Our Teaching Staff
Atherton Teachers come from all around the world to teach at the highest standards. ​
All of our teaching staff are fully qualified and experienced professionals. We only hire people committed to lifelong learning and continuous professional development and as such we boast a wealth of expertise.
Throughout the school year, teachers are given in house professional development, often involving expert guest facilitators. Our teachers also participate in courses, seminars and other training opportunities around the world and more frequently online, bringing back what they learn to share.
Our professional learning community is second to none which thrives from being part of the wider global educational community.
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Please see below to meet our team:
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Mr. Lewis Eckersley
School Principal
Mr. Lewis has accumulated extensive experience in Educational Leadership over the years. He worked as the Head of English at Yew Wah International School in Shanghai, followed by his role as Head of Secondary at Atherton International School. With nearly 20 years of experience teaching and leading IGCSE and A Level English Literature and Language, Mr. Lewis has worked internationally in the United Kingdom, Korea, China, and Peru.
He holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from Manchester University and a Master’s Degree in Education and English Studies from the University of Exeter. Committed to lifelong learning, Mr. Lewis has also achieved the National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development and the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership.
Mr. Lewis is dedicated to setting high expectations for students, fostering dynamic and engaging classroom environments, and promoting academic excellence. He aims to nurture independent learners with a strong appetite for knowledge and a passion for expanding their intellectual horizons.
Mr. Barnaby Davis
Head of Secondary and
Secondary English Teacher
Mr. Davis is a highly experienced teacher and coordinator who has taught throughout Europe and Asia for the last 15 years, most recently in Norway. He has always had a huge passion for the English language and its vast repertoire of literature and feels privileged to pass that passion on to his students. He obtained his bachelor's degree from King's College London and qualified to teach at the University of Exeter, teaching for some time in England before moving abroad. He is also a qualified Drama teacher and has greatly enjoyed organising school plays and sketch evenings in the past. He is a firm believer in skill-based learning and a student-centred classroom and hopes to add these elements to the continuing development of Atherton International School. Outside of the classroom, his interests are very tied up with what he teaches: he reads voraciously and writes for fun, but also enjoys watching and playing rugby where possible.
Ms. Rebecca Carver
Head of Primary and
Head of Student Services (EAL and SEND)
Rebecca became a primary class teacher in 1996, after graduating with a Bachelor of Education from Oxford University. During her career she has diversified her experience within UK primary schools and also internationally across the 5 to 16 age range. To date, she is experienced as a class teacher, a subject leader (Literacy & UK National Curriculum), and as the Deputy Headteacher of two UK primary schools. She is an EAL and Special Educational Needs specialist who advocates for inclusivity for students in all areas of school life. Rebecca is currently studying for an MSc. in Educational Psychology with a UK university.
Ms. Brindha Sethulingam
Secondary Mathematics Teacher
Ms. Brindha is from India and holds a postgraduate degree in Engineering from Anna University. She worked as a software engineer prior to becoming a teacher and has been with AIS since 2019.
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Ms. Brindha is passionate about Mathematics and currently teaches both the IGCSE and A Level courses in secondary school.
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Outside of school she loves listening to music, cooking a variety of food and spending time with friends and family.
Ms. Sorcha Sills
Secondary English and Social Studies Teacher
Originally from the US, Ms. Sills has spent over a decade as an international school teacher and coordinator in China, Romania, Brunei, Vietnam, and most recently, Norway. She holds a BA in English Literature from the University of South Florida and a postgraduate degree in Secondary Education from The College of New Jersey. Passionate about inclusive education, Ms. Sills employs strategies like explicit teaching of metacognitive skills and Rudine Sims Bishop’s ‘Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors’ to ensure that literature provides students with both self-reflection and empathy for different perspectives. When not teaching, Ms. Sills enjoys traveling, reading, writing, wildlife spotting, and spending time with her husband and dogs.
Dr. Irina Lokteva
Secondary Science, Chemistry Teacher
Dr. Irina joins us from Germany where she was in charge of the laboratory at Hamburg University. She is a talented Chemist and has taught high school and university level students.
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Dr. Irina hold a PhD in Natural Sciences from the University of Oldenburg in Germany and a Diploma in Chemistry from Voronezh University in Russia. Dr. Irina is also an AIS parent.
