved in assisting students with University Applications. Involvement, care, and responsibility are some of the values that Johanna espouses, working with students to provide every member of our school with the opportunity to achieve and to make a positive difference. For this reason she was awarded the ECIS Teacher of the Year Award in 2011-12. Both in and out of the classroom, Johanna has one of the biggest smiles on campus and no doubt will continue to enrich the lives of both staff and students at IBSB.

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Virginia Neher (UK/German)
English & Humanities Teacher, Secondary School Clubs Coordinator

BA (Hons), English and Physical Education (University of Osnabrück, Germany); MA, English as a Second Language (University of York, UK); PGDE, Secondary Education (Birmingham City University, UK); QTS

Virginia joins IBSB as an English teacher, having arrived from Dubai where she taught for two years at an international school. Prior to moving abroad, Virginia completed her undergraduate degree in English and Physical Education in Germany before moving to the UK to specialise in English as a Second Language as part of her post-graduate degree, completing her PGDE on the Teach First Training Programme in the Midlands. Virginia is passionate about her subjects and is eager to ignite a love for both the English Language and Literature and the Humanities in her students. Outside of the classroom, she loves running and playing basketball and is excited to contribute towards extra-curricular sports at IBSB.

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James Kilpatrick (UK)
Business Studies & Humanities Teacher

BA (Honours) Human Resource Management (Ulster University. Ireland); Diploma of International Business (Maryville College, Ireland); PGCE & QTS (University of Sussex, UK)

James joins the IBSB Humanities Department having recently completed his PGCE at the University of Sussex in Brighton. He has worked across a range of roles in various Businesses and loves to get a deep understanding of what makes companies succeed or fail. He has a particular interest in the Human Resources side of Business, believing people to be the most important asset of any organisation. He also has a keen interest in History and likes to read across a wide range of topics, particularly relating to modern history. James is very passionate about all things sports, but particularly football, as a passionate supporter of Fulham. He says he also loves to explore new cultures, try new food, and meet new people, so as this is his first time in Romania, he is looking forward to visiting as much of this beautiful country as possible.

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Joseph Haynes (UK)
Economics Teacher

BSc (Hons), Economics (University of Wales, UK); MA, Teaching Advanced Secondary Education (Leiden University, Netherlands)), MA, Economics of Public Policy (Utrecht University, Netherlands)

Joseph joins the Humanities Department as a teacher of Economics, having previously taught in the Netherlands. In addition to the experience he brings from his previous teaching role, Joseph has an extensive background as a policy economist with specialist experience in economic measurement, having worked for the UK Treasury, National Statistics Institutes in both the UK and the Netherlands, and advisory groups for Eurostat, the OECD, and the IMF. In his free time, Joseph enjoys discovering new places, new foods, and new experiences. He has also been slowly ticking off visiting football teams across Europe, with a preference for the underdogs.

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Dimitrios Savvatis (Gr)
Mathematics Teacher

MSc, Mathematics of Computation and Decision Making (University of Patras, GR); BSc, Mathematics (University of Patras, GR); QTS

Dimitrios grew up in the beautiful city of Trikala, close to Meteora, a UNESCO world heritage site in Greece. He holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics with specialisation in Probability Theory & Statistics, and joins IBSB with more than 10 years teaching experience. He has taught in a number of countries around the world, including Greece, China, and Poland, and across all levels of the curriculum, including IGCSE and A Level Mathematics, and the IB Diploma. He is also TEFL certified teacher. In his free time, Dimitrios likes to head into the great outdoors, to surround himself in nature, swimming in the warm Ionian Sea, exploring the many Greek islands, and taking long walks in the forests. HE is also interested in Greek culture, especially traditional dances. Dimitrios says he is looking forward to his new adventure in Romania, supporting the students to achieve their very best as they aspire toward their immediate goals and future dreams.

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Jayne Baker (UK)
Business Studies Teacher, University Applications Coordinator

Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (ACIBS), PGCE from University of the West of England

Jayne joined our team in 2016 to teach Business Studies. She gained her teaching degree in 2007 after a change in career from being an International Trade Manager for a British bank. Once qualified Jayne undertook her first two years of teaching in Bristol; her home city, in a Sixth Form College. In 2009 she moved to her first international teaching post in Bahrain. After five years as Head of Faculty, she moved to a new challenge in Thailand, joining Regents International School as Head of Department and University Applications Coordinator. She was able to expand her horizons in teaching the IB Diploma Programme alongside IGCSE and A Level in Business Studies, Economics and Accounting. Outside school, Jayne enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, going to the cinema, skiing and cycling. After spending time in the Far East she also wishes to discover more regarding meditation, mindfulness and yoga.

