Headteacher and Founder
I am Anja Traub, headteacher and founder of AIS. I have a BA Hons degree in Music. I studied in Germany, but my chiildhood and schooling up until age 17 was in USA.
Professionally, I played for 18 years as a violinist in the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra. After founding the school in 2012, I obtained a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) with merit from the Nottingham University.
I am the proud mother of 2 grown-up children and one grandchild. When I am not working in and around school, I enjoy playing chamber music with my husband, Yaron, and spending time with our pets and in nature.
Deputy Headteacher & PE Coordinator - Teacher of PE and Games
I am José Benavente, deputy headteacher and PE teacher of AIS. I was born in Alicante, Spain, but lived most of my life in Benidorm. I studied Sport Science at the Universidad de Valencia and the Master of Education at the Universidad de Alicante. Life took me to Germany, where I lived for almost three years and where I got my first job as PE teacher at the Waldorfschule werra meissner in Eschwege. This job opened the doors of AIS to me and I came back to start working here in 2016, where I feel home and a strong feeling of belonging. Along with my studies and career, I played basketball for 25 years and I could tell that basketball was my life. I have three furry children, two cats and a dog, which I adore and love to spend time playing with them.
Exams Officer and Head Consultant
Primary Coordinator
Class 1 Class Teacher
My name is Atali Bonilla, I am Spanish, but I have lived in the United States and in Germany. The world is very big and there is a lot to discover. I have a degree in Sociology from the Alicante, University , a postgraduate degree in Gender Equality, and a postgraduate degree in management of non-governmental organisations. I also have a degree in early childhood education and in Waldorf education. I have always been very interested in education and in the human being, and in Waldorf pedagogy (Steiner) I found the missing piece to my puzzle. I am the mother of two children who have attended Waldorf schools and have been educated in this pedagogy. I have seen them blossom into complete human beings. And I continue to see and experience this on a daily basis with my students. My adventure at AIS began four years ago, when the school management decided to start the primary stage. A path that we are following, betting on true childhood, seeing the child as a complete being.
Key Stage 5 Coordinator
Class Tutor Class 12
Subject Teacher for Spanish
Christianne Setién Fernández is a graduate of the Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático de Murcia. She has acted in and directed plays and started teaching theatre classes to children, teenagers and adults. She has been part of the AIS International School community since 2015 as a mother. After completing a Master's Degree in Teacher Training she has been a teacher of Spanish Language and Literature and Spanish as a Second Language, since the 2016/2017 academic year. She has also been the KS3 coordinator for the last two years and Spanish coordinator. Passionate about literature, film and theatre, she tries to motivate and encourage students' interest in language, culture, history and current affairs, based on proximity, involvement and the development of students' critical thinking.
Key Stage 4 Coordinator
Subject Teacher for Science
KS3 Coordinator
Class Teacher Class 8G
Subject Teacher for PE and Geography
Gordon Tweedle from the UK is a Physical Education specialist and experienced teacher who has been teaching P.E., Geography and History to Class 6 students all the way up to A-Levels. He has also been a Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator.
As a coach, his achievements include Swimming, Tennis, Rugby and coaching Multi-Sports Tournaments.
Among Gordon’s interests are Cycling, Skiing, Snowboarding, and exploring Spain with his wife and teenage son.
English Coordinator
Class 11 Class Tutor
Teacher of Business Studies
Sally joined AIS in 2024, returning to the classroom after a successful career as an entrepreneur. She holds a BA in English Literature from Queen Mary University of London, an RMA in Literary and Cultural Theory from Universiteit van Amsterdam, and a PGCE in Secondary English from the University of Huddersfield. Her passion for alternative pedagogies was first sparked in 2004 at the King Alfred School in London.
Bringing vital real-world experience and a multidisciplinary approach, Sally encourages students to think critically and analytically and to take an active interest in the world beyond their own horizons. Her GCSE students manage their own small business projects, while A Level learners explore the intricate links between global events, politics, and trade.
