​​I first visited Timor-Leste in 2009, and after seeing the importance of education, I decided I wanted to become a teacher. I then completed my double degree in Bachelor of Teaching Secondary / Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and worked in Sydney as a teacher, followed by a position as an officer in the NSW Teachers Federation. In 2018 I returned permanently to Timor-Leste, initially thinking it would just be one year, and volunteered at St Francis of Assisi College in Fatuberliu, Manufahi before joining the DIS team in 2020. Starting out as an English teacher, I then became the Deputy Principal (Secondary) and took on the Secondary Principal role in 2022. This year, I will work as the School Principal and am excited to form closer relationships with our students and families across the whole school. I am also especially excited to once again put on a spectacular musical later this year!

I have been a teacher for 15 years and worked across two schools: a co-educational school and an all-boys school, both in Melbourne, Australia, where I was born and raised. I moved to Dili with my wife, Erin, who will also be teaching at the school, and my two children, Violet, 2, and Frankie, 1. I teach Mathematics and am passionate about fostering a “learning for life” mentality amongst students and creating good problem-solvers. Beyond the classroom, I have worked in many roles, including year level coordinator, curriculum coordinator, sports coach and leadership trainer. I am a sports fanatic with a particular love for cricket and Australian Rules Football (carn’ the Pies!). I have been involved in coaching amateur football for the last 5 years (which is why Erin wanted us to move overseas so I could spend more time at home!).

I have had many careers, including Remedial Massage Therapist, Cook and Bar Manager. My teaching career started with adult education, and I worked at TAFE NSW for nearly 20 years as a Head Teacher for Health and Recreation. Since then, I have been teaching IB science at an international school in Singapore. I am a keen cook and love to explore culture through food. I enjoy the outdoors and have interests in fishing, surfing and skiing. I like most sports but am not particularly good at any! In my mind, the person having the most fun is the winner! I am really excited to join the DIS and Dili community!

I come from the green state of Oregon, USA, where I was trained to teach senior sciences. I have taught science all over the world from the freezing tundra of Alaska to the steamy jungle of Thailand. I believe a scientific perspective can bring depth to the natural world around us, and I enjoy sharing that with my students. Enthusiasm is a contagious emotion, and it is my hope that you will share that with me in the coming year. 

Hi, my name is Sharon. I was born in Sweden, raised in England, and moved to Australia when I was a teenager. I have been a Visual Arts teacher for over 29 years, working across various independent and government schools in Sydney and most recently in Singapore.I have a house in Berowra Waters, a small area 45 minutes outside of Sydney, which can only be accessed by boat. It's a beautiful region, rich in Aboriginal culture and wildlife. As a keen environmentalist, I successfully campaigned to save a pristine local wetland area from development. My art teaching experience has been diverse, covering both junior and senior students from Years 2 to 12. I have a passion for travel and love visiting art galleries and museums around the world. Reading is another passion of mine; I can demolish a book a day if left alone with my book and a cup of tea. I am truly excited to be working here at Dili International with such a vibrant team. I look forward to collaborating with you and showcasing our amazing students' creativity to the community.

I’m delighted to be back at the school in 2025, teaching Biology, General Mathematics, and Year 7 Science. Before COVID, I was a part of the team here, and I’m excited to reconnect with students and colleagues. For the last two years, I’ve been teaching in Lismore, in the caldera region of NSW, but I’m thrilled to return and share my passion for science and mathematics once again.

In the first half of my career, I worked as a professional singer/songwriter, initially singing and playing drums in bands and at around age 25, switched to guitar/vocals, where I fronted several bands. In 2011, I went back to uni and studied Environmental Science, with a hope that the world was starting to change its destructive ways and move towards a greener future. Upon realising that the majority of jobs in enviro science were working for the mines, I decided to do teaching and completed a Dip Ed in 2014. I began teaching Science and Maths until I started teaching Health and Physical Education (HPE) in 2021. I came to Dili for my family (wife and 2 sons) and myself to experience a new culture and the holistic approach to education offered here at DIS. Since arriving, I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing the vitally important health information and life skills contained within the HPE curriculum with the wonderfully engaged and amazingly diverse range of DIS students. I've also truly loved introducing our enthusiastic students to new and exciting sports, hopefully enriching their school experiences. I'm very proud to say I introduced cricket (the greatest game of all) to our secondary school, and after starting with not a clue about the game or how to play it, the DIS team has gone on to win a series against the national team!! Howzaaaaat!!

I’m originally from Mumbai, India, and I have eight years of corporate experience in HR, Quality & Training. I have been working as a teacher in Timor-Leste since 2017. Currently, I’m teaching Business Management and Accounting for Units 1 to 4, as well as Grade 9 English. I’m currently pursuing my Masters in Teaching (Secondary) at Charles Darwin University. I’m passionate about reading and exploring global current affairs, reading research journals and articles, listening to classical music, and travelling. 

