The team. | -the-obrien-academy-

Our Teachers:

The Heart of Our Success

At The O'Brien International School, we believe our teachers are central to both your success and ours. All our educators are university graduates from Spain,the USA, Kazakstan, Venezuela, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. They are selected not only for their strong academic backgrounds and teaching ability, but also for their enthusiasm, which brings energy and inspiration into the classroom.

We actively encourage our teachers to explore and develop their special areas of interest, which adds variety and depth to their lessons, making learning both lively and stimulating. Friendly and approachable, our teachers understand and appreciate the needs of their students. They take an active role in planning courses to ensure lessons are engaging, relevant, and responsive to the students’ goals.

Sabrina Patiño. Deputy Director. (From 2014 to date). Degree in Educational Psychology. B.A. in Education and Higher Diploma in Education. I graduated in 2008 from the University of Murcia and subsequently spent two years at the Educational Science Institute in Murcia. During this time, I served as the coordinator for the Master's in Education program for secondary school teachers specializing in Medicine, Engineering, and English. In addition to my administrative responsibilities, I contributed as an editor for the course textbooks used by professors in the program.

Since 2014, I have been teaching Spanish at a school level, delivering instruction to Primary, GCSE, and A-Level students. One of my key roles at the Academy involves providing academic support to students enrolled in the Spanish education system, including preparing them for various examinations such as the Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad (PAU or Selectividad), which are the university entrance exams in Spain.

My responsibilities also include the design and implementation of individualized educational plans for students with diagnosed conditions such as Down Syndrome, ADHD, and other special educational needs. These plans are tailored to meet each student's unique requirements. We have successfully secured financial assistance from the Spanish government to support the inclusion of students with special needs within the educational system. Additionally, I have been appointed as a Spanish examiner for the AQA examination board, further demonstrating my commitment to academic standards and language assessment.

Derek Raishbrook (BA Hons). (From 2014 to date). With over 40 years of experience in UK education, I have dedicated my career to teaching and supporting students in challenging secondary schools and Further Education (FE) settings. My teaching portfolio spans English, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Mathematics, E2L (English as a Second Language), PSHE, and Social Studies. In addition to classroom teaching, I held significant leadership roles, including Head of Special Educational Needs (SEN), Year Head, and joint House Head, overseeing the academic progress and pastoral care of numerous students.

From 1974 to 2012, I taught in three diverse English secondary comprehensives. The first two schools presented significant behavioural and academic challenges, while the third was in urgent need of improvement—a goal we successfully achieved through teamwork and strategic leadership. In these roles, I was instrumental in revitalising SEN provision, leading my departments through demanding Ofsted inspections and Special Measures with notable success.

Following early retirement from school-based teaching, I continued my educational journey in Further Education, teaching Functional Skills and supporting young adults' development. I was later invited to work as a consultant for the University of Worcester, where I mentored and guided new SENCos, offering practical insight into navigating the complexities of special educational needs coordination.

Since relocating to Spain in 2012 for family reasons, I have continued to teach—initially in a private tuition centre and, since 2014, at The O’Brien International School. Though my move abroad was not intended to be permanent, I have remained active in education, committed to contributing wherever I am able and wherever my experience is valued.

Lara Houston (BTechEd) (From 2017 to date). I am a passionate and dedicated educator from Scotland, with a Bachelors Degree in Technological Education from the University of Glasgow (2012). I began my teaching career in Glasgow, where I spent five years delivering engaging lessons in Graphics, Woodwork, Engineering, Electronics, and Design. I also gained valuable experience supporting children with learning and behavioural needs, fostering inclusive and supportive classroom environments.

Since relocating to Spain in 2017, I have been teaching at The O’Brien International School, working with Key Stage 2 and 3 students, as well as GCSE-level pupils. My teaching portfolio has expanded to include Art, Maths, Statistics, and Biology, showcasing my versatility and commitment to cross-curricular learning. I take pride in creating positive, motivating, and student-centered learning environments that encourage learners to reach their full potential.

Victoria Doyle-O'Brien Gomez. (From 2019 to date). Degree in English Studies.

Administration & Examinations Officer, Primary head at The O’Brien International School. I am an enthusiastic and dedicated Administration Officer with a strong academic background in English Studies and Business Administration. Originally from Spain, I graduated in 2018 from the University of Murcia with a degree in English Studies, specializing in linguistics, culture, and literature. As part of the Erasmus+ programme, I studied at the University of Essex in the UK, where I also joined the women’s university rugby team and proudly represented the university in several matches.