A true world-citizen, Sally has lived in the UK, Australia, and the Netherlands before settling in Spain. Away from the classroom, she finds balance in her vegetable garden, crafts handmade jewellery, and is nourished by the attentions of her clowder of cats.
Atali Bonilla
Class 1 Class Teacher
Primary Coordinator
My name is Atali Bonilla, I am Spanish, but I have lived in the United States and in Germany. The world is very big and there is a lot to discover. I have a degree in Sociology from the Alicante, University , a postgraduate degree in Gender Equality, and a postgraduate degree in management of non-governmental organisations. I also have a degree in early childhood education and in Waldorf education. I have always been very interested in education and in the human being, and in Waldorf pedagogy (Steiner) I found the missing piece to my puzzle. I am the mother of two children who have attended Waldorf schools and have been educated in this pedagogy. I have seen them blossom into complete human beings. And I continue to see and experience this on a daily basis with my students. My adventure at AIS began four years ago, when the school management decided to start the primary stage. A path that we are following, betting on true childhood, seeing the child as a complete being.
Class 2 Class Teacher
Elsa is a Kindergarten and Primary teacher from Madrid with a deep passion for holistic and creative education.
Elsa brings a rich and nurturing perspective, drawing from Waldorf, Forest School, Reggio Emilia, and Montessori methods. With a foundation in Educational Psychology and Positive Discipline, she approaches each child with deep empathy, respect, and joy.
Her journey as an educator has taken her to Poland, the Dominican Republic, and Ireland, where she has taught in Waldorf, Montessori, and international schools, consistently seeking to create learning environments that are vibrant, artistic, and connected to nature.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading fantasy literature, spending time at the beach with her family and friends, and sharing her love of theatre - a passion that continues to inspire her teaching.
Class 3 Class Teacher
Hi, my name is Keeley Hunter. I am from Wigan, in the North West of England and have lived in this area of Spain for 25 years. I have a BA Hons degree in Early Years Development and a level 5 certificate in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). I started teaching 15 years ago and have worked in international schools here in Spain and an English Language Academy as head of primary studies. I consider teaching as a vocation more than a job. I am the mother of two teenage children and my interests include walking, reading and continual professional development.
Class 4 Class Teacher
ngvild Mikalsen is a dedicated primary school teacher with homeroom teaching experience in upper primary. She completed a 5-year Master’s Degree in Primary Education (Grades 1–7) at Nord University in Norway, specialising in Special Education, Norwegian, Mathematics, Outdoor Learning, and Arts & Crafts.
Ingvild is a native Norwegian speaker and is fluent in English. In her spare time, she enjoys physical activity, crafts, baking, cooking, and spending time outdoors. Beyond the classroom, she brings a uniquely diverse background, as she holds a football coaching certification, runs outdoor dog-sledging trips with a 70-dog kennel, and has extensive experience as a farmer, managing daily dairy, meat, and grain operations on a family farm while retaining a license to drive heavy trailers and tractors.
Class 5 Class Teacher
I'm Jacqueline from Melbourne, Australia, with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Masters of Education (Primary). I have trained in Waldorf Education at the Michael Centre in Melbourne and Glenaeon Teacher Intensives, Sydney. My teaching background has been in Waldorf education and Special Education in Australia. I enjoy singing, nature walks, Qigong, painting and swimming. My family is Irish, and I love playing Celtic tunes on the harp.
Subject Teacher for Arts & Crafts
Subject Teacher for Spanish, Valenciano and Games
My name is Flor Buffa Figueroa, and I have been teaching Spanish and Valencià at AIS since 2020.
I discovered my passion for teaching in 2004 when I arrived in Spain. Until then, I had studied Fine Arts, Scenography, Theatre, and Dance. When I settled here, I was offered the possibility to organise courses for children, and it was at that moment I discovered my true vocation.
I trained as an expert in Psychomotricity and worked for ten years as a teacher in this field. In the meantime, I was studying to become a teacher in Primary Education and Therapeutic Pedagogy. After graduating, I worked as a teacher in different public schools until I fell in love with this beautiful school."
