Our Team

Vikki Purvis
Principal

I am a proud Bahamian, born in Singapore and educated in the United Kingdom. I wholeheartedly believe in our school’s mission—to provide a high-quality, rigorous education that celebrates global citizenship.

As a parent of four children who live in the British Virgin Islands, England, and The Bahamas, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of the International Baccalaureate (IB). I recognize the IB as an exceptional framework that fosters best practice, lifelong learning, and a true spirit of inquiry. Our youngest two children completed both the IB PYP and IBDP programmes here at LIS and have since gone on to earn three undergraduate degrees and one master’s degree between them.

It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team of teachers who inspire and challenge our students every day. Together, we are committed to nurturing curious, compassionate, and resilient learners who are prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.

I recognize the Primary Years Program as an exceptional framework for achieving this best practice and I embrace it wholeheartedly. I love spending my days documenting my students’ growth and successes, knowing that these early experiences create the foundation of their academic careers. I have specialist qualifications in Kindergarten and Special Education and am certified by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). 

I am joined by my two daughters and husband, Mr. Heyes and love spending my free time exploring the island with them. I feel deeply privileged to be part of the incredible faculty and community here at Lucaya International School.

Sharron Waterhouse
IB PYP Coordinator

Y4 Homeroom

After graduating with a BA Hons Degree and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Hull University, I began my teaching journey in the UK. It wasn't long before my career path took me all over the world!

I have worked in Asia (where I received my TEFL Certificate), Europe, New Zealand, U.S.A. and South America. In 2004, I decided to hang up my rucksack and settle at LIS - where the world now comes to me! 

My biggest aim in the classroom is to encourage my children to feel comfortable, secure and happy in their working environment. Once this is achieved, then their potential knows no bounds! I expect my students to work and play hard - after all, ‘play is the work of children’ is it not?

At the end of the day, if my students have had an opportunity to learn, inquire, create, imagine, construct and at the same time have fun, then I can go home feeling satisfied. I love the Primary Years Program for not only encouraging all the above, but for allowing the students to be responsible for their own learning, and to follow their bliss. Moreover, I am most passionate about the 'action' component of the Program, which inspires the children to make their world a better place. LIS is a melting pot of nationalities and therefore, I believe, the perfect breeding ground for such world changing action! 

Nigel Kirkby 

Head of Secondary

Physical Educations

I was born in England, but I take great pride in identifying as Bahamian as well. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Movement Studies and my Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary Education (PGCSE) at the Carnegie School of Sports in Leeds, United Kingdom. After gaining experience as an educator in the UK, I decided to make The Bahamas my home. I began my teaching journey at St. Andrews School in Nassau and later at Walter Parker Primary and BMES in Grand Bahama, eventually finding my place at LIS.

At present, I hold the position of Head of Secondary and Physical Education. Throughout my life, I have immersed myself in a wide range of physical activities, from adventurous pursuits like climbing, whitewater kayaking, and snow skiing to underwater exploration through scuba diving, as well as various team sports. Among all these activities, rugby stands as my paramount passion. I have not only played it passionately throughout my life but have also taken on roles as a coach and manager.

My educational philosophy revolves around the core principle of fostering an 'understanding of performance,' delving into the intricacies of how, why, and what drives excellence in physical activities. I firmly believe that every individual can discover a physical activity they will wholeheartedly enjoy, and this discovery can have a profoundly positive impact on their lives. All they need to do is seek it out. So, my advice is simple: go explore and find your passion.

Barbora Mastna
IBDP Coordinator

IGCSE & IB History

I come from the Czech Republic, a country in the heart of Europe surrounded by medieval towns, castles, and landscapes shaped by history. Growing up there sparked my passion for history—a passion I am excited to share in the classroom.

My love for travel and sense of adventure naturally led me to international education. I began teaching at a small school in Denmark, then spent time in the south of France before moving to an island in the Middle East. Bahrain became my home for six years, where I served as both IB Coordinator and Head of Humanities.

The IB’s holistic and globally minded approach to education has always resonated deeply with me. Now, I feel honored to continue this journey on another island—this time with even more beautiful beaches—at a school with a proud tradition in the IBDP. I am truly excited to be apart of the vibrant team of educators at LIS and to contribute to this inspiring community.

Susan Beer

Y6 Homeroom

Originally from Plymouth in the southwest of England, I began my journey in international education in the 1990s in the beautiful Bahamas. My first teaching posts were on the islands of Exuma and then Freeport, where I spent many happy years.

After leaving the Bahamas, I moved to Dubai and discovered my passion for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Exhibition. I spent eight wonderful years in Dubai, but my heart always belonged to the Bahamas. I returned to Nassau to continue my work with the PYP and the Exhibition before coming full circle and returning to Freeport.

