Colin James Hill
English as Additional Language Educator @ Escola Americana de Campinas
Colin is originally from Seattle, Washington, and for the past ten years, has called Brazil home. A lifelong learner who celebrates diversity in all forms, Colin specializes in multilingual and inquiry-based education. With 20 years of teaching and leadership experience, Colin seeks to inspire students and educators and empower them to make the world a more just and peaceful place.
Christina Fraser
PYP Coordinator@ EABH – The American School of Belo Horizonte
Christina has always been a supporter of Student Support Services within schools. In her 24 years as a teacher, she has worked with students across all spectrums and is dyslexic herself, which allowed her to connect well with students who needed accommodations, modifications, and extra support. While studying for her Master’s in Educational Leadership, Christina relied on the same strategies she used with her students, to support her learning challenges of dyslexia, Irlens Syndrome, and audio processing. Christina was born in Australia but worked in Japan, Canada, and the UAE before moving to Brazil in 2023. In her spare time, she enjoys gaming, reading, and traveling.
Marika Smith
Grade 1 teacher @ Escola Americana de BeloHorizonte (EABH)
I am a Grade 1 teacher at Escola Americana de Belo Horizonte (EABH), embarking on my first international teaching post after 18 years of teaching experience in the United States. I hold a Master’s degree in Literacy Development and a certificate in Dual Language Specialization, demonstrating my commitment to inclusive education practices for all students. I am a dedicated educator who brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to my classroom. My husband and I are embracing our empty nester years by teaching internationally while our four children enjoy their lives in the States. Outside of the classroom, I love hiking, reading, exploring new places, and spending quality time with my husband and our dog, Dandy.
Marla Star
Optimal Learning Services Teacher @ Graded – The American School of São Paulo
Marla is an Optimal Learning Services teacher at Graded in São Paulo, Brazil. She has a Masters in Special Education and a Doctorate in Education in Educational Leadership. She started teaching in Chicago but has since lived and taught in five other countries around the world.
Marla has two cats, is an accomplished runner (57 marathons!), and as a painter, she has exhibited works in the Tokyo National Museum, Madrid, and Miguel Cervantes Avenida Paulista.
Marla has two cats, is an accomplished runner (57 marathons!), and as a painter, she has exhibited works in the Tokyo National Museum, Madrid, and Miguel Cervantes Avenida Paulista.
Pauline Mott
Student Support Services Coordinator @ EABH – The American School of Belo Horizonte
For the last 3 years, Pauline has served as the Lower School Student Support Services Coordinator at the American School of Belo Horizonte. She has an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction in Reading Intervention and is currently working on her MEd in Special Education. Her reason for championing inclusion and inclusive educational practices and serving through SENIA is that she is enthusiastic and passionate about ensuring that all children experience success emotionally, mentally, socially, and academically. Pauline firmly believes that our world is more positive, compassionate, and healthy when all people are given respect and dignity! In her spare time, Pauline loves practicing Pilates, cooking, and reading.