Subject Teacher for Drama and Dance
I am Rachael and have a BA Hons degree in drama and the performing arts.
I previously had my own entertainments company for 20 years in Hong Kong where I worked as a dancer, choreographer, actress, entertainer, singer, songwriter, producer and director.
I have two sons, one of which I homeschooled for 6 years, now both at AIS. I love swimming,cycling, yoga , meditation, dancing and spending lots of time with my family.
Subject Teacher for Music, Marketing and Events Coordinator.
I am Mariangeles from Argentina, and have lived in Spain since 2015. Alongside marketing, events and design, I accompany our primary children in their music studies with a focus on playing the recorder, creating vocal and instrumental ensembles. I am also certified in Waldorf education and Special Needs and enjoy organising the wonderful festivals and events that Waldorf brings to our community throughout the year.
Subject Teacher for Spanish
Subject Teacher for German, Crafts and Gardening
I am Susanna from Germany and have lived in Spain for twenty years, where I worked as a teacher of German as a foreign language in different schools and transnational projects.
I love to be in nature and therefore I work with the children in the school garden where there is always something to discover and above all a lot to do. I also spend most of my free time outdoors. I enjoy rowing, swimming and hiking.
Primary Teaching Assistant
My name is Alejandra Aliaga, I have studied in an American school in Venezuela, my native country. I have a first degree in Social Communication and a MA in Social Anthropology from the University of London. I have closely accompanied both of my sons in their educational journey through the Waldorf pedagogy. I worked as a Primary Teacher at AIS and other Steiner-oriented initiatives, and I have always dedicated myself to creating healthy development spaces for children.
Assistant Teacher
Class 6 F Class Teacher
Froukje is an experienced educator with nearly two decades of classroom experience, including 15 years at the Eerste Nederlandse Montessorischool and international teaching roles in Bali and the Netherlands. She holds a Pabo teacher degree from Inholland and a Post-Academical Montessori training qualification. Throughout her career, she has specialised in upper primary education, drama instruction, and teaching Dutch as an additional language.
Froukje is a native Dutch speaker, fluent in English, has average proficiency in French, German, and Indonesian, and is a beginner in Spanish. Her personal interests include sewing, drawing, geometry, writing poetry, singing, dancing, and playing tennis and padel. Intrepid and creative, she spent a season working in Wisconsin (USA) as a program director for at-risk youth and has recently co-developed community outreach projects like "Safari to the Heart" to foster children's empathy through encounters with animals.
Class 6 M Class Teacher
Teacher of English
Hello! My name is Melissa Malyon I am from South Africa, but I am Native German, I have a Bachelor of Arts (Health Sciences and Social Services) with a mayor in Psychological Counselling with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and a TEFL level 5.
At AIS I am the class 9A tutor and teach PSHE, History and Geography to various classes.
I enjoy building relationships with my students and in my free time I love spending time with my husband and daughter.
Class 7C Class Tutor
Teacher of English
Clara Hernández Santos joined AIS as an English and Music teacher covering a maternity leave, this year she is also Class Tutor. She holds a degree in English Philology and a Master’s in Bilingual and Plurilingual Education.
She also holds a Cambridge C1 Certificate in Advanced English and has extensive training in English teaching, including a Diploma in English Language Teaching and a CAP (teacher training certificate).
Clara has extensive international experience, including three years teaching in the United States through the Visiting Teachers Program, where she worked in bilingual classrooms.
In Spain, she has also taught English as a Second Language to both primary and secondary students, helping them improve conversational fluency, exam preparation, and general confidence using English.
Class 7G Class Tutor
Teacher of English and Humanities
Gavin joined the AIS faculty in 2025 and holds a B.A., an M.A., and a CELTA and brings over 20 years of teaching experience. He has a strong interest in creative writing and spent three years working as a screenwriter for the Irish national soap opera.
Gavin came from Griffith College, Dublin, where he taught screenwriting to young adults, and also taught English Literature to pre-university students at the Irish Education and Training Board.Gavin joined the AIS faculty in 2025 and holds a B.A., an M.A., and a CELTA and brings over 20 years of teaching experience. He has a strong interest in creative writing and spent three years working as a screenwriter for the Irish national soap opera.
