Staff

Belinda Yates -  Executive Head

I have over 30 years of teaching experience in private schools in Australia and Belgium and have worked at ISF for 16 years for the last 14 in leadership positions.  I have always been and continue to be involved with a variety of professional educational organizations such as the Council of English Speaking Schools in Belgium (CESSIB). I am the founder and one of the Google Education Group (GEG) leaders for Belgium. I am a proud mother of two and in my free time love walking and travelling.

Analida Anguizola - Head of Primary School & EAL

Born and raised in Panama, my Spanish and Italian roots took me to Belgium in 2002.  Fascinated by Psychology, I fell in love with education whilst completing my end-of-studies internship in Educational Psychology.  Since then, I have been working and thriving at international schools complementing these two fantastic vocations.   Although I am always on the go, I love sunbathing and relaxing at the coast with a good crossword puzzle, going skiing with the family, and practicing yoga when in need of creating a healthy balance in my life.

Nadim Bayeh - Head of Secondary, Chemistry Teacher

Half-Lebanese, half-Trinidadian with a Franco-American education; my background is in engineering as an architect, public speaking coach, and social worker volunteer. I like to bring out the practical aspect of science in everyday life.

Alex Coxall - Mathematics Teacher, IG1 Tutor

Born and raised in the South of England, I have recently moved to Belgium after twelve years of teaching Maths and Science in Shanghai, China. I worked in both local and International schools at the time and I especially enjoy showing students how Maths and Physics relate to their everyday lives. My research interests include Artificial Intelligence and organizational change management. I enjoy the outdoors, especially hiking and diving whenever I get the chance.

Beatriz Rocha - Chemistry and Science Teacher, 9B Tutor 

Born and raised in Portugal, I pursued my academic interests by earning Master’s degrees in Food Engineering and Teaching Chemistry and Physics in Secondary Education. This passion for science led me to Belgium, where I initially worked as a researcher and now as a teacher. Chemistry and science have always been a significant part of my life, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with my students. While I maintain strong ties to my Portuguese roots, I embrace every chance to explore new cultures and broaden my horizons through travel.

Ben Thumwood - Physical Education Teacher, 9A Tutor

I have been in Belgium for over ten years. I have a Master's in Physical Education. My main passion is playing, coaching, refereeing, and watching football.

Cathy Kerendi - Year 4 Teacher

Born and raised in London, my first career was in international banking. Then followed several years in the US before life brought me to Belgium and, more specifically, to ISF, where I am thoroughly enjoying my second career in teaching.

Beatrice Schneider -  French Language 1, History Teacher and French Coordinator

I am French from Paris and have been living in Belgium for the last 6 years. I’ve taught French, Modern Literature, Philosophy, and History for more than two decades, in Paris and abroad. Teaching is my passion, and I believe that it is a work of the heart. I enjoy classical rock, movies, traveling, philosophers, symbolist poets, Albert Camus, and impressionist painters. 

Claudia Cordeiro -  Year 5 and 6 Teacher

I am from Brazil and am very passionate about teaching. I've lived and worked in countries across four continents, including Brazil, USA, India, and now Belgium. I have over twelve years of experience teaching primary students in international schools.  I love spending my spare time with my husband and three children. I also enjoy traveling, reading, singing, and playing the piano.

Elli Guns - Year 2 Teacher

I am a Belgian-Australian and grew up in Belgium. I studied abroad for three years in England where I was awarded my teaching degree from the University of Sussex. I love baking, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.

Edwin Thijs -  External Exams Officer 

I was born and raised in South Africa and recently moved to Belgium with my family. I have been teaching for the past 11 years, and I don't see myself pursuing a different career anytime soon. I am a sporty person who enjoys the outdoors and living a healthy lifestyle. I think I have a great sense of humour, but my wife doesn't always agree with me. 

