Our Team

Professional journey and experience

I graduated with a BA in English Language and Literature in the UK and have since spent over 15 years teaching and leading in international schools, including the past 10 years in the IB Diploma Programme. I’m a strong believer in the IB approach and have dedicated much of my professional growth to developing my expertise in it, including working as an IB examiner and teacher trainer.

What matters to you as an educator?

As an educator, I believe my role goes beyond teaching subject knowledge. It’s also about helping students grow into well-rounded, curious individuals who value different perspectives, think openly, and appreciate the world around them. It’s important to unlock talents and allow each student to achieve their version of success.

Professional Background and Experience

I am Domenica Galarraga and I come from Quito, Ecuador. I attended an IB school in Quito, which was an extraordinary experience; afterwards, I studied Psychology with a specialization in Developmental and Educational Psychology. I have been working with children since 2021. I moved to Italy to pursue a Master’s Degree in Developmental and Educational Psychology. One of my greatest passions is dance, having practiced it until the age of 18. My motivation stems from the conviction that emotional education is the key to building a better society.

Professional Background and Experience

Sikimeti Ma’hu joined MSP (Mathematical Sciences Publishers) as a production editor in 2015. MSP is a scholar-led, non-profit publisher: every page we publish is to benefit the mathematical community, not big commercial interests. Originally from the South Pacific islands of Tonga, she attended university in Auckland, New Zealand, where—by carefully avoiding essays and lab experiments—she transformed into a mathematician. She moved to New Jersey to attend graduate school at Rutgers University, earning a PhD in mathematics in 2008. After spending several exciting years as a postdoctoral researcher in the vibrant field of symplectic topology, mostly based in Berkeley, she relocated to Italy. She now lives with her family on an island in the Venetian Lagoon. She teaches mathematics in Venice and Verona, does mathematical editing wherever she finds herself, and occasionally turns to more tangible pursuits—like sewing or basket weaving for her own pleasure, or making playdough for someone else’s delight. The Dolomites are nearby for hiking and skiing, and she is a huge fan of the Italian way of enjoying nature: no matter how long or strenuous a walk is, it always ends at a mountain hut with a fabulous restaurant.

Professional Background and Experience

I am an economist, researcher, and lecturer with a PhD in Economics from Durham University in the UK. In recent years, I have worked at universities and research institutes in the UK, Belgium, and Switzerland—most recently at the University of St. Gallen, where my work focused on macroeconomics, innovation, growth, and policy-relevant research. Alongside research, teaching has always been a central part of my professional journey, and I am thrilled to bring this international academic and educational experience to H-FARM.

What matters to you as an educator?

As an educator, I care deeply about curiosity, self-confidence, and intellectual honesty. I want students to feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and develop their own personal voice.

Professional Background and Experience

After graduating with honors in mathematics from the University of Turin in 2021, I began my academic career in the Netherlands at Radboud University in Nijmegen. There, I conducted research in Mathematical Analysis and taught both Bachelor’s and Master’s students. I obtained my PhD in 2025, before starting my experience at H-FARM International School in 2026.

What matters to you as an educator?

My teaching approach aims to convey the rigorous logic behind mathematics as well as my deep knowledge of the subject, from foundational concepts to advanced topics. What inspired me when I studied mathematics was the profound sense of mystery behind every mathematical discovery. There is still so much to explore, and my goal is to instill this sense of curiosity in each of my students.

Professional Background and Experience

My professional journey has been guided by a strong interest in biomedical sciences and the practical application of scientific knowledge. After completing my studies in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Amsterdam, with a Master’s specialization in Oncology, I gained research experience at Amsterdam UMC, VUMC, and the San Raffaele Research Hospital in Milan, working on projects ranging from fetal development to lung cancer and leukemia. These experiences strengthened my analytical and organizational skills while teaching me the importance of adaptability and clear communication.

What matters to you as an educator?

Ensuring that a student leaves the classroom having truly grasped a concept to the point of making it their own is fundamental: something they can explain, draw, challenge, and even teach to someone else. For me, teaching science is ultimately about instilling this kind of confidence in logical reasoning and fostering critical thinking skills that help students think independently, both in science and far beyond.

Professional Background and Experience

Much of my past professional life has been tied to academia. I studied mathematics in Moscow and Paris, and earned my PhD in Number Theory in Canberra, where I went on to work as a postdoctoral researcher. Along the way, I conducted research and taught classes and tutorials, working with high school, undergraduate, and graduate/PhD students.

It has been a real journey across different countries, schools, and universities, giving me the opportunity to experience vastly different ways of approaching mathematics and its teaching. Throughout this path, I have gathered a wide variety of ideas and methodologies, and I enjoy combining and adapting them to find what works best for different students.

