Meet our Team

Abbey Peers

Director of IB
School Careers Leader
Teacher

Abbey is a passionate historian with a degree in History from the University of Liverpool where she specialised in race studies, Early Modern religion, and deviance. Since finishing her degree, she completed a PGCE in History, and is now studying for a Masters in Educational Leadership.

As our Careers Leader, Abbey is Level 6 trained in Supporting Career Development and loves inspiring students to investigate the world of Higher Education. She is also keen to ensure students experience life outside the classroom and loves running trips to cities such as Paris, Geneva and London.

apeers@chesterinternational.co.uk
01244 735610

Alee Kassab

Pastoral Team

Alee grew up locally to CIS, and studied BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Chester. Alee has utilised his passion for Sports (Football in particular) and Coaching by working for various local high schools and football clubs.

Taking his experience from the automotive and financial industries, as well as his sporting background, Alee supports students in his coaching role by developing their strengths and providing encouragement through their journey at CIS.

aleekassab@chesterinternational.co.uk

Alexandre Lawrenson

Assistant Principal
Director of Academic Technology & Data

Having completed a PhD in chemistry in 2012, Alex subsequently worked as a postdoctoral researcher at a number of international institutes. Whilst at the University of Liverpool, Alex explored novel methods to develop therapeutics to treat malaria and HIV, before applying these skills at Unilever to design new cleaning products.

Alex then went on to study for his PGCE at Liverpool John Moore’s University, and was awarded the Academic Achievement prize for highest course average. With an extensive IT background, Alex developed an online resource to model 3D chemical reactions, and as such is fluent in a number of computing languages.

His interactive approach to teaching is to involve students in designing their own practical experiments, to encourage a wider engagement in science.

Complaints Coordinator - alawrenson@chesterinternational.co.uk

Alison Birse

Support Staff
Communications liaison

enquiries@chesterinternational.co.uk

Angela Bowman

Teaching Support Assistant

Angela studied Drama and Theatre Studies with Education Studies at the University of Chester, with a focus on using Drama as a tool for learning to support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. After obtaining her 1st class degree, Angela went on to do a PGCE in Secondary Drama and became a qualified Drama Teacher. Angela is a Learning Support Assistant and specialised teacher at CIS, she works as part of the SEND team to ensure students with SEND have equal access to the curriculum.

abowman@chesterinternational.co.uk

Ben Flatman

Teacher

Ben is a passionate physicist, with a love for astronomy. He has a First-Class MPhys (Hons) in Astrophysics from the University of Cardiff with a focus in the image analysis of planet surfaces and low surface brightness galaxies. He later went on to carry out research in sensors and instrumentation for spectral analysis of atmospherics. During demonstrating in the undergraduate physics labs he studied education in greater depth. Ben found that teaching was one of the most rewarding experiences throughout his time at university. This led to a drive to make a difference and a passion for teaching physics. He later went on to complete his PGCE in science at Cardiff Metropolitan University. He started his career in South Wales and moved back up north to be closer to friends and family. In his spare time Ben enjoys hiking and wild camping. Though he enjoys winding down with a good game or a science fiction novel.

bflatman@chesterinternational.co.uk

Brendan Quinn

Curriculum Coordinator
Teacher

Brendan has a real passion for creative writing and The Arts. He has an MA and a First-Class BA (Hons) degree in Creative Writing from Edge Hill University and a PGDE from Liverpool Hope University, specialising in English. Brendan is also a poet and a writer with a wide focus of form, content and styles. He has had success publishing poetry and working collaboratively with artists of a variety of disciplines. In addition to this he has worked in editorial roles, events organisation and publicity within the literary world. His most recent publication combined poetry with photography.

When he is not immersed in writing, Brendan enjoys music, films and football.

bquinn@chesterinternational.co.uk

Callum Lavery

Teacher

Callum studied Mathematics at the University of Liverpool, completing modules that focused on mechanical applications and Number theory, as well as completing a dissertation on Black Holes and Hawking radiation. After obtaining his Master’s Degree, Callum went on to volunteer for his local Scouts group and it was here that he discovered his passion for teaching. Soon after, he completed his PGCE in Mathematics at the University of Chester and went on to start his career in the Isle of Man. He has moved back to his home of North Wales to be closer to his family.