Gavin came from Griffith College, Dublin, where he taught screenwriting to young adults, and also taught English Literature to pre-university students at the Irish Education and Training Board.
Class 8 A Class Tutor
Teacher of Maths and Humanities
I am a UK-trained, fully qualified teacher with over 20 years of experience teaching a wide range of subjects across both primary and secondary education, including in British, Spanish, and international schools. Throughout my career, I have developed a particular passion for Mathematics, English Literature, and History, and I strive to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a genuine love of learning in every student I teach.
I also greatly enjoy singing with the choir, as it brings creativity, teamwork, and a strong sense of community to school life.
As a class tutor, I take great pride in supporting the academic progress, personal development, and wellbeing of the students in my care, and I am committed to creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment where all learners feel valued and challenged to achieve their best.
Class 8 R Class Tutor
Maths Coordinator and Teacher of Maths
Hi, my name is Rafael Martins Aguilar. I am from Brazil and I teach Maths to secondary pupils at AIS. I love puzzles, problem solving and I play chess. Iam a futher of two beautifull children Manuella which is 3 years old and Leonardo which is 1 year and a half.
I am part of a Capoeira group Oria Zambi em Alfas de pi and give also Capoeira lessons to young children. I also teach Travel and tourism to A level students.
I love travelling getting to know new people and diferent cultures. On my spare time I enjoy spending quality time with friends an family and playing sports such as football and Capoeira.
Class 9 A Class Tutor
Teacher of ICT, Computer Science and Physics
Attila is an experienced international educator in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, and Engineering, with over 25 years of teaching experience across IGCSE, A-Level, and IB curricula. He holds a BSc in Electrical and Telecommunication Engineering, a BSc in Physics Teaching, an MSc in Cyber Security and Human Factors, and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). He is currently pursuing an MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency.
Sandor Attila is a native speaker of Hungarian, proficient (C2) in English, and speaks intermediate (B1) Spanish. Outside the classroom, he prioritises a healthy lifestyle, enjoys playing table tennis and volleyball, and listens to and plays music. Curious and passionate about lifelong learning, he is also a certified Volleyball Coach and has designed computer-controlled chemical dosing systems for hospitals as well as smart-card access systems for universities.
Class 9 M Class Tutor
Teacher of Spanish and French
Mireia Cornejo is a secondary school teacher and school nurse. Before entering the field of education, she earned a degree in Nursing at the University of Valencia and worked for five years across various hospital departments and primary healthcare centers. She later joined an international school as a nurse, where she completed a Master’s degree in School Nursing as well as a postgraduate qualification in Emotional Intelligence, with the aim of supporting pediatric chronic patients from a holistic perspective within both educational and healthcare settings.
After delivering several health education workshops, her interest in teaching—particularly in the field of languages—began to grow. This led her to embark on studies in Translation and Interpreting at UNIR. Mireia is fluent in Spanish, French, English, and Valencian (C1–C2 levels) and is currently learning Modern Greek, with plans to resume her Russian studies. She intends to continue pursuing further academic qualifications, as learning and continuous professional development are at the core of her passion.
Class 10 E Class Tutor
Teacher of Science
Manos Karydis, originally from the island of Crete, is class tutor and teaching Science and Geography.
He has a Physics degree and a QTS (UK Qualified Teacher Status) with over a decade experience in teaching at Secondary Schools in Spain and in the UK.
Since his years at University, Manos has been fascinated with Astrophysics and is an amateur astronomer. He is also a big fan of rock music, playing guitar, and writing and recording his own songs.
Manos relishes spending quality time in nature with friends and family and especially enjoys "being like a kid again" with his young son.
Class 10 M Class Tutor
Teacher of Maths
I am Mark Cullen from the UK. I am a qualified teacher and I have been teaching for 27 years. My degree is in applied mathematics and computing science. Before becoming a teacher, I spent 10 years in the chemical industry.
