OIS Teacher Profiles

Allyson Connell - English Language A,  TOK teacher, MYP Language A leader

Allyson B.A, B.Ed, M.A (University of Toronto), brings to OIS a wealth of experience and enthusiasm for the teaching of IB Diploma Programme literature and theatre. She has taught in Canada, Colombia, Chile, United Kingdom and Portugal. Allyson has taught IB MYP and Diploma programmes for a number of years and is a senior Diploma examiner for Theatre. She is particularly interested in theatre in education and has directed a number of challenging theatrical productions from Shakespeare to Ionesco. Over recent years Allyson has focused on the literature and language programmes and recently attended Diploma Programme training in Zurich for the new English A Diploma programme. As a student-centred teacher, Allyson sees her move to OIS as an exciting opportunity to construct programmes in a new environment that will inspire in her future students a love of literature and drama and a respect for the values they engender. 

allyson.connell@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Alexandra Monteiro - Year 6 and 7 teacher

Alexandra earned a BA in Portuguese and Brazilian Studies from King’s College, University of London and a PGCE from Sunderland University. Her extensive experience in international education includes teaching the IB at PYP, MYP and Diploma levels. Alexandra is passionate about history and culture and believes that education should instill in the students a sense of identity and respect for themselves and the world around them.  In joining OIS, Alexandra continues her work in a multicultural environment and looks forward to contributing to the growth of a new school.

alexandra.monteiro@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Ana Durán -  Spanish teacher

Ana is from Spain and graduated from the Complutense University of Madrid. Living in Portugal for many years, she has been teaching Spanish as a private teacher to all age groups. She is very fond of music, reading and she loves dancing flamenco dancing. She strongly believes in the values of the IB and recognizes that language learning and communication expand minds and make life richer. Ana is looking forward to using her experience and enthusiasm to inspire students at OIS.

ana.duran@oeirasinternationalschool.com

André Lopes - Mathematics teacher

André was born and raised in Braga, Portugal. He attended “Universidade do Minho” in Portugal and graduated with a teaching degree in Mathematics. He joined VIF International Education which centres on world language education, global awareness and cultural exposure and began his international teaching career at a public school in North Carolina, USA. Andre is an experienced IBO teacher and has taught in both the MYP and the Diploma Programmes. OIS is his third international school in Portugal and he feels fortunate that he has the opportunity to bring his expertise and contribute to the continuous development of the school as it becomes a reference in international education in Portugal.

andre.lopes@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Andrew Parlby -  MYP Coordinator and Physical Education teacher

Andy graduated from the University of Greenwich with a B.Ed (Honours) in Movement Studies and Science. Since then he has taught the British National curriculum in the UK, and the MYP in Milan. Andrew is an IB Workshop leader for Physical Education. He chose OIS because “an exciting project like this - the ability to start a school with a group of experienced and well-qualified teachers who wish to help develop students to become lifelong learners and international citizens - does not come around very often in teaching.”

andrew.parlby@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Antonieta Gálvez - Spanish A and Spanish Ab Initio

Antonieta has a BA (Diploma) in Humanities, an LLB in Law (Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú) and an LLM in International Legal Studies (Georgetown University). She is currently writing her  PhD thesis in Law atUniversidade Nova de Lisboa.  She was a Law Professor at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú for several years and has taught the Spanish IB Diploma Program for 4 years in Portugal.  She is also an IB Diploma Examiner for Spanish Ab Initio.   

antonieta.galvez@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Careers Counsellor/Consultant

"Centro de esTUDO" brings the expertise of professionals in education with more than fourteen years of experience in Career Guidance. Their work involves helping students make decisions for their future, learn to make choices and choose courses and institutions for Further or Higher Education, knowing what is available worldwide and the latest career options. They are also available for the follow up process, by working together to find the best solution for the student’s future.

They are available for weekly meetings to support and guide the students through the process.

marina.rodrigues@oeirasinternationalschool.com

info@estudocentro.com

Carla Azevedo - Portuguese teacher


Carla has a degree in Law, a Postgraduate in Human Resources and is a Certified Business Coach. She has 21 years of experience teaching Portuguese 
to foreigners 12 of which while managing a language school. Her passion for teaching comes from her motivation to communicate with a diverse group of people. 
Working at OIS will give her the opportunity to contribute to the education of children and teenagers, encourage the principles and values underlying the IB, 
and cooperate with a multidisciplinary team of teachers.