Mr. Valentino Salvato
Secondary Economics, Maths and Science Teacher
Mr. Valentino was born in Italy and emigrated to London (UK) in 1999. He has been teaching Maths, Science and Economics since 2001 and has held middle and senior leadership positions from time to time. He is passionate about evidence-informed teaching and about learning new things every day. He holds five postgraduate degrees and a first degree in Financial Economics.
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He has been teaching mostly in London but he has had relevant international teaching experiences in the US, Taiwan, Germany and Albania. His ultimate goal in Education is to turn every student into a lifelong learner by developing a love for learning, metacognitive skills and by making every student his/her own teacher.
Mr. Ajaya Kumar Behera
Secondary Physics and Mathmatics Teacher
Mr. Ajaya's life journey is one of inspiration, marked by his unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. His story has profoundly impacted countless students, demonstrating the transformative power of hard work and perseverance. He holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physics (2007) and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Physics (2013) from Chaudhury Charan Singh University, UP, India, as well as a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Mathematics & Physical Science (2021) and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Mathematics (2023) from Acharya Nagarjuna University, AP, India.
Since 2007, Mr. Ajaya has accumulated extensive experience in delivering high-quality education across various countries. He is committed to instilling core values such as honesty, integrity, academic excellence, and discipline in his students. In addition to his classroom teaching, Mr. Ajaya is also a passionate educator on YouTube, where he shares his knowledge with a global audience through his channel, “Ajaya Physics.”
With over 16 years in the education industry, Mr. Ajaya continues to inspire and educate, leaving a lasting legacy in the lives of his students.
Ms. Jiyeon Seo
Head of Art
Ms. Jiyeon is from Daegu, Korea. She has been working at the Atherton International School since 2009. She taught in a Korean middle school for three years before coming to AIS. She has a Bachelor’s and master’s degree in Fine Arts. Her artwork has won many prizes, including first place in the 23rd Sinra Art Exhibition. She obtained her art teaching qualification at university and expanded her credentials with an art K-12 teaching license from the US.
She also gained her TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate through California State University, Long Beach, in 2011 and a certificate in MBPA Nanta and Performance Nanta Drum in 2013.
Outside of school, she is a member of the International Art Exchange Association, Mimahoe, Sasekhoe, and Catholic Art Association, and participates in group exhibitions every year. She is also interested in music, playing the violin as a hobby and performing annually as a member of the Geoje Blue City Ensemble and Le Grand Ensemble.
Additionally, she enjoys travelling, exercising (spinning, pilates), and cooking.
Ms. Eunbyeol Ma
Head of Music and Korean Teacher
Ms. Eunbyoul excelled at Daegu Catholic University of Music, majoring in Violin and graduating top of her class. She obtained her music teaching qualification during university and expanded her credentials with a Music K-12 teaching license from the US. Adding to her expertise, she earned a TESOL certificate from California State University, Long Beach, and consistently participates in Orff teaching courses, workshops, and music educators’ conferences since 2012.
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She holds certificates in Korean Ukulele teaching, MBPA Fusion Nanta, and Performance Nanta Drum. She has been instructing music to children aged three to fourteen and finds joy in teaching across all levels. Outside of school, she is a member of local ensemble groups as a violinist. She also loves art; her hobbies include painting, crafts, and DIY. Additionally, she enjoys exploring Geoje with her dog during her leisure time.
Mr. Raphael Thomassin
PE and French Teacher
Originally from France, Mr. Raphael has been living and teaching in South Korea for the past seven years. With a broad range of interests spanning from science and sports to language acquisition and mathematics, he is committed to offering students a dynamic and enjoyable learning experience grounded in discipline—a proven recipe for success and a fulfilling life.
Mr. Raphael brings with him six years of valuable teaching experience in an IB World School, working with students from primary to high school in both English and French. His expertise includes mathematics, science, physical education, and French acquisition. He is proud to join AIS and is eager to contribute to the success and well-being of every member of our community.
Ms. Yeon Ju Lee
EAL Teacher
Ms. Yeonju was raised in Geoje from her childhood. She obtained a master’s degree and English teacher license from Pukyong National University. She is very passionate about teaching Early year students and tries her best to teach children with a lot of passion so that her students develop a desire to become happy learners.
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She is part of the Early Years team, but is also excited to become an additional teacher in the EAL department to help support our new students with their English progression. She is expecting to have a year full of fun, learning and lots of adventures!