In his spare time, Callum enjoys swimming, bouldering, hiking and playing badminton, but will never turn down a good game or fantasy novel, or a game of dungeons and dragons.

clavery@chesterinternational.co.uk

Danielle Wierenga

Teacher

Danielle is a citizen of Jamaica, the Netherlands and the United States who has been residing in the UK since 2017. Growing up in a multicultural household, she pursued her IB diploma studies and became an IB DP graduate in 2009. After high school, she studied her Psychology BA at both Rijkuniversiteit Groningen and The University of Oklahoma before moving to the UK. There, she earned her MA in International Education and Development and later a PGCE from the University of Sussex. Before teaching, she worked as an academic writing consultant, editor, and psychological market researcher. Currently, Danielle teaches Psychology and supports SEND students to ensure their academic success and wellbeing.

Outside of the classroom, Danielle enjoys pottery, writing, and going for hikes near her home in North Wales.

dwierenga@chesterinternational.co.uk

Daryl Goodwin

Vice Principal - Curriculum Contact
Teacher

Daryl has been a Head of Year and lead teacher for Mathematics having started his teaching career at Christleton High School. He has specific skills to help us grow our coaching and student well-being programme at CIS.

After training to be an accountant, Daryl then went to work for Barclays and Bank of America here in Chester. He returned to study Mathematics at university and is keen to build a strong and successful Maths curriculum which is accessible and inspirational to all students.

dgoodwin@chesterinternational.co.uk

Farrah Mooney

Teacher

Farrah studied International Politics and Criminology at the University of Liverpool, completing modules that focused on the history of both subjects and how this is relevant in the world we live in today. Farrah then went on to complete her PGCE in History at Edge Hill University before joining CIS.

Farrah spent her first year at CIS as an Academic Mentor additionally taking up Coaching shortly after joining the team. Farrah now supports our students at CIS by teaching GCSE History, Academic Mentoring and Coaching.

Farrah has always had a passion for international education, culture and societies and has explored this through her studies. She has been involved in leading EAL sessions at CIS for visiting students from various countries, including Czechia, Spain, France and Italy and hopes to continue expanding her network and experience.

fmooney@chesterinternational.co.uk

Grace Andrew

Support Staff

I’ve recently graduated from University of Chester with a degree in Business Events Management. Whilst studying for my degree I had the opportunity to volunteer at CIS on my work-based learning module. This gave me an insight into the wonderful school that it is and led to me wanting to pursue a career in supporting young people.

I am a massive foodie and I enjoy cooking and baking outside of work.

enquiries@chesterinternational.co.uk

Hannah Lago

Teacher

Hannah studied Textiles in Practice at Manchester School of Art. During her degree, Hannah volunteered at a local arts organisation for adults with learning disabilities, where she developed an interest in removing barriers to the arts. Upon graduating in 2014, Hannah was based at Marketplace Studios in Stockport, where she designed and sold her work, and delivered art workshops. Hannah completed her PGCE Secondary Art & Design in 2021 at the University of Chester, with one of her teacher training placements being at CIS. After graduating in 2022, Hannah went on to teach Art & Design at a large comprehensive school in the North West. Hannah is delighted to be back at CIS, supporting learners with SEND to meet their full potential. Hannah is a big fan of dystopian novels, music, zines and being creative with art and recipes. Hannah loves to keep active by swimming, cycling, and exploring North Wales with her adorable King Charles Cavalier Spaniel.

hlago@chesterinternational.co.uk

Jack Mallon

Teacher

Jack graduated from Edge Hill University with a degree in English and Media before moving back to Chester to work in both the finance and education sectors. Jack has completed his PGCE via the Schools Direct route in which he had the opportunity to teach both English and Media across all year groups within a local school.

Jack has a real passion for his subject. He enjoys trips to the cinema/ theatre and has previously created articles for an online company.

Outside of school, Jack enjoys travelling, skiing, visiting Chester Zoo and learning new skills (the most recent one being horse riding).

jmallon@chesterinternational.co.uk

Jenny Monaghan

SENDCo/Teacher

Jenny has a degree in English and a PGCE from Canterbury Christ Church University College. She has had a varied career in teaching with positions in Grammar schools in Kent as well as local high schools. Over the last 20 years she has developed a passion for supporting students to help them to achieve their best in school. Her most recent post as a Head of Year at Christleton High School gave her a varied experience in implementing strategies to support and provide good outcomes for students. Jenny is an English Teacher and SENDCO at Chester Intenational School.