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, I graduated in 2008 and began my teaching career in 2009. I have been a teacher for 16 years in many roles and capacities and many different schools. At Dili International School I teach year 7 – 10 humanities (geography and history) and year 11 - 12 VCE physical education. Before working at DIS, I spent several years working in Australia, Indonesia, USA and Sweden. Outside of school I enjoy traveling, food, coffee, cooking, outdoor activities, scuba diving, geopolitics, aviation, swimming and sports. After four months with DIS last year, I’m returning this year for the full year and look forward to working with the fantastic students at Dili International School.

I am new to DIS this year and I’m from Melbourne, Australia. I will be teaching high school English here and I’ve also taught history and geography. My husband will also be teaching at DIS, and we have two young children who will attend playgroup. At home, I play netball and love going out for brunch. I am looking forward to trying all the cafes around Dili!

Passionate about all things drama-related, I have more than 20 years of teaching experience, particularly in drama. Currently, I am teaching VCE English, and I have also enjoyed teaching humanities for grades 7-10. Sri Lankan by birth, I have lived here for 16 years, and Timor has truly become my home.

Hi! I am Carlos (nickname: Vilar / Islam name: Ali). I am from Portugal. My wife, Nana, is from Indonesia, and we have a son named Miguel. My teaching career started about 12 years ago. My first job as a teacher was in Macau, where I lived for eight years.  

I have been living in Timor-Leste for eight years and have been a teacher at DIS for about five years. This year, I will be teaching maths and Portuguese. Apart from teaching, I am also a football (soccer) player. 

Hello! I’m Yurista. I was born and raised in Klaten, Java. I spent half of my life in Java and started my adventure when I graduated from university. 

After graduating from university, I worked in a mining company in Sulawesi for a few years. I continued my adventures by moving to Kalimantan for two years and then to Bali, where I worked for seven years in an international school. Wanting to broaden my horizon and experience new cultures, I decided to move to Timor-Leste in January 2024. Currently, I’m working at DIS teaching Indonesian grade 3-12.

I enjoy dancing, singing, watching movies, and gardening. I’m also interested in archery, perfume making, and culinary arts. 

Hello!

I came to DIS for a short 5 week contract in January 2024 and stayed for the whole year. I took the PS1 group of 3 year olds and loved it. I’m just starting my second year at DIS. Originally from London, I spent the last 15 years as a part time art/drama teacher specialist in a Darwin primary school. I combined this with my own arts practise, getting involved in the arts community in a wide variety of ways. I have two sons Morgan (32) and Louie (27). This year, I am here with my partner Claire, a music education specialist.

Hello! I’m Molly, a new teacher here from Auckland NZ. I’ve taught year 2 for the past couple years and this year will be teaching preschool 2! I’m passionate about building children’s confidence so they see themselves as curious and capable learners from a young age. I also particularly enjoy using structured literacy principles to set learners up for literacy success in ways that are best suited for them. Before moving to classroom teaching, I worked as a dancer and then as a musical theatre teacher at a number of studios. I’m excited to work with Alison and everyone to get started in the preschool here, and hopefully, we will have lots of dance and music happening throughout the day!

I have been teaching since 2010 and I’m trained in secondary drama and music.  I have worked in the UK, Australia and Timor-Leste. I’ve predominantly taught secondary English in Australia before transitioning to primary teaching when I relocated to the UK. More recently, I have worked as a whole-school drama and music specialist in Queensland before moving to my current role as teacher of transition at DIS. To summarise, I identify as ‘Jack of All Trades’ and ‘Master of None’, a label I feel very comfortable with! My teaching philosophy centres around the idea that all behaviour is communication and relates directly to a feeling or feelings. I see my role as supporting and guiding children to discover their authentic selves through identifying with their feelings and creating a safe space that encourages them to express those feelings in healthy ways. This approach leads to high self-esteem and a strong sense of self and well-being. I am passionate about literature, music, psychology and nature.

I am from Melbourne, Australia, and have been teaching for over 20 years in an independent school that runs K-12. I have come to Timor-Leste with my husband, Marlon, who works in construction, and our four children: Nela (10), Cormac (9), Samson (6) and Teddy (3) who are attending DIS. I love working with young people and especially enjoy music, with specific interests in percussion, piano and world music. As a family, we love lots of different sports, including netball, cricket, basketball, and rugby. We love the outdoors and regularly enjoy camping and bike riding. We are also fanatical about sustainability and love our chickens and compost back in Australia. I don’t have a lot of free time with 4 kids, but when I do, I fill it with netball, cooking, gardening and games and puzzles. We are thrilled to be here, living our dream of a family adventure overseas!

