CourseLeap Faculty​

Chrisann Almeida Creado is a dedicated educator with a focus on creating best-practice programs rooted in psychology and education research. Her goal is to develop strategies that foster student-centred, inquiry-based learning and promote creativity and critical thinking skills. With over 11 years of classroom experience, Chrisann has taught Psychology and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) to IB students at prestigious institutions like Jamnabai Narsee School and Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS), where she also served as the department head. She actively contributes to the IB community as an examiner for TOK essays, moderator for Psychology internal assessments, and examiner for IB Paper 3. Chrisann has conducted sessions on Psychology and Theory of Knowledge in various schools across India, including Chinmaya International Residency School, Trivandrum International School, Podar International School, Singapore International School, Cathedral & John Connon School, and Goldcrest International School. Currently, she provides consulting support to CourseLeap schools, specifically Edubridge International School, Mumbai, and Heritage School, Gurgaon, while being associated with Bombay International School.

Kalpana Balan-Seitz is a seasoned educator with 24 years of experience spanning IB Diploma Programme, IGCSE, and AP curricula. She has served as a DP Principal examiner for subjects including Theory of Knowledge, Economics, and Global Politics. Her leadership roles encompass DP coordination and university guidance counselling at prestigious international institutions such as UWC Hong Kong, British International School Shanghai, Dhirubhai Ambani International School, International School of Panama, and The Ecole Active Bilingue International Section, Paris. She notably led university guidance counselling as a further education advisor at UWC Hong Kong. Balan-Seitz actively engages with professional organisations like IACAC and NACAC, offering expertise in global university advising across the UK, US, Europe, and Asia. Her involvement includes participation in significant events such as the IB Symposium on University recognition and the Global University Counselling Conference held at the University of Hong Kong.

George Mansur is a dedicated Spanish instructor at CourseLeap with a wealth of experience in education. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and a Master of Arts (Oxon) in Modern Languages from Merton College, Oxford. With over 20 years of teaching experience, George has worked at various international schools worldwide, including The International School of Sotogrande in Spain, the British School of Lomé in Togo, the International School of Brunei, Luanda International School in Angola, and the British International School of Cairo. After teaching IGCSE French at Doha Montessori British School in Qatar, he joined Dhirubhai Ambani International School, where he taught French and Spanish to IB and IGCSE from 2010-2019. Mr Mansur was also an examiner and moderator in French B for the International Baccalaureate (Speaking Exam) for ten years George's expertise lies in teaching French and Spanish at different levels, including IGCSE, ab initio, and language B (Standard and Higher levels). His patient, enthusiastic, and creative approach to language learning has motivated numerous students throughout his career. Currently residing in Gran Canaria, Spain, George brings his extensive experience and passion for teaching Spanish to CourseLeap, where he strives to empower learners and facilitate their language acquisition journey. With his commitment to providing high-quality instruction and fostering an engaging learning environment, George is a valuable asset to the CourseLeap team.

Nick Pillow, a consultant and teacher based in Mumbai, brings a wealth of expertise to English education. Originally from the UK, he is the director of Laughing Pillow LLP, a distinguished theatre and English education consultancy. With a degree in English Literature from the University of Cambridge, Nick has almost fifteen years of experience teaching English and Drama. For the past seven years, he has served as head of Performing Arts at the prestigious Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai. Alongside his teaching role, Nick has worked as an IGCSE, Pre-IB, and IB English tutor, guiding students in developing their skills and preparing for exams. With an MTeach degree from the University of London Institute of Education, specialising in drama's place in the English classroom, Nick's research focused on teaching Shakespeare to non-native English speakers. Furthermore, he leads a youth acting program at the renowned Jeff Goldberg Acting Studio in Mumbai. Nick Pillow's diverse background, extensive teaching experience, and commitment to fostering a love for English literature and theatre empower students to explore their potential and thrive academically.

Rachel Heller, an esteemed English instructor at CourseLeap, boasts a wealth of experience and a strong educational background. Beginning her teaching career in the Peace Corps in Malawi, she later taught in the United States and currently resides in the Netherlands. At the International School Groningen, Rachel spent 12 years teaching MYP Humanities and English A, while also serving as the Personal Project Coordinator. Transitioning to the IBDP, she excelled in teaching English A Language and Literature, Theory of Knowledge, and serving as the Further Education Advisor. Rachel then ventured into teacher training at NHLStenden University of Applied Sciences, specialising in literature and American Studies. Although semi-retired, she remains passionate about travel and maintains her travel blog, Rachel's Ruminations. Rachel stays up to date with the latest curriculum developments, serving as an examiner for English A Language and Literature and conducting numerous IBDP teacher workshops in TOK and Language and Literature. Holding a B.A. in History from Yale University, an MA in Education from San Francisco State University, and a B.Ed and an M.Ed. from NHLStenden University of Applied Sciences, Rachel's extensive expertise and dedication greatly contribute to the educational experience of students at CourseLeap.

