Edelweiss Panorama International (EPI) is pleased to highlight the significant expansion of the faculty and residential life team at TASIS for the 2025–2026 academic year. This infusion of new talent brings a wealth of international experience and academic expertise across all divisions of the school. In the High School, the team is bolstered by the return of Kate Abisi, who previously served in numerous capacities from 2013–2021, and the appointment of Andre Adami as the new Visual Arts Department Chair. Mr. Adami brings a distinguished background from institutions like the European Institute of Design and experience as an IB examiner. The history department welcomes Phil Altman, whose career spans schools in São Paulo, Sofia, and Washington, D.C. The arts are further enriched by the arrival of Zeynep Baransel Welch, a practicing artist with extensive teaching experience in IB programs. Key support roles are also strengthened with the additions of Gwynne Cortelli as a Learning Resource Center Specialist and Andrina Verbickas as a Learning Support Specialist, both bringing specialized credentials in special education and student wellness. The Modern Languages department gains Joe Welch, a seasoned German teacher from Robert College in Istanbul, and the Mathematics department welcomes Perihan Yücel, an experienced IB examiner. The residential life program is significantly enhanced by the appointments of Lucy Stockdale as a Full-Time Dorm Head, bringing a decade of US boarding school experience, and Kristen Tobin as a Dorm Parent with over 20 years in education. The engagement to a robust and diverse educational environment is clearly demonstrated through these strategic hires.
The growth extends vibrantly into the Middle and Elementary Schools, alongside new leadership appointments that signal a dynamic future for TASIS. The Middle School welcomes Aly Conway as a Math Teacher with a decade of experience, Célie Gelifier as a French Teacher with official qualifications from both the French and Swiss governments, and Tricia Mauldin as an EAL/English Teacher who brings a unique background that includes a Juris Doctor degree. The Elementary School team is expanded with Julia Davis, a homeroom teacher with nearly 15 years of international experience, and Diketseo Mgubungu, who joins with a strong academic foundation from the University of Cape Town. Furthermore, several current faculty members have transitioned into pivotal leadership roles. Ania Shields moves from Modern Languages Department Chair to become the Opsahl Global Service Program Director, a role previously held by Patricia Clardy. Stéphanie Roth, a long-serving Italian teacher, succeeds Ms. Shields as the new Modern Languages Department Chair. Anna Schwartz is appointed the new English as an Additional Language Department Chair, following Carolyn Heard's retirement. Other key promotions include Kari Fritz becoming the High School Dean of Student Support, Laura Schlesinger being officially named Director of the Learning Resource Center, and Kenzie Kaper serving as the Grades 2–3 Team Leader. These appointments, combined with the new faculty, underscore the institution's dévouement to continuous improvement and providing a supportive, world-class learning environment for all students.
