how we teach

Over the past 26 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving young people, their families, and dedicated educational professionals. My career in education began in secondary schools in the UK — known as middle and high schools, in the US — where I taught students between the ages of 11 and 18 in the North of England. During this time, I was given the opportunity to lead others as Head of Department.

Although I found the world of education exciting, I was also drawn to the real world, prompting me to take a break to travel the world twice in my late twenties. Upon my return, I pursued a teaching position in a primary school, where I developed a love for learning while exploring early years education. I quickly moved through various leadership roles, culminating in my appointment as Vice Principal and then Principal — a position I’ve held for over 15 years.

My experience in teaching and leading across different age groups, from 2-year-olds to 18-year-olds, has given me a unique perspective on the educational journey that children take toward a successful life. I’m proud to have played a role in guiding hundreds of young people through their journey.

Spending time with children and seeing the world from their perspective has always been my passion. I believe that with the right level of guidance and practice, it’s possible to learn to do most things in life, and even become proficient at them. As such, I enjoy trying new things, including my recent passion for DIY and furniture building for the home and garden. I’m also passionate about traveling and exploring new places and being in the US has provided me with an excellent platform for this.

My teaching career began in 1993, in my hometown in Scotland, after completing my undergraduate degree at Strathclyde University. Then, in the 1997–98 academic year, I was delighted to participate in a Fulbright exchange program, which had a profound impact on me, both personally and professionally. Later in 2004, I graduated from Aberdeen University in Scotland with a Master’s in Education.

Two years after completing my Fulbright exchange, I joined the British Schools of America in Houston, Texas, and I’ve been with the schools ever since. I moved to Charlotte to help open the British International School of Charlotte, where I’m grateful to work with an amazing team of dedicated educators committed to the growth of our students. Every day, I learn something new and feel privileged to work with such a talented individuals.

My husband and I, along with our growing family, live close to the school. We have two adorable shepherd mix dogs, whom we picked up as puppies from the Greenville Humane Society in August 2013. Our son, Luke, was born in 2014, and while I am proud of my Scottish roots, I am equally proud to be part of a Southern family.

What sets the British International School of Charlotte apart from other schools is our team's composition and mindset. We have a culture of open mindsets, continuous learning, and sharing expertise, which leads our students to make amazing progress.

In 2008, I accepted a teaching position across the Atlantic Ocean to teach at the British International School of Washington. During my time in Washington, I lead a range of curriculum initiatives and across different phases of the school, which provided me with invaluable experience, insight and knowledge of pedagogy, child-development, and best teaching practice. In 2012, I deepened this learning further by completing a MA in Education at Durham University, UK. As an educator and leader, I am passionate about supporting children to be engaged and active global citizens. I have been the Nord Anglia Social Impact Regional Lead for North America since 2019. Outside school, I enjoy the performing arts as well as exploring the outdoors. My family and I often go camping (or more accurately, ‘glamping’) and are excited to see what adventures await us in North Carolina and surrounding states. I am delighted and honored to be joining the British International School of Charlotte community as Head of Primary. I look forward to working alongside our exceptionally dedicated and knowledgeable teaching staff to support your child in their personal learning journey

After graduating from college in London, England, I worked as a Product Development Technologist for Nabisco, where I gained valuable project management experience. However, my ultimate goal was always to become a teacher. I trained to teach Sciences at Southampton University in England and taught in that subject area for several years. However, when I went on a teaching exchange to Sydney, Australia, I discovered a love for teaching mathematics. I found it challenging to bring such a cerebral subject to life with purpose and understanding, which motivated me to pursue my Master's in Mathematics Education and Leadership.

While I enjoy traveling and new experiences, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to teach both mathematics and science at the British International School of Charlotte. As the leader of our highly skilled team of Middle and High School (Secondary) teachers, I focus on understanding leadership, including the link between great leadership and great learning. Our curricula, which culminate in the IB Diploma, provide global, ethical, and relevant educational experiences that engage all our teachers and students.

Our emphasis on personalization and attention to the learner's needs creates a stimulating and rewarding environment. Witnessing our students' daily progress, their growing confidence, and the development of their skills gives the school a true learning-centered ethos. Our school caters to students from the ages of 18 months to 18 years and seeing them come together for celebrations and specific learning events gives everyone a broader and more enriching experience of what it means to belong to our school.