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 - Jules, Gaston and Hélie - 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 recruited the school's first Head Teacher and assembled its founding teaching team.
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 established the Board of Experts. She engaged highly reputed specialists in education, dyslexia, bilingualism and neurosciences, who 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.
Anne-Sophie has been committed to embedding eco-responsible practices throughout the school and developing partnerships with organisations dedicated to environmental sustainability and community solidarity.
The Executive Head of Union School - Experience at the service of Excellence
It was with great enthusiasm that we chose Coralie to run the school. She 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 her and so do we.
Coralie Manhes-Sims
Our Head Mistress
Coralie is French, fully bilingual in French and English, and a mother of two young Franco-British daughters.
A trained teacher, Coralie has taught at every level of preschool and primary school in a variety of bilingual and international schools. She began her career at École Jeannine Manuel in Paris, where she was introduced to innovative pedagogical approaches and developed a passion for continuous professional growth.
In 2009, Coralie fulfilled her dream of living in New York and spent five enriching years teaching at the Lycée Français de New York. In 2015, a unique opportunity brought her to London, where she was part of the founding team of École Jeannine Manuel London, serving as Head of Primary. This was a transformative experience both professionally and personally. She grew as a leader and she met her husband Phil. Together they welcomed their two daughters, Ophélie in 2021 and Zoé in 2023.
In the summer of 2024, the family relocated to the South of France, where Coralie returned to her first love — teaching — at the International School of Monaco.
Whether in the classroom or in a leadership role, Coralie consistently leads with kindness and empathy — towards children, families, staff, and the wider school community. Her educational philosophy places the child at the centre of the learning journey, with caring adults as guides and the school as a safe and inspiring environment for personal, social, and academic growth.
Her leadership style is hands-on, collaborative, and deeply attentive to the needs of her team and school community.
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.
Ian Tysoe
Our first Executive Head 2022-2025
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.
Ian was our first Headteacher from 2022 to 2025, much to everyone's delight. He is now enjoying a well-deserved retirement but remains close to Union School to offer his valuable advice
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 !
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."
Phil Sims
Teacher for Year 5 and Year 6, in English
"A huge hello to everyone at Union School!
My name is Phil Sims, and I have been teaching in England for 12 years, including the last five years at École Jeannine Manuel London, where I taught Year 5 and Year 6. My teacher training is rooted in the British National Curriculum, while my experience in an international school has broadened and enriched my approach to teaching.
I enjoy teaching across all subjects, but my greatest passion lies in reading and writing. I hold an MA in Creative Writing, and I have had articles published both in magazines and online. I love inspiring children to become confident readers, thoughtful writers, and curious learners.
I can’t wait to begin my new adventure at Union School. I come with enthusiasm to match or even surpass my experience and love the ethos of the school. Working with creative and inquisitive minds inspires me and it seems like the children and staff of Union School have both in abundance.
See you in September!
Aurélie Toublanc
Teacher for Year 3 and Year 4, in French
Bonjour!
Je m'appelle Aurélie Toublanc, je suis professeure des écoles titulaire de l'Éducation
nationale et j'ai la chance d'exercer un métier qui me passionne depuis plus de dix
ans.
Après plusieurs années d'enseignement en France, j'ai eu la chance de rejoindre le
Lycée Français de Los Angeles où j'ai passé cinq années riches en rencontres, en
découvertes et en expériences au sein d'un environnement international et
plurilingue.
Curieuse, enthousiaste et toujours prête à relever des défis, j'aime apprendre autant
que transmettre. J'accorde beaucoup d'importance à la confiance en soi, à la
bienveillance et au plaisir d'apprendre, qui me semblent essentiels à
l'épanouissement et à la réussite de chaque élève.
Aujourd'hui, de retour en France, je suis très heureuse de rejoindre Union School. J'ai
hâte de commencer cette nouvelle aventure et de découvrir mes futurs élèves !
Henrietta Balnaves
Teacher for Year 3 and Year 4, in English
"Hello, my name is Henrietta! I am originally from Australia and bring over eight years of experience in teaching and educational leadership, including managing an early learning centre. Since moving to Paris in 2023, I have taught in international schools, where I have enjoyed bringing a warm, creative and child-centred approach to the classroom.
