Global International Schools Advisory Board

David Turner, Dwight School Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Approaching his third decade in education, David is committed to communities and the culmination of voices, opinions, cooperative endeavours, and collective outcomes which he believes are essential in furthering international education.  

David presently serves a school community at the Dwight School Dubai where he is a solo team serving as the university and career counsellor. His other educational and community tethers include membership in a regional counsellor group of a few hundred dedicated supportive colleagues; David also co-chairs a regional NAFSA Middle East Interest Group (MEIG) supporting more than 500 higher education members; he regularly engages with EdTech companies, higher education event and news agencies, universities and other international counsellors to promote/support college counsellors and their school communities.  

Whether speaking in public, leading/participating in panel discussions or webinars, consulting or creating/recording content, David remains active and committed to celebrating and supporting colleagues in an ever-evolving critical dialogue for international counselling and education. 

David holds an undergraduate degree in speech communication, a postgraduate teaching credential in education as well as a master's degree in the same.

---

 

Marsha Oshima, International School of Geneva, Switzerland

Marsha is currently a university guidance counsellor at the International School of Geneva, La Grande Boissière Campus in Switzerland. She is also the vice president for professional development for International ACAC, a membership organisation for international admissions and high school counselling professionals, where she leads a volunteer team to develop and deliver professional development activities.

Prior to her move to Switzerland, she worked for nearly 15 years at the Institute of International Education (IIE) managing US government and private scholarship and exchange programmes including the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Programmes, KAUST Scholarships, the International Visitor Leadership Program and the Boren Scholarships. Marsha has been a panel organiser and speaker at conferences for International ACAC and the Council of International Schools.

Marsha holds an MA in SE Asian studies from Cornell University and a BA in public communication from The American University.

---

 

Buket Ayaz, Nord Anglia International School Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

Buket is an experienced university guidance counsellor and higher education advocate with more than 10 years’ experience in the field.  

She started her career after participating in the Independent Educational Consultant Association’s Summer Institute, which fuelled her passion for raising awareness about higher education abroad. While working as an IEC to support students’ university applications worldwide, she started developing college readiness programmes in international schools, including developing partnerships with international universities.  

Buket has continued college counselling since moving to Dubai in 2016 and received her College Access Counselling Programme certificate from Rice University. She is particularly interested in careers counselling curriculum standardisation, including grade-specific college readiness programmes, which have seen her delivering college counsellor training workshops in the UAE. She was recently appointed as the only college counsellor from the Middle East to represent Unifrog on their advisory board. 

A former Fulbright Scholar, Buket is the only AICEP “Certified Educational Planner” in Dubai. It is a mark of distinction demonstrating expanded knowledge and commitment to the college counselling profession, it assures families that they are working with a qualified professional who is committed to maintaining the highest quality of service to higher education advising. 

---

 

Carmen Page, Raha International School, Abu Dhabi 

Carmen is a licensed professional counsellor with experience in both clinical and educational settings. With over 15 years of experience, she currently works as Head of University Guidance Counselling in an international school in Abu Dhabi. Her passion lies in advocating for students and supporting student mental health and wellness on their university and career development journey. Carmen has developed guidance programmes within schools starting in middle school to help students prepare for higher education.

As a previous counsellor trainer for government organisations, Carmen is passionate about counsellor education and support. She facilitates counsellor groups for AP curriculum counsellors and local national counsellors in UAE. With an undergraduate degree in education and psychology and a master's degree in counselling and non-profit organisational leadership, Carmen has a holistic approach to education, understanding the need for career guidance and support for students and families. 
 

Jeff Neill, Director of College Counselling, Graded – The American School of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Throughout Jeff’s 22 years of working in secondary education, he has been an advocate for students in the university admissions process. He is currently the director of college counselling at Graded – The American School of Sao Paulo in Brazil. In addition to his duties within the office of college counselling, Jeff is a member of the senior leadership team at Graded and is involved in the strategic planning process as well as the diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.  

Previously, he has worked at the International School of Dakar in Senegal, Taipei American School in Taiwan, Western Reserve Academy in Ohio, USA, Northfield Mount Hermon in Massachusetts, USA and the Salisbury School in Connecticut, USA.  

