Leadership & Staff

Melanie Edera
Library, Pre-K to 4th grade
French competitive teacher certification CAPES and English Masters

• How long have you been at this role?
  15 years
   
• What drew you to DIS?
  Left France in 2009 to follow my husband that I met at UNT in 2004
   
• How is DIS different than other places you have worked?
  I love the culture, the people, DIS is my second family
   
• Why should a parent choose DIS over other educational options for their child?
  Students are inspired to explore their curiosity, cultivate their strengths, and become strong leaders in a global world
   
• What do you like best about teaching at DIS?
  It is a unique experience in a beautiful setting
   
• What makes a DIS education different?
  The multicultural aspect

Trang Le-Krause
English, GS / Kindergarten
Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Certifications in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and English as a Second Language.

I joined Dallas International School because I heard that DIS was a great place to work from other teachers. It is the only school I know of that teaches Kindergarten in small class sizes, in both English and French! International schools bring together students from different countries, promoting cultural awareness and global citizenship.

• How long have you been at this role?
  30 Years
   
• What drew you to DIS?
  I heard great things about the school from teachers and wanted to be a part of it.
   
• How is DIS different than other places you have worked?
  It offers English and French in GS.
   
• Why should a parent choose DIS over other educational options for their child?
  International schools bring together students from different countries, promoting cultural awareness and global citizenship.
   
• What do you like best about teaching at DIS?
  I like the small classroom sizes so I I can tailor lessons to individual needs.
   
• What makes a DIS education different?
  It offers French and English to GS students.

Jasmine McArthur
English, Grade 1
Bachelor of Arts in English

As a French dual citizen with Algerian descent, I appreciate a school that prioritizes cultural awareness and inclusivity.

• How long have you been at this role?
  1 year
   
• What drew you to DIS?
  I was drawn to DIS by the culture and French inclusion. As a French dual-citizen with Algerian decent, I appreciate a school that prioritizes cultural awareness and inclusivity.
   
• How is DIS different than other places you have worked?
  I appreciate the close-knit family that DIS has become for me. I have made such great friends amongst my coworkers, and couldn't ask for more supportive admin!
   
• Why should a parent choose DIS over other educational options for their child?
  Parents should seek out DIS if they are looking for a cultural experience and an education that opens their child's eyes to cultures and lifestyles beyond their own doorsteps. A DIS education acts as both a window and a mirror, showing their students how life is different beyond our own shores and shining a mirror on our many human similarities. Cultural awareness breeds kind and empathetic human beings.
   
• What do you like best about teaching at DIS?
  I enjoy being able to share my talents at DIS - my cultural background, my bilingualism, my singing and musical talents as well as my artistic strengths. I love connecting with the children and helping them discover a love of learning and a love of reading.
   
• What makes a DIS education different?
  The cultural opportunities, the chance to speak three languages, the activities and community all make DIS unique.

Cloé Alexane Gaillard
French, Middle School
Master 2 in international law and master 2 in education 

• How long have you been at this role?
  8 years
   
• What drew you to DIS?
  To have an American experience and learn to speck english
   
• How is DIS different than other places you have worked?
  It’s a little village, the community is awesome, I feel closer to my mother country
   
• Why should a parent choose DIS over other educational options for their child?
  For the community for sure, it’s a big support
   
• What do you like best about teaching at DIS?
  See the smile of my student after you did something fun together
   
• What makes a DIS education different?
  It’s a global education with language values community and support

Heather Olsen Mercado
Middle School Teacher
Bachelor's in Academic Studies from Sam Houston State University, Masters in TESOL at Grand Canyon University, certified Texas State Standard EC-4 ESL.

• How long have you been at this role?
  3 years
   
• What drew you to DIS?
  This place feels like home, and it has a family atmosphere. I truly enjoy working with the kids every day. Seeing the incredible growth that students achieve by the end of the year always brings a smile to my face.
   
