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.
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. Ajaya Kumar Behera
Secondary Coordinator
Secondary Physics and Mathmatics Teacher
Mr. Ajaya Kumar Behera is an accomplished international educator with more than 17 years of experience in teaching and leadership. As Secondary Coordinator at Atherton International School, he brings vision, dedication, and a future-focused approach to learning.
He holds advanced degrees in both Physics and Mathematics, alongside a Bachelor of Education, and is currently in the process of obtaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS, UK). His expertise spans Cambridge IGCSE, A-Level, and the IB Diploma Programme, and he has successfully taught and mentored students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds across the globe, while also reaching thousands more through his global online platform, Ajaya Physics.
Widely known as “Ajaya Physics,” he is celebrated for transforming STEM education into a dynamic and engaging experience. His lessons integrate cutting-edge tools such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Python, VEX IQ Robotics, and AI, empowering students to think critically, innovate boldly, and apply knowledge to real-world challenges.
Under his leadership, students have excelled in STEM fairs, robotics competitions, and international academic challenges. His award-winning teaching approach continues to inspire learners and educators worldwide, making him a valued leader in the Atherton community.
Ms. Rebecca Carver
Head of Primary and
Head of Student Services
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.
Mr. Valentino Salvato
Director of Teaching and Learning
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.
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.
Ms. Brindha Sethulingam
Secondary Computing and
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.
Ms. Brindha is passionate about Mathematics and currently teaches both the IGCSE and A Level courses in secondary school.
Outside of school she loves listening to music, cooking a variety of food and spending time with friends and family.
Ms. Gloria Guerrero
Secondary English Teacher
Ms. Gloria is a bilingual educator from Illinois, fluent in both English and Spanish. Her passion for education was shaped by inspiring teachers and meaningful cultural experiences visiting her grandparents in Mexico. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler and a Professional Educator License in Illinois. Since 2018, she has worked with diverse groups of students, including English language learners and those with special needs.
Dedicated to creating a nurturing and inclusive classroom, Ms. Gloria fosters kindness, empathy, and a strong sense of community among her students. Her mission is to inspire a lifelong love of learning while equipping each child with the tools, confidence, and support they need to thrive both academically and personally.
Ms. Haley Bodner
Secondary English and Social Studies Teacher
Ms. Haley holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Secondary Education and Italian as a Foreign Language, with additional minors in History and Political Science. She brings teaching experience from both the United States and South Korean schools, where she has taught middle and high school History, Economics, Geography and Civics. She emphasizes critical thinking, student voice, and real-world connections to empower young global citizens.
Outside of school, Ms. Haley is a certified SCUBA instructor. She is also a “mom” to two furry sons—Graham the dog and Henry the cat.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Eleanor Patterson
Ants Class Teacher (Y5)
Ms. Eleanor is an experienced educator from the United States with seven years’ experience in the field, including over three years as a primary homeroom teacher. She has a strong background in literacy instruction, inclusive classroom practice, and curriculum development, as well as expertise in Spanish language teaching and social-emotional learning.
Committed to both leadership and community, Ms Eleanor has led AmeriCorps teams and chaired a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. With her collaborative approach and creativity in the classroom, she is dedicated to nurturing a supportive and engaging learning environment where every pupil can flourish both academically and personally.
Ms. Lorna Graham
Wolves Class Teacher (Y6)
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.
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
Tigers Class Teacher (Y4)
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
Lions Class Teacher (Y2/3)
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.
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
Lions 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.
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
Rabbits 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.
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.