Welcome to TASIS England
Every school year brings a renewal of our learning community and we extend a warm welcome to our new faculty and staff. Click on each name to read about the newest members of the TASIS England family.
Administration
Jen Vinton
Jennifer Vinton joins TASIS England as Assistant Director of Pastoral Care. Prior to moving to TASIS, Jen worked for The Therapeutic Thinking Support team, advising schools in West Berkshire to understand and respond to trauma and adverse childhood experiences. She spent the previous six years in the UK school system as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and Inclusion Manager.
Jen began her career with 13 years in Children's Social Care services and previously had her own business creating and teaching PHSE and SMSC in both UK and International schools. She earned her BA (HONS) in Communication Skills from Cardiff University.
In her spare time, Jen can be found in the gym, on a long run, or at her allotment. She is keen to share her commitment to self care and nurturing positive mental health with the TASIS community.
.
Faculty
- Flora Allison
- Jamie Canham
- Jacqueline Carlos
- Aniruddha Chakraborty
- Briana Clench
- Gareth Colley
- Scott Cosnett
- Jessica Crouser
- Amanda Cutting
- Abi Graves
- Catherine Keery
- Kirsten Marrs
- Olivia Murillo
- Nicola Peak
- Callum Shipley
- Alec Wilson
- Simon Wright
Flora Allison
Flora Allison joins TASIS England as General Music and Choir Teacher. Prior to moving to TASIS, she performed, taught, and conductied music workshops in schools across the UK, Europe, and the US. Flora has been a peripatetic teacher in cello and piano in various schools across London and the South East.
With over 20 years experience in performing and teaching music, Flora is delighted to join the TASIS community and share her passion for making music accessible and fun for all.
Flora earned her BMus with Honours Degree in Music from The Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.
Jamie Canham
Jamie Canham joins TASIS England as an Upper School Mathematics teacher. Prior to moving to England, she spent 11 years teaching middle and upper school mathematics at international schools in Spain, Japan, and Kuwait.
Jamie has a Math Education undergraduate degree and a Master’s in Mathematics for Teachers from the University of Waterloo. She enjoys all things in nature, particularly hiking, snowboarding, and laying on the beach. She has a competitive spirit and loves card games, board games, and organized sports. Most of all, Jamie loves experiencing new cultures and living a life of adventure.
Jacqueline Carlos
Jacqueline Carlos joins TASIS England as a Middle School English teacher. Prior to moving to TASIS, she spent three years in Phoenix Academy working as the Deputy Head of English.
With eight years of experience as a Learning Support Assistant, English Teacher, and Deputy Head of English in UK mainstream schools, Jacqueline is delighted to join the TASIS community. She earned her BA Hons in English Language and Communication with French in Kingston University and her PGCE from BPP University.
Jacqueline enjoys exploring with her toddler son and playing an intense game of Dobble or a competitive game of Mario Kart with her whole family.
Aniruddha Chakraborty
Aniruddha Chakraborty joins the TASIS community as Upper School teacher of Biology. Prior to moving to TASIS, Ani worked in a state school in Surrey, UK as GCSE Science/A Level Biology teacher.
With 15 years of experience as an ardent Biology educator and examiner, Ani is delighted to join the TASIS community. He has worked in international schools in India, Japan, Belgium, Russia, and Uzbekistan with teaching and leadership positions including Head of Science and Head of Curriculum. Ani earned his BSc Honours in Botany from North Bengal University, India and MSc in Biotechnology from Bangalore University, India. He also possesses a BEd degree from India. He serves as an examiner for IB Biology, Extended Essay, and TOK, and was a member of the Curriculum Review Committee of IB Biology for the syllabus change in 2023. Ani also has STEM training from NASA, where he was among one of 100 teachers selected from all over the globe for a special project.
He is a professional table tennis player and has represented his country for few years. Ani is here in UK with his wife and two children, aged 4 and 2.
Briana Clench
Briana Clench joins TASIS England as Upper School Teacher of Science. Prior to moving to England/TASIS, Briana spent five years in the United Kingdom at Heathfield School working as Teacher in Charge of Chemistry and Physics as well as Highly Able and Scholarship Coordinator.
