Portia Moursy, originally from the UK, is proud to be the Executive Principal of Island Academy. Portia has a degree in Politics from the University of Leeds (UK) and completed the UK government’s prestigious 5 year ‘Fast Track’ teacher training programme that prepares its graduates for leadership and management positions in schools.
Portia began working at the school in 2011 and has taught both primary and secondary grades across a range of subjects. In 2014 she became the Principal, a role she relished and excelled in for 7 years before moving to her new post in September 2021.
Portia passionately believes that education is our most powerful tool to improve the world we live in and that race, gender, socio-economic status should never be a barrier to success.
Sophie Bown, originally from the UK, has been at Island Academy since 2015. She joined the school as a teacher of Mathematics and became the Vice Principal in 2018. Sophie was delighted to be appointed the Principal of our school in 2021. Sophie has a Masters in Educational Leadership (Warwick University, UK) and more recently she completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (UK). Prior to this, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Geography – University of Newcastle, UK) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (TeachFirst – Northumbria University, UK). Sophie continues to teach Mathematics SL IB courses to IB2.
She is passionate about leading a school with outstanding teaching and learning at its heart within a nurturing, positive, and empowering environment for all pupils. Sophie believes extra-curricular activities are critical to a child’s development and is proud of our whole school activities such as productions and IA’s Got Talent. Outside of school, Sophie enjoys hiking, playing tennis, reading and is currently learning to kitesurf.
Mckala is a dedicated lifelong learner; she will continue the work of advocating and providing for all students and families with an educational experience where diversity is celebrated at Island Academy.
She completed her BA in Modern and Contemporary History at Queen Mary, University of London, then went on to study her MA in Caribbean Studies at University College London; and then a PGCE in Secondary
Education at the Institute of Education, London. She taught at a comprehensive boys’ school in London before migrating to Antigua in 2015 to teach the Diploma History programme at IA. She has been the IB Coordinator since 2021 and now has the new post of Assistant Principal. She believes strongly in a structure of collaborative relationships in the school and community so that all students can meet the common goal of achievement and success.
Mckala was born and raised in Hackney, East London to proud Jamaican
parents. She has strong family ties to the UK, Jamaica and now Antigua.
Outside of school, Mckala loves reading and discussing books!
Jane Jack completed her CMA. She worked as a controller in the plastics manufacturing industry for several years. In 2004 she moved to Antigua with her family and joined Island Academy in 2007. Besides working at Island Academy Jane is part of an organization that feeds the homeless every Sunday. She also enjoys scuba diving and horseback riding.
Sariaya joined IA back in 2017 as an Administrative Officer before becoming more involved with school marketing communication, development and college counselling. She is happy to be involved in the sustainable development of this growing educational institution and now holds the position of Development Manager.
Sariaya has an MA in Leadership and Organization for Sustainability from Malmö University in Sweden as well as an MSc in International Management from the University of the West Indies (UWI)CaveHill campus. Before this, she completed a BA in Communication Studies with a minor in International Relations at UWI, Trinidad. She is also CELTA certified and has completed College Counseling courses via UCLA Extension. She has worked within the public, private and NGO sectors in marketing, communication, administration and programme management and continues to be a private ESL tutor. Outside of school, Sariaya enjoys short films, paper crafting, travelling, and nature.
Ninette Benta previously worked at the Office of the Governor General as an Administrative Assistant to the Governor General’s Goodwill Emissary. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Business with a concentration in International Chinese Education at the Capital University of Economics and Business.
Ninette has a long track record of teaching. She has been teaching since teenage years as a volunteer at Summer Camps. In Beijing, China, she tutored English to Chinese students, and Mandarin to first year Mandarin learners including students from all over the world. Ninette enjoys travelling, adventure and living the Caribbean life. We are glad that she has joined our IA family.
Ms. Alexander was born in Antigua where she spent her early years of life. She then moved to the United States, where she continued her studies and obtained an academic scholarship to Berkeley College. Ms. Alexander has a degree in Criminal Justice, which is a main passion in her life. In 2016, she moved back to Antigua to ensure that her son got a solid foundation in his early education.
Ms. Alexander skill sets spans customer support and service and risk management. Her main role is to assist in covering classes and giving support to admin staff. She is pleased to embark on her new venture into the literacy program through the Fountas and Pinell literacy resources and excited about working at Island Academy.