I trained to be a teacher in 2021 at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Prior to my teaching diploma, I studied construction science and worked as a quantity surveyor (I hated it!) Moving to teaching was the best switch, and I have spent 2 and a half years in New Zealand teaching Year 1 students. I love running and have competed in many long distance triathlons. I play guitar and have also “played” the trombone (really just noises and not so much playing). Now in Dili with my fiancé Molly, and I will be teaching in Grade 1/2!

Hi, I am Sophie from London. I’m looking forward to entering my third year at DIS, working in grade 3/4.  Previously, I worked in Indonesia and Myanmar, teaching primary students. Outside of school, you will find me cooking up a storm in the kitchen and then trying to work it off by playing sports such as football or badminton. You might hear music blaring from the classroom, feel free to come and dance anytime!

I have just finished my Bachelor of Education, graduating from Swinburne University in 2024. This will be my first teaching experience outside of a placement setting. I will be teaching in grade 3/4. I have spent the last eight years in the hospitality industry, working in distilleries, bars and restaurants. I enjoy being outdoors and love snowboarding and surfing, but I also love backgammon and chess. Looking forward to meeting and working with everyone at DIS. 

My name is Karen Watson and I am from Australia but have also lived and taught in England and Chile. I am passionate about inclusion, and for the past five years, I have worked in a high school support unit in Northern New South Wales, teaching students with moderate and severe developmental delays. I have over 20 years of primary school teaching experience, mostly in the upper primary level. One of my biggest passions is travelling and exploring places not on the usual tourist route.  I also love food, reading, cycling, hiking, tennis and touch rugby. My partner, Nick, is with me in Timor-Leste and we have two cats back home in Australia staying with house sitters. Their names are Reggie and Cindy. I am very excited to be in Timor-Leste and to be working at DIS. 

Hi, my name is Dan, and I have been teaching upper primary at DIS since 2023. I have a diverse background in music, performance and visual art–from being a street caricature artist to a performer in the ukulele duo “Bosko & Honey”. I believe strongly in social justice and inclusion and have also been a support worker in the disability sector. During my teacher training at Charles Darwin University in Australia, I specialised in Indigenous knowledges, linguistics and community development. In addition to teaching at DIS, I volunteer as a conversational English facilitator at two universities here in Dili. My hobbies include wearing mismatched shoes, making sick beats, funky dancing and attempting to keep fit.

Hello everyone.!

My name is Gilberto Hornay. I am from Timor-Leste and was born in Lospalos district. I now live in Dili and I’ve been working at the Dili International School for 12 years. I have worked for several years as a specialist teacher in health and physical education. I believe health and physical education is very important for everyone, not only for children but also for adults. It is essential for everyone’s well-being, helping us to be strong and live longer. I enjoy learning from others. 

Hi, I am Etsub from Ethiopia. I used to be a professional soccer player back in Ethiopia since I was 13. I joined DIS last year as a preschool teacher assistant, and then I started working as a  PE teacher.  I am also a finance market analyser, digital market manager and fitness trainer.

I love food and soccer, and I’m hoping to get to know everyone 

My name is Carme and I graduated from law school in 2018. I have worked at DIS for almost 11 years. I started as a learning assistant and then became a Portuguese and Timorese culture teacher in the primary school.  I am a mother of two daughters. I like traveling, sports and cooking. I also volunteer for Timor-Leste Vision and MJ Education Aids, focusing on education in the rural communities, connecting people with donors in Australia to secure support for their schools program. I speak 5 Languages.

I am Timorese and live in Dili. I have been with DIS since 2019, right after I graduated from university. I studied Educational Studies at the University of Newcastle in NSW. I work as a learning assistant, language teacher and learning support. Before that, I worked as a bank teller at ANZ bank in Dili. I have a son, and another one is on the way. I love working with children because they are honest, except for adolescents (they are not as honest with you anymore). 

I grew up in a small country town called Mt Barker in the southwest of Western Australia. I have lived in several different areas in Australia, including Perth, WA; Batemans Bay, NSW; Melbourne, VIC before moving to Dili in 2007. I was involved in voluntary Bible education work from 2007 to 2012. Since returning to Australia, I lived in a rural town 1 hour East of Perth called Northam; it is part of the Avon Valley and beginning of the Wheatbelt region. My working background consists of several roles within the education department, providing learning support for students and working with indigenous students, teaching Tetun language classes through Canberra Institute of Technology, and working as an Allied Health Assistant collaborating with occupational therapists, speech therapists and physiotherapists.

Hello! My name is Yolanda, and I'm from Southwestern Australia. I first had the opportunity to visit Timor shortly after graduating high school in 2019, where a group of us completed various volunteer projects between Dili and Atauro with the support of Rotary. It was a surreal experience when I returned for the second half of last year to work at DIS, starting primarily with supporting  grade 1/2 students. I feel incredibly fortunate to be back this year, providing more individualised support across multiple classes. I’m currently working towards completing my Certificate IV in Community Services. In my free time, I love cooking up a storm, discovering the best coffee spots, reading, and enjoying relaxing beach days.