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James Hudson (UK)
History & Humanities Teacher

MA, Continental Philosophy (University of Essex); BA (Hons), Philosophy (University of Essex); PGCE; CELTA

James joined IBSB in 2017, having taught in Hong Kong for five years. He is originally from Grimsby in the the north east of England, and attended Essex University where he specialised in the history of philosophy for both his BA and MA. Outside of school, James is a keen climber and has run some trips to local climbing walls. He also has a passion for music and enjoys playing a variety of string instruments, including the guitar, mandolin, and banjo.

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Ciprian Iacob (RO)
Secondary School PE Teacher

Master in Physical Education & Sport (University of Bacau, Romania); Bachelor in Physical Education (National Academy of Physical Education and Sport, Romania)

Ciprian is our Secondary School Physical Education Teacher, and one of our longest serving staff members, having joined the school close to its official opening in 2000. He is a teacher who has over the years played an important role in the lives of the students who have passed through this school. He is a specialist swimming coach, Judo coach, and alpine ski coach, with success achieved in national competitions. In addition to running PE lessons, the after school swimming club and football club, Ciprian also organises and coordinates a number of interschool sports events. When not teaching, he can usually be found working on his training programme or enjoying conversation with the students, and is one of our more popular staff members on campus.

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Claire Kingsley (UK)
Teacher of Drama

BA (Honours), Media and Performance (University of Salford, UK); PGCE (Manchester Metropolitan University, UK); QTS

Claire joins IBSB with more than 15 years’ experience as a teacher of Drama, with plenty of practical industry experience to share with her students. After gaining a BA (Hons) in Media and Performance from the University of Salford, Claire spent several years touring with a Murder Mystery Theatre Company, experiencing the joy and gaining the skills that come from working in live performance. Wanting to share these skills led Claire to working with young people in a diverse set of environments, ultimately completing a PGCE in Secondary Drama at Manchester Metropolitan University (with Distinction). This is Claire’s first time teaching abroad, having taught Drama in a number of schools in and around Manchester and Yorkshire over the last 15 years. She has led her own Performing Arts departments, proudly putting on some amazing shows, including The Lion King, We Will Rock You, and Grease, to name just a few, saying she adores the buzz and camaraderie that comes from putting on a large-scale production, and is excited to work with the wonderful, talented students at IBSB. Outside school, Claire is a bit of an adventurer and lover of the Great Outdoors, most notably taking part in a race through the jungles of Borneo with teams from all over the world. And although she has only been here a short time, Claire says she already loves Bucharest and is very excited to experience the many other delights that Romania has to offer.

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Aidan Ryan (Ireland)
Geography & Humanities Teacher

BSc Physical Education with concurrent Teacher Education (with Geography), (University of Limerick, Ireland); CELTA (University of Cambridge)

Aidan joined IBSB in August 2020, and is currently in his 7th year of teaching. He was born and raised in Limerick, Ireland, where he trained as a Geography and Physical Education Teacher, before moving to Kent in the UK to continue his teaching career, with a further 4 years teaching in international schools in the UAE. Aidan says he is extremely passionate about Geography and aims to instil the same passion in the students he teaches. Outside of teaching, Aidan loves to travel. He tends to favour active, outdoor trips and always tries to explore a place in depth, when time allows. He confesses himself to be a sucker for a beautiful view and relishes the challenge of a tough hike to get to one. He is also a big sports fan, who enjoys an active lifestyle, playing football and tennis on a weekly basis.

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Mihaela Senzaconi (RO)
Head of Science, Biology Teacher, Eco Committee Coordinator, Student Mentor

Bachelor of Biology (University of Bucharest); Teaching Certificate - Biology (University of Bucharest)

Mihaela has been teaching Biology for 14 years (most of which she has spent in IBSB). She graduated from the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, with a degree in Genetics, which she still finds fascinating. Her aim is to inspire her students with the same passion she has for the subject from their first year in the senior school until they graduate, and her students‘ grades show that she is certainly achieving her aim. She is also the Head of Science, overseeing admissions tests for science, and is an active supporter and volunteer in our schools Community Action Service programme. She is a chair of the Environment Committee, working at improving the quality of our schools ecological background and increasing awareness and understanding of global issues, and can usually be found in the science rooms offering students extra help in her free periods.