Fatima Saadani - Pre-School Teacher

I was born and raised in London and moved to Belgium in 2004. I  have more than 15 years of experience working in Montessori schools both in Belgium and in London.  I enjoy travelling, art, and spending time with my family and friends.  

Lynn Allavoine - Pre-school Teacher

I recently arrived in Belgium and ISF this year, excited for the new adventure. I am a French-American, born and raised in France, and educated at an international school. I moved to the United States for college and later a Master's Degree in Education. For over 20 years, I have been exploring the multiple facets of my passion, teaching young children to feel confident, competent and enjoy learning, in a variety of school settings. I am an outdoors enthusiast, and I love hiking and kayaking, spending long hours homestead gardening, but also reading a good book under a shady tree. Indoors, I like getting crafty drawing, knitting, or pottery.

Frank Christensen - Bus Driver and Maintenance 

I was born and grew up in Copenhagen. I moved to Belgium in 1993 and worked as a school bus driver and maintenance worker. I returned to Denmark for 4 years and set up my own company, and then decided to return to Belgium to continue my previous work. I have two lovely children and enjoy bowling and making sculptures. I enjoy working with iron and on roofs; the higher, the better.

Florentina Stanciu - Pre-School Assistant

I was born and raised in Bucharest. I have been living abroad for the last 7 years. I have lived in The Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland) and Turkey and last year I moved to Belgium with my family. I have 13 years of experience teaching preschool children. This is my first year with ISF and I’m enjoying it. I love travelling with my husband and my two little children, I like photography and outdoor activities.

Hadeeqa Batool - Financial Assistant and School Secretary

I was born and raised in Pakistan. I moved to Belgium in 2005. After doing my Masters in Administration, I worked in a bank. It's been five years since I have been part of the ISF team. I enjoy the diversity at ISF Waterloo. I like travelling, and I really enjoy planning long road trips with my family. 

Henrik Kjoller - Grounds Manager and Bus Driver

I was born and grew up outside Aarhus, Denmark. After finishing Seamen and Carpenters school, I moved to Belgium in 1991. I started working for an International school, doing maintenance, teaching woodwork classes, and bus driving for several years. I also worked at Sportkot KU Leuven for 16 years. I raised 4 children and many dogs and cats. I like to be creative, in nature, with my dog, my motorbike, travelling, cooking, and with good people. 

Jake Erkens - Art and Design & Global Perspectives

I am a German-Filipino and grew up most of my life in the Philippines. Before moving to Belgium last year, I was in Denmark, completing my studies. This is now my second year of teaching at ISF, and I am enjoying it. Some of my hobbies and interests include cooking, travelling, visiting museums and art galleries, and spending time with friends and family. 

Juan Francisco Betancourt - School Counsellor

I am Ecuadorian, born and raised in Quito. I have lived and travelled to many countries around the world. I am a psychologist and did my postgraduate degree in 'International Teacher' in Belgium because I fell in love with the international educational environment as soon as I stepped into a classroom as a teacher. I've been a teacher of psychology, history, and linguistics for the last 5 years. My passions are sports (mainly swimming and MMA), but I also love to read and write in my free time.

Kelly Ashbaugh - Year 3, Primary Literacy Coordinator 

My teaching career began in the United States, in my home state of Arizona. After a few years of teaching there, I decided that I wanted to experience teaching in a more international and multicultural environment. Over the past fifteen years, I have taught in international schools in Lithuania, Germany, and now I am entering my 11th year at ISF Waterloo. I enjoy travelling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Laurence Peetermans -  French Teacher 

I am from Belgium. I studied journalism and communications at ULB, and after my studies, I was very interested in teaching French. I continued my education to teach French as a Foreign Language. I taught for three years in international schools before joining ISF Tervuren as a French teacher.

Lakeisha Cassidy - Pre-Primary Teacher

My name is Lakeisha Cassidy and I am from Ireland. I love working in the Early Years because you can have lots of fun whilst helping your students grow in a happy and secure environment. I love lots of messy and creative activities! In my free time, I love to relax with my family, read and get crafty!

