Elle Wilson, Primary Teaching Assistant
I was born and raised in the USA and have since lived in France, Germany, Spain, and — of course — our lovely Netherlands. I am a native English speaker, also privileged to speak French and German, along with some Dutch.
I'm a recent graduate with a degree in international education. My program gave me thorough training in IB-PYP principles, which I've carried into my budding career as an international educator — I truly believe in it as a curriculum and approach to learning.
Over four years, my studies took me through internships at Phorms Berlin Süd and Berlin International School in Germany, Sotogrande International School in Spain, and, finally, our very own International School Utrecht.
My time as an intern at ISU was such a positive experience that I'm over the moon to officially join the faculty this year. I'm looking forward to growing further in my passion for pedagogy alongside the KG1 students I'm so fortunate to work with, stepping into the wonders of childhood right along with them.
Outside of school, I love to write — especially letters and love notes to the people closest to me — and to go on long walks. I also play guitar and write my own songs, and I enjoy learning new languages or deepening the ones I've already invested in.
Gael Rowland, Welcome Desk and School Administration
I am originally from Johannesburg, South Africa but have lived in the Middle East in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE since 2009. I arrived in the Netherlands as my final destination (hopefully) in December 2024. I speak English, Afrikaans and Dutch - the problem is the Dutch and Afrikaans get mixed up at this point.
I have worked in the British International School in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and The British School of Amsterdam.
I have been on a steep learning curve with the IB curriculum as I have a daughter who changed from the British Curriculum to IB when we moved to the Netherlands, she is now in DP1.
In my spare time, I love to bake!I also adore my 12kg Main Coone cat Shah Manfred.
Jannida van Dijk-Langeveld, Secondary Visual Arts Teacher
While I have been born in Doetinchem, the Netherlands, I lived abroad in Cambodia, Italy and the British Virgin Islands for the past 13 years.
I started my international career at Logos International School in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where I taught Visual Arts to basically the whole school. Students in my art room were between 4 and 18 years old. Once I became a mom, I changed schools and got familiar with the IGCSE curriculum for Grade 9-10 Visual Arts and the Diploma Programme for Visual Arts for Grade 11-12 at Hope International School in Phnom Penh.
Since traveling was difficult during the Covid pandemic, my family and I decided to move back to Europe, where I taught for two years MYP and DP Visual Arts at the International School of Turin. To be able to see yet a very different part of the world before my kids would reach Secondary School, we decided to live and work for three years in the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean.
While living oversees, I picked up some words in Khmer, Chinese, Italian and Spanish, but to be honest, I will not be able to have a conversation in these languages (yet).
In my free time I would like to rediscover what the Visual Arts scene looks like in the Netherlands, through engagement with museums, galleries and festivals.
Manon van Wamel, Classroom Teacher Grade 2
I was born in the Netherlands and for the past 15 years, I have called beautiful Vancouver Island home, where I worked as a Grade 3 teacher at a small IB school. I speak both Dutch and English, can manage the basics in German and French, and have even been known to make Italians laugh when I attempt to speak their language!
My teaching journey started at the primary Dominicusschool in Utrecht. After moving to Canada, I joined Aspengrove School in Lantzville, BC, where I was introduced to the IB and PYP. I have been very fortunate to work in schools where a strong sense of community, collegiality, and genuine friendships were part of everyday life, and I hope to find that same spirit at ISU.
I am particularly looking forward to working alongside multiple classes within a grade for the first time. I’m excited about the opportunity to learn from my colleagues, share ideas, and grow together as a team.
Outside of school, I love spending time outdoors, whether it's walking or hiking with my dog Lily, mountain biking, or skiing. I also enjoy cooking, baking, dancing, and, once my knee has fully recovered, I hope to get back on the field for some field hockey. I also treasure time with my family, so after 15 years away, being back in the Netherlands and having the opportunity to spend more time with them is something I’m especially grateful for.
Maya McDonald, I&S Teacher
I am from Vancouver, Canada. I speak English and French and I am learning Dutch. Last year I worked at Almere International School and previously I worked in the DP programme in Vancouver.
I look forward to getting to know the students at ISU and engaging in meaningful learning together. I have two children and I enjoy going on outside adventures and discovering new places.
Oliver Brodie-Davis, Classroom teacher
Originally from Brisbane, Australia, I speak English as my home language and have previously worked at Amity International School Amsterdam and Oakleigh State School in Brisbane. As I begin my second year working within an IB school, I am continuing to develop my understanding of IB language, concepts and approaches. I particularly value the opportunities an IB education provides for students to develop independence, agency and a global perspective.
At ISU, I look forward to building meaningful connections across our growing school community with students, families and colleagues. I am passionate about making a positive impact on every student I have the opportunity to work with.
Outside of school, I enjoy exploring Europe, spending time outdoors and experiencing as much live music as possible. I also love keeping up with Australian football, playing the piano, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Sebastiaan Wolswinkel, Mathematics Teacher
I grew up in the Dutch province of Friesland, with a different blend of bilingualism than is common in the region, as my dad is Dutch and my mum English. Despite the head start in language acquisition, I have since fallen behind. I get by in German, but that's pretty much it.
I started teaching in 2015, at the International School Groningen, and have dipped my toes into all sorts of school environments since then (democratic, inner city, rural, Montessori) before returning to an IB school in the full conviction that this is where I belong.
This will be my 5th year working in MYP, and a first for DP (though not the age group). I particularly enjoy exploring the interdisciplinary nature of my subject, mathematics, and so hope to strengthen its ties with other subjects.
In combination with finishing my studies, teaching an evening class in my new home town of Culemborg and continuing my bouldering and Dungeons & Dragons adventures.
Suyog Sotang, Primary Music Teacher
I am originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, and I have been living in the Netherlands since November 2020.
I speak Nepali, Hindi and English, and I have also been learning Dutch since moving to the Netherlands. I have been working in education for around 8 years, mainly as a music teacher, and I have experience working in international settings, including the British school of Kathmandu, the British School of the Netherlands, Harbour international school Rotterdam and Amity International School.
I have experience with the IB PYP, particularly through music education, and I really enjoy the IB approach to inquiry, creativity, student agency and developing the whole learner. During my time at ISU, I hope to continue growing both personally and professionally, learn from my colleagues, contribute my experience and ideas, and further develop my understanding of IB education.
Outside of school, I am passionate about music and enjoy playing and listening to music. I also love travelling, cycling, mountain biking and riding my motorbike, and I enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring new places and experiencing different cultures.