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Dr. Daniela Baitan (RO)
Science Teacher

BSc in Chemical Engineering (Technical University of Iasi, Romania); MSc in Natural Sciences (University of Poitiers, France); MSc in Civil (Soil) Engineering (University of Aveiro, Portugal); PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (University of Hamburg, Germany)

Originating from northern Romania, Daniela completed her Bachelor’s Degree in chemical engineering, specializing in organic chemistry, before receiving a two year Erasmus Mundus Master’s Scholarship in Natural Sciences to study in France, Portugal, and Canada. In 2015, Daniela was awarded the Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellowship, allowing her to complete a PhD. in collaboration with the University of Hamburg, working with research groups from the University of Basel, University of Gothenburg, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Strasbourg, and many other world renowned research institutions. In her free time, Daniela is very much an outdoor person, enjoying practicing yoga, hiking, spending time in nature, and travelling, which has she says has enabled her to explore her interest in other country’s traditions and cultures.

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Joy Murphy (UK)

BSc (Hons) Equine Science (University of Wales, Aberystwyth), PGCE Chemistry (Canterbury Christ Church University), QTS

Originally from the UK, Joy joins us from Dubai, UAE, where she taught for 4 years (her first international teaching post), and grew to love the international school learning environment. Prior to this, Joy taught for 10 years in the UK, gaining a wide variety of experience from Key Stage 3 through to Sixth Form. Outside of school, Joy enjoys an active life, spending as much time as possible outdoors running, cycling, and doing yoga, amongst other things, and says she is very much looking forward to adding snowboarding to her long list of interests, taking full advantage of the Romania winters!

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Loredana Iliescu (RO)
Science Teacher

Bachelor in Mathematics and Physics (Transilvania University, Romania); Teaching Certificate (teacher gr.1 - University of Bucharest)

Loredana, was a mathematics and physics teacher at IBSB from 2005-7, and having taught at a number other international schools over the past eight years, including three years at an international school abroad, she returned to IBSB for her second term in 2014. With eleven years teaching experience, teaching both the English National Curriculum and the IB Programme, Loredana has much to offer our students, and will no doubt put her knowledge and skills to good use in taking on the responsibility of teaching both IGCSE and A Level Physics, including A Level Mechanics. When not in school teaching her students, Loredana is most likely to be found spending time with her family, and where possible travelling as she enjoys visiting other countries and meeting new people.

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Cristina Marascu (RO)
Head of Mathematics, Mathematics Teacher, Kangaroo Competition Coordinator

Master in Business Administration (University from Craiova, Romania); Bachelor in Mathematics and ICT (University of the West, Romania)

Cristina is a good example of a lifelong learner, having graduated from the University of Timisoara, Faculty of Mathematics with a degree in Mathematics and ICT, before continuing on to complete an MBA whilst working at IBSB. She has also completed a course in International Hospitality Tourism Leadership and during the summer break works in Greece as a tour guide. She joined the school in 2004 and is a teacher that has the ability to get the best out her students. She is a Form Tutor, the Secondary School Clubs Coordinator, and in 2014 was promoted to Head of Department, which will certainly keep her busy. She says her passion in life is travelling, and so most school breaks she is off somewhere enjoying other cultures, making friends wherever she goes.

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Dr. Darren Laffar (UK)
Mathematics Teacher

BSc (1st Class Hons), Mathematics (University of Sheffield); PhD, Mathematics (University of Glasgow); QTS

Darren joins us from Leicestershire, England, where he worked as a Lead Practitioner for Mathematics and an Assistant Head of Mathematics. Before then, Darren worked at an International school in Rome. Mathematics has always been a huge part of Darren’s life and career, where after obtaining a first class degree at Sheffield University, he went on to do research at Glasgow University on Differential Geometry. It was during this period that Darren caught the “teaching bug” and went on to become a successful teacher in the UK for over 13 years. Outside of teaching, Darren is a huge football fan (and a follower of Leicester City) and plays as a 5/6 a-side goalkeeper. He also enjoys playing pool, keeping physically fit through a variety of means (anything from Yoga to HIIT training), and enjoys time with his lovely wife and new baby daughter.