Upon returning to Spain, I continued my passion for rugby by joining CUDER (Club Universitario Deportivo de Rugby – Murcia). Professionally, I began my career as a supervisor at Starbucks, gaining valuable leadership and customer service experience while awaiting the right opportunity in education.

In 2019, I joined The O’Brien International School full time, supported by a Spanish government initiative. Over the past few years, I have completed a three-year course in Business Administration, with John as both my employer and mentor. I currently serve as the Examinations Officer and primary head, contributing to the organization and management of assessments and playing a key role in the school’s administrative operations.

I am passionate about education, international collaboration, and fostering inclusive, well-organized learning environments.

Gabriel Ruiz Vicente, (From 2019 to date). I hold a degree in Educación Primaria with a specialization in Speech, Hearing, and Language Difficulties from the University of Murcia (2015). Since 2020, I have been working as the Music and Physical Education teacher at The O’Brien International School and College. My passion for music led me to earn a professional degree in Music, specializing in trumpet. I currently serve as both trumpet, piano, and Musical Language teacher, as well as the director of the Music School of San Miguel de Salinas, a position I’ve held since 2020.

Sports have also played a major role in my life. I have been a football player since childhood and have proudly served as captain of Racing San Miguel’s First Team since 2012. In 2016, I was honored to represent Spain in the Mini Football Eurocup held in Hungary. Alongside my playing career, I’ve been a qualified football trainer for eight years, holding the National Trainer Level C license.

Beyond football, I’ve been a dedicated paddle tennis player for over 15 years. In 2014, I earned the Paddle Tennis Instructor qualification from the Royal Spanish Paddle Federation through the University of Murcia. More recently, I’ve developed a growing enthusiasm for golf, a sport I thoroughly enjoy and continue to pursue. This unique combination of expertise in education, music, and sports reflects my commitment to holistic development—both in myself and in the students and athletes I teach and train.

Declan Wynne BEng (Hons), PGCE, MA (From January 2024 to date) With over 30 years of experience as a mechanical engineer in Ireland across a range of manufacturing sectors—including agricultural, pharmaceutical, medical device, and semiconductor—my professional journey took a transformative turn when I transitioned into teaching in 2014.

Driven by a long-standing interest in education and a belief in the power of lifelong learning, I completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status at Edge Hill University in Liverpool. I later deepened my academic knowledge by earning a Master's degree in the teaching and learning of primary mathematics.

Since entering the teaching profession, I have gained broad experience teaching mathematics at the secondary level and delivering the full primary curriculum across Key Stages 1 and 2. I have also held leadership positions as Subject Leader for Mathematics, PE, and Computing, and served as an external examiner for Key Stage 2 Mathematics with Pearson and Capita on behalf of the Department for Education. Additionally, I have provided private tuition in mathematics at both GCSE and A Level.

I am delighted to be part of the team at The O’Brien International School. The school’s mission to foster an inclusive and engaging learning environment strongly aligns with my own commitment to supporting every child’s educational journey and personal development.

Irina Soteva. Bachelor of Education, Foreign Languages Faculty, English Department, (June 2025 to date). Aktobe State Pedagogical University - Aktobe, Kazakhstan. Motivated, passionate, and qualified education professional with over 7 years of teaching experience. A patient, upbeat, and creative educator with strong multitasking and communication skills. Dedicated to fostering a positive and engaging learning environment that supports academic, social, and emotional growth. Eager to contribute to a respected educational institution and committed to shaping well-rounded, respectful, and productive members of society. Open to a wide range of educational roles where I can make a meaningful impact.

Hi, my name is Angela Williams. Master in Business Administration, BA in Industrial and Labour Relations. (From 2023 to date)

I am originally from Venezuela, where I started working as a language teacher (English and Spanish). I combined my University studies with teaching, first in a private academy and then as Department support at the School of Industrial Relations at the University of Carabobo. I worked with the departments of Statistics and Labour Legislation. I graduated from the University of Carabobo in Venezuela as the top of my cohort, receiving a scholarship for further education as a reward. It was then when I moved to Spain, where I completed and MBA at the University of Oviedo and subsequently, a Master in Personnel Management and Human Resources Direction at the Escuela de Negocios Region de Murcia, University of Murcia. I have experience from working in the private sector and from owning my own businesses. I have lived in many countries, including the US, UK Spain and Cyprus. I have been a Business and Economics teacher since 2016. I returned to Spain in 2019 and taught English and Spanish as a second language in various academies, until I joined The O’Brien International School during the 2022-2023 School year.