jmonaghan@chesterinternational.co.uk

Jordan Ryan

Teacher

With a passion for having a deeper understanding of wider world, Jordan completed a degree in Zoology with Animal Behaviour at Bangor University in Gwynedd. After volunteering within educational projects in India for Snake conservation and in Tenerife for Dolphin and Whale tourist awareness programmes, Jordan felt inspired to follow her in her Grandads footsteps and become a teacher for young and aspiring adults. Jordan completed her PGCE with Biology specialism at Chester University and worked within a local school to enhance learning experiences within the classroom and provide positive associations with education. Jordan has an array of experiences within different subjects and enjoys being able to tailor her teaching methods to fit her student's interests. Her most important ethos within the classroom is providing a safe and inclusive space in which all learners have the ability to showcase their individual talents and passions. Outside of school, Jordan enjoys travelling the world and experiencing new cultures. As well as enjoying walks in the local countryside and treating herself to an Ice cream down at the River Dee, she also loves nothing more than sitting with takeaway and playing on her PlayStation 5.

jryan@chesterinternational.co.uk

Katrina Brown

Principal

Katrina has a serious passion for the Biological Sciences completing a BSc Biomolecular Science at The University of Manchester followed by a PGCE Science. Her teaching career began in the North West teaching in large sixth form colleges, having roles such as Advanced Skills Teacher, STEM ambassador for the UK and Head of Science.

Katrina moved with her family to Houston, Texas leading Science and STEM in the IB and AP American curriculum. This was followed by a move to the Netherlands directing the IB Diploma Programme and Academic Technology at a Dutch international school. Katrina is currently studying for her masters in Educational Leadership and Management at the University of Chester.

kbrown@chesterinternational.co.uk

Lucy Richards

Curriculum Coordinator
Teacher

Lucy has loved to travel since completing part of her Geography degree in Perth, Western Australia. Since graduating she has travelled extensively, experiencing life on all 7 continents over the years. Lucy completed her PGCE in Geography teaching at the University of Sheffield after realising that she could bring her passion for travel, people and places directly into the classroom and hopefully inspire the next generation of global explorers!

Lucy worked in South Yorkshire before moving out to Abu Dhabi where she was Head of Geography in an IB school. As well as setting up the department there in a new school, she also led World Challenge expeditions to Nepal and India and initiated the International Award. She has a passion for running fieldtrips and expeditions and the wealth of opportunities and experiences they offer to students.

Aside from travel, Lucy enjoys running, reading and introducing her young family to the great outdoors.

lurichards@chesterinternational.co.uk

Mari Smith

LSA

Mari studied Geography and Sports Science at Loughborough University. After obtaining her BSc she went on to study PGCE in Geography and PE. She spent 12 years teaching Geography and PE in Welsh medium schools. Her role included A level PE lead and was responsible for developing Welsh medium teaching resources for schools in Wales. Following this, she moved to New Zealand to work as a Sports therapist. Mari has also spent time teaching Geography, Commerce and Business Studies in Australia and led pastoral teams as a Year Coordinator. During her time living on the Isle of Man, she was involved in establishing and developing Manx language playgroups on the island and working with global addressing systems. Since moving to Chester, she has worked as an EAL teacher and is now part of the SEND team working as an LSA at CIS. Outside of the classroom, Mari enjoys attending concerts and gigs, walking and spending time with her family.

Natalie Wright

Assistant Principal
Designated Safeguarding Lead

Natalie has always had a passion for the performing arts since she began dance and theatre lessons at the age of 3. Natalie trained in Drama & Theatre studies in Liverpool and completed her PGCE in Secondary Drama at The University of Chester and has taught in a number of schools across the North West.

In her spare time, Natalie treads the boards herself in local amateur theatre by performing and directing productions annually. Most recently she performed the role of Little Red Riding Hood in Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods and was the assistant director and performed in Singin’ in the Rain which took place in Chester’s very own Storyhouse Theatre.

nwright@chesterinternational.co.uk

Nicola Jones

Teacher

Nicola studied Spanish at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, during which time she spent her year abroad in northern Chile teaching English at the Universidad Católica del Norte, being awarded her degree with Distinction in spoken Spanish. After graduating, she returned to live in the Chilean capital, Santiago, for another year teaching English. She completed her MA in Latin American and Caribbean Studies at the University of Manchester and subsequently obtained her PhD in Latin American Cultural Studies, also from the University of Manchester. Her doctoral thesis on cosmopolitanism and British consumption and understanding of Latin America through the press and film festivals won the Association of Hispanists of Great Britan and Ireland’s (AHGBI) prize for the most distinguished thesis in 2016, subsequently published as a monograph entitled Imagining Latin America: Magical Realism, Cosmopolitanism and the iViva! Film Festival by Tamesis in 2021. After working for a year in Student Recruitment and Widening Participation, Nicola has taught Spanish language from A1-C2 level as well as Spanish and Latin American literature, film, visual culture, history and society at the Universities of Chester, Birmingham and Manchester.

