Excellence

Teaching Staff

At Grand Genève International School, every member of our teaching team combines a strong academic background with a deep passion for education. Our teachers are specialists in their fields, guiding students through rigorous academic pathways while fostering personal growth.

Through daily on-site guidance and small, focused learning environments, they provide structure, mentorship, and personalized support, ensuring that each student feels known, challenged, and empowered throughout their academic journey. 

Meet Our Teachers

Every member of our team brings an exceptional performance background and a deep passion for teaching. As experts in their fields, they are committed to inspiring and engaging students, fostering their intellectual, social, and emotional growth. With a lifelong dedication to helping young people reach their full potential, our teachers are focused on empowering students to achieve their goals.

Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education

Program Director

LEANDRO CRUZ

Leandro, a native of Brazil, had a professional career as a football player…

Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education

English and Literature Teacher / Academic Advisor

Amy Bench

Amy joined the academy in 2021 and currently leads the English Department…
Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education

Humanities Teacher, History, Geography, American Government

CLAIRE WATTS

Claire joined the Academy in 2021 and currently serves as Head of the Humanities Department…
Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education

ESL Teacher, Communications Coordinator

BARBARA HILL

Barbara is a native British English speaker with 20 years of international teaching…

Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education

Math, Physics & Chemistry Teacher

HANS KOLSTER

Hans is a Dutch mathematics educator with extensive experience in private international schools…
Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education

French Teacher

HÉLOÏSE EVANS

Heloise is a native French speaker, who studied French language and literature…

Middle School sciences teacher

Mari Llywela

Mari joined the academy in 2025. Originally from Wales…
Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education

Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Junior Science Teacher

EMMA NEWMAN

Emma is a British teacher with 20 years of teaching experience across…

Access to top experts

dedicated to the success of our students

DEAN OF COUNSELING AND ADVISING

JOHN DRUCIS

With more than nine years of experience in working with online students, John’s expertise includes creating academic plans to help students reach their future college application goals, guiding students through the college application process, and helping student-athletes navigate NCAA eligibility requirements.
Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education
Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education
Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education

Director of Partnerships & Education Operations

ALEX PROCTOR

With over 15 years of experience in education, Alex Proctor is a dedicated expert in student-athlete development, academic counseling, college recruitment, and international education. His vast experience includes curriculum evaluations, guiding students through academic placement, and helping families navigate the college admissions/recruiting process. Alex has successfully coached high school and college-level student-athletes, built strong partnerships in the education and athletic sectors, and specializes in NCAA eligibility guidance.

Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education

IB DP Science Lead, CAS Coordinator, VR Coordinator

Felicia Chen

Ms. Chen is an international educator passionate about integrating educational technology to enhance student engagement and make science meaningful and relevant to everyday life. She has led the implementation of virtual reality tools in the science curriculum, providing students with immersive lab experiences that support their preparation for the IB examinations. Ms. Chen holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from The University of Manchester and a Master’s degree in Education from Veritas University College. Outside the classroom, she enjoys traveling, music, and exploring the culinary arts.
Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education
Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education
Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education

Head of Social Studies, IB Diploma Program Teacher, History, Social Studies Teacher

Lou Gallo

Named the Knox County Teacher of the Year in 2008 and the West High School Teacher of the Year in 2003, in addition to earning the Milkin National Educator Award, Mr. Gallo has decades of education experience, both in the classroom and at organizations like the College Board. He was one of just five teachers selected to run the Olympic torch for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. At Dwight Global, he teaches various social studies and history courses, using stories from his extensive travels – he’s visited more than 40 countries to date – to better connect students with their course materials. Originally from New Jersey, Mr. Gallo earned his Bachelor’s degree from The College of New Jersey and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education

Program Director

Leandro Cruz

Leandro, a native of Brazil, had a professional career as a football player before transitioning into education. With 15 years of experience in the French school system, he has dedicated his career to guiding student-athletes toward both academic and athletic excellence.

Beyond the classroom, he plays a crucial role in securing college placements for high school graduates, ensuring they successfully transition to higher education while balancing their sports commitments.

Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education
Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education

English and Literature Teacher / Academic Advisor

Amy Bench

Amy joined the academy in 2021 and currently leads the English Department. Originally from the UK, she holds a degree in English Literature and a PGCE in Secondary Education from Lancaster University. With over a decade of international teaching experience, Amy has worked in the UK, Italy, and France, including at two of the UK’s top high schools and an international school in Turin. 

