Our Team

Mrs. Meghan Cash

IBDP & Secondary

Visual Arts

 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. I also taught French, Home Economics, and Religious Studies.

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. 

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

I was born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada and received my undergraduate degree from Acadia University.  After graduating, I did a bit of traveling and then returned to Acadia to embark on a two year Bachelors of Education specializing in assessment and inclusive education.

In 2001, my husband and I, along with our son, made the decision to relocate to my husband's hometown in Grand Bahama, where he was born and raised.  While our intention was to stay for a year, we found the IB philosophy and supportive community at LIS a perfect fit for us and we couldn't have imagined a better place to raise our two children surrounded by family, sun, sand and the beautiful ocean.  

Many years later, I can wholeheartedly confirm that this small but mighty school offers a high caliber education and is a vital pillar for the success and growth of the island. I believe that the international experiences we have gained, both through interactions with LIS families and from the expertise of our teaching staff, offer unmatched and endless possibilities for the future of our children.

Mrs. Juliet

Drackett-Hall 

Middle School Generalist & Secondary Mathematics

I have been working at LIS since 2009. I teach in Middle School as well as teaching Mathematics in the Secondary School. I am originally from Jamaica and am an alumna of The Mico University and The University of The West Indies where I acquired my teaching qualification. I have been a teacher for over 25 years yet I am still humbled by the privilege I have been afforded to help mold young lives. I miss performing and travelling with the world renowned Carifolk Singers of Jamaica but I enjoy singing with The Apple Elliot Band while in The Bahamas. I also channel some of that creative energy by assisting with directing LIS high school productions, singing with other local groups and occasionally being involved in theatre productions. I enjoy walking and painting. It is my aspiration to one day master playing the guitar. I also love watching a good movie, laughing, listening to music, relaxing with my family on the pristine beaches and playing with my daughter who attends LIS.

Ms. Kitty Williams Fisher

College Cousellor

IBDP & IGCSE English Language & Literature, Theory of Knowledge

 I’m excited to be joining LIS following five years in Bangalore, India.

Prior to that, I taught in China and Mongolia.

Here at LIS, I’ll be teaching IB and IGCSE English, Theory of Knowledge
(the most important course in the IB curriculum in my opinion!) and assisting with College Counseling.
An American, I’ve moved around a lot but consider Arizona “home.” I hold a Master’s Degree in Higher Education from the University of Arizona.

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, biking, and yoga, and look forward to the opportunity to become more proficient in a variety of water sports
during my time here in the Bahamas. I also do some freelance writing and lead educational tours.

I have one daughter, Mariah, who accompanied me to the island to help me settle in, but will soon be returning to her home in Malaysia where she is following in my footsteps and studying to earn her teaching certification.

Miss Phillipa Franks

Middle School Generalist

IGCSE English Language

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.

Miss Sasha Williams

Student Support Specialist

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Mr. Sam Gray 

IBDP & IGCSE Mathematics

I grew up in Brentford, West London and went on to study Aeronautical Engineering at Loughborough University, then I obtained my Masters Degree in Mathematics at the Open University.

I have been a teacher for 20 years where I have trained other Math teachers and coached teaching staff across the curriculum. 

I have three daughters who are now grown up and embarking on their own life's journey and in my free time enjoy science fiction and riding my bike.

I was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada where I spent the first 10 years of my teaching career before I began to wander. I took a year off and sailed my boat from Canada to the Bahamas and on to Panama. I went back to Canada for a year then started my international career with four years in Korea. Then I took another year off and sailed my boat from Panama to Florida. After that, I spent two years teaching in Uzbekistan and four years teaching in China. When I got my job at LIS, I sailed my boat from Florida to Freeport so I could live aboard her. That makes me the only teacher who brought his whole house to Freeport with him! I love pretty much anything outdoors: sailing, scuba diving, hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing, skiing, and camping in my Volkswagen camper van. I’m looking forward to re-establishing the sailing school at the Grand Bahama Sailing Club and helping out with the Governor General’s Award. At my last school, I ran our program for the Chinese version of the Award. 

Mrs. Georgina Hendley
Prekindergarten and Kindergarten Homeroom Teacher

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.

This is my second year teaching here at LIS and I am currently the Prekindergarten and Kindergarten teacher.
Teaching has always been a dream of mine. I am very passionate about
education and I love to see my students develop.

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 England and immigrated to Canada with my family at three years old. I was raised in Ontario, just outside of Toronto. I entered university knowing that I wanted to, not only teach, but teach in the early years. I completed Teachers College with a focus on Ontario’s Kindergarten program (Year 1). Over my two decades of teaching, at home and internationally, I have become passionate about creating meaningful provocations that engage our youngest students in the richest learning experiences possible.

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

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 and Sadie, who will be in the Primary School this year. We are looking forward to all that life at LIS and Grand Bahama has to offer!