My teaching philosophy has been shaped by my studies in Reggio Emilia and its educational approach, as well as my experience with inquiry-based learning and the International Baccalaureate. I believe children learn best when they feel valued, curious and confident in sharing their ideas. My goal is to create an engaging classroom where every child feels supported and appropriately challenged, and where teachers and students learn, question and grow together through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
I recently completed a master's degree in Contemporary Art Curation here in Paris, where my research focused on art education and cultural engagement for children. I am passionate about using art to help children make sense of the world around them while nurturing their creativity, confidence and individuality. I also care deeply about sustainability and encouraging children to develop a lifelong sense of responsibility for our planet.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy visiting exhibitions, reading, gardening, practising yoga and travelling. I believe Paris is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in the world, and I look forward to using its parks, museums, galleries and public spaces as extensions of the classroom, helping children connect their learning to the world around them.
I am delighted to be joining Union School's bilingual community and look forward to building warm and lasting relationships with the children, families and colleagues.
Lisa Cordeiro
Teacher for Year 1 and Year 2, in French
My name is Lisa, and I teach French to GS (year 1) and CP (year 2) students at Union School.
I’m excited to be part of the Union School team and to share my knowledge and experience with such an inspiring community. Having grown up in an international school, I’ve always had a love for languages and bilingualism, and I aim to pass this passion on to my students. I speak four languages fluently and am learning two more.
After several years teaching in the French public school system, I decided to focus on bilingual and international education, which truly excites me. My approach to teaching is fun and interactive, using games and hands-on activities to help students understand and enjoy learning.
I believe in motivating students to do their best, be kind, and support each other, while creating a positive and harmonious classroom environment where everyone feels happy and valued.
Outside of school, I enjoy sewing, knitting, baking, and running. I’m also a professional musician, having taught violin for 10 years and performed in major Parisian venues. I’m excited to bring my love of music and the arts into the classroom, as I believe they play an important role in every child's growth and self-expression.
Ruth Burgess
Teacher for Year 1 and Year 2, in English
"Hello! My name is Ruth and I am the Year 1 & 2 English Teacher. I initially discovered the gratification of teaching and working with children when I moved to Paris in 2019 for my degree. Alongside my studies, I worked in childcare and as an English tutor before spending a year as an au-pair in Grenoble. Teaching English as a second language taught me about the importance of adaptation and how to inspire children in the discovery of another culture.
Following this, I returned to the UK to complete a PGCE at Newcastle University where I developed my understanding of effective teaching and learning. I have become a firm believer in maintaining high expectations for every child while creating a supportive, nurturing classroom where everyone feels valued and encouraged to do their best.
After joining the Union School community as a Teaching Assistant I am excited by the opportunity to lead the class and see every child flourish academically and personally.
Beyond the classroom, I enjoy running and playing netball to keep active, and I express my creativity through painting and drawing for which I take inspiration from my travels.
Alice Savouré
Teaching assistant for GS and CP, in English and French
Hello everyone, my name is Alice. I am delighted to be joining Union School as a French and English teaching assistant in the Grande section.
Born in France to an English mother and a French father, I grew up in a bilingual environment. I spent my childhood in Burgundy and completed most of my schooling in France, with two years at an English school in the North of England.
I obtained a Master’s degree in communication and management from IAE Lyon. After three years working in the Marketing sector, I decided to pursue a career change. Last year, I completed a civic service placement at the Ecole Française de Bâle, an international private school in Switzerland. I worked with pupils across all primary school levels, with a more significant role supporting the CP class (Year 1). It was such a great experience and it has confirmed my desire to pursue a career in teaching.
Outside of school I am passionate about sport especially running and weight training. I also enjoy fashion which I see as a way to express my personality. I also spend some of my free time reading crime novels.
I am very happy to be joining Union School and I look forward to meeting the students and the whole team.
Alexandre Goudou
Teaching assistant for GS and CP, in English and French
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.
Luke Hamilton-Bourset
Early Years and Primary English - SEND coordinator - English Teacher LIL
My name is Luke, and I'm originally from the UK, though I've had the opportunity to live and work in a range of different countries throughout my career. This has enabled me to teach across a variety of bilingual settings.
