From the founding team to our Board of Experts : the same educational ideal
The founding team - Four women, one vision
No less than four women make up our founding team. What brought them together? They are firm believers in the virtues of bilingualism and share a common dream: to offer children a school that exudes confidence, kindness and the joy of learning.
Barbara de Baudry d'Asson
Founder
Barbara was born of a Danish mother and a French father. She has 3 sons.
After her French baccalauréat and studies of literature at the Lycée Henri IV, she graduated with a Master of Tax and Business Law from the University of Panthéon-Assas.
She practiced as a French lawyer for 23 years, of which 12 years at Linklaters. Barbara’s longtime passion for education, child psychology and neurosciences has led her to create Union School.
Her three sons (11, 13 and 15 years old) are bilingual.
Barbara Labouret
Recruitment & Relations avec le UK
Barbara, a German national, has five children.
She has graduated from Business Administration at the University of Passau and has completed a Master at the London School of Economics. After having worked in the finance industry in London, Barbara started her own business producing silk garments in Asia.
During more than 20 years in London Barbara has been very involved in the education of her five trilingual children. She has gained profound insight in the specificities of English, bilingual and French education. In 2018 Barbara relocated to Paris.
At Union School, Barbara is in charge of recruiting both the Head Teacher and the team of teachers. She is further marketing Union School in the UK.
Marguerite de Laboulaye
Board of Experts
Marguerite has 3 children.
She is a graduate of Sciences Po. After starting her career in the TV industry, Marguerite pursued new studies and became a clinical psychologist and family therapist. She worked for 4 years at the public hospital (APHP) in the teenagers' psychiatric department. Today Marguerite is a sole practitioner specializing in teenager and family difficulties.
She also devotes part of her time to training nurses, educators and students at the Paris Diderot University. Recently she started a university degree in neurosciences and education at the University of Paris Descartes.
At Union School, Marguerite is in charge of establishing the Board of Experts. She engages highly reputed specialists in education, dyslexia, bilingualism and neurosciences, who will share their experience and findings with Union School.
Anne-Sophie de Monès
Solidarity & Eco-responsibility Partnerships
Anne-Sophie has 4 children.
She started her career working for the marketing department of Disney US and French Parks for more than ten years. Since 2008, Anne-Sophie has been working as a journalist at One Heart, a digital agency specialising in solidarity for the community and eco-responsibility communication.
At Union School, Anne-Sophie is in charge of implementing eco-responsible behaviour and putting in place partnerships with associations involved in solidarity for the community and eco-responsibility.
The Executive Head of Union School - Experience at the service of Excellence
It was with great enthusiasm that we chose Ian to run the school. He brings together all the qualities that we value at Union School : an impressive track record in prestigious international schools, an incredibly open minded spirit, an attentive ear, an insatiable curiosity and the art of taking up any challenge. The children love him and so do we.
Ian Tysoe
Executive Head
Ian is a British national. He is fully bilingual (English-French). He has over 35 years of experience in education and 3 grown children.
Throughout his career primarily in the UK and Switzerland, Ian has been at the helm of several schools.
Ian began his career as a teacher of mathematics in the UK at Reading Bluecoat School
At thirty-two he was appointed Headmaster of Buckswood Grange School where he founded the Early Years section of the school Following the birth of his first child he took up the post of Head of Mathematics at Holmewood House Prep School in Kent.
In 1996 he moved to Aiglon College in Switzerland where he was Senior House Master and Assistant Deputy Head. It was during this time, that along with adding twins to his family, he met many personal outdoor challenges such as mountain climbing, expeditioning and skiing.
He returned to the UK as Head of the renowned Cottesmore Prep School, which has recently been awarded ‘Boarding School of the year 2019’ at the prestigious national Tes (Times Educational Supplement) Independent Schools Awards and more recently has been awarded Prep School of the Year 2020 at the Tatler School Awards. During Ian’s tenure, he upgraded the boarding facilities and is particularly proud of both the outstanding ISI report the school received in February 2008 and the record number of Senior School scholarships awarded to pupils during his time. He also trained as an Ofsted (BSPI) and an ISI Inspector.
In 2008 he was appointed as Director of Boarding and IB Maths teacher at Collège Alpin Beau Soleil, Switzerland, later to become Vice-Principal with particular responsibility for pastoral welfare and student discipline. It was here that he gained an understanding of the French National Curriculum. A personal achievement at this time was climbing Kilimanjaro.
From 2014, as Principal of St. George’s International School, Montreux he worked particularly hard on improving communication and links with parents. While there, he was also Executive Head of Ecole Riviera a billingual primary school also in Montreux, working closely with the Head and senior leadership team.
His commitment to school, especially the pupils, is paramount to him. He has a reputation for working hard to achieve the best for everyone. He enjoys music; playing violin, guitar and saxophone. Other interests include chess, cooking and skiing. He is an approachable, adaptable and effective leader. Today, Ian works closely with the Founding team of Union School sharing his vast experience.
At Union School, we are very happy and proud to welcome him as Executive Head.
The LaPsyDÉ and our Board of Experts - A partnership of ideas
To keep up with the world, to miss nothing of the scientific and pedagogical advances, to make sure that everyone overcomes all obstacles with joy : we are not alone. Our Board of Experts – made up of practitioners and emeritus researchers – accompanies us on a daily basis. We work hand in hand with the LaPsyDÉ, a number of specialists in bilingualism, as well as many other specialists in education and early childhood.
LaPsyDÉ – CNRS – La Sorbonne
LaPsyDÉ – Laboratory of Developmental Psychology and Child Education
The LaPsyDÉ (Laboratory of Developmental Psychology and Child Education) is the first French laboratory of scientific psychology. It was created in 1889 and was at the time directed by Alfred Binet, inventor of the tests so-called intelligence or psychometrics.