In her spare time Ms. Alexander enjoys spending time on the beach, traveling, trying new adventures with her son and going for long drives. Over the past year she became a young entrepreneur and will continue to work towards her goal, which is to exel in life.
Arnolyn Goodwin has a Certificate in Early Childhood Education with Honors from the University of the West Indies. She has been teaching for the past twenty-three years and fifteen at Island Academy supporting and teaching lower primary school students. Miss Goodwin spent the last year teaching Grade 2 and is thrilled to return to teaching Kindergarten.
Over the years, Miss Goodwin has completed various courses in all aspects for primary education. She is passionate about literacy as such has been trained in Jolly Phonics and Jolly Grammar and has used her knowledge to assist students not only in the classroom but in the wider community as well. Miss Goodwin believes that every child can learn when they are happy, comfortable and given the right tools to aid in their educational journey. She has also presented early childhood workshops on island. Outside of school Miss Goodwin spends most of her time with family, cooking and baking.
Danae Joseph has been a part of Island Academy since 2015. She has recently graduated from our IB diploma program class of 2022 and is currently pursuing accreditation in Jolly Phonics. In 2020, she attained 9 subject passes at CSEC. She seeks to pursue her studies in the sciences in the near future.
During her free time, she appreciates reading, traveling around her tiny island, and anything artsy. She looks forward to broadening her horizons and exploring a new year at Island Academy in the Kindergarten classroom.
Amber Swann holds a BS with Honors in Speech Pathology and Audiology with minors in Special Education and American Sign Language from Kent State University. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Amber’s interests in education have led her across the world, including completing course work in Italy, where she studied and applied International Baccalaureate and Reggio Emilia pedagogy strategies in classrooms across the country. She has also spent time teaching in schools for the Deaf in Jamaica, where she taught students of all ages and abilities, and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of each learner. After returning to the U.S. Amber furthered her abilities by taking a teaching assistant position in a Kindergarten classroom. Amber is passionate about literacy and working with students of all ages. Outside of school Ms. Swann appreciates traveling and spending time with her friends, family, and cats.
Funmilayo Florence Afolabi holds a Postgraduate Certificate of Education from Roehampton University London with a primary focus.
Having completed her Initial Teacher Training, she received her Qualified Teacher Status and has taught at a variety of schools in London. Her teaching philosophy follows the socio-constructivist theory that children make their learning through social interactions and play. She believes that young people should have a voice in their learning. She is enthusiastic about applying teaching research and innovative ideas in the classroom. Ms Afolabi has a special interest in the use of storytelling in the classroom and how it can be used across all subjects in the curriculum. She believes that stories enable us to access ideas, create meaning and make connections.
Having grown up across two continents, Ms Afolabi considers herself a citizen of the world. Outside school, when Miss Afolabi is not reading up on the latest pedagogy, she enjoys rummaging around vintage shops, watching K-drama, theatre, the cinema experience, reading, getting to know people, entertaining friends and family, sampling yummy food from different cultures, rambling/hiking, yoga and if her knees can handle it, running!
Kate studied Fine Art at Staffordshire University and graduated (BA Hons) in 2001. She went on to complete her education at Bangor University (Wales) with a PGCE in (2003). Kate has taught in schools in Wales and around inner-city schools of Birmingham, with over 16 years’ experience. She has taught across the age range, teaching children with a variety of skills. During her time teaching in the UK she worked to promote communication, reading and language skills which were taught in both English and Welsh. Since joining Island Academy, Kate has taught in both primary and secondary classes, her speciality subjects including Art, Language Arts, Social Studies. She has run successful art exhibitions, clubs to promote community engagement, numerous art workshops and she specialises in garden design. Kate has worked in schools to promote drama, writing and producing small drama productions with children of all ages. In her spare time Kate enjoys reading, creative writing, gardening and loves makings all things crafty.