• How is DIS different than other places you have worked?
  I have always loved working with international people, and this opportunity allows me to do just that. I previously spent eight years at a Chinese school, which operates in a similar way. It offers a blend of public and private school elements within an international atmosphere, and I truly appreciate that. This environment provides a rich experience for the students who attend the school. Additionally, working here is enjoyable for me as a teacher because of how they treat their staff; we are allowed to take the breaks we need.
   
• Why should a parent choose DIS over other educational options for their child?
  The kids have a well rounded experience, they can come out knowing other languages, and prepare for success for the future.
   
• What do you like best about teaching at DIS?
  Being with the students, seeing them learn new things everyday.
   
• What makes a DIS education different?
  The experience is very balanced and high-achieving, all within a family-oriented setting.

Roxana Hebert
TPS Early Childhood Teacher
Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education

• How long have you been at this role?
  5 Years
• What drew you to DIS?
  The multilingual community as well as the Diversity
• How is DIS different than other places you have worked?
  The diversity and the small classroom sizes.
• Why should a parent choose DIS over other educational options for their child?
  We give the children an opportunity to learn cultures as well as the languages that will benefit them in their future.
• What do you like best about teaching at DIS?
  The families and the staff is like a family
• What makes a DIS education different?
  We see how a child needs and their future. We give them the tools to walk in all parts of education.

Elizabeth Sham
School Counseling, Churchill Way EC2 - CM1
Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University in Interdisciplinary Studies, Master of Science from Angelo State University in Professional School Counseling

• How long have you been at this role?
  This is my fourth year as a School Counselor, but it is my thirteenth in education.
   
• What drew you to DIS?
  The DIS Core Values and emphasis on multilingualism and celebrating all cultures aligns with my family's beliefs and values.
   
• How is DIS different than other places you have worked?
  The culture and climate at DIS are both collaborative and solution-oriented. I also observe that each person's point-of-view and contributions are valued.
   
• Why should a parent choose DIS over other educational options for their child?
  I think a multilingual education gives students advantages in life. I also strongly advocate for a global mindset that values differences and expands minds.
   
• What do you like best about teaching at DIS?
  I love working with young students because their enthusiasm is refreshing. I get to teach students about our Core Values and other character traits that will shape them to be kind and productive human beings.
   
• What makes a DIS education different?
  DIS offers an international school setting with the distinct opportunity for students to follow the French curriculum as they also acquire other subjects and languages.

Jillian Chopin
Extension Education Coordinator and Language Institute French Teacher for Adults
Bachelors in Public Relations with a Minor in French from the University of Oklahoma

• What subjects do you teach?
  French language classes for adults.
   
• How long have you been at this role?
  Almost two years!!
   
• What drew you to DIS?
  I am half French and grew up spending a great deal of time in France with my very large family from my dad's side. I was thrilled to find a French language immersion school right here in Dallas and even more thrilled once I began working here and instantly felt so welcomed and appreciated by so many of the teachers and staff.
   
• How is DIS different than other places you have worked?
  DIS is different than other places that I have worked in the United States because it is full of international people and French speaking people. To me, it feels like a little piece of France in Dallas and because of that, I love it!
   
• Why should a parent choose DIS over other educational options for their child?
  DIS is a fabulous choice for parents to choose for their children because being immersed in an environment of globally minded and experienced people helps children learn about the world at large and helps expose them to other languages and cultures.
   
• What do you like best about teaching at DIS?
  What I like best about teaching at DIS is that I get to share my love of the French language and culture with my adult students. Being French is a part of myself and my life that I am so very proud of and being able to bring life to the language and culture in my classes even though we are thousands of miles away from France is something that brings me so much joy and pride.
   
• What makes a DIS education different?
  The DIS Difference means that children receive a global education rather than a local education. It means that from a young age, they learn how to co-exist with people from other cultures and even more so, they learn how to appreciate differences and diversity.