Carla Mandacaru - Diploma Coordinator, Mathematics and ToK teacher

Having studied Engineering in Lisbon, Environmental Science and Biochemistry at the University of San Francisco (BSc) and Education, Curriculum and
Assessment (MA), Carla brings to OIS extensive experience in teaching Mathematics and Science in an International School setting. She has been
involved in all aspects of developing the IB Mathematics programme, as a head of department, workshop leader, a senior moderator, and member of
curriculum and assessment teams. She brings to OIS the enthusiasm of joining a new project designed by students, parents and teachers who are determined
to make learning a lifelong pleasure. 
carla.mandacaru@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Carlos Correia - Sciences, Physics  & Computer Technology teacher

Carlos holds a BSc and a MSc in Physics from the University of Lisbon and a PhD in Astrophysics from the University of London.  His scientific interests include infrared astronomy, radio astronomy, star formation and extra-solar planets. His scientific work lead him to participate in several international projects involving the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) from which he received a certificate of recognition for his contribution to the Infrared Space Observatory. He has now been teaching Physics and Astrophysics for several years. He has also been engaged in the public understanding of science. Together with his teaching and academic career, Carlos has also worked in the space industry as a project manager.

A lifelong learner himself, Carlos hopes that his international experience and his passion for science can motivate young students in using their natural curiosity to learn about the “wonders of the Universe” and, by doing so, in developing a cosmic awareness that will help them to become true global citizens.

Carlos´s interests include travelling, getting to know other cultures and photography.

carlos.correia@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Dominic Bates - Geography, Environmental Systems and Societies teacher and  MYP Humanities leader

Dominic graduated from the University of Nottingham with a PGCE in Geography and from the Manchester Metropolitan University with a Bsc (Hons) in Geography. He has taught GCSEs and A Levels in the UK as well as IGCSEs and the IB Diploma at a British International School in Peru. He is very well travelled and likes to bring this real life experience into the Geography classroom.  He is committed to professional development and always aims to deliver engaging lessons encouraging students to become lifelong learners. He is a strong believer in the IB learner profile and is excited to become part of the team at OIS.

dominic.bates@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Elena Cistoldi - SEN Coordinator, Science and Chemistry teacher

Elena has a great passion for scientific studies. She holds a BSc in Natural Sciences from the University of Pavia (Italy) and an MSc in Marine Environmental Protection from the School of Ocean Sciences in North Wales. Elena has a PGCE from the UK where she taught Mathematics, General Science and A-level Biology. Elena is joining us from Milan where she has been teaching and developing the MYP in Mathematics and Science. She sees OIS as giving her “the unique privilege to use my experiences, enthusiasm and thirst for leaning to create a school capable of welcoming, developing and challenging a community of students who are internationally-minded and ready to embrace their future roles in society”.

elena.cistoldi@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Enhui Shi - Mathematics, Physics and Science teacher

Enhui graduated from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering. He has taught Secondary School Mathematics and Diploma Physics at Shanghai High School International Division for 7 years. Enhui is excited to be joining OIS because he believes in the philosophy of the Middle Years Programme and that it is a great preparation for Diploma studies. Enhui will provide great diversity to the faculty at OIS combining his years of experience in IB, AP, GCSE and A level teaching.

enhui.shi@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Filipa Santos -  Portuguese Language A teacher

Filipa has a degree in Modern Languages and Literature (Portuguese Studies) from the University of Lisbon. She is currently preparing her Master’s thesis in Historical Patrimony at the Faculty of Social Sciences, to be defended at the New University of Lisbon. As a qualified and experienced teacher of Portuguese, she has always aimed to maximize the development of students. Enthusiastic and dynamic, she makes herself available to promote extra-curricular activities in order to stimulate the students’ interest in Portuguese.  She would also very much enjoy to teach the Portuguese language and culture to students of other nationalities and joining OIS will allow her to explore this interest.

filipa.santos@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Francisca Abecassis - PE teacher and MYP Physical Education leader

Francisca has a PE teaching qualification and 12 years of experience in teaching PE in Portuguese schools.  Her interests are sailing, dancing and tennis. She is looking forward to the challenge of teaching MYP PE at OIS. She enjoyed her MYP training and thinks the IB programmes are a way to make students intelligent performers in PE. Francisca also has a post-graduate in Special Needs and worked for five years in this area.

francisca.abecassis@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Francisco Vargas - Sciences, Physics, Mathematics teacher and MYP Maths leader

Francisco grew up in Venezuela and has been teaching in Perú for 9 years. He has a degree in Electric Engineering and a post-grad studies in Didactics of Physics. He has been a teacher during almost twenty years, 10 of them in IBO Schools as MYP-DP Math and Physics Teacher and MYP Coordinator.