I am thrilled to be a part of the LIS community. My two wonderful grown children are a teacher and a student in the UK. When I'm not in the classroom, you can find me enjoying the gym, walking along the beach, swimming, and spending quality time with my family and friends.

Meghan Cash

IGCSE & IB English Language & Literature

 I was born and raised in Canada; however, I have lived and taught in Freeport, Grand Bahama since 2015.

I received all my education in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, where I attended Laurentian University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. I then attended Teachers College and received my Bachelor of Education.

I began my teaching career at a secondary school in Bonnyville, Alberta Canada, where I was a double department head for Fine Arts and English.

After four years under my belt in the cold north, I decided to follow my heart to the beautiful and tropical island of Grand Bahama! I met my husband here, got married, and we are now raising our own family!

Teaching at LIS has been an absolute blessing and I am always looking forward to learning and growing with my students and colleagues. In my free time, I adore drawing/painting, journaling, reading, photography, writing, going for beach walks, boating, spearfishing, and golfing. 

I graduated as a Physical Engineer and worked as a Professor and Researcher in Physics and related fields until 2001, teaching at universities across the globe—including the University of Oriente and the University of Havana in Cuba, the University of St. Petersburg in Russia (where I earned my doctorate), McGill University in Canada, the University of Luanda in Angola, and the University of Alicante in Spain.

In 2001, I transitioned into international education, teaching Physics at schools such as Lady Elizabeth School in Spain, Lucaya International School in The Bahamas, Concordian International School and American Pacific International School in Thailand.

After a four-year break, I am delighted to return to LIS and look forward to inspiring my students to discover and enjoy the beauty of Physics.

Born in Colombia, I relocated to The Bahamas in 2006 with the initial intention of a two-year stay to continue my career as an international educator. However, my admiration for the island led me to revise my plans.

During my time in The Bahamas, I initially taught at a local school before discovering Lucaya International School. The opportunity to join Lucaya International School was a significant step for my professional development and allowed me to become part of the international education community.

 I spent six years at LIS., teaching Middle School, IGCSE, and IB Spanish B. Following this, I took a hiatus to focus on raising my young children and enjoying a career as a full-time artist.

After nine and a half years, I am eager to return to teaching, this time focusing on the Primary and Middle School departments. My deep passion for fostering language acquisition and cultural understanding draws me particularly to the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle School. The PYP’s emphasis on inquiry-based learning and holistic development resonates with my teaching philosophy, which prioritizes engaging students through meaningful and context-rich experiences. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to introduce young learners to the Spanish language in a manner that complements their broader educational journey, nurturing their curiosity and developing their linguistic and cultural competencies from an early age

Juliet Drackett-Hall 

Middle School Generalist & Secondary Mathematics

I have been part of the LIS community since 2009, teaching Middle School and Mathematics in the Secondary School.

Originally from Jamaica, I am a proud alumna of The Mico University and The University of the West Indies, where I earned my teaching qualifications. With over 25 years of teaching experience, I remain humbled by the privilege of shaping young minds.

While I miss performing and traveling with the world-renowned Carifolk Singers of Jamaica, I continue to share my love of music here in The Bahamas by singing with The Apple Elliot Band and other local groups. I also assist with directing LIS high school productions and occasionally take part in theatre productions, keeping my creative side alive.

Beyond teaching and music, I enjoy walking, painting, and hope to one day master the guitar. I also love spending time with my family, relaxing on the pristine beaches, watching a good movie, laughing, listening to music, and playing with my daughter, who proudly attends LIS.

Kitty William Fisher
College Counsellor

IBDP EE Coordinator

IB TOK

I’m thrilled to join the LIS community after five years of teaching in Bangalore, India, with previous teaching experiences in China and Mongolia.

At LIS, I serve as both the College Counsellor and a teacher of Theory of Knowledge—which I consider the most important course in the IB curriculum.

Though I’ve lived in many places, I call Arizona “home” and hold a Master’s Degree in Higher Education from the University of Arizona.

Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, biking, and yoga, and I’m eager to take advantage of the beautiful Bahamas to learn a variety of water sports. I also do freelance writing and lead educational tours in my spare time.

I have one daughter, Mariah, who joined me on the island to help me settle in before returning to Malaysia, where she is pursuing her teaching certification and continuing our family’s passion for education.

Phiippa Franks

Middle School Generalist 

Born and raised in Freeport, Grand Bahama, I graduated from Lucaya International School over fifteen years ago. Upon graduation, I attended university in the United States and later moved to Shanghai, China where I completed my Bachelor of Science. Throughout my ten years in China, I taught students of all ages how to read and speak English. I also taught General Science and Chemistry to both middle and high school students as a teacher at The Barstow School of Ningbo.
Over the years I have helped numerous students achieve their academic goals and develop a lifelong love for learning. I currently hold a Master’s Degree in Education and am committed to developing young minds. My teaching philosophy centers around creating a safe and nurturing learning environment where my students can thrive academically and personally.