I studied Primary Education at the University of Hertfordshire, specialising in Early Years and Special Educational Needs. Over the course of my career, I've taught in every year group and developed a strong working knowledge of both the English National Curriculum and the SEN Curriculum.
Alongside classroom teaching, I've taken on a number of additional roles within school settings, including training mentor and curriculum development lead. These experiences have allowed me to continually build and refine my skill set as an educator.
As a teacher and SENCO, I place great importance on a multi-sensory approach across all areas of the curriculum, ensuring that every learner; whether they engage best visually, aurally, or kinaesthetically, including those with more complex needs.
My experience has taught me that creativity in the classroom, and giving children space to use their imagination, is key to sparking genuine engagement. It builds enthusiasm, excitement, and a real eagerness to participate and thrive.
I look forward to providing your children with a range of fun, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences.
Livia Colombani
French teacher - Language Intensive Lab (LIL)
Livia Colombani est artiste plasticienne et enseignante en art et en français langue étrangère (FLE).
Formée en arts appliqués puis aux Beaux-Arts en scénographie, elle développe une pratique où se croisent création artistique, transmission et pédagogie. Son parcours artistique l'a conduite à collaborer comme scénographe, assistante ou cheffe décoratrice pour de grandes institutions culturelles telles que le Grand Théâtre de Genève, le Festival d'Avignon, les Ateliers Berthier ou encore les Ballets de Monte- Carlo.
Elle a également travaillé pour le cinéma et le théâtre, ainsi qu'en tant qu'assistante de production ou de création auprès de différents artistes. Son travail personnel, qu'elle expose régulièrement, explore les liens entre image et matière à travers le dessin, la peinture et le tissage photographique. Elle collabore également avec des musiciens pour des projets visuels (clips, pochettes d'album, photographies), affirmant son goût pour les pratiques interdisciplinaires.
En parallèle de sa carrière artistique, Livia fait le choix de s'orienter pleinement vers l'enseignement, portée par un intérêt profond pour la transmission des savoirs et l'accompagnement des apprentissages. Depuis 2009, elle enseigne différentes pratiques artistiques et l'histoire de l'art auprès de publics variés, en développant une pédagogie fondée sur l'écoute, la créativité et l'adaptation aux besoins de chacun. Elle est également professeure de français et de FLE. Après avoir exercé comme professeure des écoles chargée de l'enseignement en langue française au sein d'une école bilingue à Paris, elle s'est intéressée aux pratiques du bilinguisme. Cette expérience a été déterminante et a renforcé sa conviction que l'apprentissage du français doit s'inscrire dans une approche exigeante, bienveillante et adaptée à la diversité des profils d'élèves.
Souhaitant approfondir sa compréhension des enjeux du bilinguisme et de l'enseignement du FLE, elle s'est spécialisée dans ce domaine. Elle accompagne aujourd'hui des publics très variés, enfants et adultes, allant d'élèves en suivi de scolarité à des apprenants primo-arrivants non lecteurs-scripteurs. Dans sa pratique pédagogique, elle accorde une place centrale à la pédagogie différenciée.
Elle conçoit des dispositifs adaptés aux besoins de chaque apprenant en reconfigurant les supports pédagogiques, en mettant en place des rituels structurants et en créant des jeux et des ressources favorisant l'appropriation de la langue, la confiance en soi et l'expression orale. Elle accompagne également des enfants présentant des troubles du spectre de l'autisme, auprès desquels elle met en œuvre un cadre structurant, rassurant et adapté à leurs modalités d'apprentissage.
Camille Linay
Teacher for Pre-Reception and Reception, in French
"Bonjour ! Je m'appelle Camille et je suis ravie de rejoindre l'équipe d'Union School en tant qu'enseignante de Petite et Moyenne Sections en français.
Originaire de Bretagne, j'ai obtenu mon diplôme d'enseignement à l'Université Lyon 1, avec un parcours résolument tourné vers l'international. Au cours de mes études, j'ai eu la chance d'enseigner en France, aux États-Unis et au Guatemala, où j'ai découvert la richesse de l'enseignement bilingue. J'ai également obtenu un certificat d'enseignement du français langue étrangère, qui m'a ensuite conduite à Montréal. J'y ai enseigné pendant deux ans le français langue seconde dans une école élémentaire anglophone.