Marthinus Griesel - English Teacher, Year 8 Tutor

I was born and raised in South Africa. My wife is Belgian and we moved here a few years ago. Having started my teaching career relatively late in my life provides me with the advantage of combining life experience with my teaching. An immense passion for the development of our young people made for the major drive in choosing a teaching career, a career that I plan to pursue for the remainder of my working life. I love the outdoors, and physical activity, and find great peace and comfort in nature. 

Laurence Turcry - French Teacher

I was born and grew up in Belgium, where I started my career as a teacher for 7 years. I pursued in European schools for over 20 years, first in Spain and then in Italy. Back home, I wanted to continue teaching in a multicultural environment. I'm curious about life. Passionate about cinema, reading, theatre, music and arts. I love human contact and children, and I enjoy this wonderful story together.

Niki Daun -  Assistant to Executive Head, Data Protection Officer

I'm from the UK but brought up mostly in Sweden, with American international education, so I feel very much at home in the ISF community! I've been in Brussels for 25 years, freelancing, volunteering, and recently completed my Degree in psychology - while raising two kids. I enjoy cooking, long walks in the forest with my dog, and going on adventures with my camper van. 

Nikita Thijs - History and Global Perspectives Teacher

Born and raised in South Africa, I hold dual nationality as a Portuguese citizen. I specialize in a range of subjects. I form part of the leadership team as the Head of Learner Success at our sister school, Inventum  International Online. Outside of work, I am passionate about staying active through CrossFit and find joy in baking. My personal motto is, "Persist and conquer: every challenge paves the way."

Ashley Vercueil  - English, History and Global Perspective Teacher, A Level Tutor

I am a South African educator with over a decade of English teaching experience under my belt. I believe in investing in humans— as they're our most precious resource. I love learning and have a special interest in literature, history, and a lot of sports!

Sarah Hodges -  Geography, and EAL Teacher, 7B Tutor

I am originally from the Wirral in the UK and have been living and working in Belgium for nearly 30 years and recently received Belgian nationality. Throughout my teaching career, I have taught students from 9 to 18 years old in a variety of schools over 30 years. Prior to my teaching career, I was an Outdoor Pursuits Instructor working in Snowdonia, North Wales, and I was awarded my teaching degree from Liverpool John Moores University. My interests include sailing, cycling, walking, photography (particularly ornithology) and crafts.

Henro Steyn - Mathematics Teacher

I was born and raised in the multi-cultural South Africa. Teaching is one of my greatest passions and mathematics happens to be one of the others. I’ve been teaching in a classroom for the past six years and one-on-one for the past 10 years. While not working I love spending time with my wife, family, or friends. I love the outdoors and all kinds of sports and on rainy days I spend my time playing video games.

Maria Gomez - Music Teacher

I was born and raised in Venezuela. I came to Belgium in 2018 to study for my bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Music at the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel. Along with my studies in Belgium, I had the opportunity to play as an academist and cello substitute with professional orchestras. I love teaching in an international and multicultural environment, and for that reason, I am delighted to be part of the ISF community. I enjoy travelling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Saher Bughio - Pre-School Assistant and Garderie

I'm originally from Pakistan, and I've lived in Austria, and Jordan, and have settled in Belgium for 5 years now. I am an ISF alumni and I'm currently pursuing my studies in business economics. I'll be assisting at preschool this academic year. I enjoy traveling, reading, and painting.

Yves Luyens - Maths and Physics Teacher

I am Belgian and a father of four. I am fluent in English, French, Dutch, and I love teaching in an international and multicultural environment. I am delighted to be part of the ISF community. My engineering background gives me a purposeful view of maths that I love to share and teach. I also like to inspire students through another passion of mine, namely, distance running and some of its key benefits like perseverance, progression and balance.