Mrs. Cath Hindley 

Y6 and Y7 English

Librarian

I was born and raised in London, UK, and obtained my Bachelor of Education at Bedford College. I taught for a couple of years in England, but moved to The Bahamas in 1984 to work for the Ministry of Education here on Grand Bahama. I worked at West End All Age School and Eight Mile Rock High School teaching PE and Geography. During this time, I was married and had my twins, then took a couple of years off from teaching when they were babies. My husband and I also became Bahamian citizens during this time.

I started teaching at LIS in the first year of the school - teaching Music and PE to all the students, and Social Studies to the high school students. Since then, I have taught in all areas of the school and many different subjects. This year I am teaching Middle school Global Issues, English, Performing Arts, Middle School Project and year 9 Geography.

One of the reasons I love teaching Middle school is that as a teacher, I have the opportunity to shape and guide the students as they transition from childhood to adolescence. This age group is receptive to new ideas, making it a prime time to instill a love for learning and positive values.

I have been privileged to be a part of the LIS family since the school began and have seen how the school has grown and flourished to where it is today. LIS has a strong sense of community which fosters a supportive and close-knit environment, where everyone feels valued and connected.

Nigel Kirkby 

Head of Secondary
Physical Education

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.

Miss Annmarie Lewis
PYP Coordinator 

Year 6 Homeroom Teacher

Born and raised in Canada, I began my university career in the United States on an Ice Hockey scholarship. After graduating with a Master’s of Science in Elementary Education, I began my teaching journey in the UK. After an incredible two years in the UK, teaching took me all the way to Asia where I worked in South Korea, Thailand, and China.

After teaching through the pandemic, I realized the importance of being closer to family, which has luckily brought me to LIS, just a short flight from home. 

I bring my international experience and a passion for the International Baccalaureate's Primary Years Programme (PYP). I firmly believe in empowering my students to find their voices, make choices, and take ownership of their learning journeys. Together, we create an environment where curiosity thrives and students flourish at their own pace.

Ms. Kathy McDonnell 

IBDP & IGCSE Biology 

I am Irish but studied in the UK which is where I started my teaching career. I have been working internationally for a number of years in Asia, Europe, Middle East and New Zealand.

I enjoy interacting with people from different cultures and finding out more about where they are from. Travelling and exploring the local area and surrounding countries where I have lived is definitely one of the benefits of living abroad as well as sampling local food.

I am very passionate about biology and enjoy teaching the IB as I believe it helps the students to develop as lifelong learners. I love animals and many holidays have involved travelling to see animals in their natural environment. Be it finding gorillas in the forests of Uganda or trekking to above 5000m to see snow leopards in northern India, I really like the challenge and the adventure. I enjoy being outdoors and active and look forward to exploring the beaches and environment of Grand Bahama.

Ms. Barbora Mastna 

IBDP Coordinator

IBDP & IGCSE History

I come from the Czech Republic, a country located in the heart of Europe that is surrounded by medieval towns, castles, and fields that have witnessed major wars. It was in this place that I developed my love for history. And it is my pleasure to bring it to my classroom.

I have always loved traveling and have had a sense of adventure and independence. That's why I chose to become an international school educator. I began my journey in a small school in Denmark and then moved for a short while to the south of France before joining a school on an island in the Middle East. Bahrain was my home for six years, where I had the privilege of becoming an IB Coordinator and Head of Humanities. I truly value the IB vision and its holistic educational approach.

I feel honored to continue my journey on another island (with way nicer beaches), in a school with a long tradition of IBDP. I am excited to be part of such a vibrant team of educators at LIS. 

Mr. Jaime Rodriquez Leigton

IBDP & IGCSE Spanish

I was born and raised in Chile, South America. I attended the University of my hometown Concecion. After my university education I went to work in Mexico and Spain and moved to England in the year 2000. In the UK l did my PGCE at Warwick University and l worked for many years at Malvern College.

In 2017 l decided to start traveling again. Since then l have worked in Dubai, Brazil and Egypt, my most recent job.

I think of myself as a very resourceful and adaptable person, who enjoys new challenges.

When l saw this teaching position advertised I couldn't help to think ‘what an idyllic place to explore and work’. I feel very excited to be here at LIS, a small and hard working school community. Although I been here for only a few weeks l feel welcomed by my students and the staff.

I am a very active person and exercise is one of my passions. I've tried and practiced many sports, the list is is long. I love the fact that l can cycle to school most days!

Mrs. Nicola Rose
Year 3 and 4 Homeroom Teacher

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 a teacher originally from Cuba and obtained my Bachelor Degree in Physical Education in 2000. I was a member of the Cuban National Swim Team and was the Cuban National Champion in the 400m and 800 m freestyle events.

I have coached swimming all of my life creating and developing not only élite performers but programs to teach the youth of The Bahamas how to swim.

I moved from Windsor School in Nassau to Grand Bahama and I am delighted to be a part of this thriving community.