Judith Peacock
Reading and Creative Writing, Second grade English
Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Maine, Master of Arts degree at the University of Texas, lifetime teacher certification for grades 1-8.

• How long have you been at this role?
  5 yrs at DIS, 35 yrs. Elem. Ed. / private tutoring.
   
• What drew you to DIS?
  I was drawn to DIS because of the challenge and enriching experience in sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm with such a diverse group of students.
   
• How is DIS different than other places you have worked?
  DIS is different from other places that I have worked due the cooperative environment of staff and supportive involvement of parents.
   
• Why should a parent choose DIS over other educational options for their child?
  Teachers are deeply dedicated to creating opportunities that enhance and nurture the overall development of children within a multilingual curriculum.
   
• What do you like best about teaching at DIS?
  the inspirational family-like environment
   
• What makes a DIS education different?
  The cultural diversity and multilingual experience

Sandra Payot
Substitute Teacher, 2nd - 11th Grade

• What level students do you teach?
  This year, I began with 2th grade (2 months), I followed it up with 8th and 9th grade (the following three months), and I will end the year with 8th, 9th, and 11th grade.
   
• What subjects do you teach?
  French classes for the beggining of the year nad I will add History and Geography for the end of the year.
   
• How long have you been at this role?
  Last year I was a short term sub teacher but this year I have been a long term sub teacher (subing teachers during their maternity leaves).
   
• Please list your degrees and certifications:
  In France, I am a veterinarian. So I have a French Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).
   
• What drew you to DIS?
  My kids are students at DIS.
   
• How is DIS different than other places you have worked?
  I have a vet clinic in France. Over the past 10 years, I've always had trainees in my clinic. I have always loved sharing my knowledge and teaching has always been in my mind as a possible evolution of my carrer.
   
• Why should a parent choose DIS over other educational options for their child?
  You have different kinds of families' profiles at DIS:
  - Some of them are French expatriate families, being in the US for a specific period of time. For these ones, having a continuity in French excellent education is essential.
  - Others are also expatriate famies but not French. Since France is the only country in the world to offer a program that is identical in all countries, these families can have the same continuity that I spoke before.
  - Finally, the rest of families we found at DIS is American people who want to offer French or International multicultural education to their kids, in an environment filled of kindness, with small class sizes but still with this high level of education.
   
• What do you like best about teaching at DIS?
  I love the small size of the classes. I love to be able to offer a personnalized solution to each kid. And I love this wonderful open mind we have in this school due to the multicultural nature of the students.
   
• What makes a DIS education different?
  As goodwill is fundamental, the integration of new students is easy.

Melissa Larribe
French, 3rd /CE2
Degree in molecular biology and Master degree in French Education.

• How long have you been at this role?
  6 years
   
• What drew you to DIS?
  My husband and I won a green card at the lottery and decided to try the American dream.
   
• How is DIS different than other places you have worked?
  Dallas International School is truly a unique and exceptional school. One of the key differences I’ve experienced here is the strong emphasis on bilingualism and a global perspective. The students are not only learning in two languages, but they are also immersed in a diverse, international environment that fosters cultural awareness and critical thinking. Additionally, the sense of community here is incredible – the staff, students, and parents all work together to create a nurturing and collaborative environment.
   
• Why should a parent choose DIS over other educational options for their child?
  The school’s curriculum is rigorous, but it is also designed to be adaptable and personalized to support each student’s individual needs.
   
• What do you like best about teaching at DIS?
  Teamwork
   
• What makes a DIS education different?
  DIS stands out for its commitment to academic excellence, its focus on global citizenship, and the close-knit, supportive community it fosters. It truly feels like a place where both students and educators can thrive.

Jodi Rotenberry
CPA English & ELL Teacher for the Churchill Campus

• How long have you been at this role?
  Going on 2 years
   
• What drew you to DIS?
  DIS is more than just a school for students to grow and learn. I believe what drew me to DIS is the opportunities, ongoing support, and the family centered community feeling seen all over campus. A friend told me that DIS was the place to be and I could not agree more.
   