Today, its researchers continue to carry out innovative research on the cognitive and social development of pupils, from kindergarten to university, in connection with fundamental learning and skills to be acquired throughout schooling: reading, writing, arithmetic, thinking or reasoning and respect for others.
At the crossroads of child psychology, pedagogy and brain imaging, the Laboratory is known worldwide for its theory of cognitive inhibition in learning.
Its researchers also collaborate in the creation of books for children to explain in a simple way how their brains work, and develop tools for teachers, educators and psychologists that allow them to develop children’s concentration, flexibility of reasoning and creativity.
Grégoire Borst
Director of the LaPsyDÉ. Professor of developmental psychology and cognitive neuroscience of education
Grégoire is Professor of Developmental Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience of Education and Director of the Laboratory of Developmental Psychology and Child Education (CNRS).
He obtained a PhD in 2005 at the Université Paris Sud.
In 2010, after 4 years of post-doctoral studies at Harvard University, Grégoire Borst joined the LaPsyDÉ.
His research focuses on the role of high-level cognitive functions (metacognition, planning, resistance to automatisms, emotional regulation) in cognitive and socio-emotional development and school learning in children, adolescents and young adults by combining behavioral and neuroimaging approaches (EEG, NIRS, MRI). Author of more than 70 scientific articles, Grégoire has also published various pedagogical works (i.e. Le cerveau et les apprentissages) as much as books for the general public (i.e. Mon cerveau - Questions/Réponses).
Grégoire works in close collaboration with all those involved in education.
He is a senior member of the International Bureau of Education (IBE - UNESCO), junior member of the Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), member of the youth committee of the Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel (CSA), member of the steering committee of the federation of innovative public schools (fespi) - DRDIE Ministère de l'Education Nationale, member of the board of directors and the scientific council of the GIS REEFOR - INSPÉ de Paris, member of the CoNRS - section 26.
Arnaud Cachia
Professor of developmental cognitive neuroscience
Arnaud is Professor of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience at Université Paris Descartes (University of Paris), member of the Institut Universitaire de France and researcher in the laboratory of Developmental Psychology and Child Education (CNRS, Sorbonne, Paris). He is also coordinator of the University Diploma (DU) 'Neuroeducation' of the Université Paris Descartes.
Arnaud completed his PhD in science on the anatomy and development of the brain at the Frédéric Joliot Hospital Service (CEA, Orsay) from 2000 to 2003 with a research residency at the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI, McGill University, Montreal) in 2003. Subsequently he was a postdoctoral fellow and 'INSERM Young Investigator' in the 'Imaging and Psychiatry' Unit (INSERM, Maison des Adolescents, Paris). In 2009 he became a contract investigator at the 'Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences' (INSERM, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, Paris) before joining the Université Paris Descartes in 2011.
Arnaud's research aims to decipher the neurodevelopmental bases of cognition. He is interested in the interactions between early constraints (fetal brain development genetic factors) and late neuroplasticity mechanisms in children and adolescents on normal (learning) and pathological (psychiatric disorders) cognitive development. All his work uses a gene-brain-behaviour approach integrating the different levels of the living being.
Charles-Édouard Levillain
Historian and Anglicist
An historian and English specialist, Charles-Édouard Levillain is Professor at the University of Paris, where he teaches Modern and Contemporary British History. He was Vice-President for International Relations at the University of Paris in 2020. Charles-Édouard’s research work focuses both on Anglo-Dutch relations in the 17th century and the historical work of Churchill. He published a novel with Editions-Stock in 1995 and is currently working on a historical book set in the 1930s.
Charles-Édouard spent 23 years abroad, in six different countries. He is therefore particularly sensitive to the challenges that expatriation can represent for children and adults alike. Raised in both the French and British systems, Charles-Édouard is a sports and classical music enthusiast and passionate about education.
Charles-Edouard graduated from Ecole Normale Superieure and Science Po. He acquired the highest qualifications for English language teaching and speaks seven languages.
Estelle Corbière
Dancer and teacher, Laban scriptwriter
Initially trained in classical dance as a child, she broadened her practice with jazz and contemporary dance as a teenager. As a professional dancer, her travels opened up other aesthetic horizons for her, such as tap dancing in New York and traditional Indian dance in India.
At the age of 35, she decided to train in the analysis and writing of Laban movement at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris. After graduating in 2010 she deepened her research on movement with Body-Mind Centering of which she is a certified practitioner, specialising in the motor development of infants. She collaborates with choreographers Olivier Dubois and Bruno Benne, for whom she writes the dance scores.
Today, she devotes herself to training and reflection on the place of movement in the development of the individual. Holder of the State Diploma of contemporary dance teacher, she teaches choreographic culture in the conservatories of the city of Paris. A specialist in movement notation, she teaches the analysis and writing of Laban movement at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, gives conferences in France, and trains various professionals (psychomotricians, architects, occupational therapists, choreographers and dancers, etc.).
She receives the support of the Ministry of Culture via the Centre National de la Danse, Aide à la recherche et au patrimoine en Danse, for the writing of the scores Révolution (2013) and Tragédie (2014) by Olivier Dubois, and in 2019, for the research project with Isabelle Calabre "Quadrilles créoles, histoire(s), esthétique et pratiques”.
It is Estelle who has designed the movement modules that all our students practice daily. She and her choreographers will lead a term of body creativity for each of our class levels. At Union School, we are more than happy to count her among our Experts.
Danièle Dumont
The goddess of cursive writing in France
Following a brief stint teaching in secondary schools and then in nursery schools, Danièle focused on three of her passions: research, writing and teaching.
