Alexis Evans PYP Teacher

PYP Teacher

Alison Judd Learning Assistant

Learning Assistant

Ana Rita Pires PYP Teacher

Ana Rita Cerdeira Pires is a PYP Teacher at OIS, teaching across all subjects in the Primary Years Programme. From Portugal, she speaks Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish. Ana Rita holds a Licenciatura in Basic Education and a Postgraduate qualification in Special Education. With 17 years of teaching experience, she has previously worked at St. Dominic’s International School, Colégio Sra Boa Nova, and St. Peter’s International School. She joined OIS in 2022 and values most the strong sense of community within the school. In her free time, Ana Rita enjoys reading, dancing, swimming, and going to the beach.

Aran McMahon Learning Assistant

Learning Assistant

Camila Vargas Learning Assistant

Learning Assistant

Cláudia Afonso Learning Assistant

Learning Assistant

Emma Ashton Music & Drama Teacher

Ms Emma Ashton

Music/Drama Teacher

João Casquinho Physical & Health Education (PHE) and Personal, Social & Physical Education (PSPE) Teacher

Physical & Health Education (PHE) and Personal, Social & Physical Education (PSPE) Teacher

Johanna Mayerhofer Learning Assistant

Learning Assistant

Jonathan Chambers Head of PYP and PYP ICT Teacher

As a passionate educator and student advocate Jonathan has been a leader for twelve of his twenty-five years in education, although he very much remains a teacher at heart.

Jonathan’s learning journey has been built upon extensive experience across various countries, not only enriching his teaching philosophy but also nurturing his commitment to inclusivity and intercultural understanding. As an IB Programme and Workshop Leader, his focus on inquiry-based learning through the International Baccalaureate Framework reflects his dedication to ensuring that every student can engage meaningfully and take ownership of their learning.

Additionally, Jonathan´s role as a CIS Accreditation Team Evaluation visitor has enhanced his ability to assess and promote best practices in diverse learning environments. Coupled with his certification in school management and leadership from Harvard Business School, Jonathan embodies the qualities of a knowledgeable and relational leader, emphasizing the importance of relationships in fostering growth and success.

As a father, his involvement in his children’s PYP journey has deepened Jonathan´s understanding of education’s personal and transformative nature, highlighting the importance of nurturing passion and equipping children with the necessary skills to make a positive impact in the world. Jonathan’s approach encapsulates the essence of a dedicated educator who seeks not only to teach but to inspire and uplift others.

Jorge Santos Head of Arts – Visual Arts and Design Teacher

Jorge Gaspar Lino dos Santos is the Head of the Arts Department at OIS, where he teaches Design and Visual Arts. Originally from Portugal, Jorge speaks Portuguese and English. Following in the footsteps of his parents, who studied at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Lisbon, Jorge has built a career in art education. Before joining OIS in 2013, he worked at St. Dominic’s International School. He values the sense of belonging that comes from working with a creative community of students and teachers. Outside the classroom, Jorge enjoys expressing himself artistically and spending time in nature.

Kate Burley PYP Teacher and PYP Assistant Programme Coordinator

PYP Teacher

Kate Burley is the Assistant PYP Coordinator and Year 5 Class Teacher at OIS, with responsibilities in both teaching and pastoral care. Originally from the United Kingdom, Kate speaks English and Portuguese. She studied Philosophy and Art History at undergraduate level and later completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. With 16 years of teaching experience in the UK, Czech Republic, and Portugal, she has previously taught at Chesterfield High School in the UK, Duhovka International School in Prague, and St. Julian’s School in Portugal. Kate joined OIS in 2023 and values the strong community and the alignment with the school’s mission and values. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, reading, and learning new things.

Kristen Register PYP Teacher

PYP Teacher

Lennart Girard Sports, Exercise & Health Science and Physical & Health Education (PHE) Teacher and DP Assistant Programme Coordinator

Lennart Girard is a Physical and Health Education Teacher and DP Assistant Coordinator at OIS, where he teaches Physical and Health Education as well as Sports, Exercise and Health Science. Originally from Germany, Lennart speaks German, English, and French. He holds a Master of Education in Physical Education and Geography and has 10 years of teaching experience. Before joining OIS in 2016, he taught at the Carlucci American International School in Lisbon. Lennart enjoys being surrounded by nature every day at OIS. Outside of school, he enjoys surfing, playing basketball, hiking, and travelling.