Francisco works for the International Baccalaureate Organization as MYP Math and Science workshop leader since 2006 and as MYP Math moderator since 2010. He is married and has two children. He loves Science in general, specially Physics and Astronomy.

He is very excited to go OIS because it is a new challenge for his career and it is a very good opportunity to implement in a new school the resources that he has developed during the last years.

francisco.vargas@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Gavin O'Donnell - Year 6 and 7 teacher

Gavin has a BA in English and Philosophy, a Law degree and is currently completing a Masters in Education.  He has taught Special Needs, English and Drama in Ireland, Colombia, Spain and Portugal, mainly in British Curriculum schools. In joining OIS Gavin is excited by the opportunity to engage with students through the IB programme. He sees its openness, inclusiveness and international-mindedness as a crucial means of creating a bright future for the students and the world in which they will live.

gavin.odonnell@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Isabel Botelho - Portuguese teacher, MYP Language B leader

Isabel has a BA in Modern Languages and Literature (UNL, Lisbon) and attended a Master’s course in Medieval Literature. She has a vast experience of Portuguese and French teaching. Isabel lived in London for 8 years, where she continued to develop her knowledge of languages by completing courses in Spanish and English. She writes books for children and at OIS she hopes to share her love of languages and literature, as she thinks it is the right school to know students well and work collaboratively with them.

isabel.botelho@oeirasinternationalschool.com

James Anstis -  English teacher

James has a BA in English Literature and completed his PGCE in the UK, where he worked for a few years before moving to Italy. In Rome he enjoyed teaching English Literature in the Middle and High School, where he prepared students for their GCSE exams and the IB Diploma. He strongly believes in the values promoted by the International Baccalaureate and is looking forward to being part of the excellent English Department at Oeiras. He is passionate about literature and sports, especially surfing and football. Before coming to Oeiras he was travelling around the world, and he hopes to transmit his enthusiasm and interest for different cultures to his students through literature.

james.anstis@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Jessica Yarnell - Mathematics, Economics and Business and Management  teacher

Jessica graduated from the University of Manchester with a degree in International Business Finance and Economics. She then qualified to teach through the Teach First scheme and has subsequently taught in both the UK and in international schools in Italy and Portugal. She is very excited to be joining OIS at this time and is looking forward to supporting the students in maintaining the excellent standards set so far.

jessica.yarnell@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Joana do Vale -  Librarian

Joana has a BA in Media Studies and is about to complete a MA in Communication Sciences with a focus in Communication, Organizations and New Technologies, from the Catholic University in Lisbon. Joana is committed to support teachers and students in innovative ways to pursue research, to develop a love of learning and to bring intellectual energy into the library as well as into the classrooms and the wider community. She brings to OIS a desire to learn, to teach and a commitment to share knowledge.

joana.vale@oeirasinternationalschool.com

John Brown - Psychology and Spanish teacher

John Brown, DP Psychology and MYP Spanish) Holds a BA in Secondary English & Spanish Education from Tarleton State University in Texas, USA. He has done graduate work and research in Second Language Acquisition.   John´s background includes teaching Spanish in the U.S. for 15 years. During this time, he also worked with the state Educator Certification Board and was a frequent trainer and consultant for Modern Language Programs in the state. Prior to coming to Portugal, John has lived in Spain, Germany and Turkey, and has taught Spanish, Middle School and IGCSE English, English as a Second Language and IB Psychology. John´s passions included travel, language and cultural studies, and winter sports. His most unusual hobby is skydiving.