Dr Kanchi Das brings over 20 years of experience in teaching and assessing IB, IGCSE, and Common Core curricula. With a PhD in English Literature and a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard, she leads the English Department at Dubai International Academy, achieving an Outstanding rating from KHDA. Dr. Das mentors and develops excellent practice across schools, serving as an IB English Higher Level Examiner and supervisor for Extended Essays. She is well-versed in the latest IB English syllabus changes and creates DP taster lessons. With expertise in guiding students' Personal Statements and University Application essays, she has successfully helped students gain admission to top universities such as Yale, Columbia, UPenn, Oxford, Cambridge, Princeton, and Brown. Dr. Das is an active member of Harvard's Principal's Network, participating in webinars on innovation and equity in education. Her qualifications include a Certificate in School Management and Leadership, and she excels in curriculum planning, differentiated lessons, and monitoring student progress. Dr. Das's dedication to educational excellence and leadership in pedagogy make her a valuable asset to the education community.

Marta Maria Rey Gonzalez is a highly experienced IB teacher with a focus on child-centred education in multicultural settings. With over 13 years of teaching experience in international schools, Marta is currently at the International Sharing School in Lisbon, where she teaches Language Acquisition MYP and DP Spanish B. She serves as a personal project supervisor and contributes to curriculum design for DP and MYP. Previously, Marta taught Spanish at Mahindra United World College, Oberoi International School, Kohinoor American School, and Indus International School. She is proficient in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and utilises platforms like Managebac, Google, Kognity, and Inthinking. Marta's language skills include Spanish, Gallego, English (bilingual), and intermediate French. She has completed professional development courses and certifications in child protection, safeguarding practice, and IB programs. Marta holds a Diploma Degree in Primary Education and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philology from the University of Santiago de Compostela. Her expertise, dedication to student growth, and commitment to lifelong learning make her a valuable asset in the field of international education.

Roohi Sayed, an accomplished English educator and curriculum designer, brings a wealth of experience and creativity to her role as an English instructor at CourseLeap. With over 6 years of experience working with Checkpoint, IGCSE, MYP, and IBDP curriculum, Roohi has a strong foundation in English education. Her expertise extends to IGCSE English as a First Language, IGCSE English Literature, IBDP English A: Language and Literature HL & SL, as well as serving as an IBDP Extended Essay Supervisor and TOK Teacher. She has a passion for vertically aligned curriculum design, fostering interactive and twenty-first-century classrooms that promote critical thinking skills. As an examiner for IBDP English Higher Level for over 4 years, Roohi brings a comprehensive understanding of assessment practices. She has collaborated with prestigious institutions such as Podar International School, Ecole Mondiale World School, and Ascend International School, creating a continuum in curricula for IGCSE, MYP, and IBDP. With a Master's degree in English Literature, Roohi's student-centred teaching and learning practices are rooted in a lifelong passion for reading. She continues to work as a consultant, promoting inquiry-based and concept-driven learning models, while providing a collaborative space for verbal and written expression, nurturing a love for language among her students at CourseLeap.

Purnendu Ghosh is an acclaimed IB educator with an experience of mentoring students for Chemistry, Biology and TOK in IB, IGCSE and Cambridge A & AS Levels for more than 15 years in esteemed schools across India as well as in Singapore. She is also associated with IBO as a Diploma Examiner for Chemistry, TOK and World Studies, School Visit Team Member and Workshop Leader. She has bagged the award of Best International Teacher by the Education Times, India and aspires to transform the young learners of today into inspirational leaders of tomorrow.

Shalini, a highly qualified science instructor at CourseLeap, brings a wealth of expertise and over twenty years of teaching experience to her role. With a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Bath, U.K., and training from the Central Institute of Education, Delhi University, she excels in delivering exceptional instruction. Shalini's teaching journey began in a CBSE school, where she achieved outstanding results in biology and garnered recognition among schools in Delhi. Her dedication to the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) curricula has spanned close to twenty years, with notable contributions at NIST, Bangkok, and BINUS International, Jakarta. At Ecole Mondiale World School, Mumbai, she led the Science department for nearly a decade, producing exceptional results in IGCSE and IBDP Biology. Shalini's student-centric teaching strategies, influenced by her expertise in the constructivist approach, have consistently empowered her students to become creators of their own knowledge. With a Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Botany, she combines her academic qualifications with mentorship capabilities, fostering a stimulating learning environment where students thrive and take ownership of their learning journey.