She holds a DU in handwriting, in which her dissertation focused on writing with Parkinson's disease. She has also worked as a legal expert. Her experiences have led her to a fuller understanding of the importance of automatic reflexes whilst writing.
In 2013, she presented her doctoral thesis in language sciences to the René-Descartes University in Paris V, on the writing of Latin cursive lower case letters.
Her research led her to create the concept of the “writing gesture”.
Her book, ‘Le geste d'écriture’ - Éditions Hatier, is a bible for teachers. Danièle has also been training writing re-educators - psychomotor therapists, speech therapists and psychologists - for more than 20 years. Thanks to her work, they are now equipped to analyse and understand children's writing difficulties and to remedy them.
Danièle's 'geste d'écriture' is now the reference within the Education Nationale and her method of teaching cursive writing is recognised worldwide.
Her handwriting books, which have been adapted in English, exclusively for Union School, are used by our teachers who are also lucky enough to be trained by Danièle herself.
At Union School, we are fortunate to have Danièle Dumont as a member of our prestigious College of Experts.
Union School in good hands - our everyday magician
A school of excellence is also one where everything works perfectly, down to the smallest details of everyday life. Thanks to Katia, information flows, events are organized, logistics never fail and parents have all their questions answered.
Katia de Ita
School manager
Mexican, Katia has 2 children.
A dancer at heart and a translator by profession, Katia has always been committed to working in the field of transmission with the youngest. Upon arriving in Paris in 1995, Katia first learned French and studied at the University of Paris VII until she obtained a Master's degree in specialized translation. She then worked for several years in the field of computer science.
After becoming a mother, Katia devoted herself to her children's education and thus discovered the French educational system.
At Union School, Katia is key.
Alongside our Head Teacher and founder, she ensures the management and smooth running of the school.
Our Educational Team share the same superpower : they are caring.
They come from all over the world. They have taught in the best international schools. Perfectly bilingual, curious by nature, meticulous, infinitely patient, they are trained in the best teaching methods.
They all have incredible passions, are overflowing with enthusiasm, and are eager to share them. Above all, our teachers share a deep conviction: caring is the key to your children’s success.
We are very proud that they have joined our adventure. They are our champions, and we trust them to help your children grow. We can’t wait for you to meet them !
Ellen Wynne Michel
Head of Maternelle
Teacher for Reception and Pre-Reception in English and Coordinator for ‘Maternelles’.
"I'm Ellen Wynne Michel, and I bring over 30 years of experience in international and bilingual education to Union School. My journey has taken me from teaching Early Years and Primary aged children in France, to serving as a Headteacher in Singapore and then to helping establish the European School of Strasbourg, where I gained invaluable experience delivering high-quality curriculum to children from diverse cultural backgrounds.
I’m passionate about fostering a child-centered approach, combining stimulating interactions with a highly nurturing environment. I also take into account children’s emotional well-being, often incorporating meditation techniques into the classroom to help children develop focus and inner calm.
I believe communication, organisational skills, and a long-term vision for each child’s education are key to their success. Additionally, I place a high regard on ensuring the safety and security of all students. As a proud mother of three wonderful young adults, I understand the importance of patience and empathy in working with both children and parents.
In my free time, I love tending to my Parisian balcony garden, doing handcrafts, and immersing myself in literature. Living in Paris allows me to enjoy its rich cultural and historical offerings, and when I’m not traveling or exploring new places, I love spending time at home with my children and our three pets."
We are very pleased that Ellen has agreed to join Union School. Her wealth of experience and passion for education are all reasons why our nursery students are so fortunate.
Marianne Rieu
Primary Coordinator – French
Teacher for Year 3 and Year 4 in French
"Hello everyone, I am Marianne and I teach French in CE1 and CE2. Originally from Paris, I have
been a school teacher for over 10 years.
After graduating, I taught for 3 years in Paris and then I went to work in the United States, in Seattle.
It was there that I discovered bilingual primary education, which is where I thrive today.
Convinced of the importance and richness of such teaching, I then continued my career in bilingual education in London.
I am delighted to be back in France today and to be part of the Union School team. I look forward to teaching my students to grow and develop in a caring and supportive environment that values the richness and culture of each individual.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling and discovering new countries, playing sports, or simply reading a good book in the sun. "
Vaidehi Palshikar
Teacher for Reception and Pre-Reception in French
"Hello! I am Vaidehi and I will be the teacher in PS/MS in French.
I have a Masters degree in French Literature, have recently finished my MEd in International Education and have 10 years of teaching experience in international and bilingual schools.
Born and raised in Bombay, India I started my teaching journey at the Lycée Français Internationale de Bombay where I taught in the nursery alongside The American School of Bombay and the Alliance Française de Bombay where I was a French as a Foreign Language teacher for children and adults. I then, worked for 4 years in France before moving to Ukraine, where I pursued my Masters degree with the University of Dundee, Scotland via distance learning.
I love what I do and am looking forward to creating an equitable and inclusive environment where all learners feel respected and safe. Building strong relationships with children and their families to guide learning and help children achieve their true potential is of utmost importance to me.
In my free time I love cooking and eating cuisines from around the world. I love to travel, to read, board games and play my guitar. I am a trained Hindustani Classical singer and love music from all over the world! I speak 5 languages and my wish is be able to sing in as many languages as I can! I also dabble in photography and improv theatre.
I am so excited to start my journey with Union School this September!
Vaidehi is so sunny, empathetic, curious about everything, a good listener, tolerant and gentle. Her journey has led her to adopt ever-enriching points of view as well.