With 13 years of experience as a science teacher working in the UK and in the international sector, she is delighted to join the TASIS community. Briana earned her BSc Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with minor degrees in Astrobiology and Dance from Penn State University. She holds a Secondary Education Certification in Science from the State of Pennsylvania and is fully qualified from the Scottish Teaching Council.
Briana is married with two young children and enjoys time with her family, dance, and yoga.
Gareth Colley
Gareth Colley joins TASIS England as Middle School Innovation and Design Teacher. Prior to joining TASIS, he spent six years in China as Chief of Engineering for a global technology leader. Five years ago, Gareth made the transition into international education, where he developed the Design & Innovation program at Cayman International School in the Cayman Islands.
Gareth holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Huddersfield and holds an iPGCE from the University of Sunderland. Gareth has a 5-year-old son who is starting Kindergarten at TASIS.
Scott Cosnett
Scott Cosnett joins our school as a Middle and Upper School Theatre Teacher. Prior to moving to TASIS England, Scott spent eight years at the British International School, Istanbul, working as a Middle and Upper School Theatre Teacher, Upper School Film Teacher, and acting as the Head of Creative Arts for Middle and Upper School.
He has 17 years of experience in education, teaching Theatre, Film, Media, English, and enjoying a stint as a Theatre-in-Education Practitioner, performing his one-man, interactive, historically-themed murder mysteries (amongst other things) to a host of schools across the UK. Scott’s BA (Hons) degree in English and Drama was awarded by the University of Wolverhampton, England.
Scott is passionate about both theatre and film and is particularly interested in their potential to promote societal change – for the better. He is also keenly interested in the similarities between theatre and film and how their inherent modes of communication can be used interchangeably.
Jessica Crouser
Jessica Crouser joins TASIS England as an Upper School Teacher of Economics and History. Prior to joining TASIS she worked in a variety of countries including Cambodia, Djibouti, the US, and the UK teaching English and Social Studies.
With a background in both international and local state schools, Jess is delighted to join the TASIS community. She earned her Bachelor's degree in International Economics from the University of Richmond and her Master's degree in Teaching from New York University.
Amanda Cutting
Amanda Cutting joins TASIS England as an Upper School Teacher of Mathematics. Prior to this, Amanda spent six years at ACS Egham International as the Head of Mathematics teaching DP and MYP mathematics.
With 27 years of experience as a Mathematics teacher in British, American, and international schools, Amanda is delighted to rejoin the TASIS community. She previously taught and coached for ten years at our school, teaching Upper School Mathematics and coaching the cheerleading squad, as well as being a part of the boarding community.
Amanda earned her BSc Hons in Mathematics, Finance, and Management at the University of Portsmouth, and a PG certificate in Secondary Education Mathematics at the University of the West of England, Bristol. While teaching in the North Carolina Public School System she qualified as a National Board Certified Teacher and upon her return to the UK and TASIS, Amanda earned her PG Diploma in Education at the University of Reading.
Outside of teaching, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family and plenty of travel.
Abi Graves
Abi Graves joins TASIS England as Upper School Teacher of English. Prior to moving to England and TASIS, Abi spent 18 years in Thailand, Pakistan, Taiwan, Oman, China, and England working as an English teacher.
Abi is delighted to bring her 18 years of experience as an English teacher to the TASIS community. She earned her Bachelor's of English Education from Illinois State University, and her Master's in Literature from the University of Reading.
Abi likes to go for walks while listening to music, and is always up for a new place to hike. One hobby that she does take pride in is her cross stitching, and her walls are decorated with pieces that she has completed and framed. Abi is happy to be here and is looking forward to teaching and learning at TASIS.
Catherine Keery
Catherine Blythman Keery joins TASIS England as an Upper School Learning Specialist. Prior to joining TASIS, Catherine headed the Student Support Services team for 11 years at Zurich International School, Switzerland, taught in Jerudong International School, Brunei and The Inter Community School, Switzerland. She spent the last five years as Head of Curriculum and Transitions in Jordanstown, the Northern Ireland School and Centre of Excellence for Children who are Deaf or Vision Impaired.