Lucas Giesbrecht 

IGCSE & IB Biology

I grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada—known for its friendly people, endless sunflower and canola fields, and character-building weather. My love for connecting with others and hearing their stories is what first inspired me to become a teacher.

I hold a Bachelor of Science and Education with a double major in biology and education, plus a double minor in chemistry and history from the University of Winnipeg. I later earned IB certification from the University of Toronto and a post-baccalaureate degree in guidance counselling, also from the University of Winnipeg. Over the past eight years, I’ve taught a wide range of subjects—from science, math, and outdoor education to home economics, athletic directing, and even stage managing—making me a true lifelong learner. My next goal is to pursue a Master’s in Psychological Counselling.

My teaching style reflects my counselling background, focusing on creating a safe, responsive, and welcoming classroom where high standards are met through open communication and accountability.

Outside of teaching, I love the outdoors—canoeing, hiking, camping, and exploring nature—as well as traveling, water sports, and yes, even the occasional home renovation project. And since I love to chat, please feel free to say hi anytime!

Colin Haines 

IBDP & Secondary

Design Technology 

I have lived all over the United States, with my longest stints in Oregon, the Carolinas, and Texas. At Lucaya International School, I teach Design Technology, where I enjoy guiding students through the world of design, problem-solving, and innovation. Back in the U.S., I worked at both the high school and university levels, specializing in engineering, CAD, 3D printing, and robotics. My teaching style has always been hands-on, engaging, and connected to real-world applications. This is my first time teaching abroad, though I did spend a decade in the United States Army serving with the Infantry, which gave me the opportunity to travel the world, including five combat deployments.

Outside the classroom, I was once a passionate combat robotics builder. I once ranked among the top ten competitors in the U.S. antweight division, and I love bringing that same creativity, resilience, and excitement into my teaching. For me, design is all about empowering students to take risks, learn from mistakes, and turn their ideas into something tangible.

I am passionate about the art of teaching and learning. With a background in teaching upper primary and middle school students, I have dedicated myself to fostering a growth mindset, curiosity, and critical thinking in my students, especially in the area of mathematics.

Hailing from Toronto, Canada, I’ve been afforded the opportunity to teach across the spectrum of public, independent, IB, and international schools since graduating with my Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Windsor in 2000. LIS will be my second international experience after previously teaching at the Canadian International School in Singapore.

I am part of a teaching couple, my wife Laura Heyes, will be teaching Year 1. We are joined at LIS by our two lovely daughters, Olivia (in Middle School) and Sadie (in Primary School).

Mrs. Cath Hindley 

Y4 English

Librarian

Mr. Jaime Rodriquez Leigton

IGCSE & IB Spanish

I was born and raised in Chile, South America, and studied at the University of Concepción in my hometown. After completing my university education, I worked in Mexico and Spain before moving to England in 2000. There, I earned my PGCE at Warwick University and spent many years teaching at Malvern College.

In 2017, I decided to embrace new adventures and began traveling again, teaching in Dubai, Brazil, and most recently, Egypt. These experiences have shaped me into a resourceful and adaptable educator who enjoys tackling new challenges.

I’m excited to join the LIS community—a small, dedicated school where I’ve already felt so welcomed by both students and staff.

Outside of teaching, I’m passionate about staying active and have practiced many different sports over the years. One of my favorite things about living here is being able to cycle to school most days!

Nicola Rose

Y3 Homeroom 

I consider myself to be both Bahamian and British as I am from the Bahamas but was educated in boarding schools in the UK from aged 8 onwards.

Home is most definitely Grand Bahama and although storms come and go and the economy has changed here over the years I still wouldn’t trade it for the world. I spent my life wanting to be a movie star and went to performing arts school in London but decided the acting life wasn’t for me so I moved home and was offered a 2 week job supporting a special needs child at LIS…. the rest is history.

I loved the school, the children and the wonderful world of teaching so I decided to go back to school myself and I achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development from the University of Concordia St. Paul and then an IPGCE from the University of Sheffield. I am passionate about developmentally appropriate practices in education, especially in Early Childhood.

I have 2 boys who have been at LIS since Pre-K and are now in Year 11 and Year 7 and a husband that I’ve known since childhood. I love spending time with my family and friends (who are like family) and my interests are traveling and anything related to boating and the water.