After that, you won't be surprised to learn that her choices for our Spotify Playlist included a Hindi song, a very sweet track by a Ukrainian rock band, and ‘Gottingen’ from the French singer Barbara. What a joy to have her join us! How lucky our students are !
Natalie Boucher
Teacher for Year 2 and Year 5, in English
"Hello! My name is Natalie, and I am so excited to be starting this innovative and creative project that is Union School. I strongly believe in a creative and inspiring pedagogical approach to foster curiosity in children and develop a love of learning for life.
I have spent the last 10 years working with elementary and nursery pupils, being responsible for a class of up to 30 children. Having worked in international schools for the past 4 years, I have a keen interest and appreciation for exploring new cultures. I have a passion for working with children and could not imagine myself in any other career.
My classroom ethos is based upon my belief that it is essential to treat every child as an individual to enable them to succeed and achieve their full potential. As a teacher, I strongly encourage collaborative learning strategies to increase participation and make children more engaged and accountable for their own learning.
I believe that planning innovative lessons which evoke excitement and curiosity are fundamental for children to be passionate and enthusiastic about their learning journey. I strive to create a safe and warm atmosphere within my classroom to provide a welcoming and open space for both children and parents/guardians
.
I pride myself on being an enthusiastic and creative teacher that fosters an inspiring learning environment for all, where children feel full of confidence and are not afraid to take risks in their learning. A ‘growth mind-set’ approach enables children to understand that mistakes are a valuable part of learning, which is crucial for them to succeed in their life after school.
I am incredibly excited to become a part of this new community, working together with children and families, to create the happy and fun memories that make primary school what it is!
Samantha Nicolakakos
Teacher for Nursery
"Hello, my name is Samantha Nicolakakos. I am a university honour graduate with a Canadian certified teachers degree in both English and French for all primary and junior subjects.
I am a passionate caring and dedicated teacher who looks at every challenge in the classroom as a learning experience for both myself and my students..
Outside of my work, I enjoy spending my time outdoors and being active. Soccer is one of my favorite sports that I played competitively, starting at 4 years old. I also enjoy snowboarding, biking, going on forest hikes and doing yoga. While I enjoy keeping myself physically active I also have creative interests in the arts, I love music, painting and taking photos.
In my free time I enjoy being social with friends/ family and learning about different topics related to culture and history. It is important for me as a human being and especially as a teacher to be aware and understanding of the forever changing world around me and the people who live in it.
I am looking forward to getting to know your children as I guide and teach them through a successful school year"
Chelsea Kunkel
Primary Coordinator - English
Teacher for Year 3 and Year 4 in English
"Hello everyone!
My name is Chelsea, and I am so pleased to be joining the Union School team and community.
Born and raised in Ohio, USA, I graduated from The University of Akron with a degree in Education, a second major in History, and a minor in French.
I began my career by working in both American and French public schools before turning to international and bilingual settings, all of which allowed me to teach various curriculums as well as different ages and abilities. Along this path came the opportunity to study the Montessori method in Norway, an experience that forever opened my mind to the extraordinary potential of holistic, child-centered education.
In my career, I also served as an international school’s Primary Coordinator, a role in which I collaborated on bilingual program design, led innovative projects, and assisted in earning international school accreditation.
I have been very fortunate to work amongst exceptional educators, all of whom have helped mold me into the teacher I am today. I adhere closely to the words of one of my role models, Fred Rogers, who once said, “A great gift from any adult to a child, it seems to me, is to love what you do in front of the child. Attitudes are caught; they’re not taught." As a teacher, I aim to empower children through a love of learning and, as Jonathan Kozol put it, “build a little place of ecstasy and poetry and gentle joy.”
I spend my free time raising two beautiful, bilingual children, singing and dancing to musicals, dining and laughing with friends and family, celebrating all the holidays, and reading and watching the latest book-to-movie adaptations. I also enjoy discovering the history of different places and people; I find something magical about walking in the footsteps of those who have come before us.
I am so looking forward to being a part of this project and starting the first year of Union School together!
"
Sylvie Huteau
Teacher for Year 5 and Year 6 in French
"Bonjour ! Je m'appelle Sylvie Huteau et j'ai rejoint l'équipe d’enseignants d'Union School, pour les classes de CM1 et CM2 en cette rentrée 2024.
Fille de diplomate, j'ai quitté la France à l’âge de 7 ans et ai passé mon enfance au Royaume-Uni avant d’obtenir mon baccalauréat au Lycée Français Rochambeau de Washington DC.
Un passage sur Paris pour mes diplômes d’études supérieures puis retour au Royaume-Uni pour 30 ans.
Je suis mère de 4 enfants, tous bi-nationaux et bilingues, ils étudient ou exercent en France.
J'ai enseigné au prestigieux Lycée Français de Londres pendant 17 ans au sein de l’annexe primaire de Wix dans les classes de CM1 et CM2 aussi bien dans la filière française que dans la filière bilingue.
Pendant mes années d’enseignement, j'ai été chargée d’organiser le projet Chorale et Opéra de l’école, le concours national Kangourou de Mathématiques mais surtout la classe transplantée des CM2 en Normandie sur les plages du Débarquement.
Je connais aussi bien l’histoire britannique que l’histoire française. C’est une discipline que je chéris et enseigne avec passion. ...
Je profite de mon temps libre pour arpenter châteaux et musées et je découvre à nouveau avec plaisir les trésors historiques que recèle la ville de Paris."
Célia Talidec
Teacher for Year 1 and Year 2 in French
"Bonjour ! Je m'appelle Célia Talidec, je suis l’enseignante des GS et des CP d’Union School. De retour en France après 10 ans à Dubaï, je suis ravie d’intégrer Union School.
