
High School Leadership Team

Scott Schaffner, Head of High School
Scott Schaffner holds a Post-Master's Certificate in Educational Administration and Leadership, a Juris Doctor, and a Bachelor's in History. Throughout his career, he has led high schools in Dubai, Hanoi, and Amsterdam, while also teaching in New York City and Warsaw.
Scott is thrilled to take on the role of Head of High School at ISL Qatar, especially given the school's ambitious Strategic Plan that prioritizes student-centered learning. With both Irish and American citizenship, he is eager to bring his diverse experiences to ISL Qatar. His wife, Aga, who is a PYP teacher, will be joining him along with their two children, aged 14 and 11. In his leisure time, Scott enjoys quality moments with his family, as well as fishing and swimming.

Heather Saur, DP Coordinator
Heather Saur supports all our Diploma Programme students through this important stage of their learning. She has taught English Language and Literature at ISL for the past four years, where she has also served as the Subject Lead for English. With over 12 years of experience working in IB schools, she is committed to creating inclusive, inquiry-driven learning environments that challenge and inspire.
Originally from the United States where she grew up in Portland, Oregon, she began her teaching career in Tacoma, Washington. For the past 14 years, she has worked in international schools in Germany and Italy, and she has called Qatar home for the past eight.

Vanessa Zilio, High School Dean of Students
Vanessa Zilio has supported our high school students through pastoral care as a Grade Level Leader for the past three years and is now stepping into the role of Dean of Students for High School. She is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Leadership and Management, building on her strong background in education and communication.
Originally from Brazil, Vanessa is a passionate lifelong learner who is open-minded and dedicated to empowering students to reach their potential. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Communication from Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais and a Diploma in Education and Training.
Vanessa has been part of international school communities for several years and is deeply committed to fostering supportive, inclusive environments where students can thrive both academically and personally.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing volleyball, and sharing board games with her family.

Moneeb Minhas, MYP Coordinator (Grades 9-10)
Moneeb holds a BA Honors degree in Architecture from Leeds Beckett University and a PGCE in Design and Technology from the University of Manchester. He has taught a wide variety of creative subjects such as Design, ICT, Media, Robotics and Computer Science.
Moneeb has worked in both private and state schools in the United Kingdom, and has remained as a Managing Trustee and Creative Curriculum Coordinator of a private academy in Sheffield, UK. When not teaching, Moneeb enjoys spending his time with his family, reading, watching movies and travelling the world.

Lynette Brink, Grade 11 and 12 Level Leader
Lynette is a Physics teacher with 30 years' experience. She has taught for 26 years in South Africa (which is also her home country) and joined the ISL Qatar team in 2016. Currently she teaches DP Physics and MYP Science. Lynette was Head of the Science department in South Africa, which included pastoral responsibilities.
Thirty years on she still has a passion for teaching and enjoys the challenges and fulfilment of teaching students from a diverse background.
Lynette holds a Bachelor of Science and a Higher Education Diploma from the University of Pretoria in South Africa.

Thoms Robertson, Grade 10 Level Leader
Thomas holds a Bachelor of Arts degree as well as a Post-graduate Certificate in Education from the University of the Free State, South Africa. He also holds a Bachelor of Honours in Education from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. He has taught in various countries, including South Africa, South Korea, and China.
A highly active person, he enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, trail running, and camping. He also loves playing sports, with a particular interest in rugby, which he continues to play and coach.

David Broodryk, Grade 9 Level Leader
David Broodryk is an experienced educator from South Africa who has spent the past four years working in Qatar. He holds an Honours degree in Psychology and has recently taken on the role of DP Psychology teacher, building on his passion for understanding human behaviour and learning.
His professional experience also includes teaching English to Grades 9 and 10, serving as a Grade Head, and coordinating school accreditation processes. Beyond the classroom, David is passionate about travel, embracing new experiences, and exploring the outdoors. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he has a particular love for rugby, MMA, and ocean-based activities.
Earlier this year, David married in Tbilisi, Georgia, and he and his wife are now excitedly preparing to welcome their first child. Guided by an educational philosophy centred on connecting with students, David is committed to unlocking each learner’s unique potential.