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Kelly Aldersley (UK)
Mathematics Teacher

BA(1st Class Hons), Mathematics (University of Leeds, UK); PGCE, Secondary Mathematics (UCL Institute of Education, UK); QTS

Kelly joins IBSB from Thailand, where she spent four years teaching at a prestigious international school in Bangkok. Before that, she trained for her PGCE at UCL’s Institute of Education and then taught in UK schools for three years. Kelly did not, however, find her way into teaching immediately, post-graduation. Her first job, fresh from a degree in mathematics from the University of Leeds, was working as a computer programmer, where she says she enjoyed the day to day challenge of applying the skills learned studying maths to solving complex coding problems. Fundamentally, though, her heart was always with mathematics, and so she applied to become a teacher in order to pass on her love of maths and problem solving to the next generation. Outside of school and the world of mathematics, Kelly has been heavily involved with school trips and activities, especially the Duke of Edinburgh Award. She is a keen traveller, and plans to do lots of exploring both in Romania and abroad.

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Joanna Long (UK)
Art Teacher

BA (Hons) Fine Art Printmaking (Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton, UK); PGCE Postgraduate Certificate in Education Art and Design (Secondary) (University of Brighton, UK)

Joanna joined the Creative Arts Department in March 2023 to support the delivery of art to all ages within the Secondary School. She is a qualified Teacher of Fine Art, with specialized training in Printmaking and Photography, and postgraduate studies in teaching and education. She started her journey leading Art departments in the UK, and since then has travelled and worked internationally in Malawi Africa, Bali Indonesia, Taiwan, and now Romania. She has a passion for fusion teaching, and has been the lead on multiple STEAM projects in different schools around the globe, where Art is used as the vehicle to make sense of more complex scientific principles. She has a focused interest in the Expressive Arts as a holistic way to understand the individual, and has this at the focus of all of her teaching. She has participated in many workshops that incorporate sound, movement, free writing, Japanese forms of embodied dance, and loves blending theatre and performance Art with the Visual Arts. She is a practicing Artist and maintains this consistently alongside teaching, believing, and witnessing that this inspires her students to feel confident in creating authentically too. In Taiwan, she spent years studying the Chinese Characters and calligraphy, which she integrates into her meditative Art practice and teachings. She has also lectured at a Taiwanese Arts Education University to guide newly aspiring Art teachers, as well as led digital sessions remotely for schools wishing to integrate well-being through the Arts into their programs of study for the students. When not immersed in teaching Art, Joanna loves exploring new cultures and peoples, saying it always serves in opening her heart and mind wider. She lives by the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, ‘the continual journey of improvement’ and understands that when she teaches, she is collaborating, and is always as much student as teacher.

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Bohdan Pantella (UK)
Key Stage 2-4 Computer Science and ICT Teacher, Key Stage 4 Coordinator

Bachelor of Science (Hons) Business Information Technology Management (Manchester Metropolitan University); PGCE Information Communication Technology (St Martin’s College Lancaster).

Originally from Manchester in the UK, Bohdan has been teaching for close to twenty years, both in the UK and internationally. His first five years teaching internationally were in Bucharest, which he says he enjoyed tremendously. He then moved on with a desire to see more of the world, working in a number of countries within the Middle East and Asian regions, before eventually returning to Romania in 2017. His main passion is teaching ICT and Computer Science, saying he loves sharing his knowledge and experience with his students. Being from Manchester, his other passion is football. You’ll have to guess which football team he supports. He is also an avid motorbike rider, programmer, and a dedicated AFOL. When not at school, Bohdan spends most his free time with his wife, riding around Romania, and enjoys working on DIY projects around the home.

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Michelle Gourley (New Zealand)
Head of English

BA Hons (First Class) English, Classical Studies (University of Canterbury, New Zealand); MA (Distinction), English (University of Canterbury, New Zealand); Post-Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Christchurch College of Education, New Zealand)

Michelle joins IBSB  as the new Head of English, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from a number of years teaching, both in New Zealand and internationally, in the Middle East, Europe, and South America. Originally from New Zealand, where she trained and first taught, Michelle joined the mass kiwi migration west in search of an international life of adventure. Above all else, Michelle says she looks forward to sharing her love of the English language and literature with her students, inspiring the next generation of would be writers. Outside of school, Michelle has a passion for travel and new cultures, and in her down time can be found doing typical English teacher things, like reading and correcting people’s grammar.