Ms. Iva Dreke Salgado
Primary & Middle School Physical Education 

I am originally from Cuba and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education in 2000. After teaching at Windsor School in Nassau, I moved to Grand Bahama and am delighted to be part of the thriving LIS community.

My son is currently in Primary School, and it is wonderful to see him learning alongside students from so many different cultures and developing a lifelong love of learning.

As a former member of the Cuban National Swim Team and national champion in the 400m and 800m freestyle events, swimming has always been a passion of mine. I have dedicated my life to coaching—developing both elite athletes and programs to teach young people across The Bahamas the vital skill of swimming.

Maribeth Torkleson

Primary & Middle School Performing Arts

Growing up in the Reno/Lake Tahoe region of Northern Nevada in the United States, I have had the opportunity to teach in public and private schools, at the college and university levels, and to perform with many professional artists.

Music and Language Arts have been essential to my soul my entire life. As the daughter of professional musicians, my life has always revolved around the arts. As a product of this upbringing, in my teaching over the past 35 years I have maintained the vision of helping students discover the joy, depth and spirituality of the arts, literature, language and culture.

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Music and my educational objective has always been to touch my students’ lives through music, language, history and culture capturing a child’s natural curiosity to propel him or her forward on his or her own insatiable quest for knowledge.

I have travelled to several countries with students and on my own and led several student tours overseas. I have family & friends in many parts of the world and am proud that my own children make their homes in all different parts of the world. I have worked to encourage students to be excellent both in their personal and professional lives, and have striven to treat students with fairness and respect, all the while promoting a working culture of respect, inclusion and cooperation.

I am thrilled to join the LIS Family and look forward to many wonderful days together!

Isabelle Thorns 

iPGCSE Student Teacher

I was born in Istanbul, Turkey, and spent most of my youth living in Africa. I graduated from high school in Cairo, Egypt, and then returned to the United States for university. At Gonzaga University in Washington State, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts, followed by a Master's in Teaching from Whitworth University. After four years of teaching in public schools, my husband, Roman, and I chose to move abroad again. This will be my third international school as a teacher and my seventh international school overall.

In my free time, I enjoy painting, exercising, spending time with friends/family and watching movies. My dog, Poppy, is also joining me—this will be the fifth country she has lived in! I am passionate about the creative process and encourage everyone to pursue an artistic practice in their lives. I am very excited to join the LIS community and to learn what island living is all about.

Samuel Welch

Head of Mathematics

IGCSE & IB Math

I was born in central Massachusetts and earned my bachelor’s degree in Pure Mathematics from the University of Connecticut, followed by a Master’s Degree in Mathematics from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. I also hold a teaching credential from Washington, D.C.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching mathematics in diverse locations—including Massachusetts, Micronesia, Tanzania, and Ethiopia—while traveling to many other places along the way.

Outside the classroom, I’m passionate about music and have enjoyed DJing at both large events and student gatherings. Now, I’m excited to begin this new adventure in Freeport, Bahamas, and look forward to being part of the LIS community.

Sasha William

Student Support

Georgina Hendley

Office Receptionist

Born and raised in Freeport, Grand Bahama, which has always and will always be my home.

I recently completed my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education at Bahamas Institute of Business and Technology, and soon to be embarking on my Bachelor’s Degree.

I am a devoted wife and mother to two beautiful girls. I love to travel and perform on stage when my schedule allows. I also enjoy spending time with my family, fishing and swimming in our warm waters.

I was born in the quiet settlement of West End, Grand Bahama. Before joining LIS, I spent many years working as a Fitness Instructor before becoming a certified Massage Therapist. I also had the honor of representing The Bahamas for many years in the sport of Powerlifting, where I currently hold a national record.

I love being part of the LIS community because of its diversity and the many opportunities to learn new and exciting things every day. I am also a proud LIS parent—my eldest daughter, Alexa, graduated with the Class of 2023, and my younger daughter, Janna, is currently a student here and loves the international learning environment.

Originally born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas I am the last of five siblings. I received my formal education at St. Johns College high school where I graduated in 1996. I moved to Freeport in 2004 after living in in Tampa, Florida for 6 years where I was able to obtain an associate’s degree in electronics and computer engineering and completed my bachelors of education degree in operations management technology both from Tampa Technical Institute in Tampa Florida.

While living in Florida I had the pleasure of working with America Online for one year and then as a technical support agent for General Electric. In 2015 I received a CCNA certificate for computer networking.

Here in Freeport was employed at the Grand Lucayan Resort for 13 years as a System Administrator in the I.T. department and in 2009 joined Lucaya International School also as I.T. System Administrator.

I can truly say that being at L.I.S has been an adventure that I look forward in continuing for many more years to come.

My son is currently in Primary and he enjoys the inquiry based learning through the Primary Years Programme that LIS offers.