Ces expériences m'ont permis d'accompagner des élèves issus d'horizons culturels variés et ont renforcé ma conviction que le plurilinguisme est une formidable ouverture sur le monde.
En tant qu'enseignante, mon objectif est de créer un environnement sécurisant et bienveillant, dans lequel chaque enfant se sent en confiance, valorisé et encouragé à explorer, et apprendre à son rythme. J'accorde également une grande importance au partenariat avec les familles, convaincue qu'une communication ouverte et une relation de confiance permettent d'accompagner chaque enfant au mieux dans son développement.
En dehors de l'école, j'aime aller au cinéma, au théâtre et dans les musées, jouer aux jeux de société, et au piano. Plus récemment, j'ai découvert un véritable attrait pour la lecture et l'écriture. J'espère transmettre aux enfants le plaisir de lire, d'écrire et de laisser libre cours à leur imagination dès leur plus jeune âge.
Je suis impatiente de commencer cette nouvelle aventure à Union School et de contribuer à la vie de cette belle communauté éducative.
Larelle Okebu-Stewart
Teacher for Pre-Reception and Reception, in English
Hello, my name is Larrelle! I was born and raised in London, England, where I spent my childhood taking ballet and musical theatre classes with the Carol Straker Dance Foundation before continuing my training at Urdang. I also enjoyed horse riding from a young age. I have always loved reading and have a real passion for literature.
I earned my degree in Dance from Middlesex University before completing my Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through Essex SCITT. Teaching has been my passion for many years. I first dreamed of teaching ballet before discovering my vocation in primary education. I previously taught in Maternelle at the Lycée International de Londres in England, where I developed a passion for creating a nurturing, engaging and inspiring learning environment in which every child can flourish.
With a strong background in Early Years education, I specialise in the teaching of phonics, helping children develop confident early reading and communication skills through fun, interactive and well-structured learning experiences. I am committed to hands-on, exploratory learning, encouraging children to investigate, question and discover the world around them.
I enjoy using a wide range of practical resources to make learning meaningful and accessible, while fostering creativity and imaginative play to deepen children's understanding across all areas of the curriculum. I believe that by nurturing curiosity, independence and confidence, every child can develop a lifelong love of learning.
I am delighted to be joining Union School and look forward to sharing my passion for teaching, my knowledge and my experience!
Karima Mohamed
Teaching assistant for the Pre-Reception and Reception classes, in French
After obtaining my master's degree at ISIC (Institute of Information and Communication Sciences) at the University of Bordeaux III, I decided to move to London.
I initially worked in marketing as a coordinator, but I quickly realised that my true passion lay in teaching.
So I decided to change direction and spent 12 years teaching French, English and mathematics to children aged 4 to 8.
At the same time, I had the opportunity to work with students with autism spectrum disorders, which allowed me to deepen my understanding of special educational needs and adapt my teaching methods.
Since then, supporting young children in their educational, academic and social development has become a true vocation for me.
In my free time, I enjoy travelling, cooking and spending time with my family and friends. I am delighted to be part of the incredible team at Union School!
Vanessa Morgentahl
Teaching assistant for the Pre-Reception and Reception classes, in English
Hello, my name is Vanessa, and I am delighted to be part of the Union School team 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.
Tatiana Bunel
Teacher for Nursery, in French
Je m’appelle Tatiana et je suis enseignante depuis 2021. Après avoir débuté ma carrière dans la fonction publique en France, j’ai choisi de poursuivre mon parcours en Colombie, où j’ai enseigné plusieurs années en maternelle au sein d’une école bilingue. Cette expérience internationale a profondément enrichi ma pratique et renforcé mon intérêt pour l’éducation bilingue et l’ouverture culturelle.
Depuis près de dix ans, j’évolue auprès d’enfants à travers différentes expériences dans les domaines de l’animation, de l’éducation et de l’éducation spécialisée, principalement en maternelle. J’apprécie particulièrement cette tranche d’âge, où la curiosité, l’imagination et l’envie d’apprendre occupent une place centrale.
Ma pédagogie repose sur la bienveillance, l’autonomie et le plaisir d’apprendre. J’accorde une grande importance à la création d’un environnement sécurisant dans lequel chaque enfant peut s’épanouir, prendre confiance en lui et développer pleinement son potentiel.