D’origine bretonne, maman de deux enfants de 15 et 18 ans, je me suis d’abord expatriée au Koweït où j’ai eu l’occasion de travailler au sein du Lycée Français.
Lors de mon retour en France, j’ai souhaité compléter ma formation avec un master Métier de l’enseignement et de la formation. Fortement intéressée par l’éducation spécialisée et le handicap, j’ai opté pour l’option Elèves à Besoin Éducatifs Particuliers. Je suis en effet profondément convaincue que les méthodes éducatives souvent innovantes de l’éducation spécialisée sont bénéfiques pour tous les apprenants.
A Dubaï, j’ai eu différentes expériences : j’ai successivement été enseignante de français en école anglophone, enseignante d’art et d’éducation physique dans des classes bilingues, enseignante dans une école française en cours d’accréditation IB.
Puis j’ai participé à l’ouverture d’un nouveau lycée français au sein duquel j'ai pu évoluer durant 6 années. Coordinatrice des classes de Grande section, j’ai participé activement à la mise en oeuvre de la pédagogie de l’aménagement des espaces. Ce courant pédagogique consiste à penser l’espace de la classe de manière à permettre aux élèves d’évoluer et d’apprendre avec une grande autonomie. Le travail collaboratif est également très ‘encouragé’.
Je suis ravie d’intégrer l’équipe Union School. Les environnements multiculturels et plurilingues sont pour moi une grande source d’inspiration.
Lorsque j’ai du temps libre, j’aime faire du sport. J’ai récemment découvert le muay thaï et assez tardivement la course à pied. En famille, nous aimons passer nos vacances sur un voilier. J’aime aussi beaucoup le théâtre et les concerts."
Jonathan Hartley
Teacher for Year 5 and Year 6 in English
"Hello, I’m Jonathan and I’m excited to be the English Teacher for Years 5 and 6!
I was born in the USA to a British father and Colombian mother and raised in France, Holland and the UK. I am fortunate to speak four languages!
I have a Masters degree in French and European History from The University of Edinburgh and a PGCE from London Southbank University.
After a couple of years teaching in London primary schools, I moved to Paris in 2017. Since then, I have gained a wealth of teaching experience working in international and bilingual schools across the Paris region.
Being internationally educated myself and coming from a multi-cultural home, I have found that teaching in a bilingual school is the perfect setting for me.
In the classroom I particularly enjoy building trusting and caring relationships with children, allowing them to grow in self-confidence. I strive to create an inclusive learning environment where all children are seen, accepted and given the opportunity to succeed.
Outside the classroom, I am a keen sportsman and part of a 5-a-side football team. I also enjoy golf, skiing and tennis. I like to travel and discover new places as well as spend time in my family home in Fontainebleau- swimming in the Seine (yes, that’s right!) and having BBQ’s! As part of a local church, I sing and play the cajon.
I’m looking forward to integrating the Union staff team and teaching the older group of children! "
Luke Hamilton
SEND Coordinator
"My name is Luke,
I originate from the UK but have had the opportunity to travel and live in a range of different countries. I have lived in France for 5 years, teaching in a range of bilingual settings.
I studied Primary Education at the University of Hertfordshire, specialising in Early Years and Special Educational Needs. I have taught across every year group and have a strong understanding of the English National and Special Educational Needs Curriculums.
Throughout my tenure of teaching experience, I have been able to take on many different roles within a school setting, including training mentor and curriculum development. This has provided me with the opportunity to build my own teaching skill set.
As a teacher and SENCO, I have learnt how to adopt a multi-sensory approach in all areas of the curriculum and make a conscious effort to ensure that all learners are catered for be it visually, auditory or kinaesthetically as well as those with complex needs.
My previous experience has shown me that being a creative teacher that provides children with opportunities to use their imagination will engage and promote enthusiasm, excitement and an eagerness to participate and thrive.
I look forward to providing your children with a range of fun and engaging experiences.
"
Vanessa Amoako
English assistant teacher in Reception and Pre-Reception
Hello, my name is Vanessa, and I am delighted to join Union School as an English assistant teacher in the PS/MS.
Originally from Zurich, Switzerland, my passion for working with children began during my early experiences at a trilingual Montessori school, where I discovered the joy of nurturing young minds.
When I moved to Paris, I continued my teaching pursuits by working as an English tutor while studying German and English literature, with a minor in teaching/pedagogy at La Sorbonne.
My experiences of working with children have shown me that teaching is one of the most profound expressions of love and care one can offer to the world. Looking back on these moments, I see teaching as a role filled with joy, wonder, and endless opportunities for growth.
“Their laughter, curiosity, and unfiltered view of the world remind me of the beauty and innocence that exist within us all.” In the classroom, I strive to create a nurturing environment where each child feels safe to explore and express themselves. I encourage my students to dream and embrace their creativity. Whether through storytelling, art, or play, I seek to cultivate an atmosphere where imagination flourishes.
Outside of work, I find great joy in the arts—whether it’s working on my personal art projects, going to the theater, dancing, attending ballet and music performances.
While I enjoy exploring life through art, I also cherish simple pleasures such as decorating the dinner table, sharing a meal with loved ones, reading a great book, or watching an old movie at the Filmothèque.
I am truly grateful to have found my purpose early in life, and I look forward to guide your child through their first experiences of learning and growing here at Union School.
Lisa Dufour
Teacher assistant in French for Pre-Reception (2 years old)
Hello, my name is Lisa, and I have joined the Union School team in the Pre-Reception class for the start of the 2024 academic year.
