High School Leadership Team

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 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 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.

Lisa Bastedo is an experienced international educator who serves as Grade 12 Level Leader, Sustainability Coordinator, and DP Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) teacher at ISL Qatar. An American and Australian dual citizen, Lisa brings a global perspective shaped by more than 23 years in education across the United States, Qatar, Jordan, the Dominican Republic, and Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a master's degree in international education, and a master's degree in Conservation Biology. Her experience also extends beyond the classroom to community-based conservation and sustainable agriculture, including managing environmental projects supporting farmers and the health of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

At ISL Qatar, Lisa is passionate about creating a school community where students feel connected, engaged, and empowered to make a positive impact. As Grade 12 Level Leader, she supports students through their final year of high school, focusing on wellbeing, engagement and a successful transition beyond ISL. As Sustainability Coordinator, she works across the school to embed sustainability into learning and school life, strengthen student leadership, and turn ideas into meaningful action. Outside of school, Lisa enjoys travelling, hiking, diving, and spending time with her husband and her cocker spaniel. 

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.

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. 

Siddartha (Sidd) Parthasarathy is an experienced IB Diploma Programme Economics and Business Management teacher with an international career spanning both education and the corporate world. He has taught at Khartoum International Community School (KICS) in Sudan and European Azerbaijan School (EAS) in Azerbaijan, bringing extensive real-world business experience and a global perspective into his classroom.

Before becoming an educator, Sidd had a successful international corporate career, including serving as Director Asia Pacific at Kenexa, founding his own business, and working as CEO of a facial-recognition software company in Brazil. This experience enables him to connect IB Economics and Business Management concepts to current events, real organizations, and practical decision-making.

Sidd holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s in Education from Moreland University. Having travelled extensively and lived and worked across different countries and cultures, Sidd strongly values international-mindedness, a central element of an IB education. His teaching encourages students to think critically, consider multiple perspectives, appreciate cultural differences, and understand economic and business issues within a broader global context.