Parlant couramment espagnol et portugais, je suis particulièrement sensible à la richesse des échanges interculturels et à l’apprentissage des langues dès le plus jeune âge.
Curieuse et toujours en quête de nouvelles découvertes, j’aime voyager, lire et pratiquer le CrossFit. Ces passions nourrissent mon ouverture sur le monde, ma curiosité et mon envie d’apprendre, des valeurs que j’aime également transmettre à mes élèves.
Louise Aubernon
Teaching assistant for the Nursery class (2 years old), in English
My name is Louise and I am excited to be part of 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.
Patricia Raimann
Teaching assistant for the Nursery class (2 year old), in English
Hello, my name is Patricia and I am excited to be joining Union School as a Teaching Assistant for the TPS class!
I am half Swiss and half Filipino, but I grew up in Hong Kong. I originally completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in the field of Media and Communications, but along the way, I discovered that my true passion lies in teaching and working with children.
My journey into early education began with childcare roles in New York City, which gave me hands on experience and confirmed my love for this path. After returning to Hong Kong, I worked as a Teaching Assistant at an international preschool, where I continued to develop a deeper understanding of early childhood education.
One of the most rewarding parts of working with children is that every day feels different. Their energy and curiosity keep things exciting and it reminds me to see the world with fresh eyes. It’s a joy to learn, grow, and laugh alongside them as there’s truly never a dull moment.
In my free time, I love staying active as I grew up doing many sports like running, football, and ballet. I also have a deep love for anything musical, whether it’s singing, listening to music, or enjoying a good performance.
I’m look forward to being part of the Union School community and to contribute to a warm, supportive, and engaging learning environment!
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.
Marianne Rieu
Support teacher in French
Hello everyone, I’m Marianne! Originally from Paris, I have been a primary school teacher for over ten years.
After completing my teaching qualification, I taught in Paris for three years before moving to Seattle in the United States. It was there that I discovered bilingual primary education, a field in which I continue to thrive today. Convinced of the importance and richness of this approach to education, I subsequently pursued my career in bilingual schools in London.
I am delighted to be part of the Union School team, which I joined at the very beginning. However, I now feel ready to take on new responsibilities in a different setting and am therefore likely to leave the school during the course of the year. In the meantime, I will be drawing on my experience and skills across different year groups and projects, rather than being assigned to one particular class.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling and discovering new countries, keeping active, or simply reading a good book in the sunshine.
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.
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.
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.
Lucia Manzione
LaPsyDÉ - CNRS workshops "Learn to learn"
Lucia holds a degree in Psychological Sciences of Development, Personality and Interpersonal Relationships and a Master's degree in Clinical-Dynamic Psycholog from the University of Padua. In January 2023, she obtained the professional qualification as a psychologist.
She subsequently completed a one-year internship in educational psychology, divided between the Developmental and Socialization Psychology Department of the University of Padua and the Emotion Lab at the Karolinska Institute, in Stockolm.
In January 2023, she began her PhD at LaPsyDÉ under the supervision of Dr. Teresa Iuculano, working on the StrApMat project, which investigates the cognitive mechanisms underlying arithmetical learning and performance in children from low socio-economic status (SES) backgrounds.
In addition to her doctoral research, she continues to collaborate with the University of Padua.
Livia Colombani
Art teacher from Nursery to Year 6
Livia Colombani is a visual artist, set designer and teacher. She trained in applied arts (object design and visual communication) before studying scenography at the Beaux-Arts. Her career has enabled her to develop a cross-disciplinary approach to creation, combining technical precision with artistic sensitivity.
She has worked as a scenographer, assistant or head set designer for major cultural institutions such as the Grand Théâtre de Genève, the Festival d'Avignon, the Ateliers Berthier and the Ballets de Monte-Carlo, and has also collaborated on projects for cinema and theater. She has additionally worked as a production or creative assistant for various artists.
Alongside her artistic activities, Livia has been teaching drawing, painting and art history to a wide audience since 2009. Her teaching approach is based on attentive listening, forstering individual creativity and adapting to each student's needs.
Her personal work, which she exhibits regularly, explores the links between image and material through drawing, painting and photographic weaving. She also collaborates with musicians on visual projects (music videos, album covers, photography), reflecting her strong interest in interdisciplinarity.