Ms. Lorna Graham
Shark Class Teacher (Y5/6)
Ms. Lorna is from England and graduated with a BA from Bristol University and an MA from Leiden University, both in Archaeology. She has worked as an EAL teacher in France, Italy, Japan and South Korea. She lived and worked on Geoje for a short period previously and is looking forward to returning to the island.
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After completing her Primary Teaching degree at Plymouth University, she taught in Serbia. She is looking forward to creating some fun learning experiences this school year.
Ms. Melisa Nopo
Tiger Class Teacher (Y4/5)
Originally from Australia, Ms. Melisa holds a Master of Primary Education and a Graduate Certificate in TESOL and has nearly ten years of experience in education. She joins us from Marrickville High School in Sydney, where she created and delivered engaging new schemes of work, led Primary school assemblies, and organized student council activities, excursions, and extra-curricular events. Ms. Melisa also has extensive experience as an EAL teacher in both Japan and Australia, teaching students of primary and high school ages. Fluent in Japanese and Spanish, she enjoys learning new languages. Outside the classroom, Ms. Melisa loves dancing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. She is excited to bring her diverse experiences and passion for learning to our school community.
William Lowe
Lion Class Teacher (Y3)
Mr. William comes from Muskoka, Ontario. There, he enjoyed activities like motorcycle riding, ice hockey, and boating. He supports both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL. He studied at universities in Canada and the UK. Mr William has earned a B.Ed., M.Ed, LL.B, and a TEFL certificate.
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With over 20 years of teaching experience in many countries, he has used his skills in technology, classroom management, and understanding to help his students. He works hard to create and maintain a classroom where every student feels supported and valued. Outside of work, Mr. William is a husband and father of two and loves spending time with his family. He believes that reading is key to language learning and that we should always be life-long learners.
Ms. Taeyoung Bae
Lion Class Teaching Assistant
Ms. Taeyoung was born and raised in Daegu and later studied Early Years Education and English Literature. Subsequently, she worked in a Korean kindergarten before coming to AIS. Working with children and encouraging them is her life’s passion.
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Creativity is a quality that she admires and finds that walks in nature nurture it within her. She is extremely excited to support students in years 3 and 4. She is always ready to help children to grow and succeed.
Ms. Viktoriia Lowe
Rabbit Class Teacher (Y1/2)
Ms. Viktoriia is from Ukraine and graduated from the National Pedagogical University in Kyiv, specialising in teaching English and Primary education. She has over five years of classroom experience and two years of EAL teaching. She has taught in Cairo, Brunei and Tunis. Outside school, she loves spending time with her family.
Ms. Suwon Lee
Korean, Math, and Learning Assistant Teacher
After completing her studies in flute and piano at Chang Sin College of Music in Changwon, Ms. Suwon spent 12 years teaching children from Reception through age 16 at a piano school. Currently in her eleventh year of teaching at AIS, Suwon has taught Korean, Music, Library, and now Korean once more.
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She received the Children's English Teacher Certificate from Koje College in the summer of 2012. The TESOL program at California State University, Long Beach College of Continuing and Professional Education was successfully finished in August 2016. She also holds certificates from the Korea Recreation Association (2011), Korea Ukulele (2013), MBPA Fusion Nanta and Performance Nanta Drum (2013), and Korea Recreation Association (2011). She enjoys swimming, golfing, and hiking in any weather during her free time.
Ms. Soon Bok Kim
Early Years Teaching Assistant
Ms. Soon Bok was born and raised in Hadong and holds fond memories of its breathtaking rivers and pine forests. She completed her degree with a major in English literature and taught children at an English academy before joining AIS.​ She is eager to continue her career in education. After she retires, her greatest desire is to return to her childhood countryside life and passing her golden years in her beautiful gardens with her close friends.
Ms. Bruna Cavalini
Snail Class Teacher (Early Years)
Ms. Bruna has been an Early Years educator for 8 years. Initially studying Journalism, a volunteering experience shifted her focus to working with young children, allowing her to blend her interests in communication, self-expression, and hands-on activities. She is an enthusiastic educator with extensive experience in the British Early Years Foundation Stage and British National Curriculum. Ms. Bruna is dedicated to promoting learning through play, with creativity, inclusion, and sustainability as core values. She holds degrees in Education and Art Education and has worked as an art teacher and Early Years teacher at the prestigious British International School, St. Paul’s, in São Paulo since 2016. A passionate advocate for art and sustainability, she is eager to integrate these into her teaching and is excited to explore the natural beauty of Geoje.