Georgia Derrick, originally from Antigua, is happy to be returning home and joining the IA team. Georgia graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with a Joint Advanced Major in Development Studies and Political Science from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, Canada. Georgia’s interests in Education led her to Trinity College School where she worked as an associate faculty member, supporting students in the classroom and outside the classroom. Georgia went on to complete a Bachelors of Education with primary and junior qualifications from Brock University in Ontario, Canada. She is passionate about all learners and learning styles, she particularly enjoys working with student to improve their literacy and communication skills as well as boosting self-confidence. Outside of school, Georgia enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
afridye@islandacademy.com
Born, raised and educated in London UK, Akeba Fridye is an Antiguan national by descent. Akeba brings to IA his passion of teaching and nurturing the wellbeing of children since completing his degree in Education with Qualified Teacher Status, attained through the London East Teacher Training Alliance (LETTA) and Sheffield Hallam University (UK). Akeba also holds a certificate in Understanding Children’s and Young People’s Mental Health, as well as being a qualified Yoga teacher.
Akeba is an accomplished musician that holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Performance Management, and has performed at well known venues and festivals across England and Europe. He is also an avid sportsman who loves to watch and play football.
Lily Simons-Williams holds a B.A. in Business Administration, with minors in Psychology and Women’s Studies, from Bryant University, in the USA. She holds a M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Lesley University, in the USA. She has special interest and training in the areas of Literacy, Culturally Responsive Teaching, and the Responsive Classroom. Mrs. Williams has been teaching at Island Academy since 2013. Outside of school, Mrs. Williams can be found spending time with her family.
Jocelyn Beldman has her bachelors (BMusTh, MTA) in Music Therapy and her Canadian Accreditation as a Music Therapist. Jocelyn completed her Masters of Music Education in 2021 from the University of Western Ontario Canada. She has experience teaching music and language arts across the age groups. She has achieved her Level III in the Kodaly Method for teaching Music and loves musical theater, applying this passion to various school productions. She is an avid musician outside of school, and you may see her performing live in and around Antigua with the band The Rift.
Mark Mitchell holds a BA in Physical Education with Honours from Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada. Mark teaches Grades 4 to IB2. He holds several coaching certifications, including ASCA and FINA certifications. He recently earned his certification as a Youth Fitness Trainer with the International Sports Sciences Association. Outside of school Mark is a keen swimmer and coach. He coaches with a local club and also works with the Antigua and Barbuda Swimming Federation to develop the sport at the national level. He won the 2012-2013 Antigua and Barbuda “Top Sports Coach of the Year” award and the 2019 “Sports Club of the Year” award. Most recently, Mark acted as Head Coach for team Antigua and Barbuda at the 18th FINA World Swimming Championships in Gwangju, South Korea.
Jamila Johnson Travers graduated from Grinnell College, Iowa, with a B.A. in Elementary Education and Spanish. She holds endorsements for Bilingual/Multicultural Education and an E.S.O.L. Endorsement. Jamila taught a 3rd grade bilingual class, English as a Second Language, and was a reading interventionist during her 32 year career in Kansas. She has taught Kindergarten through Grade 8 Spanish at Island Academy for three years and this year will teach Kindergarten through Grade 7 Spanish and Grade 8 English.
Laura Haynes, originally from Ireland, studied for her Bachelors Degree in Ceramic Design in
2017 before completing a Professional Masters of Education in Art and Design with Digital
Media at the University of Limerick, Ireland in 2020. Laura has taught in a variety of educational settings as an Art Teacher and also has experience working as a School Completion Project worker, helping to engage young people in Ireland to attend and participate in school effectively.
Laura’s primary Art discipline is Ceramics but she enjoys challenging herself in other areas such
as film photography and embroidery. She is looking forward to developing the Art Department at Island Academy, and is very enthusiastic about discovering more about island life in Antigua. In her spare time, Laura loves to travel and experience new cultures, she likes to spend time at the beach, diving and trying new watersports.
aschlosser@islandacademy.com
Alex Schlosser has been working with children and adults for over 20 years. As a national level coach and learning facilitator, Alex has experience in connecting effectively with students and supporting their educational needs. He has a passion for helping young people learn to achieve both academically and personally. He understands the psychology of student performance, making good decisions and developing mental strategies for success.
Alex is applying his Special Needs education to Island Academy students who benefit from small group, and 1 on 1 sessions to achieve academic success.
Outside of school, Alex is an active member in the gymnastics community and enjoys exploring new meals to cook with his wife.