With over 20 years of experience, Catherine is excited to join the TASIS community to help pupils reach and realize their full potential within an inclusive and supportive team. She gained her Bachelor of Education with Honours from Queens University, Belfast. Catherine enjoys travelling, musical theatre, fine dining, snowboarding, spending time with friends and family, and most recently, learning British Sign Language.
Kirsten Marrs
Kirsten Marrs joins TASIS England as a Visual Art Teacher, Fleming Gallery Director, and Technician. Prior to moving to TASIS, she spent 12 years at ACS International School working as a primary grade level teacher and art teacher for Pre K – Grade 8.
With 30 years of experience working in a variety of roles within the education sector, Kirsten is delighted to join the TASIS community. Kirsten earned her Social Anthropology degree from Kent University.
Olivia Murillo
Olivia Murillo joins TASIS England as Upper School Teacher of Spanish and House Tutor. Prior to moving to TASIS, Olivia spent a fixed term in Bancroft’s School, a year in Halcyon London International School, and 10 years in ACS Egham International School teaching Spanish, and had other roles as French and Maths teacher.
With 17 years of experience working in international schools in El Salvador, the Philippines, and England, Olivia is delighted to join the TASIS community. Olivia earned her Industrial Engineering degree from Universidad Politécnica de El Salvador, her Master’s degree from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, and her Teacher Certificate Training from De La Salle University Manila.
Outside of work she enjoys exploring healthy, fitness and sustainable living activities, such as yoga, meditation, hiking, nutrition, surfing, and responsible travelling.
Nicola Peak
Nicola Peak joins TASIS England as Upper School Teacher of English. Prior to moving to TASIS, Nicola spent one year as Head of English at Upton House School and three years at ACS Egham as IB teacher in MYP and DP Language and Literature as well as Extended Essay coordinator. Prior to that, she worked in the British state system teaching GCSE and A level.
In addition to her seven years of experience as an English teacher since moving back to the UK, Nicola also lived in Brazil for 15 years, working at The American School of Recife. She earned her BA (Hons) English from Royal Holloway, University of London, and is delighted to join the TASIS community.
Outside of school, Nicola enjoys travelling, hiking and walking, the theatre, and developing her practice of yoga.
Callum Shipley
Callum Shipley joins TASIS England as Upper School Teacher of Mathematics. Prior to moving to TASIS, he spent three years at Southbank International School in London working as a Mathematics teacher in the Middle School and High School.
Callum has 15 years of Mathematics teaching experience in South East Asia and the UK in international schools - including experience with TESOL, Geography and Science - and is delighted to join the TASIS community. He earned his BEng (Industrial) from the University of Pretoria, and PGCE and MA in Education from the University of Nottingham.
Callum enjoys spending time with his partner and family, as well as travelling, reading, outdoor pursuits, sports, and creating music.
Alec Wilson
Alec Wilson joins TASIS England as Upper School Mathematics Teacher. Prior to moving to TASIS, he spent the last five years in ACS Egham teaching mathematics in both IB Diploma and Middle Years Programmes.
Alec brings 25 years of experience as a mathematics teacher across state schools in the UK and Botswana, and IB schools in Malawi, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, to the TASIS community. He earned both his BSc Hons Psychology and PGCE in Secondary Mathematics from Warwick University.
Alec's two children will be joining TASIS in the Lower School. He enjoys time with family, racquet sports, martial arts, and nature.
Simon Wright
Simon Wright joins TASIS England as Upper School Teacher of English and TOK. Prior to joining our school, he spent 23 years at ACS Cobham International School working as a Teacher of English, Head of English, and Academic Principal.
Simon has 30 years of experience as an English teacher and administrator in international schools in the UK and South America, and is delighted to join the TASIS community. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from University College London.
Staff
- Michael Blythman
- Elise Burgess
- Daniel Golden
- Serena Golden
- Sarah Hoad
- Grace Meaden
- Jemima Soutter
- Rob Surminksi
Michael Blythman
Michael Blythman joins TASIS England as Boarding Counselor and House Tutor. He has been passionate about personal transformation since 2003 when he began his counseling training.