What matters to you as an educator?

I believe that trust between student and teacher is fundamental. When students trust the person teaching them, they tend to open up more to the subject itself. As a result, lessons usually become more relaxed and enjoyable for everyone involved.

I’m Maria Eugenia, and I’ve recently joined H-FARM as an MYP and DP Humanities teacher. My background brings together Literature, Art History, and Public Policy, which I studied across Venice, Rome, and Paris. After several years working in international museums and on cultural and urban projects, I discovered that teaching was where my interests and passions truly came together. I first taught humanities to adults before moving into secondary education, where I discovered how rewarding it is to support young people as they develop their very own interests and abilities. In my classroom, I aim to create a welcoming and stimulating environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and learning from their mistakes, while building strong academic foundations and critical thinking skills. I am particularly excited to be part of H-FARM’s international and interdisciplinary community, where I hope to encourage students to explore connections between subjects and discover the relevance of the humanities to the world around them. Above all, I want my students to feel happy and genuinely curious about what they learn. Outside school, you’ll most likely find me working on collaborative urban initiatives or reading lots of books.

Professional Background and Experience

My journey in education began with a love of the ancient world, its languages, literature and philosophy, and with a fascination for the questions that have occupied humanity for centuries. After studying Classics and Philology in Italy, I continued my academic work at the University of Leeds, where I also taught BA and MA courses.

Since then, my professional life has taken me through schools in Britain, Switzerland and Italy, as a teacher, a scholar and, increasingly, a school leader. I have had the privilege of teaching Classics, literature and philosophy, leading academic departments and international programmes, and eventually assuming responsibility for the life and direction of a whole school.

Yet, throughout this journey, I have remained a teacher. I continue to teach philosophy because the classroom is where education reveals its deepest purpose: in the encounter between minds, in the difficult question, in the moment when a young person begins to see the world, and themselves, differently.

What matters to you as an educator?

I believe education is, at heart, a profoundly human endeavour. Its purpose cannot be reduced to examination results, qualifications or preparation for a career, however important these may be. Education is concerned with the kind of human beings we become, how we learn to think, how we understand others, and how we find our place in the world.

Three ancient ideals guide my understanding of education: truth, goodness and beauty. Truth calls us to intellectual honesty and the courage to question our assumptions. Goodness asks us to cultivate character, compassion and responsibility towards others. Beauty awakens our capacity for wonder, reminding us that the world is worthy of our attention before it becomes an object of our use.

As a teacher, I value genuine dialogue, intellectual struggle and the patient cultivation of judgement. I want students to encounter difficult ideas, to learn to live with uncertainty, to think independently and to discover the joy of understanding something deeply.

As a Head of School, my responsibility is to create the conditions in which such an education can flourish: where teachers are trusted and challenged to pursue excellence, where relationships are grounded in care and integrity, and where every child is both known and taken seriously.

Ultimately, I hope our students leave us with more than knowledge or achievement: with the capacity to discern what is true, to choose what is good, to recognise what is beautiful, and with the wisdom and courage to act upon what they have come to understand.

Professional Background and Experience

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, and a PhD in Economics. My teaching journey began during my university years, when I worked as a private tutor while pursuing my studies. During my Master’s degree, I worked as a Teaching Assistant, supporting undergraduate students in their learning.

After completing my PhD, I worked as a Research Assistant in the Department of Economics and Financial Markets at Luiss University in Rome. I then continued my academic career as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Center for Mathematical Economics at Bielefeld University in Germany, where I combined research with teaching and mentoring responsibilities.

Since 2019, I have been a Mathematics teacher at H-FARM International School, primarily teaching upper MYP and DP Mathematics courses, including IB Mathematics AA Higher Level. In addition, I work as an Adjunct Professor at H-FARM College. My academic background in mathematics and economics, combined with my experience in both higher education and international school settings, allows me to connect rigorous subject knowledge with effective and engaging teaching practices.

What matters to you as an educator?

What matters most to me as an educator is the wellbeing and success of my students. I believe that students learn best when they feel supported, valued, and confident in their abilities. My goal is to create a learning environment where students are challenged academically while also feeling safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow.

Success means more than achieving strong academic results. It is about helping students develop critical thinking skills, resilience, independence, and a genuine appreciation for learning. I strive to build positive relationships with my students, understand their individual needs, and support them in reaching their full potential. Seeing students gain confidence, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals is the most rewarding aspect of my work as an educator.