john.brown@oeirasinternationalschool.com

José Abecassis Empis -  Chemistry teacher

José is a Chemical Engineer with a PhD in Chemistry and a further degree in Biotechnology. He is currently an invited Professor at Instituto Superior de Agronomia and a researcher at the Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IST). José feels strongly that schools play a major role in the preparation of quality university students and wants to contribute to make this transition successful. He believes that a new IB world school in Oeiras is a must.

jose.empis@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Karen Branco - English Language B teacher

Karen holds a B.S. in Business Administration, and upon moving to Portugal in 1989 became certified to teach English as a Second Language, uncovering a passion for education. She has over 20 years’ experience in teaching English in Portugal as well as in Germany. Karen firmly believes that a solid, well-rounded education is the key to a bright future. She is very excited to become part of the team at OIS, where the philosophy aligns so closely with hers.

karen.branco@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Maria do Rosário (Chari) Empis -  Principal, Curriculum and MYP Science leader

Chari’s deep belief in the philosophy of the IB made her responsible for the implementation of the first 3-programme IB school in Portugal. An experienced IB principal, university mathematics professor, IB mathematics teacher and IB, ECIS and CIS school visitor, she envisaged renewing the IB values and this was the motivation to engage in this exciting project of a new IB world school.

chariempis@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Neale Davies - History and Humanities teacher

Neale Davies is from Wales, with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. More recently he has been awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in History and will shortly complete a Masters in History. He has many interests, some of which include hiking, fishing, reading and musical theatre. He has taught for twenty years, mostly in MYP Physical Education, Humanities and History. Neale is looking forward to the challenge of teaching at a new school and aims to encourage the students in the benefits of outdoor education through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

neale.davies@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Paul Figueiredo - Spanish, Theory of Knowledge and Drama teacher

Paul is from Toronto, Canada, where he got his start in teaching after completing his B.A. at the University of Toronto. Paul has an M.A. in Education from Oxford Brookes and obtained his P.G.C.E. at the University of Liverpool. In addition to Canada, he has taught in England, Spain and Portugal. Paul’s interests include writing, jazz, blues and trying to become a better bass guitar player. He is very much looking forward to teaching at such a young and vibrant school as OIS. He will be combining his work in the Spanish department with his pursuit of an MLitt at the University of St. Andrews.

paul.figueiredo@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Pedro Zamith -  Visual Arts teacher and MYP Arts leader

Pedro graduated in Fine Arts from the University of Fine Arts of Lisbon.  He also has a BA in Scenography and Theatre Models (Superior School of Theatre and Cinema). He studied Animation at the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian andalso has a degree in Arts Education, from the Faculdade de Psicologia in Lisbon.  Pedro has 18 years’ experience of teaching Visual Arts and has mademany presentations of his ideas on the contemporary arts scene. The Centro Cultural de Belém (Museu Berardo), Museu Serralves, Appleton Square Art Gallery, Pedro Serrenho Art Gallery, Periférica Art Gallery, Dama Aflita Art Gallery, Monumental Art Gallery, Quadrum Art Gallery, Museu of Contemporary Art in Corunha have all exhibited his work, and he also has numerous publications. Pedro is teaching MYP and DP Visual Arts at OIS and believes that the IB Arts Curriculum from the IB is crucial for a complete education.

pedro.zamith@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Ramona Dietrich -  CT, English Language B teacher and MYP Computer Technology leader

Ramona is a life-long learner who holds a BA in History with a minor in Medieval Studies and a Master of Science in Education.  She believes that communication is the keystone to cooperation.  Ramona is a Web 2.0 enthusiast and is very interested in using open-source technology in an effort to enhance learning and equip students with 21st century e-literacy skills.

ramona.dietrich@oeirasinternationalschool.com

Steve Bruce-Lomba-  Dean of Students, Sciences and Biology teacher

Steve has been teaching Science and Biology for 16 years, in both the IB programmes and the British National Curriculum. He has a BSc Honours degree in Zoology from Nottingham University, a teaching certificate from Nottingham Trent University and has worked on a variety of scientific research projects as diverse as cryopreservation, the dog genome project and sudden infant death syndrome. His interests include military history, American football, and aircraft modeling. At OIS, Steve is enjoying working with progressive and talented teachers in a school that puts the students first, which is based on respect for the whole school community and where the students are happy, enjoy learning, and are ultimately successful.

steve.lomba@oeirasinternationalschool.com