In 2016, she moved to the French Alps, inspired by her passion for the mountains. Outside the classroom, Amy is an avid hiker, climber, snowboarder, and traveler. She is also a certified yoga instructor and regularly organizes yoga, meditation, and art workshops at the academy offering a holistic approach to learning.

Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education
Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education

Humanities Teacher, History, Geography, American Government

Claire Watts

Claire joined the Academy in 2021 and currently serves as Head of the Humanities Department. Originally from North Carolina, she completed her studies at the University of Oregon, earning degrees in Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, and French, along with a SLAAT teaching certification.

Her academic journey was also the start of a great personal adventure: on her very first day at university, Claire met a French student who would later become her husband. They married just two days after graduation (where she graduated with honours) and moved abroad together two days later.

Claire is known for her compassion, her passion for the humanities, and her dedication to ensuring her boys have a wonderful experience. Outside the classroom, she enjoys dancing, organizing dinner parties, and traveling the world to visit historical and archaeological sites. 

Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education
Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education

ESL Teacher, Communications Coordinator

Barbara Hill

Barbara is a native British English speaker with 20 years of international teaching
experience. After earning her Bachelor of Education from Manchester Metropolitan
University in 2005, she taught in the UK, Australia, and France across public, private, and international schools.

Drawn by her love of mountains, she relocated with her young family to Thonon-les-Bains, where she enjoys the Alpine region of the mountains and lakes. She spends her free time skiing, cycling, swimming and having adventures with her family and friends. 

Barbara aims to inspire student-athletes to embrace new challenges and thrive, creating a supportive environment where they are motivated to achieve both their academic goals and personal passions.

Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education
Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education

Math, Physics & Chemistry Teacher

Hans Kolster

Hans is a Dutch mathematics educator with extensive experience in private international schools. Passionate about inspiring students, he believes in building strong relationships, setting high standards, and helping each individual realise their full potential.

Three years ago, Hans moved to the French Alps to embrace an active lifestyle in a stunning setting. 

Now in his fourth year at the school, he feels privileged to be part of a dedicated team, and is excited to support motivated athletes who are working hard to turn their dreams into reality. 

Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education
Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education

French Teacher

Héloïse Evans

Héloïse is a native French speaker, who studied French language and literature at University in France before moving to the UK. While living in the UK, Héloïse pursued a teaching qualification at Brighton University and went on to teach languages in a variety of schools in the south of England. Héloïse has 15 years of experience teaching students from a young age through to the end of high school as well as taking on pastoral roles. 

After living in the UK for nearly 10 years, she decided to return to the beautiful region where she was born, to raise her family amongst the foothills of the Alps. She loves spending time outdoors, hiking or skiing in the mountains with her family. Teaching has always been Héloïse’s passion and she delights in passing on her love of the French language. She is always looking for new and innovative ways to challenge and inspire her students to help set them on the path to a fulfilling and successful future.

Middle School sciences teacher

Mari Llywela

Mari joined the academy in 2025. Originally from Wales, she graduated from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). She brings over 10 years of teaching experience across schools in Wales and international settings.

In 2018, Mari moved to France with her husband and has since embraced mountain life and all it offers for their young family. Outside the classroom, she enjoys road cycling, climbing, hiking, and skiing.

Mari is a hands-on educator who enjoys practical challenges and creative learning opportunities. She is passionate about incorporating problem-solving, experiments, and team projects into her lessons to help students learn through experience and discovery. 

Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education
Grand Genève International School - ICL Academy - Dwight Global - international and hybrid education

Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Junior Science Teacher

Emma Newman

Emma is a British teacher with 20 years of teaching experience across all phases of education. Her background includes 10 years teaching high school and junior school in London, where she held Pastoral and Departmental Leadership roles. She then spent 9 years at a London university, training graduate and postgraduate students to become teachers themselves. 

Emma relocated to France in 2021 to follow her passion for outdoor activities and broaden the life experiences of her young daughter. Outside of teaching Emma enjoys the vast range of sports and activities that the nearby mountains and lakes offer. Having joined the PSG Academy Pro teaching team in 2023, Emma has been keen to create a positive learning environment, linking scientific topics to football as well as the previous knowledge and experiences of her students.