Professional Background and Experience

I began my international teaching career in India, where I spent one year teaching French at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) of Gandhinagar. I then moved to Oman, where I lived and worked for seven years, teaching French in both the French Embassy network and an international school. These experiences allowed me to develop strong intercultural competencies and adapt my teaching to diverse educational contexts. In 2021, I joined H-FARM International School, where I continue to teach French and contribute to a dynamic, innovative learning environment.

What matters to you as an educator?

As an educator, I value building positive and meaningful relationships with my students. I believe that learning thrives in an environment based on mutual respect, trust, and open communication.

Professional Background and Experience

I have a PhD from the University of Cagliari, a master’s from the University of Padua, and a bachelor’s from Boston University. All of my degrees are based in the study of literatures in Italian and English. I’ve worked as an Italian professor at BU and currently teach English language and literature at H-FARM. I’ve published several research papers in various journals, won a few literary awards for my short stories, and translated the works of Black Italian authors into English. My academic writing and interests revolve around postcolonial Italian literature, literature of the Ethiopian diaspora, contemporary anglophone and italophone literatures, translation, and migration.

What matters to you as an educator?

I strive to create interactive class environments where students are able to learn from a constant dialogue. I like to introduce students to realities that are little known to them in order to develop a more well-rounded understanding of the world they live in. I hope to inspire the same passion for reading and writing that I received as a student.

Professional Background and Experience

I have been teaching for 24 years and I have been an IB educator since 2008. I started my teaching career in the early years and I have worked my way up to teaching the year 5 PYP students. I have a degree in English Literature and Theatre Studies from the University of London and a post graduate teaching certificate from Homerton College, Cambridge. I have been living and working in Italy since 2003.

What matters to you as an educator?

What matters most to me as an educator is creating a joyful, supportive and meaningful learning environment where every student feels seen, valued and understood. I believe that strong relationships are at the heart of teaching and that students learn best when they feel safe, connected and confident enough to be themselves.
I am passionate about teaching mathematics and helping students discover the joy of learning, exploring ideas and building confidence in their abilities. I also believe deeply in the power of reading books, sharing stories and opening up new worlds through literature.
Beyond academic learning, I value real conversations, genuine connections and taking the time to listen. Supporting students emotionally is just as important to me as supporting their academic growth. I want my students to know that I am there for them, not only as their teacher but also as someone who cares about who they are and how they feel.

Professional Background and Experience

My name is Blessing, I am 25 years old, and I come from Treviso, Italy, with South American roots, specifically from Uruguay. Growing up with a multicultural background has shaped my perspective and strengthened my appreciation for diversity, inclusion, and the different ways people experience and understand the world.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Developmental Psychology, Personality and Interpersonal Relationships from the University of Padua, as well as a Master’s in Intercultural Psychology.

My professional journey began at H-FARM International School, where I joined as a Learning Support Intern during my university studies. What initially started as an internship evolved into a meaningful professional journey, and four years later, I am still part of the H-FARM community, currently serving as MYP Learning Support Lead and Intensive Support Coordinator.

In this role, I work to make the International Baccalaureate curriculum more accessible across both the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme. My work focuses on identifying and removing barriers to learning, developing individualised support strategies, and collaborating closely with students, teachers, and families to create an inclusive and empowering educational environment.

What matters to you as an educator?

At the heart of my educational philosophy is the belief that inclusion is not simply about providing support, but about creating meaningful opportunities for every student to access learning, develop confidence, and reach their full potential.

What drives me most is bridging the gap between diverse learning profiles and curriculum accessibility. I believe that education should recognise and respond to individual differences, rather than expecting every learner to adapt to a single approach.

Creating a genuinely inclusive school environment means supporting not only students’ academic development, but also the people and relationships that shape their educational experiences.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is discovering the key that unlocks learning for each individual student: understanding how they think, what motivates them, where they encounter barriers, and which strategies allow them to engage meaningfully with the curriculum.

By combining evidence-based psychological approaches, scientific research, and collaborative educational practices, I aim to translate an understanding of individual learning needs into practical, effective strategies that empower both students and teachers.

Professional Background and Experience

I hold a Master’s degree in Early Years Education from England and have worked as an early years teacher in England, Romania, and Italy. I have been part of H-FARM for the past five years, creating engaging, play-based learning experiences that support children’s social, emotional, language, and academic development while fostering their independence, confidence, and curiosity.

What matters to you as an educator?

What matters most to me as an educator is creating a safe and welcoming environment where children feel comfortable, happy, and confident to learn. I strongly believe that without a sense of safety and belonging, children cannot learn to their full potential. I want them to feel free to be curious, explore, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning. My role is to guide, encourage, and support them along their learning journey.