Jeff presents regularly around the globe and volunteers his time broadly, serving on various faculties and boards for assorted groups, organisations, and companies. At present, he serves on the International ACAC Professional Development Committee as well as their pre-conference faculty. Additionally, he is serving on NACAC’s Ad Hoc Committee on mental health and equity in the transition to postsecondary Education. He is also a counsellor-in-residence for Cialfo, a college counselling software company, for which he also serves on their international advisory board.  

Finally, for the past half decade, Jeff has been a resident faculty member for College Board’s Summer Institute for International Counsellors, and he has recently joined the College Board’s International Advisory Board. Jeff holds a BA in government and legal studies and German from Bowdoin College, an MA in English from Middlebury College, and an EdD from Northeastern University. 

---

 

Augusto Neto, University and Careers Guidance Counsellor, The American School of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

With a little over 20 years of experience in education, Augusto is a seasoned holistic educator whose expertise in the field ranges from teaching English as a foreign or additional language to university and careers guidance. Since 2025, he has been a university and careers guidance counsellor at The American School of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Passionate about building bridges, facilitating connections, and using his cross-cultural communication skills to help colleagues, students, and educators work towards achieving a common goal, Augusto enjoys going to work every day to help students to further education and beyond as they mature and develop as individuals who will become agents of positive change wherever life takes them.

Augusto’s community engagement and memberships include The Caribbean and Latin America Network of College Counsellors, NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counsellor), IACAC (International Association for College Admission Counselling), and the CDI (Career Development Institute).

Apart from his dedication and commitment to college counselling, Augusto loves teaching and has a passion for linguistics. He holds a teaching degree in English and Portuguese language and literature, and a postgraduate certificate in international education. His main interests as an and EFL/EAL teacher are the teaching of pronunciation and its spillover effects, research into second language speech perception and production, and developing ELT practices that stem from research.

Augusto also holds a College Counselling Certificate from UCLA and, above all, is proud to be among the first ever cohort to complete the Times Higher Education Counsellor Accreditation Programme (THE CAP).

---

 

Jenny Tassell, International School of Panama, Panama

Jenny Tassell is the head of the counselling department at the International School of Panama, where she has worked for the last four years. With a total of 15 years of experience in the field, Jenny's journey in education began at another prominent school in Panama, where she was a college counsellor for 11 years. 
 
As a native to Panama, Jenny has a passion for creating opportunities for access to higher education within Panama and Latin America. Her commitment to this cause led her to pursue an undergraduate degree from Flagler College and a master's in school guidance and counselling from Nova Southeastern University.  

Furthermore, Jenny has enhanced her professional qualifications by obtaining counsellor certifications from UCLA Extension, IE University, and Times Higher Education. 
 
Beyond her individual work, Jenny has established the Panama School Counsellor Association and collaborated with counsellors in the area to establish the largest annual university fair in Panama. By creating the Panama Counsellor website, Jenny has successfully facilitated an environment that makes it easier for universities to engage with the region.   

Jenny has been awarded counsellor of the year for Latin America from the IC3 organisation and Rising Star Award from International ACAC.   

She has volunteered in various committees within the International Association for College Admission Counselling (IACAC) such as advocacy and outreach, and communications committee, and played an integral role in organising the first regional conference in Latin America. 

Her commitment to professional growth and knowledge-sharing is evident through her regular invitations to present at professional conferences and she currently serves on the counsellor advisory board for IE University and is on the counsellor activation team for Concourse Global.   

Jenny prioritizes networking and establishing connections with professionals in the region and globally, advocating for the well-being and educational opportunities of students. 

---

 

Phillip Wenturine, Brewster Academy Madrid, Spain

Phillip is currently Dean of University Guidance at Brewster Academy Madrid in Spain and has been working in the industry for over 10 years. Prior to Spain, Phillip has worked in the UAE (Dubai), Vietnam, Portugal, and the USA, where he has helped over a thousand students from over 100 nationalities gain quality guidance on higher education globally and apply to their best-fit universities. 

A former Fulbright Scholar, Phillip continues to engage in his community by volunteering on the communications committee for International ACAC and is a member of the Counselor Activation Team for Concourse Global. He is an application reader for UCLA and is now a certified counsellor through Times Higher Education. Phillip is a strong advocate for connection and collaboration with a mission to promote sharing and networking across all sides of the desk so everyone can rally around the students we collectively serve.

