LIS Leadership Team
Bridget Davies grew up in UK and started her career as a French and Spanish teacher. Bridget has worked in teacher and leadership roles in the UK, Rwanda, Sudan and Egypt. She believes the foundation for a successful educational community is a trusting environment where students have voice and agency. Outside school Bridget loves swimming and the beach.
Originally from Denmark, Kristine has been living and working internationally since 2001. She brings more than two decades of experience in education, holds a Master’s degree in International Education, and has served as a school principal for the past 11 years. As Deputy Director at LIS, Kristine is committed to fostering inclusive learning environments where every student can grow, explore their potential and thrive. Outside of school, she enjoys travelling, reading, hiking and spending time with family and friends. She looks forward to becoming part of the LIS community and beginning this new chapter in Angola.
Carol has been a teacher and school leader in Venezuela, Egypt, Thailand, China, Poland, Singapore and now Angola. Experience seeing the world through the eyes of others has reinforced her belief in the importance of school being a place where a culture of care and inclusive, equitable learning opportunities are central to teaching and learning. Carol is an avid foodie and coffee aficionado and enjoys getting to know a country and its culture through food.
Bart brings two decades of experience across the US, China, and Poland, most recently at the American School of Warsaw. He also brings a world-schooling parent perspective from a year travelling in Latin America. Guided by a strengths-based philosophy, he fosters inclusive communities built on student agency, collaboration, and mentorship. His background as an athlete, semi-professional singer, actor, and music teacher shapes his leadership style. Outside of school, he enjoys family time, classical music, weight training, and American football.
Christelle Lonez believes that learning happens when children feel involved and included within a community of learners, a vision already well in place at LIS. She has taught and held various leadership roles in IB schools in the USA, Saudi Arabia, Malawi and Switzerland before joining LIS in August 2024. Christelle loves the outdoors, hiking and enjoying natural wonders.
Kareen Laplanche brings 17 years of experience supporting international schools, with a focus on financial sustainability, risk management, and student-centered operations. She values aligning resources and processes with the school’s mission, helping create a stable and innovative environment for learning. Originally from Haiti, Kareen has lived and worked in the DRC, Haiti, and the US. She enjoys nature walks, playing tennis, and exploring new cuisines.
Sheila Bandeira is an experienced professional with over 20 years in Law, Administration, and Human Resources across public and private institutions. She holds a Law degree with a specialization in Human Resources and believes HR goes beyond processes—valuing people for who they truly are and supporting their growth. In schools, she is committed to fostering motivated professionals guided by strong values, knowing they are the foundation of a thriving learning community.
Mila Barradas has been part of the LIS team for 19 years as General Services & Operations Manager / DSDL. She holds a degree in Business Management and has over 25 years of experience in Accounting, Finance, and Administration. Known for her responsibility and professional ethics, she believes that protecting children’s well-being is key to building a just and sustainable society. In her free time, she enjoys landscaping and outdoor sports.
Born in Russia and raised in Australia, Dan Egorov worked in international schools in Germany, Azerbaijan, Russia and Turkey before arriving in Luanda. He successfully led technology departments over the past eleven years. A Council of International Schools accreditor, Dan is an advocate of using technology to empower both students and teachers, enhance learning and streamline systems. Outside of work, he enjoys music, tasting new foods and exploring new cultures with his family.
Susana Pinheiro is the IB Diploma Programme Coordinator at LIS, bringing extensive experience as an educator and a deep commitment to the IB philosophy. Beginning her journey at LIS in 2017 as a Language and Literature teacher, Susana has excelled in guiding students through the MYP and DP Language & Literature and Language Acquisition courses. She believes in education as a lifelong mission and is dedicated to preparing students for both university and life beyond LIS.
Cathy McCann is originally from Scotland but has been teaching internationally for over 20 years. This has taken her to schools in Botswana, Spain, Portugal and Hong Kong before joining LIS in 2013. She is an MYP and DP visual art teacher and was the Leader of Learning for the Arts before becoming the MYP coordinator at LIS. She is passionate about creativity, enjoys inquiry, encourages student leadership, loves outdoor education and being part of the LIS community. Her 3 children have also attended IB world school.
Darwin joins LIS as PYP Coordinator, bringing experience from international schools in the Philippines, Indonesia, Sudan, and Macao. He has served as PYP Coordinator in three schools and is part of the IB Educators Network. Passionate about student-centered learning and collaborative growth, Darwin believes in putting students first, last, and always while building strong, connected learning communities.
Ali is fortunate to be starting his 15th year at LIS and has had the opportunity to take on many different roles throughout his time at the school. Now in his second year as Co-Curricular Coordinator, he looks forward to supporting students and teachers in creating a diverse and balanced range of experiences for students to engage in beyond the classroom. Before joining the school, Ali taught in Vietnam and Canada before making Angola his home. He joined the LIS community with his wife, Mrs. Alysha, and their two children.