Jenna DiCocco teaches English Literature; this includes a preparatory curriculum to Grade 9 students, English B to all CSEC students, and English A: Literature HL to all IB students. She also teaches IB Global Politics HL and the IB Extended Essay course. She has completed multiple IB training courses and attends all relevant regional and virtual CSEC workshops. She has a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctorate. Before joining Island Academy, she was a Lecturer at Boston University, published articles in The International Lawyer and The Iowa Review, and guest-lectured at Tufts University. She has edited several textbooks and anthologies, is obsessed with impeccable grammar, and has lived in the US, England, and Zambia before moving to Antigua in 2014. She remains a licensed attorney.
Jessica graduated with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Biology and a Bachelor of Education from Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada, She has also completed 2 IB training courses. She will be teaching IB biology and chemistry. Jessica has been working with children from 1-16 years old as early as 2004. From athlete to coach to school – teacher, Jessica is passionate that learning is found all around you and teachable moments can happen at any time. Outside of school, you can find Jessica reading a book or back at teaching and helping her husband coach at Antigua Elite Gymnastics.
Frances Averre, originally from the UK, is new to the school and to Antigua. Her background is in mathematics with a Master’s degree (MSci) from the University of Lancaster where she specialised in pure mathematics.
Frances then transitioned to teaching and completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (with Qualified Teacher Status) from the University of Manchester. Before this, she spent time volunteering in an animal sanctuary in France and working as a charity fundraiser for St. John Ambulance.
She is very excited to be teaching 2 subjects at IA that she loves: Mathematics and Physics. Outside of school Frances loves dancing, music and swimming.
Sean Bhadrinath trained in the UK for his Postgraduate Certificate in Education and has been teaching Mathematics for the past 5 years. He also has a BSc in Games technology and worked as a software developer in the oil and gas industry before getting into teaching.
Sean has an interest in many sports such as Cricket, Basketball, Rugby and Table Tennis, and is a big fan of things that go fast!
Taurean Allen is originally from Jamaica, and now resides in Antigua with his family. He holds a MSc in Economics and Finance from Renmin University of China, and a BA in Marketing and International Business from the University of Technology Jamaica (UTECH). Taurean has been an educator for over 13 years, and has taught at prestigious international schools in Beijing, China. He also has experience of CSEC and the IB programme.
Taurean is a lifelong learner and IT enthusiast. He is a keen sportsman and a freelance writer. He enjoys traveling and spending time with his family. Taurean’s philosophy to life is work hard, work smart, play hard, be balanced and pay attention to detail.
Mr. Thomas’ experience as a teacher of languages spans over 9 years to students in Asia, Europe, Africa and America. He fell in love with teaching English during his freshman year of Psychology in Moscow while researching how culture may affect how one acquires language. In 2017, after completing his Bachelor of Science in General Psychology at RUDN in Moscow, he went to Colombia and Spain to deepen his knowledge of Spanish before pursuing a Master of Arts in Applied linguistics with a focus in the translation and teaching of Spanish, French and Russian. After this, he went to France to fine tune his French. Jhonaton currently speaks Spanish, French and Russian as foreign languages and still follows his passion in Psychology and is a member of the British Psychological Society (MBPsS).
When he is not teaching or deepening his knowledge in psychology, he takes to the tennis court or joins his friends for volleyball. He enjoys travelling and does so often because to him part of living a language is being constantly immersed in it.
Jocelyn Beldman has her bachelors (BMusTh, MTA) in Music Therapy and her Canadian Accreditation as a Music Therapist. Jocelyn completed her Masters of Music Education in 2021 from the University of Western Ontario Canada. She has experience teaching music and language arts across the age groups. She has achieved her Level III in the Kodaly Method for teaching Music and loves musical theater, applying this passion to various school productions. She is an avid musician outside of school, and you may see her performing live in and around Antigua with the band The Rift.
Tori Ryan has an interdisciplinary background, with a BA (Honors) in Philosophy and Liberal Arts from Florida Atlantic University, a Master of Arts in English Literature from the University of Bristol, and an Education Master of Science from Syracuse University. She has also completed additional graduate level Physics coursework. Prior to moving to Antigua, she taught at a diverse IB/MYP public high school in Syracuse, developing cross curricular units between History and English as well as Science and English for secondary students. She also taught A.V.I.D : a skills-based course that focuses on developing academic as well as social/emotional skills. Her hobbies include archival and archaeological research focused on Antigua’s past, hiking, and reading.