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Aydın Korucuoğlu (TUR)
Computer Science Teacher

BSc (Hons) Electronics and Computer Science Education (Marmara University, Turkey)

Aydin is a true international, being born in Bulgaria, raised in Turkey, and for more than twenty years working as a teacher in Romania. His teaching focus is ICT and Computer Science, with a background in solution development in management and career counseling. He says he is particularly looking forward to challenging the students in the areas of Programming, Artificial Intelligence, 3D Printing, Robotics, Web Development, and Gaming. In his free time, Aydin enjoys participating in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, cycling, and snowboarding, and was a volunteer in the UEFA Euro 2020 European Football Championship as a Mobility Maker Team Lead. He is also an avid traveller, seizing every opportunity to visit other countries to make new friends and learn about different cultures.

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Peter Ennion (UK)
English Teacher, Upper Primary School Coordinator, Literacy Coordinator, Middle Leadership Team

BA, First Class Hons English Language and Literature (University of Liverpool, UK); PGCE (Liverpool Hope University, UK)

This is Peter’s thirteenth year teaching at IBSB. Peter hails from Wirral (just outside Liverpool) and he completed a degree in English Language and Literature before completing his PGCE and moving to Romania to teach at IBSB. After spending twelve years as a core member of the Primary School team, he has now moved across to our Secondary School for a new challenge. Peter will be teaching English in Key Stages 3 and 4 and is looking to promote literacy-related events and enjoyment of all aspects of the subject. Over the years, Peter has picked up enough Romanian language skills to survive in Bucharest and has travelled all over the country he now considers home.

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Tara Bennett (UK)
English & Humanities Teacher

BA(Hons), English Literature (De Montfort University); PGCE, Secondary Education (University of Leicester); QTS

Tara joins IBSB as an English teacher, arriving from Abu Dhabi where she taught for three years. Prior to moving abroad, Tara attended university, completing a degree in English Literature at De-Montfort University and a PGCE in Secondary Education at the University of Leicester, then worked as a qualified Teacher in Leicestershire, England. Tara says of her teaching, that she is passionate about English Language and Literature, seeking not only to pass on her love of reading, but also to empower her students to think critically and communicate effectively. As an avid reader, she is particularly looking forward to browsing the shelves of the school library, and has already planned a visit to Bucharest’s largest bookstore, Carturesti. Outside of work, Tara says she is a self-professed “nerd” who enjoys gaming and playing Dungeons and Dragons. She is also a keen traveller and as such is eager to explore the many beautiful cities and locations of Romania.

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Carmen Răducanu (RO)
Secondary EAL Coordinator & Spanish Teacher

BA, English & Spanish (University of Bucharest, Romania); Simultaneous and Consecutive Interpreter Certificate English/Spanish ( University of Extremadura, Spain); CELTA (International House, Spain)

Carmen joins IBSB as the Secodary School EAL Coordinator, having spent twelve years in Spain working as an English teacher. She graduated from the University of Bucharest with a BA in Modern Foreign Languages (English and Spanish), before moving to Spain to perfect her Spanish language skills and gain first-hand experience of the vibrant Spanish culture. Whilst in Spain she completed a course in Simultaneous Interpreting, at the University of Extremadura in Caceres, whilst studying TV, Radio, and Movie Production, then accepted an Erasmus scholarship in Brescia Italy, where she successfully completed her training working for a local TV station. Spain beckoned once more, moving to Barcelona, where she worked as an English teacher, completing her CELTA qualification at International House. Carmen says she is excited to be a member of the IBSB community, and is looking forward to creating a warm, friendly, motivating learning environment for her students.

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Cristina Latcu (RO)
Student Counsellor, SENCO Coordinator, & DSL

BA, Psychology (Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca); MA, Clinical Psychologist, Counsellor and Psychotherapist (Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca); Independent Clinical Psychologist; Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist (CBT), APPCR.