Robert Thomas 

IBDP & IGCSE Chemistry

My Parents were expats when I was a child and I grew up living all over the world. I was born in Istanbul but we soon ended up in Ohio before moving to Kenya and then on to Papua New Guinea. We finally settled in New Zealand which is where I completed most of my education. This early international life is what drew me into teaching overseas.

I have a Bachelor of Science and Teaching Degree from New Zealand and a Masters in Chemistry from the Ohio University. I have been teaching Chemistry for ten years now including 5 years in Taiwan and 2 years in Brunei. I am passionate about teaching chemistry with my favorite aspect being problem solving practicals in the lab.

I am a keen surfer in my spare time and I recently took a year off chasing waves in the Philippines and Mexico. I also like to cycle and I am looking forward to exploring this beautiful island.

Mr. James Thombs 

IBDP & Secondary Design and Technology

Originally from the UK, I have spent the last 20 or more years living and working all over the world. I have always had an enthusiasm for problem solving and design and, after qualifying as a Product designer, spent a number of years in London working on various projects. My transition into teaching happened almost accidentally. A friend from university had become a teacher and asked me to come and talk to his students about life as a designer. As it happened, I found I just really enjoyed being part of the school and working with young people so I went back to university. . Since completing my PGCE in Design technology I have worked in schools in the UK, Italy, New Zealand, the Middle East,  China and Thailand. Design Technology is wonderful and unique as a subject as it draws on Art, Social sciences, Natural sciences and Information Technology in order to develop and create solutions to tangible problems. 

I love to travel with my wife and particularly enjoy journeys to wild places to observe animals in their natural environment.  I enjoy being outdoors, playing sports and all things food related. I am looking forward to seeing what the island has to offer and travelling in the wider region.

Mrs. 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!

 Kendall Umetsu

IBDP EE Coordinator 

IBDP & IGCSE English

Language & Literature

Originally born and raised in Maui, Hawaii, I have spent most of my life, and my entire teaching career, on different islands around the world. I earned both my Bachelor degrees from Colorado State University: one in English with a concentration in Education and the other in General History. It is my belief that without literature you cannot have history, and without history you cannot have literature. After graduating I moved to the Kingdom of Bahrain where I taught for five years at an international high school. During my time there I served as an English teacher, IB English Literature teacher, Extended Essay Supervisor, Head of Department, and co-ran the theater program and high school activities. In my free time I enjoy being in and around the ocean as much as possible, cooking, and of course reading a good book. I look forward to continuing my journey here at LIS teaching IGCSE Literature and IB Language & Literature!

Mrs. Sharron Waterhouse
Year 2 Homeroom Teacher

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! 

I was born in Nassau, New Providence and moved to Freeport, Grand Bahama at the age of 12 where I graduated from Sunland Baptist Academy and was awarded the opportunity to participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange’s year abroad in Italy at the age of 17.

Following my year abroad I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business Administration. By then Italy had won over my heart and I got married and lived there for several years with my husband before returning to Grand Bahama.

I have now been in Grand Bahama for the last seven years and it is a great place to raise a family with an exceptional International School.  I am excited to be a part of the LIS team and embark on this new journey. I have two daughters, Giada, who is 2 ½ years and Sophia who is 8 years old and attends LIS.

I was born in the quiet settlement of West End, Grand Bahama.  Prior to joining LIS, I spent most of my years working as a Fitness Instructor and then went on to become a certified Massage Therapist.  I have also had the honor of representing the great country of The Bahamas for many years in the sport of Powerlifting, where I currently hold a national record in the sport. 

I have had the pleasure of working at LIS for the past 15 years.  I love LIS because it is filled with diversity, and I continue to learn new and exciting things.  I have two lovely daughters, Alexa who is a LIS alumni, Class of 2023 and Janna attends LIS and loves learning here.

Born and raised on Grand Bahama, I left the island to obtain an Associate’s Degree from Broward College and a Bachelor’s Degree from Florida Atlantic University. My career path started in the hospitality industry with 21 years at the Bahamas Princess Resort, most of those years in the Regional Finance department. Experience in a couple other jobs eventually led me to join my children at Lucaya International School in 2005. My children are alumni of LIS; Sabrina Class of 2009 and Kevin, Class of 2011.
I enjoy the small family friendly atmosphere of LIS and I am blessed to have had the good fortune to have worked with dedicated individuals and to witness the development of the little darlings who are entrusted to the faculty and staff of LIS, into successful and productive members of our global society. 

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 I’ve been employed at the Grand Lucayan Resort for 13 years as a System Administrator in the I.T. department. In 2009 took on the added responsibility of working part time at Lucaya International School also as I.T. System Administrator. I have had one or two nick names given to me but the one that seems to follow me the most is MacGyver. That being said, my hobbies vary.  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 Year 1 and he enjoys the inquiry based learning through the Primary Years Programme that LIS offers.