Class 11 Class Tutor
English Coordinator
Teacher of Business Studies
Sally joined AIS in 2024, returning to the classroom after a successful career as an entrepreneur. She holds a BA in English Literature from Queen Mary University of London, an RMA in Literary and Cultural Theory from Universiteit van Amsterdam, and a PGCE in Secondary English from the University of Huddersfield. Her passion for alternative pedagogies was first sparked in 2004 at the King Alfred School in London.
Bringing vital real-world experience and a multidisciplinary approach, Sally encourages students to think critically and analytically and to take an active interest in the world beyond their own horizons. Her GCSE students manage their own small business projects, while A Level learners explore the intricate links between global events, politics, and trade.
A true world-citizen, Sally has lived in the UK, Australia, and the Netherlands before settling in Spain. Away from the classroom, she finds balance in her vegetable garden, crafts handmade jewellery, and is nourished by the attentions of her clowder of cats.
Class 12 Class Tutor
KS5 and Spanish Coordinator
Teacher of Spanish
KS4 Coordinator and Teacher of Science
I'm Catriona and as KS4 coordinator I aim to ensure students gain knowledge of revision techniques and skills to help them perform at their best in GCSE exams. I work closely with the class tutors to monitor the students' development socially and academically. As a teacher of science I hope that my passion for science sparks interest in the students. I try to make lessons link to real life situations and ensure that students have a chance to complete a range of practical activities that go beyond the curriculum.
My degree is in environmental science which covers a broad range of modules including ecology, renewable energy resources and geomorphology. After my degree I worked in special educational needs before completing my teacher training. Once I had completed this course I worked at Benenden School for 8 years moving into a Head of Biology role before emigrating to Spain.
I'm Catriona and as KS4 coordinator I aim to ensure students gain knowledge of revision techniques and skills to help them perform at their best in GCSE exams. I work closely with the class tutors to monitor the students' development socially and academically. As a teacher of science I hope that my passion for science sparks interest in the students. I try to make lessons link to real life situations and ensure that students have a chance to complete a range of practical activities that go beyond the curriculum.
My degree is in environmental science which covers a broad range of modules including ecology, renewable energy resources and geomorphology. After my degree I worked in special educational needs before completing my teacher training. Once I had completed this course I worked at Benenden School for 8 years moving into a Head of Biology role before emigrating to Spain.
Arts Coordinator and Subject Teacher for Art
Kirsty, is Arts Coordinator and Art Teacher at AIS. She is a UK-qualified teacher with over 20 years of experience in both British and international schools. She holds a BA (Hons) in Art, Design & Media and a PGCE in Secondary Art & Design. From 2017-2025, Kirsty led the Creative Arts Department at a College in Marbella, teaching a wide range of subjects including Fine Art, Photography, Graphic Design, Ceramics, and Digital Art across Key Stages 2–5. She is also an IB Diploma Visual Arts Examiner and Extended Essay Supervisor.
Kirsty combines strong academic leadership with a passion for the arts. Her students achieve consistently high results in IGCSE, A Level, and IB Visual Arts. Alongside her teaching, she continues to exhibit her own artwork in galleries across Spain and the UK and is passionate about inspiring creativity in young people.
Deputy Headteacher & PE Coordinator Subject Teacher for PE and Games
I am José Benavente, deputy headteacher and PE teacher of AIS. I was born in Alicante, Spain, but lived most of my life in Benidorm. I studied Sport Science at the Universidad de Valencia and the Master of Education at the Universidad de Alicante. Life took me to Germany, where I lived for almost three years and where I got my first job as PE teacher at the Waldorfschule werra meissner in Eschwege. This job opened the doors of AIS to me and I came back to start working here in 2016, where I feel home and a strong feeling of belonging. Along with my studies and career, I played basketball for 25 years and I could tell that basketball was my life. I have three furry children, two cats and a dog, which I adore and love to spend time playing with them.
Subject Teacher for Spanish, Valenciano and Games
My name is Flor Buffa Figueroa, and I have been teaching Spanish and Valencià at AIS since 2020.