Cristina joined IBSB in 2021 as a Secondary School Counsellor and SENCO Coordinator. During her BA, she volunteered for Autism Transylvania Foundation (AAT) for a semester; it was then that she realised how special autistic children are, dedicating the next three years to working as a therapist for ASD children whilst continuing her studies. Upon finishing her MA, Cristina opened a private practice and continued working with ASD Children, along with teenagers and adults. In addition to running her private practice, Cristina also provided focused support supervising, facilitating behavioural change, and assisting with curricula adaptation for an autistic child in a private international school in Cluj-Napoca, prior to relocating to Bucharest. Outside of work, Cristina enjoys reading, traveling, and hiking.

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Nicoleta Vasilescu (RO)
Science Technician

Technician, Grade 1A

Nicoleta joined IBSB as a part-time technician in 2019, as an chemistry laboratory technician with 28 years experience working at the Polytechnic University of Bucharest – Faculty of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering – discovering the secrets of chemistry, biology, and physics and enjoying participating in numerous extra-curricular science activities. Since joining IBSB, Nicoleta has been an important member of the Science Team in the Secondary School helping prep the laboratory for experiments and supporting staff in all matters science, instil in our student a passion for the sciences. In her free time, Nicoleta enjoys travelling, cooking, and spending time with her family and her dog.

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Bogdan Gabaroi (RO)
Support Teacher

Bachelor of Arts, English and Romanian (University of Craiova)

Bogdan joins the Secondary School Student Support Team, having worked as a translator since 1999, both in Romania and the UK, and with 20 years teaching experience as an English Teacher, having completed a BA in English and Romanian from the University of Craiova. His passion for the English language started at a very young age, inspiring him to initially pursue a career as a translator and later a teacher of English, enjoying working with students of all ages to ensure they fall in love with Shakespeare’s mother tongue. He speaks highlight of his time living in London, where he worked as a translator, becoming well-acquainted with the British lifestyle and culture. As a fully converted anglophile, Bogdan says he is very happy to be a member of the IBSB community, where children learn to speak English as a native speaker, and looks forward to supporting the children on their learning journey each and every day. Outside of school, Bogdan enjoys riding horses in the woods with his riding students, as a long time horse-riding instructor, with occasional guest appearances on Romanian TV stations and other media outlets.

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Aura Bogdan (RO)
Executive Director
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Alexandra Nenciu (RO)
School Librarian

BA, Film Studies (Caragiale National University of Theatre and Film, RO); MA, History of Ideas, Mentalities, and Popular Culture (University of Bucharest, RO)

Alexandra is the school librarian, having joined IBSB in the spring of 2022. She considers her background to be a mirror of her passions and capabilities, first pursuing her passion for cinema and film, in completing a BA in Film Studies (Scriptwriting and Filmology), and then an MA in the History of Ideas, Mentalities, and Popular Culture. Post-graduation, Alexandra sampled the corporate life, working as an audit analyst for one of the Big Four, before seeking out a more creative career. In joining IBSB, Alexandra says she is looking forward to sharing her passion for books and reading, and is excited to explore new ways of making reading for pleasure and general interest fun and engaging for the tech savvy, digital generation. In her spare time, Alexandra enjoys reading, with her favorite author at the moment being Ocean Vuong a Vietnamese American poet, essayist, and novelist, recipient of the Ruth Lilly/Sargent Rosenberg fellowship, the Whiting Award, and the T.S. Eliot Prize for poetry. She also enjoys spending quality time with her friends and journaling.

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Anamaria Stere (RO)
Extracurricular Coordinator

BA Faculty of Marketing and Economic Affairs “Spiru Haret University”
 

Ana first joined IBSB in September 2001 as a teaching assistant, after graduating University. She then moved from the classroom to the office, bringing with her the experience of the classroom, taking over the responsibility for organising school lunches, school transport, after school clubs, trips, and events. Whether in the classroom or the office, Ana says that working at a school is a fulfilling experience as the children teach you so much about discovery, imagination, curiosity, and joy. Outside school, Ana enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, going to the cinema and cooking for friends.