Originally from the Loiret region of France, I moved to Paris in 2021 to study Educational Sciences at the Université Paris Cité. With three years' experience working with children aged 2 to 6, I've worked in a variety of settings, from supporting children with disabilities to socio-educational activities, before specialising in the school environment.
In 2022, I discovered the field of bilingual education when I joined ‘Les petits crayons’ school (Paris 15), where I worked as an early childhood assistant for six months. This experience confirmed my interest in multilingual education and enabled me to strengthen my teaching skills. The following year, in September 2023, I went to the United States as an au pair, where I looked after two young boys aged 3 and 6 for a year.
Back in Paris, I am delighted to be joining the Union School team and bringing my creativity, experience and enthusiasm to help children in their first year at nursery school.
Louise Aubernon
Teacher assistant in English for Pre-Reception (2 years old)
My name is Louise and I am excited to be joining the Union School team.
I moved to France in 2003 to work as a dancer and puppeteer at Disneyland. After my time there, I pursued a two-year CAP Petite Enfance, where I confirmed my passion for early childhood education. Following the completion of my CAP, I spent a year as a sports, English, and music teacher at an international primary school. However, my true calling has always been working with younger children, helping them thrive in a positive, fun, and secure environment.
I am thrilled to be joining Union School as a teaching assistant in the Toute Petite Section, where I can focus on nurturing the growth and development of 2 to 4 year-olds.
Outside of work, I’m a proud mother of three wonderful children and love spending my free time going to the theatre, cinema, reading, enjoying walks and spending quality time with friends and family.
I look forward to bringing my experience and passion for early childhood education to Union School, and I am excited to contribute to creating a warm, engaging environment where every child can flourish.
Alexandre Goudou
Teaching assistant for GS and CP
“Hello, my name is Alexandre and I'm delighted to have joined the Union School team as a teaching assistant for the GS and CP classes.
I was born in France and when I was 9 my family and I moved to Edmonton in Canada. This gave me the chance to go to bilingual schools until the end of 3ème. So I became bilingual and learnt a lot about Canadian culture.
I then returned to Paris.
My first experience as a bilingual activity leader in nursery and primary schools really excited me! However, I chose to teach English in a company, which enabled me to develop my teaching skills and learn how to create a learning atmosphere adapted to all students, whatever their level, to enable them to progress at their own pace.
In my spare time I really enjoy spending time with my family. My family is very important to me and I love travelling, discovering new things and creating new memories with them.
I'm delighted to be able to be part of such a wonderful team at Union School.”
Fred Eyangoh
Teaching assistant for GS and CP
Fred Eyangoh was born in Cameroon, he is a HEC Paris graduate with a background in management of arts and culture, a standup comedian and actor, and a passionate lover of language and literature, bilingual in French and English, looking to spend the next years of his life teaching languages and eager to share his experience with the younger generations.
To the delight of children, our educational partners open up a field of possibilities
Our recipe for academic excellence? Science, history, geography, mathematics and languages, of course, but also music, singing, yoga, visual arts, theatre and much more. These are all ultra-stimulating activities that are 100% integrated into the school day. Through these activities, the children expand their outlook, develop different talents, and enhance their bilingualism.
It is thanks to the expertise, energy and careful coordination of Stacey, Anaïs, Emmanuelle, Anatole … that the children at Union School enjoy these new experiences every day. We can’t wait for them to meet these wonderful educational partners !
Stacey Pavesi Debré
Founder and Director of Music Together Bébé Music Box - Singing and music teacher in Maternelles
Serving children in Paris schools since 2017, Stacey Pavesi Debré, the founder and director of Bébé Music Box, transforms classrooms into musically rich universes where little ones joyfully build the basic music competence that will enable them to participate and thrive in music all their lives.
In our classes, music becomes a powerful learning tool. Music Together award-winning music and developmentally appropriate activities have been found to raise the overall quality of children’s early learning.
@musictogetherparis
Anatole Grundman
Chess teacher
FIDE rating : 2137
Anatole Grundman has been passionate about chess since he was very young.
He holds a Master's degree in Social Sciences and has chosen to make a living out of his passion by giving lessons in various clubs - Carré magique and l'Échiquier fou - and by coaching young students privately.
Anatole loves sharing his knowledge with children. He has coached various young players during the 2022 French Championship.
He actively participates in many tournaments. His results for the last 3 years are in constant and show very strong progression. He is now ranked, at the age of 28, 2140 according to the FIDE rating.
Anatole is back after a year travelling and teaches chess at Union School.
Emmanuelle Riboud
Chef and founder of Ressources - For a 100% organic, tasty and gourmet canteen.
Emmanuelle Riboud was trained as a lawyer. Passionate about cooking since childhood, in 1997 she decided to take a CAP in cooking and to pursue a career as a chef.
Very concerned by the climate crisis, she became involved with many associations, including ETHIC OCEAN, and became Godmother of the Ecotable label, the first sustainable catering label.
For the past 5 years, she has created RESSOURCES, a boutique/laboratory dedicated to sustainable food where a team of chefs from the gastronomy industry are active.
She develops a cuisine without compromise, both healthy and tasty, ethical and holistic, from field to plate.
It is with Emmanuelle Riboud and her teams that we have chosen to work for a 100% organic food and an education in “Eating healthy, eating well and respecting nature” for all our pupils.
@ressourcesgreen @emmanuelle_riboud
Morgan Monnerais
Sport teacher
"Hello, my name is Morgan Monnerais and I am the sports teacher for all the classes at Union School.
I had the chance to practise different physical and sports activities very early on (golf, basketball, cross-country...). I realised at a very young age the benefits of sports on physical, mental and intellectual development.