Professional Background and Experience

My professional journey has been quite varied. I originally studied Biochemistry in Chile and worked in research and business management before deciding to move into education. While studying and working during the week, I also worked as a ski coach in the Andes Mountains for more than 10 years during the weekends, teaching both children and adults. I also completed an MBA, which has been surprisingly useful in my work in schools, especially when it comes to organising projects, solving problems and working with different teams.

My first experience teaching was actually as a volunteer Science teacher, working with adults returning to formal education in Chile. Later, I started teaching Science at Santiago College, an IB school in Chile, where I worked for five years and completed my Bachelor of Education (BEd). During those years, I taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics, coordinated the MYP1 Science team and worked as a Homeroom Teacher. I particularly enjoyed the combination of teaching Science and getting to know students beyond the classroom, supporting both their academic progress and personal development.

In 2022, I moved to Italy and joined H-FARM International School. I started as a Science and Math teacher and gradually became involved in different areas of school life, STEAM coordination and curriculum planning. Today, I work as a Math Teacher, Personal Project Coordinator and MYP Assistant Head for Learning and Academic Excellence. My role allows me to stay connected to the classroom while also collaborating with colleagues on curriculum planning, assessment and different school initiatives. I particularly enjoy the variety of my work and the opportunity to keep learning from students and colleagues.
Recently, I completed an Instructional Leadership Certificate at Harvard Graduate School of Education, which gave me the opportunity to reflect on teaching practices, professional collaboration and how we can continue improving the learning experiences we offer students.

What matters to you as an educator?

What matters most to me is that everyone in the school community, teachers, students and staff, feels safe and comfortable being themselves, asking questions, making mistakes and, most importantly, learning from them. I think mistakes are a natural part of learning, and what really matters is not getting stuck on what went wrong, but understanding what we can learn from it and how we can do better next time. I want to be part of a community where people enjoy learning, trying new things, experimenting and sharing ideas. I don’t think being a good educator means having all the answers. For me, it means getting to know your students, being curious, caring about people, being willing to learn from others and always looking for ways to grow, both personally and professionally.

Coming from a science background, I particularly enjoy giving students opportunities to explore and learn by doing. Some of my favourite experiences as a teacher are related to inquiry, whether through science experiments, science fairs or hands-on learning. Seeing students connect what they have learned with something happening in the real world is incredibly rewarding. I want students to be curious, but also to go beyond the first answer. I enjoy encouraging them to ask more questions, explain their thinking and look for evidence to support their ideas. This is something I particularly value.

I also care a lot about relationships. I think students learn better when they feel that their teachers know them, listen to them and genuinely care about how they are doing. The same applies to teachers. I try to create an environment where colleagues feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking for help and receiving support.

Professional Background and Experience

Psychologist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Neuropsychology.

What matters to you as an educator?

Helping students ride the wave of hardship to discover their deepest potential.

Professional Background and Experience

I hold a BA in Textile Design from Germany and an MA in Art Pedagogy from London, UK. I began my professional career in the textile design industry in Europe. My teaching journey started in Singapore at LASALLE College of the Arts, where I also explored and researched the rich textile traditions of Southeast Asia. These experiences deepened my interest in the connections between art, culture, identity, and visual storytelling, and continue to inform my teaching practice today.

What matters to you as an educator?

As an art educator, I believe in creating a safe and inclusive environment where students feel confident to explore, experiment, and express their ideas. While developing artistic skills is important, I see art as much more than technique. Art is a powerful means of communication, reflection, and connection. I encourage students to think creatively, take risks, and find their own voice while learning from and inspiring one another. My goal is to support students in becoming curious, confident, and thoughtful individuals who can use art to better understand themselves and the world around them.

Professional Background and Experience

Passionate about advocating for inclusive environments where every child can thrive, I am a Highly Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist with over a decade of international experience spanning the UK, Italy, and the Middle East. Since qualifying in 2012, my career has grown across public health services, independent practice, and diverse educational settings.

I specialize in supporting children and adolescents with a wide range of needs, from developmental delays to complex neurodevelopmental conditions. Driven by a deep commitment to evidence-based practice, I hold a Master’s in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities from the University of Kent, where I focused my research on person-centered care and meaningful school inclusion.

Beyond direct practice, I have led teams and departments across clinical and educational environments in the UK and the Middle East. As a clinical leader, I guide multidisciplinary teams to embed accessible, person-centered strategies that foster independence and true inclusion at every level.

What matters to you as an educator?

What matters to me most as an educator is ensuring that every child is given the opportunity to access learning with dignity, equity, and joy. One of the most meaningful parts of my work is witnessing students grow into confidence, those moments when a child who once struggled suddenly believes, “I can do this.” Over a decade, every small breakthrough reminds me why I am here: to create inclusive environments where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. Being part of their journey is a privilege that inspires my work every day.