I discovered my passion for teaching in 2004 when I arrived in Spain. Until then, I had studied Fine Arts, Scenography, Theatre, and Dance. When I settled here, I was offered the possibility to organise courses for children, and it was at that moment I discovered my true vocation.
I trained as an expert in Psychomotricity and worked for ten years as a teacher in this field. In the meantime, I was studying to become a teacher in Primary Education and Therapeutic Pedagogy. After graduating, I worked as a teacher in different public schools until I fell in love with this beautiful school.
Subject Teacher for Drama and Dance
I am Rachael and have a BA Hons degree in drama and the performing arts.
I previously had my own entertainments company for 20 years in Hong Kong where I worked as a dancer, choreographer, actress, entertainer, singer, songwriter, producer and director.
I have two sons, one of which I homeschooled for 6 years, now both at AIS. I love swimming,cycling, yoga , meditation, dancing and spending lots of time with my family.
Subject Teacher for Arts and Crafts
Subject Teacher for Psychology
Amanda Pyott is teaching Psychology to Key Stages 4 and 5.
She has been involved in education as a senior teacher and Headteacher for many years, also at other International Schools in Spain.
Amanda is an experienced Psychologist and practising therapist and is an integral part of our Secondary and Sixth Form team at AIS.
Subject Teacher for Valenciano and Spanish
I am Eugenia, a teacher of Valencian, and also a biologist. I am particularly interested in environmental protection and sustainable consumption.
I consider myself a dynamic and hard-working person. I love nature, dancing, music
Soy Eugenia, profesora de Valenciano, también soy bióloga. Me interesan especialmente la protección del medio ambiente y el consumo sostenible.
Me considero una persona dinámica y trabajadora. Me encantan la naturaleza, el baile, la música y la lectura.
Subject Teacher for German, Crafts and Gardening
I am Susanna from Germany and have lived in Spain for twenty years, where I worked as a teacher of German as a foreign language in different schools and transnational projects.
I love to be in nature and therefore I work with the children in the school garden where there is always something to discover and above all a lot to do. I also spend most of my free time outdoors. I enjoy rowing, swimming and hiking.
Subject Teacher for Music
Réka is a passionate Music and Solfège teacher with extensive experience teaching primary school students, leading choirs, and delivering lectures on the Kodály concept for mentor training. She completed her degree as a Music Theory, Solfège Teacher, and Choir Master at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, alongside earned qualifications in TEFL (Teaching English as a Second Language). Her career includes teaching music and leading extracurricular ensembles at institutions like the Budapest British International School and North London Conservatoire.
Réka is a native Hungarian speaker, fluent in English, and has beginner-level skills in British Sign Language, Portuguese, and Italian. Outside of her teaching duties, she loves travelling, singing in chamber choirs, and exploring new languages. Remarkably multi-talented, she previously sang as an Alto 2 singer with the famous BBC Symphony Chorus in London and worked as an orchestra assistant for the Hungarian State Opera.
Subject Teacher for Music
Réka is a passionate Music and Solfège teacher with extensive experience teaching primary school students, leading choirs, and delivering lectures on the Kodály concept for mentor training. She completed her degree as a Music Theory, Solfège Teacher, and Choir Master at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, alongside earned qualifications in TEFL (Teaching English as a Second Language). Her career includes teaching music and leading extracurricular ensembles at institutions like the Budapest British International School and North London Conservatoire.
Réka is a native Hungarian speaker, fluent in English, and has beginner-level skills in British Sign Language, Portuguese, and Italian. Outside of her teaching duties, she loves travelling, singing in chamber choirs, and exploring new languages. Remarkably multi-talented, she previously sang as an Alto 2 singer with the famous BBC Symphony Chorus in London and worked as an orchestra assistant for the Hungarian State Opera.
General Email email: info@altea-international-school.es
Admissions Email email: admissions@altea-international-school.es
Cami de l'Ermita 12
Alfaz del Pi 03580
Cautivador 18
La Nucia 03530