Karol Lyn Edwards has a B.Sc. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry, and a B.Ed. in Biology, Chemistry, and Junior High School Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland. She also has an M.Ed. in Teaching Science to Exceptional Students from Queen’s University, Ontario. She has also been trained as an IB DP Coordinator and in MYP science. She has taught in several schools and countries and has taught many sciences and math courses, including Oceanography and Geology. She also taught ESL and was the director of a private language school for two years. She has over 30 years experience of international school teaching and administration. She has been fundamental in the development and success of the IBDP programme at the school and previously served as the IBDP Coordinator for 12 years.
Mr. Randy is a very versatile teacher. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a Masters in International Relations. Mr. Randy is also trained in Jolly Phonics, and IBDP Spanish. Since being at Island Academy he has worked at both primary and secondary level and founded the first competitive volleyball team at the school. Mr Randy is a Level 1 beach and indoor FIVB volleyball coach and also a certified personal trainer.
In 2017, Mr Randy worked with the Ministry of Social-Transformation in collaboration with the UN, in the “Community Rehabilitation Program”. He also worked as the Outreach Coordinator for the charity “Friends of Care Project”.
During the holidays, Mr. St. Jean spends time volunteering in academic and sporting programmes for young people. He has worked with the Flair Academy of Etiquette.This academy focuses on grooming young individuals to be good people in the society.When he is not volunteering, he is playing volleyball both indoor and at the beach, or at the gym. Mr. Randy enjoys whatever he does and always gives his 100%.
Mark Mitchell holds a BA in Physical Education with Honours from Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada. Mark teaches Grades Kinder to CXC. He holds several coaching certifications, including ASCA and FINA certifications. He recently earned his certification as a Youth Fitness Trainer with the International Sports Sciences Association.
Outside of school Mark is a keen swimmer and coach. He operates his own swimming school and competitive program and also works with the Antigua and Barbuda Swimming Federation to develop the sport at the national level. He won the 2012-2013 Antigua and Barbuda “Top Sports Coach of the Year” award and the 2019 “Sports Club of the Year” award. Most recently, Mark acted as Head Coach for team Antigua and Barbuda at the 18th FINA World Swimming Championships in Gwangju, South Korea. He teaches PE to students from Kinder all the way to Grade 11.
Dinah is a qualified secondary school teacher in Business and Accounting with over ten years in the corporate business and accounting environment. She has been teaching for five years with consistently great results by supporting the holistic development of her students. She holds an MSc Distinction in Strategic Leadership and Management, a BSc in Management Studies and numerous certifications in the fields of Aviation and Accounting from her early career. She also has the unique ability to make Mathematics at any level interesting.
Dinah fully appreciates the international perspective having travelled widely and being a resident of Doha, Qatar. Dinah is an avid rescuer of dogs domestically and works to rehome canines to Canada, the USA and the UK.
Laura Haynes, originally from Ireland, studied for her Bachelors Degree in Ceramic Design in
2017 before completing a Professional Masters of Education in Art and Design with Digital
Media at the University of Limerick, Ireland in 2020. Laura has taught in a variety of educational settings as an Art Teacher and also has experience working as a School Completion Project worker, helping to engage young people in Ireland to attend and participate in school effectively.
Laura’s primary Art discipline is Ceramics but she enjoys challenging herself in other areas such
as film photography and embroidery. She is looking forward to developing the Art Department at Island Academy, and is very enthusiastic about discovering more about island life in Antigua. In her spare time, Laura loves to travel and experience new cultures, she likes to spend time at the beach, diving and trying new watersports.
Mr Colin Martin Esquire, was born and raised in Antigua and Barbuda, where he completed his education. After his studies, Collin completed a course in ceramics which he then turned into his career. Collin is also popularly known for designing and constructing ‘Queen of the carnival’ costumes In his spare time he enjoys gardening, pottery and creating magical costumes. In the near future, Collin intends to complete a Masters Degree in Pottery.
Mrs. Eman Bsoumai, originally from Syria, moved to Antigua over 30 years ago. A past parent of an IB student, Mrs. Bsoumai, is dedicated to looking after our youngest students during break and lunch and using her gardening skills to beautify our campus with flowers and plants.
Mr Donal Green was born and raised in Manchester, Jamaica. He studied at the tertiary institution, the Jamaica Bible College, where he completed a diploma in Secretarial Science. After he completed his studies Donal worked in the engineering and agricultural sector. He settled in Antigua 5 years ago and particularly enjoys developing the campus flora and fauna.