Michelle Heffernan. Canterbury Christ Church College, Kent, BA Ed Hons in Art and Teacher Education. (June 2025 to date I am a vibrant, enthusiastic, and cheerful Primary School Teacher with over 33 years of experience across both state and private schools in the UK, as well as at an international school in Spain. My passion and expertise lie in Early Years and Key Stage 1 education (ages 3–7), where I create nurturing, engaging, and inclusive learning environments.

In recent years, I have divided my time between the UK and Spain, supporting my daughter during her studies at the University of Creative Arts in Canterbury. Now that she has successfully completed her diploma in Visual Communications and returned to Spain, I am ready to do the same. During my time in the UK, I have been actively refreshing my teaching skills and staying current with the British Curriculum through work in local primary schools across Kent. However, my deep appreciation for Spanish culture and lifestyle has only grown stronger, and I am now eager to settle permanently in Spain and resume teaching within a vibrant international or British curriculum school setting.

Stefano Perossa MA degree in History, MA degree in Foreign Languages and Literature (From April 2024 to date). I am an Italian educator with an academic and professional background rooted in both Italy and the UK. I hold an MA in Medieval and Renaissance Studies from University College London (UCL), completed through the departments of History and Italian. Prior to that, I earned my first degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures from the University of Trieste.

Since April 2024, I have been teaching at The O’Brien International School, where I cover a range of subjects across Key Stages 1, 2, and 3, including History, Geography, Religious Studies, Drama, and PSHE Education. I also serve as an external GCSE examiner in Italian.

My mission as a teacher is to inspire students to recognize the joy and importance of learning. I view education not simply as the transmission of knowledge, but as the cultivation of curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for discovery.

Mireia Varela Garcia, Master's in Leadership and Management (From February 2025 to date). I hold a double degree in Early Childhood and Primary Education, with a specialization in children with special educational needs. I also completed a Master’s degree in Leadership and Management of Educational Institutions, driven by my strong belief in continuous professional development—a core value I strive to instill in my students. I encourage them always to strive to be the best version of themselves.

Two passions have greatly shaped who I am today. The first is travelling. I’ve been fortunate to explore nearly every continent, and the experience that impacted me most was living in Denmark—a global leader in education. While there, I furthered my training and gained valuable insights into effective teaching methodologies that continue to enrich my practice.

My second passion is karate, which I’ve practiced since I was seven years old. It has been a journey of dedication, resilience, and personal growth. Last year, I was honoured to become the Sub-European Champion. Karate has taught me essential values such as discipline, perseverance, and respect—principles I bring into the classroom and share with my students.

I am truly excited to join this educational community and contribute to both the academic and personal development of my students. My goal is to guide and inspire them to thrive—not only in their studies but in life.

Cristina Viera Doctor of Philosophy, (From January 2025 to date)

I am excited to join The O'Brien International School, bringing a diverse background in both academic scholarship and classroom teaching. I hold a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Florida, along with graduate degrees in History and Social Science Education, which have shaped my interdisciplinary approach to education.

My professional journey includes faculty roles at Western Carolina University and Florida International University, where I served as an Assistant Professor, as well as leadership in inclusive education as Director of Diversity Education at UNC Asheville. At the secondary level, I have taught a range of Advanced Placement courses, including World History, Psychology, and European History.

I am deeply committed to integrating global and multicultural perspectives into the curriculum, empowering students to think critically, engage thoughtfully, and succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.

Misbah Butt , BA(Hons), MA, PGCE (From September 2024 to date). I am a passionate and experienced educator from London with over a decade of international teaching experience across Europe and Latin America. My teaching journey began with a belief in the transformative power of education—an ethos that continues to guide my work today, particularly in the field of language instruction.

Having spent seven years teaching in Murcia, Spain, and earlier roles in Colombia and Ecuador, I’ve developed a rich understanding of multicultural classrooms and the importance of bilingual education. I hold a BA (Hons) in French and Spanish from the University of Westminster, a CELTA from International House Madrid, an International TEFL award with specialized grammar training, and a Master’s in Bilingual Education from UCAM. My commitment to excellence in teaching was further solidified through a PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status from King’s College London.

From starting a Spanish club in school to coaching lacrosse in the summers, education has always been my calling. I am devoted to nurturing every student’s unique potential and take great pride in helping learners grow into confident, capable individuals through the empowering gift of language.