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Iulia Boboc (RO)
HR Manager

Spiru Haret University Bachelor in Law (Bucharest), Masters in Law and Public Administration-Probation in Criminal Law Spiru Haret University (Bucharest), HR Inspector National Certification

Iulia joined IBSB in March 2007, as a graduate from the Faculty of Law at University of Spiru Haret, where she completed a Bachelor and Master Degree in Law and Public Administration. On a day to day basis, Iulia brings not only a warm friendly smile to the school, but a wealth of knowledge and experience. As a lifelong learner, Iulia has continued to develop her knowledge since joining the IBSB team, attending HR and Safer Recruitment courses and seminars. She plays a primary role in regard to ensuring safer recruitment policies and procedures re followed, and assisting new staff and their families to settle into life here in Romania. Outside work, Iulia enjoys travelling and exploring beautiful countries and meeting new people. She also enjoys skiing, photography, and spending time with her daughter.

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Florina Georgescu (RO)
PR & Admissions Officer

BA in Law at University Romano- Americana, BA in Pedagogy for Primary and Early Years Education at the Romanian University Bucharest of Psychology and Educational Science, Masters in  Educational Management at the Romanian University Bucharest

Flori joined IBSB in September 2000 as one of the original team members, and as such has seen the school grow from just 9 students to more than 350 today. Originally joining the team as a teaching assistant, Flori took some time out in 2010 to have her first child, returning to work in the school office as the Admissions Officer, and is now also involved in PR. After 16 years of work at IBSB, surrounded by students, staff, and parents, Flori says she feels like IBSB is her second home. When not at school, she likes spending time with her family, travelling, and discovering different places, cultures, and people. She enjoys reading and doing sport and can be found more recently participating in many of the school Triathlons and Marathon events.

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Elena Iliuta (RO)
Finance Manager

BA, Faculty of Financial Management Accountant (University of Spiru Haret, Bucharest); MA, Audit and Financial Business (Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest); Human Resources Inspector – National Certification; Advanced Postgraduate certification in Accountancy;

Elena joined IBSB in April 2006 as an Economist, quickly becoming a valued member of the office team, handling the day-to-day planning, implementing, managing, and controlling of all financial-related activities. A graduate from the Faculty of Financial Management Accountant, University of Spiru Haret, she completed her academic studies with a Master Degree in Audit and Financial Business. In her free time, Elena says she likes to relax, with much of her free time spent reading books and watching movies.

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Simona Ion (RO)
Contract and Invoice Specialist

MBL, Masters in Business Law (Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest), Graduation Certificate of S.P.D.P.P. Level I and Level II, Psychopedagogical studies (Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest)

Simona recently joined the IBSB team, where she brings her valuable expertise to the financial department. With a Business Law master’s degree and over a decade of experience in business administration, including four years specializing in debt recovery, she excels in strategic planning, operations, and effective debt collection. Simona’s proficiency is grounded in her solid academic foundation and practical know-how. Beyond her professional endeavors, she enjoys spending quality time with friends, diving into a good book, and teeing off for a round of golf.

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Claudia Hulea (RO)
Finance Department

BA, Economics, (Academy of Economic Studies, Romania); MA, Financial Audit and Consulting (Academy of Economic Studies, Romania)

Claudia joined the IBSB team as a member in the financial department. She completed a degree in Economics from the Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, before going on to do her master’s in Financial Audit and Consulting. Related to accounting, she has over 15 years experience working in a variety of companies across a number of business sectors. When not at work, Claudia likes spending time with friends, reading, and going to the theatre.

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Andreea Simion (RO)
Head of Admissions and Corporate Communication

BA, Banks and Finance (Valahia University, Romania ); Erasmus Student (Universite Val de Marne, France); Certified Coach (Coachingdipity)

Andreea joins the office team as the new Head of Admissions. She describes herself as a happy, optimistic, enthusiastic person by nature; a positive thinker with a can-do attitude and the courage to try new things, to be original, always thinking outside the box. She graduated from university in 2005, immediately joining a financial institution in Bucharest, growing professionally from teller to Branch Manager and Head of Department, before moving on to Italy in 2010 to work for Group Holding in their Innovation Department, and then Austria to coordinate the implementation of group projects for all CEE Banks. In total, Andreea has more than 15 years’ experience in multinational companies, with expertise in sales and business development, project management, and commercial strategy. She describes herself as a lifelong learner, and has recently certified as a life coach to support others on their learning journey. When not at school, Andreea spends most of her free time with her two children, who she says challenge her to be the very best version of herself. She also enjoys experimenting with interior design ideas, playing chess, and travelling when time allows.