I was then a student at the Saint-Nicolas Passy Buzenval high school. A great deal of time was spent on extra-curricular activities, and I continued to practise several leisure sports, including cross-country and handball.
At that time, I was selected playmaker of the Minimes team of the club of Rueil, becoming academy champion of cross-country (team and individual) as well as district champion of handball.
In 2012, I decided to take the Brevet d’état d’éducateur sportif with the UCPA.
Since then, I have worked as a physical trainer for individuals and also for Energy Kids Academy under the leadership of Lionel Sartoris and Andry Razafitrimo as a sports educator.
Today, I live in Versailles and continue to do a lot of sports: my golf handicap is 12. I am also passionate about nature - many training courses in the high mountains, especially in the Queyras with my guide Nicolas Braud - as well as reading and music."
Anne White
Director, playwright, performer - Workshop facilitator
Anne White is a director, playwright, performer and workshop facilitator originally from Canada and currently living in Paris, France. She holds a Bachelor of the Arts, with Honours, in Theatre and History from the University of King's College, Halifax. She has created original theatrical and multidisciplinary work in Canada, France and the UK. Her work has been supported by the Montreal Council for the Arts, the Canada Council for the Arts, Studio 303, Public Energy Performing Arts, and La Serre - Residences Radiales.
From 2015 to 2020, she created several original theatre shows that were performed in Toronto, Montreal and Peterborough, Canada, including: And Then She Ate Me, an immersive play staged in a house, Lookout, a physical theatre commission from the ArtsWeek Festival, and Tips for the Late Shift for the Precarious ArtsWORK Festival.
As a recipient of Theatre Ontario’s Professional Theatre Training Program, she assistant directed two productions under award-winning theatre director Adam Paolozza, in Toronto. In 2019, she became Public Energy Performing Arts’ local Artist-in-Residence, which recognizes artists having a significant impact on the local arts scene. Through this residency, she created the multidisciplinary art installation Company Town.
From 2020 to 2022, she completed the Professional Course at the École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq. Since completing this training, she has co-founded a theatre company in France, Triple Zéro, which is currently creating its first bilingual comedy show. She frequently collaborates with artists in Canada, Scotland and Ireland, as well as with the Courbevoie-based company Théâtraverse and Paris-based American Children's Theatre.
Christy
Actress, dancer, and choreographer - Workshop facilitator
Christy El Khoury is a Lebanese actress, dancer, and choreographer based in Paris. She began her artistic journey in Lebanon, earning a degree in theater from the Lebanese University, where she also completed the first year of their Master’s program in acting. She continued her training at the International Institute for Very Very Serious Studies (IIVVSS) in Beirut, focusing on physical and social theater.
In 2020, Christy moved to Paris to attend the École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq, a prestigious professional training program that further refined her skills in physical theater. She later completed a second Master’s degree in theater at Paris 8 University. In her thesis, she explored the urgent role of theater amidst political, social, and economic crises.
Christy’s career is marked by a diverse range of performances, including stage productions, street performances, and video projects, in English, French, and Arabic. She has collaborated with various theater companies such as Clown Me In and Zeugma, and has worked as a choreographer on musicals like "The Little Mermaid" and "Alice By Heart" for the American Children Theatre in France.
In 2023, she co-founded Amok, an international theater company based in Paris, which reflects her commitment to blending physical theater, dance, circus, and text in her creations. Her dedication to movement and the body is central to her artistic vision, as she continuously seeks to create immersive and dynamic performances that resonate with audiences across different cultures.
Her achievements have been recognized by numerous awards, including honors from the Festival du Théâtre Arabe in Sharjah in 2018 and 2022, and first-place prizes in inter-university theatrical improvisation competitions at the Institut Français in Beirut in 2016 and 2017.
Dallas Akins
Actor, writer and director - Workshop facilitator
Dallas Akins is an actor, writer and director originally from Texas, now living in Paris, France. He graduated from Trinity University (San Antonio, 2016) with a combined degree in physics and theater, graduating as the distinguished physics student in his class.
Dallas cut his teeth in scripted plays before moving on to devising original works. He portrayed Tom Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie, Uncle Peck in How I Learned to Drive, Doc Porter in Crimes of the Heart, and 14 other productions ranging from dada to Shakeaspeare.
In 2018 he moved to France to train for two years under the master clown, Philippe Gaulier. Afterward, he completed the two year program at the world renowned school, École Jacques Lecoq in Paris.
Before moving to France, he founded WOW o'clock, a theatre company dedicated to making fun, science-Inspired, educational shows for kids. He has created six original science-based plays, which have been performed hundreds of times across the US, Paris, and London. His goal is to make science fun for as many kids and adults as possible.
In 2023 he co-founded Triple-Zéro, a France-based theatre company working in physical comedy. Their first piece, Le Gag Show– a show all about gags with banana slips and piano drops– will debut Fall 2025. Dallas is also interested in merging nature and theatre.
In September 2024 he and two other artists hiked into the French Alps to perform a nomadic mask show in alpinist camps. He is also currently co-developing a clown show that will be performed underwater in aquariums, inspired by the plight of corals from warming oceans.
Marie Bréon
Sustainable development educator
Marie was introduced to art and nature at an early age, and went on to study scenography, graduating with a Master's degree with honours for her work on animal textiles and the link between art and nature at Ensad.
She continued the work of the Association l'Enfance de l'Art (1990). She runs and manages allotment and rooftop gardens in Paris, teaching residents and children how to grow food and understand the cycle of the seasons.
She went on to found La Ferme de Clamart, an association that runs workshops on animal mediation and urban agriculture for schools, crèches, old people's homes and people with disabilities.