Rinky Ray Lal is an English instructor at CourseLeaps. She holds an MA in English Literature from St. John's College, Agra, India, and a BA in English, History, Political Science, and General English from the same institution. Rinky also completed her BEd (Bachelor of Education) in English and Special English from Annamalai University. She has received her ICSE and ISC certifications from St. Patrick's Convent, Agra, India. Rinky has actively participated in various professional development workshops, including English Literature and Language, TOK (Theory of Knowledge), Extended Essay, and MYP (Middle Years Programme) Language A. She has extensive experience teaching English Language & Literature and TOK to MYP and IBDP classes in schools such as Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad, Excelsior International School (Raffles Campus) Johor Bahru, and NPS International School Singapore. Rinky's expertise extends to IGCSE, IB, and O-level curricula, and she has served as an English examiner for various examinations. She has also taken on leadership roles as the Head of the English Department and coordinated extracurricular activities. Throughout her career, Rinky has demonstrated a commitment to supporting adolescent learners' social and emotional well-being

Aparna Shah is an experienced economics and business teacher at CourseLeaps. She has undergone extensive training in IB Economics and Business Management. Aparna is an IB examiner and moderator, as well as an assessment author for Economics. She has taught at the British School of Brussels and worked as an economics expert at Study.com. Aparna has held various positions at Heritage International Xperiential School (HIXS Gurgaon) and Amity Global School, Gurgaon. She also has industry experience as an Assistant Manager - Territory Manager in Marketing and Business Intelligence at Maruti Suzuki India Limited. Aparna focuses on effective planning and preparation, creating a positive classroom environment, and engaging students in high-quality learning. She has served as the Associate Diploma Programme Coordinator at Heritage International Xperiential School and as the Department Chair - Humanities/Extended Essay Coordinator at HIXS Gurgaon

Lorraine Fernandes, an accomplished Chemistry teacher specialising in IBDP, MYP & IGCSE curricula, brings over 25 years of extensive teaching experience to her profession. Having guided students from diverse backgrounds in prestigious International Schools such as The International School Bangalore (TISB) and Ecole Mondiale World School in Mumbai, where she served as the Head of Chemistry, Lorraine is recognized for her wealth of expertise. Holding degrees in Chemistry from Sophia College in Mumbai and Education from St. Xavier’s College of Education, Mumbai, her subject knowledge and pedagogical skills empower her to effectively engage students in the learning process. Dedicated to ensuring a solid understanding of chemistry, Lorraine simplifies complex concepts, making the subject approachable and enjoyable. Transitioning to online teaching in recent years, she has connected with students from various international schools globally, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to fostering quality education.

Desh Deepak Shankar is a distinguished educator renowned for his expertise in AP Economics. With 18 years of industry experience and a Master's in Business Economics, he has empowered over 5000 students worldwide. While excelling in the AP curriculum, with a high percentage of students achieving a top score of 5. Deepak's exceptional teaching methodology, tailored to individual student needs, is instrumental in their academic growth and success. With a presence in both online and offline teaching, he shapes students' academic journeys globally, with an emphasis on AP Economics

Samuel is an experienced Computer Science teacher with 12+ years in various international curriculum including AP, A-Levels & IB. He has experience in different countries including India, Lesotho and UAE. He is an IB examiner for Computer Science. He has a Masters degree in Computer Engineering from the Atlantic International University in Hawaii, and also a Post Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education International from University of Nottingham. He also has a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering.

Kavita Antony is a seasoned educator with over 15 years of experience in teaching IBDP Business Management and Economics, alongside IGCSE Economics and Business Studies at prominent international schools like Ecole Mondiale World School and JBCN International School. Armed with dual Masters degrees in Commerce and Marketing Management from the University of Mumbai, her profound understanding of business intricacies is complemented by a Post Graduate Diploma in International Education from Birmingham City University. Her teaching journey has been marked by her adept handling of A-levels Business at JBCN International School and her role at Oberoi International School, where she taught IBDP Business Management and Economics, as well as IGCSE Economics and Business Studies. Currently contributing her extensive knowledge and teaching prowess to a prestigious school in Germany, Kavita continues to be an invaluable asset to any educational institution.

Neenu, an M. Phil graduate in English, completed her schooling at Convent of Jesus and Mary, Delhi, and Fort Convent, Mumbai, followed by her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in English at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi. With a rich tapestry of experience across diverse educational systems, she has excelled as a teacher, curriculum leader, and examiner in national and international settings. Neenu's teaching repertoire spans CBSE, ISC, IGCSE, A Level, and IB curricula, where she served as an examiner for ISC and underwent specialized training as an Examiner for English-Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Her tenure as the Head of English at The British School, New Delhi, was marked by her impactful instruction in IGCSE First Language English, English as a Second Language, and Literature, as well as AS and A Level English, and IB Diploma Programme English courses. At Step By Step School, Noida, Neenu further honed her teaching prowess, offering both IGCSE and IB English courses. Simultaneously, she contributed significantly to Learn Today, the Learning Division of the India Today Group, overseeing school curriculum, policy development, and teacher training. Her collaboration with CBSE involved training teachers across India and the Gulf, followed by a role at DS Digital and S Chand Harcourt, where she spearheaded the development of comprehensive Pre-K and Primary Curricula, multimedia teaching materials, and a Professional Development Programme for teachers in schools across India and the Gulf. Neenu's multifaceted expertise and dedication have significantly enriched educational landscapes in various capacities.