Olga Gaeva, Bs Child Psychology. (From September 2024 to date). I studied at the Novosibirsk Regional College of Culture and Arts from 2000 to 2004, specializing in music education. During my time there, I not only developed strong pedagogical skills but also led creative student groups and organized concerts, fostering a love for the arts and teamwork among students.

As a dedicated and adaptable teacher, I combine modern teaching methods with a personalized approach, aiming to meet the unique needs of each learner. My focus goes beyond delivering knowledge—I strive to nurture students’ social intelligence, self-confidence, and respect for diverse cultures.

My diverse professional background has significantly enriched my teaching style and communication skills. I’ve worked in various fields and educational settings, which allows me to connect with students of all ages and create an inclusive, engaging learning environment.

From 2013 to 2020, I founded and led the Russian School in Killarney, Ireland, providing bilingual children with instruction in Russian language and culture. This experience deepened my understanding of multicultural education and language development.

I am passionate about contributing to a school environment where I can inspire students and support their academic and personal growth through creativity, cultural awareness, and a commitment to excellence in education.

Mrs Jo-Anne Slade. Diploma Higher Education Early Years Degree. Northumbria University.(June 2025 to date). With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, I have dedicated my career to nurturing and guiding young learners through their formative years. My degree qualifies me to educate children from birth to eight years old, and I have a particular passion for fostering growth and development in the Early Years.

For 15 years, I successfully managed two Ofsted-registered private nurseries in the UK, gaining valuable leadership experience while maintaining a strong focus on quality care and education. Since relocating to the beautiful Costa Blanca ten years ago, I have continued to share my expertise in several local multilingual schools.

I am thrilled at the opportunity to join the team at The O’Brien International School and look forward to contributing both my extensive experience and boundless enthusiasm. I am a dedicated, dynamic, and caring educator who believes deeply in the importance of boosting self-esteem and building confidence in every child, ensuring they feel valued, appreciated, and heard.

In addition, I specialize in Special Educational Needs (SEN). My empathetic and adaptive approach allows me to tailor learning experiences to suit each child’s unique needs and abilities, creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every learner can thrive.

John O'Brien. BA. Sociology & Geography TSM, I began my professional journey as an apprentice electrician at the age of 15, after leaving secondary school. Much of my early career was spent working in industrial installations, primarily at Trinity College Dublin (TCD). Over two decades in this field, my path transitioned into the television and film industry, where I worked as a lighting electrician for major broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and RTÉ. I was a member of the first production crew of Fair City and contributed to several other notable productions such as Nighthawks, Today Tonight, Head to Toe, and the RTÉ Newsroom. During this time, I had the opportunity to meet public and cultural figures such as Charles Haughey, Dr. Ian Paisley, David Attenborough, Phil Collins, and David Bowie.

Following the loss of my wife, Caroline, and with a strong commitment to supporting and raising my children, I returned to education. I enrolled at the National College of Industrial Relations, which led to my acceptance as an undergraduate at Trinity College Dublin. I spent seven years at TCD — four as an undergraduate and later as a postgraduate researcher investigating social housing. I also worked as a tutor in the Department of Geography for three years and graduated in 2000 with a Joint Honours Degree.

My academic journey continued with five years of teaching in Irish secondary schools, including Coláiste Íosagáin in Portarlington and Mountmellick Secondary School. I also served as an Examinations Officer for the Department of Education in Dublin.

A new chapter in my life brought me to Spain, where I initially taught in several academies before joining an international school, first as a teacher and later as Director. I have over 30 years of experience in education and have been involved with the Conselleria de Educación, Cultura y Deporte of the Generalitat Valenciana since 2016, delivering modules on Research Methods in English through the CEFIRE professional development program.

During my (rare) spare time, I enjoy playing golf and am actively involved in the golfing community. I serve as a member of the Junta Directiva of Golf in Valencia and am proud to be the President of The Celts Club de Golf. Beyond sports, I am passionate about contributing to the community and supporting local initiatives. This has led me to serve as President of both the AECO Business Association of San Miguel and the AECC (Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer), where I work to support local business development and cancer awareness efforts, respectively.

Currently, I am the Founder and Head of Centre at The O'Brien International School, a registered Pearson Edexcel Centre (No. 95345) and Oxford AQA Centre (No. 74264). I specialize in teaching subjects such as Sociology, Geography, History, and Social & Political Science, with a strong emphasis on educational innovation and international standards.