As shepherdess of around thirty sheep and goats, she is helping to reintroduce animals into the city, with the aim of changing the way in which urban green spaces are managed, while at the same time creating social links.
A living entrepreneur, Marie has set up numerous educational projects with schools, and is delighted that Union School has been added to this wonderful list.
Francesca Corlay
Sustainable development educator
French-English, Francesca grew up in a dual culture that gave her an open mind and led her to become trilingual.
After studying climate change science at the University of Sussex (Brighton), she returned to her home town to become involved in environmental public policy.
She changed the scale of her activities to work at ADEME (the French government's ecological transition agency) on the subjects of tourism, sustainable food and bio-waste.
Alongside her work, she organises workshops to educate young and old about the causes and consequences of climate change, and translates English-speaking authors and thinkers for conferences and festivals on the subject.
Wishing to concentrate fully on contact with people, animals and the earth, she develops local partnerships and raise awareness among young people of the beauty of life and ways of living sustainably.
Lys-Andréa Brunet
Workshops on ‘Learning to learn’
After obtaining my bachelor's degree in psychology from the Université Paris Descartes in 2020, I went on to do a Master's degree in Education, Training and Psychology, during which I specialised in neurodevelopmental disorders, thanks to a number of internships in the Education Nationale and with specialists.
I qualified as a psychologist in June 2022. During my Masters, I also did a research placement at the Laboratoire de Psychologie du Développement et de l'Education de l'enfant (LaPsyDE, CNRS - UMR 8240, Université Paris Cité) under the supervision of Professor Grégoire Borst. His research aims to reduce the educational inequalities that affect success at school by studying the role of cognitive, metacognitive and socio-emotional functions.
At Union School, I regularly run training sessions for his fantastic teaching team. We've already talked about lesson planning, classroom displays, Dyslexia and TDH. Other sessions will follow.
With the children, I run every two weeks workshops on ‘Learning to learn’ for all classes (except TPS).
Lysa Damon
Coding teacher from Year2 up to Year 6
Hello, my name is Lysa and I teach coding and robotics from CP to CM2 at Union School.
Born to an American father and a French-Central African mother, I have two mother tongues: French and English. I've lived in Paris all my life, passed my International Baccalaureate at the Ecole Jeannine Manuel and then obtained a 5-year postgraduate diploma in IT at EPITECH Paris.
For me, IT is a very powerful tool for creativity: once you know how to code, you can create (almost) anything! Websites, mobile apps, video games, platforms or software, artificial intelligence... And it's this creative freedom that I like to pass on to my students!
In my spare time, I love making music. I play 4 instruments: the cello, trumpet, bass guitar and piano, which I play in jazz and classical bands and orchestras. I started playing my first instrument, the cello, at the age of 5, and I never intend to stop!
Orane Dufour
Coding (without a screen) for Pre-Reception/ Reception/Year 1
Orane is passionate about art and education. She has a degree in Fine Arts and Art Sciences from the Panthéon-Sorbonne University, and also took a practical art therapy course at the Hôpital Sainte-Anne.
The well-being of the individual is something she holds dear, and if that can be achieved by hands in paint, glue or with stickers, all the better!
If she were a computer concept, Orane would be an algorithm, because of its logic and clarity, and if she were a robot, she would like to be a robot/artist.
With her awareness of alternative teaching methods, Orane has been helping young children to discover and understand new technologies for Colori since 2021. She has also focused her artistic practice around children, designing books and other games as part of her study projects.
Paul Solas
Music teacher for Year 3 to Year 6
Paul Solas is a musician, songwriter, arranger, professional guitarist and performer.
He started playing in a band in 1990, with his own compositions (Europe 2 Région Centre hopeful of the year). He then founded SOLAS, an independent rock band, in 2003, with whom he released 2 albums. Playlisted on a number of radio stations, including OUI FM, Radio France and France Bleue, he has performed as a support act for Blankass, Grand National, The Servant, J. Higelin, Arthur H, Luke, les Fatals Picards and Manu Dibango.... He played at a number of festivals in France and toured Europe.
At the end of the 2000s, he played in a lot of jazz and blues clubs in Paris (Caveau de la Huchette, Caveau des Oubliettes, Sunset, etc.), working with international artists such as Bernard Allison, Lucky Peterson, Kenney Neal, Ron Smith and Rachid Taha.
Since 2019, he has been a guitarist at the Philharmonie de Paris.
In 2020, he will co-write the album by Cecilya Mestres (The Voice Spain) and record with some of Johnny Hallyday's musicians.
At the end of 2024, he will release a Blues/electro album, Paul SOLAS Jr, mixing influences from traditional blues and electronic music. He will be performing live with Sandra Derlon (Claps/Micky Green), with artistic direction by Joseph Chédid.
This year, he joins Union School as a music teacher for the CE1, CE2, CM1 and CM2 classes.
Elodie Picot
Art-therapist and music therapist Art and Meditation teacher
Passionate about art, meditation and people for over 10 years, Elodie studied at the Beaux-Arts de Versailles and the Institut Cassiopée. With her degree in Fine Arts and certified as an Art Therapist and Dynamic Art Therapy Practitioner, she went on to further train in Art Therapy and Creative Explorations, as well as in Art Therapy and Disabilities.
Thanks to her wide range of tools, Elodie accompanies Union School children every week, passing on her knowledge and experience through rich and playful courses in the fields of art and meditation. The creative projects she develops in her classes, taught in English, also support the children's history curriculum, reinforcing essential daily knowledge.
Through art and music therapy sessions, she also offers psychological and emotional support to children to the school’s children who are experiencing difficulties. These tailor-made sessions are set up in close collaboration with parents and the teaching team to provide caring, structuring support for each child's overall development.