Native to Florida, Phillip studied English, writing, and education for his bachelor’s and master’s degrees before venturing internationally and earning a postgraduate certificate in college counselling. He began his career in education in Florida, but he knew the world of international education was his true calling. He has helped head various offices and has held other leadership roles as an assistance academic dean for Johns Hopkins CTY Programme and as an AP Coordinator and Reader for College Board. 

---

 

Alyssa Casallo, Hiba Academy, Shanghai

Alyssa Casallo is a transformational education leader and the Founding Director of Higher Education and Careers at Hiba Academy Shanghai. With over a decade of experience in global college counselling, leadership, and foreign affairs, Alyssa has redefined how students connect purpose with possibility. She leads with heart, integrity, ethics, and kindness, placing students at the center of every decision and initiative. Her lifelong passion—and perhaps her favorite hobby—has been building and founding college counseling departments from the ground up, transforming them into holistic ecosystems that cultivate academic readiness, well-being, and belonging. Alyssa also serves as a Global Advisory Board Member and Head of the Subcommittee for University and Counsellor Relations at BMI and TIMES Education, advancing collaboration and transparency in international admissions. Currently pursuing her Ed.M. in Educational Leadership in Higher Education at Harvard University and a UIUC alumna, she is dedicated to building bridges, fostering communities, and expanding equity and access in global education.

 

Adam Kendis, WC East Africa, Tanzania

With over two decades of experience as a global educator, Adam Kendis currently serves as University Counsellor at UWC East Africa in Arusha, Tanzania. Throughout his career, Adam has specialized in designing and scaling comprehensive college counselling and postsecondary success programs, with a deep commitment to students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

Adam is a frequent global presenter and active mentor. He currently serves on the IACAC Inclusion, Access and Success Committee, mentors with the HALI Access Network, and sits on the International Advisory Board for the University of Utah.

Adam has been awarded the “Counsellor Community Support and Collaborator” award by the Times Higher Education Global Counsellor Awards; been named an “Outstanding Educator” by the University of Chicago; and was awarded the “Counsellor That Changes Lives” award by the Colleges That Change Lives. He was also previously a finalist for the “Latin American Counsellor of the Year” from IC3

Adam holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Brown University and a master’s degree in education from Mercy College.

 

Dominic Kobina Forson, Al-Rayan International School, Ghana

Dominic Kobina Forson is a dedicated University and Career Guidance Counsellor with extensive experience supporting students across international schools in Ghana. With an academic background in Clinical Health Psychology (B.Sc. & MPhil, University of Cape Coast, Ghana) and specialized training in university counselling, child protection, and psychometric assessment, he brings a holistic, student-centred approach to career development.

Dominic currently leads the University and Career Guidance Counselling Department at Al-Rayan International School, where he provides comprehensive support in university applications, subject selection, internship placement, standardized testing, and career profiling. His work focuses on equipping students with the skills, clarity, and resources needed to make informed academic and career decisions.

He has previously served in counselling roles across prominent international schools in Ghana and has contributed to staff development, parental engagement, and student wellbeing initiatives. Dominic also serves on international advisory boards for multiple universities, contributing to global discussions on student development and higher education pathways. Passionate about adolescent mental health, career readiness, and talent nurturing, he continues to champion initiatives that empower young people to reach their full academic and personal potential.

 

Kam Stylianou, The English School, Nicosia

Kam is a dedicated international education professional with two decades of experience guiding students through university exploration, strategic planning, and global admissions. Formerly the Deputy Headmistress at The Grammar School, she strengthened her leadership and advisory expertise while enhancing higher education guidance systems and student outcomes.

She currently serves as a Careers Counsellor at The English School, Nicosia, where she continues to navigate students through an evolving global higher education landscape. Kam is a British Council Certified Counsellor and contributes regularly to THE Counsellor, initially serving on the THE Europe International Schools Advisory Board. She is passionate about her work for Project Access, a charity dedicated to supporting underrepresented students in securing places at top universities, a role which reflects her belief in the transformational role of careers counselling. She is also a member of the Project Access Advisory Board. In 2025, she was named Counsellor of the Year – Europe.

