School Staff

Arthur Alkins - Dutch & French Teacher (Lower Primary)

I am an English native speaker born and raised in Belgium. I am teaching Dutch and French to Primary students up to Year 2 and assisting the pre-school. I have a passion for art and baking, as I am a qualified baker and a teacher. 

Brun Marteau - Pre-School Assistant 

I am originally from Belgium and a mother of three wonderful children. I have a Bachelors Degree in History and I have spent the last twenty years managing my own business. In my free time, I enjoy working in my garden, doing sports and cooking. 

Cristina Bueno - Year 2 Teacher

Originally from Girona, Spain, I've been in Belgium since the end of July 2020. I studied for a Bachelor's Degree in primary education and also held a nursery teaching certificate. At the moment, I'm studying a CLIL postgraduate as well as Dutch. I enjoy cooking, eating out, road-tripping, and going for walks. Passionate about exploring the world. I've lived in different countries, the USA, England, Finland, and Australia. I love being in a multicultural environment, and I'm very excited to be part of the ISF community!

Cobus Steyn - Deputy Executive Head

I was born and raised in sunny South Africa and have lived and worked in Namibia, England, and the United Arab Emirates. History is a passion of mine, and I enjoy museums and places of interest. I try to play golf and am an avid scuba diver and keen gamer. Once, I jumped off the highest bridge bungee jump in the world –  a staggering 210meter fall! I am also an internationally qualified rugby coach, an International Award Leader, an Assessor and a Cambridge International Examinations Assessor. I am passionate about education and believe in the holistic development of students, and place great importance on learning outside of the classroom.

Deborah Dodd - Year 3 - 4 Teacher

I am from British Columbia, Canada, and I have been living in Belgium for three years.  I have over twelve years of teaching experience from schools in Canada and the United Kingdom. ISF is a wonderful school with so much positive energy!  I enjoy an array of outdoor activities, yoga, cooking, and traveling with my family.

Dorine Ionita - Pre-Primary Teacher 

Born and raised in Belgium, I have also lived in Australia for several years. I am a Pre-Primary teacher and also the librarian at ISF Tervuren.  I graduated with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from the University of Thomas More Malines. Since graduating, I have worked as a teaching assistant in Preschool whilst teaching Dutch and French language classes in the Early Years section.

Glen Smith - Maintenance & Bus Driver 

I am originally from New Zealand but have lived abroad for most of my life.  I have lived in the  USA, Australia and for many years in Belgium. My wife is Belgian, and we have two school-aged boys and two daughters studying in Maastricht. I enjoy studying theology, and I am also a passionate musician and songwriter.

Julie Boyd - Deputy Head of Campus, Year 6 Teacher

I have been a teacher for over 30 years, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.  Following two years of teaching in the United Kingdom, I moved to Germany and subsequently to Cyprus to teach children in Service Children’s Schools. I have taught in various school establishments, varying from small village schools to large inner-city schools. I have held various leadership positions, including an Assistant Headship in West Berkshire. I have an Arts degree from Cardiff University and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). I love to walk my dog, and I also enjoy sport, especially football.

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 of '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.

Laurence Peetermans - French Teacher (Upper Primary)

I am from Belgium. I studied journalism and communications at ULB, and after my studies, I was very interested in teaching. I continued my education to teach French as a foreign language. I have taught for three years at an International IB school before joining ISF. 

Niki Daun -  Data Protection Officer

I'm from the United Kingdom 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 20 years, freelancing, volunteering, and recently completed my Degree in psychology - while raising two kids. I indulge in creative photography, cooking, and long walks in the forest with my dog in my free time. 

Sara Hoff - Pre-school Teacher 

I am originally from the United Kingdom. I have over 25 years of teaching experience in many schools in the UK, Germany, the USA, and Belgium. I am passionate about teaching and aim to inspire a love of learning. I enjoy cycling, traveling to new places, and long walks with my family and dog. 

Scott James - Year 5 Teacher 

I have been teaching for 14 years in Australia and Belgium. During this time, I have taught as a classroom teacher in Primary as well as a specialist teacher in Secondary up to A-Level. For the past 5 years, I have also held various leadership roles as Curriculum Coordinator and Deputy Principal. I have a love of travel, music and languages and enjoy learning about other countries and cultures. I enjoy helping my students to reach their goals and celebrating their successes with them. 

Szilvia Szonyi - Year 1 Teacher 

I am originally from Hungary and I have been living in Belgium for the past 6 years. I am a BA certified teacher and have been working with small children since I was a teenager. I worked in ISF Daycares for the past 4.5 years and I am excited to get to know the children and staff from the school as well. I enjoy yoga as a sport and doing cross country with my dog.

Orla Mcloughlin - Head of Campus

I am originally from Ireland, and I have been living in Belgium for 20 years. I have over 25 years of teaching experience in both Ireland and Belgium, and in the last 8 years, I have worked in leadership positions. I am passionate about teaching and learning and currently studying for a Masters in Educational Leadership at Portsmouth University.

Yonas Khamal - IT Technician

I am Belgian with some Moroccan roots. I have worked in the security industry prior to joining ISF. I have been interested in computers from a very young age and have a passion for technology.