In her spare time, Nicola loves reading, films, yoga, hiking and spending time with her young daughter.

njones@chesterinternational.co.uk

Richard Jones

Teacher

Richard is an experienced GCSE Maths teacher with a real desire to support all students to achieve in this fundamental subject. Richard’s keen interest in science, mathematics and how things work led him to complete a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Liverpool. His focus was in exploring sustainable energy sources, specifically the use of turbines within wind farming. Richard completed his PCGE at Liverpool Hope University and went on to teach secondary Mathematics close to home on the Wirral.

In his own time Richard enjoys pushing himself at the gym where he regularly challenges himself through gruelling weight based and HIIT sessions. He is an avid football fan, enjoys playing the guitar and exploring new cultures through travel. Richard hopes to enthuse and support students during their journey at CIS.

rjones@chesterinternational.co.uk

Rob Jones

Teacher

Coming from a family of accountants, Rob has always had Maths at the forefront of his life, and has chased this passion into education, where he loves inspiring this same passion in students.

He attended the University of York where he studied Linguistics and Philosophy, with a particular focus on logic and epistemology, and completed his PGCE in Secondary Maths at the University of Chester.

In his spare time, he loves reading, learning new things and films, and he is very excited to be a part of the CIS team!

robjones@chesterinternational.co.uk

Victoria Bentley

Coach, Pastoral Team and Safeguarding Lead

With a flair for Art and creativity, Vicky graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 3-Dimensional Design (glass with ceramics) and then returned to the heart of Chester to set up her own glass studio designing and producing innovative glassware. Vicky’s passion is now leading the Coaching Team, working with the Pastoral Team and Safeguarding all students and staff. She comes to the role of Coach with a deep and varied experience in working with students to support them in the areas of Mental Health, Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and Attendance. Vicky is trained in Level 7 Specialist Assessor in Assessing for Access Arrangements and is a First Aider.

Vicky enjoys walking the family dog but not so much having her children's tarantulas, snakes, and rainbow crab!

vbentley@chesterinternational.co.uk

Will Morrow

Teacher

Will grew up local to Chester International School, before completing a degree in computer Science at The University of Chester. Will continued on to complete his PGCE in Computer Science and Business. It was at university Will developed a passion for web design, in particular, looking at usability and making websites more accessible for the elderly.

Outside of school, Will enjoys reading and watching sport, while staying healthy by playing 6 aside football.

wmorrow@chesterinternational.co.uk

Yasmin Yazdani

Curriculum Coordinator
Teacher

Yasmin has a degree in Biology with Industrial Experience from The University of Manchester. After working at Roche Pharmaceuticals for her placement year, she decided to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science and follow suit in a family full of teachers. This then led to a varied teaching career, completing several roles such as KS3 Coordinator, Head of Science and Head of House across many schools. In her time teaching abroad, she worked in Italy, Mexico and Qatar, returning to Italy once again before making the move back home to the UK.

Her ethos for teaching focuses on inclusivity, positive mental attitudes and a love of Sir David Attenborough references, which many students often fail to pick up on.

Outside of school, Yasmin is an avid traveller, has visited all but 1 of the 7 modern wonders of the world and is very much a 'culture vulture' who loves to experience different cuisines and integrate as much as she can.

yyazdani@chesterinternational.co.uk

Trust

Darran Jones

Having joined Christleton High School for his first teaching job, Darran now boasts over 30 years’ experience in the Education Sector. Rising from class teacher to the role of Headteacher of the school, on the request of Trustees, Darran took over from Nigel Follos as CEO of The Learning Trust on an interim basis on Nigel’s retirement.

With a background of teaching Economics, Darran not only brings extensive operational expertise but also vital experience to the role whilst being able to provide a unique perspective of all levels and areas within the school environment.

Darran’s role is to provide strategic leadership to allow the Trust to continue to develop, improve and grow in the future.

Paul Heath

Paul has 20 years’ of extensive experience in Local Government with the last 7 years being at Management Board level as Director of Policy and Resources for Cheshire County Council. He was a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy and has chaired various national and regional bodies on performance improvement and finance. He has also completed secondments to central Government departments and worked as an Audit Commission adviser.

He was a school Governor for 14 years including both Chair and Vice-Chair roles, and has 15 years experience as Non-Executive Director/Trustee. Paul not only has passion and commitment, but has extensive expertise and experience in strategic planning, performance management, financial management, change management and governance.