Margarida Coimbra Science Teacher

Margarida Coimbra is an Upper PYP Science Teacher and MYP Science/Biology Teacher at OIS, teaching Science from Grades 4 to 8 and Biology in Grades 9 and 10. Originally from Portugal, Margarida is fluent in both Portuguese and English. An international student herself from Grades 2 through 12, she later earned a BSc in Biology and an MSc in Ecology. With seven years of teaching experience, she has previously worked at Pinecrest Preparatory Middle & High in Miami, Florida, and Doral Academy Red Rock in Las Vegas, Nevada. Margarida joined OIS in 2023 and especially appreciates the school’s five-hectare green-field campus, which provides a rich environment for both students and teachers. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, creative writing, and hiking.

Maria Biscaia PYP Portuguese Coordinator and Portuguese Language Teacher

Maria Bowring Horgan Biscaia is a PYP Portuguese Teacher and Coordinator at OIS, teaching Portuguese Language and Literature. From Lisbon, Portugal, Maria speaks Portuguese and English. She holds a four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education and has 15 years of experience as a primary school teacher, including eight years working as a classroom teacher and three years as a school coordinator. She joined OIS in August 2022 and particularly values the strong team spirit among her colleagues. In her free time, Maria enjoys reading and spending time with her sisters, especially at the beach.

Maria Ribeiro Menezes Learning Assistant

Ms. Maria Ribeiro Menezes

Learning Assistant

Noha Battouty PYP Teacher

Noha Elbattouty is an IB PYP Year 2 Educator at OIS, teaching mathematics, language, units of inquiry, and wellbeing. Originally from Egypt, Noha speaks Arabic, English, and Portuguese. She began her professional journey in dentistry before transitioning into teaching, where she has now accumulated 16 years of experience. Her career includes work at the National Cancer Institute in Egypt and Jennifer’s International School. Having been part of OIS for five years, Noha especially values the school’s vibrant and diverse community. In her free time, she enjoys staying active through sports and creative pursuits.

Paula Hannam Mathematics and Individuals & Societies Teacher

Paula Hannam teaches Mathematics and Individuals & Societies at OIS. Originally from England, she speaks English and German. Paula holds a BA (Hons) in European Business with Languages and an MEd in International Education. She brings over 20 years of experience in marketing and eight years of teaching experience. Before joining OIS in 2021, she taught at the Arts Academy Charter Middle School and Lehigh Career and Technical Institute in the United States. Paula values the international-mindedness of the OIS community. In her free time, she enjoys sewing and horse riding.

Paula Mutamir Student Inclusion Specialist – Professional Development in PYP

Ms Paula Mutamir

Student Inclusion Specialist

Professional Development in PYP

Sasha Webb Visual Arts Teacher

Visual Arts teacher

Sophie Bell PYP Teacher

Sophie Bell is a PYP Teacher at OIS, currently teaching Year 5. Originally from the United Kingdom, Sophie speaks English. She holds an MA (Hons) in Modern History from the University of St Andrews and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Edinburgh University. With seven years of teaching experience, Sophie joined OIS in 2020. She loves teaching the IB PYP curriculum and values the unique international atmosphere that OIS provides. In her free time, Sophie enjoys tennis, travelling, skiing, and spending time in nature.

Sarah Philip PYP Teacher

Ms Sarah Philip

PYP Teacher

Shaila Spalla PYP Portuguese Language Teacher

Shaila Spalla teaches Portuguese Language Acquisition at OIS. She is from Brazil and speaks Portuguese and English. Shaila holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education (Pedagogy) from the Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters in São Paulo, Brazil. With 15 years of teaching experience, she previously taught at St. Paul’s School, the British School of São Paulo, and Escola Graduada, also in São Paulo. Since joining OIS in 2019, Shaila has most enjoyed the students’ interest in learning, as well as the care, support, and friendship of her colleagues.

Teresa Curto Learning Assistant and Portuguese Language Teacher

Ms. Teresa Curto

Learning Assistant and Portuguese Language Teacher

Tiago Ventura Physical & Health Education (PHE) and Personal, Social & Physical Education (PSPE) Teacher

Mr Tiago Ventura

Physical & Health Education Teacher

Personal, Social and Physical Education Teacher