 

Ketevan (Kate) Maghlakelidze, Enko Education, Africa

Ketevan (Kate) Maghlakelidze is a distinguished international education leader with over two decades of experience spanning education policy, school leadership, and university guidance. She currently serves as the Senior Manager of University Admissions for Enko Education, the largest network of IB schools in Africa. In this role, Kate oversees a team of university guidance counsellors across all Enko schools. 

A pioneer in student support systems, Kate developed and implemented the exclusive "Knowledge for College" curriculum, a comprehensive career education and guidance program used throughout the Enko network. Her expertise in building guidance departments from the ground up was recognised when she was named Counsellor of the Year (Africa) by BMI/Times Higher Education in 2024 and received the School Leadership Impact Award from the IC3 Movement in 2022.

Kate’s journey began in 2004 at the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, where she helped integrate Georgia’s higher education into the Bologna Process. She subsequently served as the founding IB DP Coordinator at the European School—the first IB school in Georgia—and later as the Head of Enko Riverside International School in Maputo, Mozambique. 

Beyond her administrative roles, Kate is an entrepreneur and author. She founded the consultancy "Education Technologies LLC" and co-authored the textbook "English is Easy." Kate is dedicated to empowering counsellors and teachers to help students find their place in the world.

Driven by the belief that every child deserves equal access to world-class education, she continues to advocate for the transformation of teaching standards and the professionalisation of university counselling globally.

 

Mohamed Elmelegi, Ahliyya Schools, Saudi Arabia

Mohamed Elmelegi is the Head of College and Career Counselling at Dhahran Ahliyya Schools in Saudi Arabia, bringing nearly three decades of experience in education and over seventeen years dedicated to university and career guidance. He is highly experienced across multiple high school pathways, including the IB Diploma Programme, IGCSE, American Diploma, and national tracks, enabling him to guide students with precision across diverse academic systems. Mohamed leads and mentors teams of counsellors, building cohesive, high-performing units that deliver consistent, student-centred guidance. His work spans the full spectrum of international school advising, from shaping university-pathway strategies to developing high-impact school profiles and students’ profiles that communicate their achievements and readiness for college life with clarity and integrity. He has contributed to professional-development and transparency initiatives for international schools and university counsellors and is a frequent speaker at regional events, including the global University events, Aramco College Fairs, and BMI Global forums. He is an active member of global organisations such as IACAC and PTC. He brings a strong international perspective, advancing data-informed university and career counselling systems that enhance admission outcomes, elevate student agency, and ensure every student’s context is understood and valued in global admissions.

 

Nayantara Handa, The British School, New Delhi, India

Nayantara’s expertise showcases versatility in the education, public and social sectors.

Nayantara leads the careers and university guidance team at The British School, New Delhi where she has been conferred with The Long Service Award. Emphasis leadership, community impact, research, honing of talent and global citizenship have been some of the cornerstones that have shaped Nayantara’s roadmap for career guidance. Making best fit decisions in a fast-changing global undergraduate landscape has been central to the niche that students have carved for themselves.

A Chevening Scholar, Ms Handa has been credited by the College Board for exemplary professional practice. She is an active member of the CIS Counsellor Advisory Board and the first-ever global counsellor network committee member at Downing College, University of Cambridge. Nayantara was also conferred with the IIWA: Best Women Counsellor of the Year award in 2024 and the Sushma Swaraj Stree Shakti Samman award in 2025. As an active thought leader, Nayantara has been an EARCOS and IACAC mentor to emerging counsellors and through her vision and commitment, continues to shape purposeful educational journeys while strengthening the counselling community worldwide.

 

Reggie Aguiar, Escola Concept, Brazil

Reggie Aguiar serves as the Head of College & Career Counselling at Escola Concept, Brazil, where he leads a multi-campus programme supporting students into post-secondary pathways in Brazil and worldwide. With more than a decade in international education, he has built counselling departments in multiple schools and designed system-wide guidance structures for school groups across Brazil. A proud member of International ACAC and NACAC, Reggie is a frequent collaborator with universities and institutes across Latin America and beyond and has partnered with BMI and Times Higher Education for several years through forums, workshops, and professional learning initiatives. He is currently working with counselling thought leaders in Brazil on nationwide guidance initiatives and is particularly committed to equity of access and to strengthening school–university partnerships in emerging markets.