After working for the NHS for 15 years, Michael went into private practice as a counselor. He combines his 20 years of experience with psychological coaching as he enjoys developing the unique potential within each person. Michael is delighted to join the TASIS community.
Michael qualified in BSc Electronic Engineering at Trinity College, Dublin (1990), was awarded an Advanced Diploma in Person Centred Counselling from Queens University, Belfast (2007), and earned a Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching from the Academy of Executive Coaching (2021).
Elise Burgess
Elise Burgess joins TASIS England as a Deputy House Parent. Prior to moving to England and TASIS, she spent eight months travelling in Central and South America.
Elise previously worked for two years at Kings Ely as an Assistant Housemistress in a mixed Junior Boarding House and for four years at a summer school in Cambridge on the social programme, and she is delighted to join the TASIS community. Elise earned her Sustainability and Environmental Management degree from the University of Leeds, a topic area she is passionate about.
Daniel Golden
Daniel Golden joins TASIS England as House Parent. Prior to moving to TASIS, Danny spent six years in Sexey's School in Bruton where he worked alongside Mr. Kiely in their boarding program and also as part of the pastoral/safeguarding team. He also spent two years in King Arthur's School in Wincanton as a cover supervisor.
With 15 years of experience of working within education, Danny has fulfilled a number of different roles from house parent, teaching assistant, pastoral/safeguarding team, and cover supervisor. He is a keen sportsman who enjoys a range of sports from football to skiing. Danny is delighted to join the TASIS community.
Serena Golden
Serena Golden joins TASIS England as House Parent and Trainee Teacher. Prior to moving to TASIS, she spent 11 years working in a special needs school as well as a further three years in a state boarding school.
With many years of experience dealing with challenging behaviors and additional needs, Serena is delighted to join the TASIS community. She earned her degree in Professional Practice in Education Studies from the University of the West of England and the University of Worcester.
Serena loves to be outside and exploring her surroundings with her husband, two children, and two spaniels. She also enjoys baking, mathematics, and challenging herself in furthering her own education.
Sarah Hoad
Sarah Hoad joins TASIS England as a Deputy House Parent. Her previous experience includes eight years in independent schools in the South East of England working as a house parent and sports coach.
Since 2022, Sarah has worked remotely for a small charity as a team manager and data quality officer, and she is delighted to join the TASIS community. Sarah earned her Sports Management degree from Manchester Metropolitan University.
Outside of work Sarah is passionate about sport and well-being and enjoys hiking with her dogs.
Grace Meaden
Grace Meaden joins TASIS England as a Deputy House Parent. Prior to joining TASIS, she worked in the boarding team at a girls' school in Hertfordshire. Grace also contributed to the school's performing arts program by running dance clubs, assisting in lessons, and working on school shows.
Grace is delighted to take the next step in her career by joining the TASIS community and looks forward to meeting the boarders. As a former boarder herself, she is passionate about ensuring all students have the best possible experience living away from home.
Jemima Soutter
Jemima Soutter joins TASIS England as House Parent. She gained her BSc Hons in Navigation and Maritime Science and worked offshore as a navigation officer for over 10 years on a series of tall ships and vessels around the world.
Since Covid, she switched from working at sea to working in boarding schools. Jemima started at her old school, St. David’s College and then moved to Sedbergh School, progressing in roles such as resident assistant and then as assistant housemistress. She is passionate about creating a home-away-from-home environment in the houses where everyone is welcomed and and feels included.
Outside of school Jemima enjoys sailing, walking and hiking with her dog Monty, and spending time with friends and family.
Rob Surminksi
Rob Surminksi joins TASIS England as a House Parent. Prior to moving to TASIS, Rob spent eight years at ACS Cobham working as a Dutch (IB) language teacher as well as fulfilling several roles in the boarding houses.
With over 10 years of experience as a language teacher in state schools in The Netherlands as well as international schools in and around London, Rob is delighted to join the TASIS community. Rob earned his bachelor of education from HAN University of Applied Sciences in Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
As well as training for the New York marathon, he enjoys taking his dog out for walks and exploring new places in London and across the UK.