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Iulia Antocica (RO)
Admissions and Corporate Relations Officer

BA and Master Degree, Geopolitics & International Relations (Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest)

Iulia is the latest acquisition in our Admissions department. Before arriving to IBSB she has mainly worked in the corporate environment, growing from a curious junior level into a senior specialist in projects’ implementation and markets’ technical support. She describes herself as a disciplined, problem solver and hard working person. She is fluent in English, French and Portuguese. Iulia enjoys dedicating her spare time to her family and close friends, to explore new travel destinations and to study as much as possible about psychology, interior design & styling.

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Madalina Taraze (RO)
Sixth Form College Administration Support, Head of School PA

Bachelor of Law, Faculty of Law (Bioterra University of Bucharest, Romania)

Madalina joined the IBSB Administration Team in the summer of 2022 as a graduate from the Faculty of Law, at the Bioterra University of Bucharest. Her initial role was Front Desk Administration Support. In October 2023, Madalina moved to the Sixth Form College in the role of Sixth Form College Administration Support Officer, and Head of School Personal Assistant. She describes herself an extremely organized and efficient person, but also as a kind, caring, and cheerful person, and is the first smiling face our Sixth Form Students greet when they arrive at school each day. When asked about her experience working at IBSB, Madalina says she gets a lot of self-satisfaction from helping others, especially children, and enjoys using her English every day, which is why she applied to work at IBSB. When not at work, Madalina likes to read and to go on long walks, and is a passionate traveller who enjoys experiencing foreign countries, cultures, and cuisine.

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Marius Bogdan (RO)
IT Director

Marius first joined IBSB in 2003 and after a period away returned as IT Director. He is responsible for the management, strategy and execution of IT infrastructure for the organization. Marius also oversees technical projects in alignment with organizational goals, supervising IT team, while working closely with management, external vendors and advisors.
In his free time, Marius enjoys spending time with friends, watching 4D movies at the cinema and bike riding.

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Dan Boboc (RO)
System Administrator

BA, International Relation and European Studies (Spiru Haret University, Romania), Certified IT Technician and SQL Programming

Dan joined IBSB in January 2007 and since this time has been involved in various areas of support across the school. In his current role as System Administrator, he is responsible for the smooth functioning and development of the IT infrastructure in our school, saying he is always happy to offer his support to our staff and students in their day-to-day encounter with the IT world within IBSB, and does so with a warm, welcoming smile. Outside school, most of all, Dan enjoys spending time with his daughter. In addition, he enjoys travelling, music, movies, video games, staying in touch with technology and everything that involves physical activities.

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Florin Ghita (RO)
MIS Administrator

BA, Public Administration (National School of Political and Administrative Studies, Romania)

Florin is our MIS Administrator. He joined our team in 2009 and is responsible for the smooth running of the IT system in the school. In addition to ensuring that all our school servers, computers, tablets, electronic whiteboards, and printers are running smoothly, Florin is also involved in a host of other jobs, including maintaining and updating SchoolBase (the school MIS), issuing reports, and maintaining all staff and student accounts, which added together means that he is usually the last staff member to leave school each night. Outside school, Florin enjoys spending time with his family and friends, watching movies, and keeping up to date with the latest innovations in technology.

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David Oprescu (RO)
Examination Officer

BA (Hons), Faculty of Law & Public Administration (Spiru Haret University, RO)

David joined IBSB as a member of the administration team overseeing examinations, having graduated with a degree in law from Spiru Haret University. Since graduation, David has pursued a number of interests including, but not limited to, Archaeology (Technical Drawer on Capidava site) and Restoration (mural oil painting restoration). He is the sort to person who loves to learn new things, and enjoys being active, being an ex-athlete, a Municipal Champion in the 60m, 100m, and 200m sprint and an ex-rugby player (having played wing for 3 years). In his free time, David likes to reading or take photos of landscapes, and to relax watching documentaries.

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Nicoleta Micu (RO)
School Nurse

General Medical Assistant (Fundeni Sanitary School)

Nicoleta joined the IBSB in 2017 as the school nurse, having previously worked as a medical assistant in several private medical clinics in Bucharest. With more than 13 years’ experience as a nurse, and with much of this time spent in a school environment, Nicoleta a valued member of the administration team, saying she really enjoys each and every day at school. When not in the medical room, she can often be found walking around outside during the breaks, building a positive, caring, and supportive relationship with the students. Outside of school, Nicoleta likes to spend time with her family and especially enjoys playing with her two children.