• How is DIS different than other places you have worked?
  I feel heard, respected, taken care of, appreciated, and welcomed on a daily basis. I am not just another number like the other places I have worked for.
   
• Why should a parent choose DIS over other educational options for their child?
  Parents should choose DIS over other educational programs for their child because DIS offers more than just coming to school to learn the basic core subjects. DIS strives on the core values that includes empathy, integrity, resilience, respect, and responsibility daily.
   
• What do you like best about teaching at DIS?
  The flexible environment, sharing ideas with other colleagues to plan effectively for the students, and having smaller size classes to meet the needs of the students.
   
• What makes a DIS education different?
  What makes a DIS education different is the ability for students to learn three different languages, travel opportunities, open to a variety of grade levels, after school activities, camps between breaks, summer camp. The list is endless. DIS takes the stress away from the parents. Students always want to come to school to learn, socialize, and feel they are ready to accomplish learning experiences in a positive learning atmosphere.

Flavie Delavergne
Visual Arts, Grades 5 - 12
Deug 1 et Deug 2, License, Maitrise/Master

I love to witness the growth of students’ skills. I get to see the moment they harness their abilities and be able to use them in their own way. They are naturally super creative, which allows me to make a positive impact and contribute to their development.

• How long have you been at this role?
  Since October 2024.
   
• What drew you to DIS?
  I am a parent of DIS Students.
   
• How is DIS different than other places you have worked?
  DIs offers a bilingual education in both french and english in a multicultural environment.
   
• Why should a parent choose DIS over other educational options for their child?
  The school offers both access to the european system and the american scholar system. It offers global perpectives.
   
• What do you like best about teaching at DIS?
  I love to witness the growth of the students skills. To see the moment they manage to understand their skills and be able to use them in their own way. They are super creative without sometimes knowing about so it is really good to stimulate them and contribute to their own path.
   
• What makes a DIS education different?
  To make a positive impact and contribute to the students development.

Amélie Moyaerts Tareen
EC3 / Petite Section
Master Engineering in Pedagogy (Paris Créteil - France)

• How long have you been at this role?
  17 years in education, 6 in EC -  2 at DIS
   
• What drew you to DIS?
  I was drawn to DIS because of its unique bilingual and multicultural approach to education. The school’s commitment to academic excellence and fostering global citizenship aligns with my passion for providing students with a well-rounded, internationally focused education.
   
• How is DIS different than other places you have worked?
  DIS stands out for its diverse and inclusive environment, where students and educators from various cultural backgrounds collaborate. The curriculum’s rigor, combined with the emphasis on bilingual proficiency and international perspectives, creates a distinctive learning experience that is both challenging and enriching.
   
• Why should a parent choose DIS over other educational options for their child?
  Parents should choose DIS because it offers a world-class education that goes beyond traditional learning. The bilingual immersion program, small class sizes, and globally recognized curriculum prepare students for success in an increasingly interconnected world. Additionally, DIS nurtures curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, ensuring students develop into confident and capable individuals.
   
• What do you like best about teaching at DIS?
  The dynamic and international atmosphere at DIS, where every day brings opportunities to engage with students who are eager to learn and explore different cultures.
   
• What makes a DIS education different?
  A DIS education is unique because it seamlessly integrates multiple languages and global perspectives into daily learning. The emphasis on cultural awareness, critical thinking, and adaptability equips students with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. DIS fosters a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom, preparing students for future academic and personal success.

Nicte Rosas
Teacher's Assistant, Middle School

• How long have you been at this role?
  2 years
   
• Please list your degrees and certifications:
  Pharmaceutical scientist degree, Master's degree in Business Administration in progress. Several diplomas related to pharmaceutical sciences, such as Quality Control, Validation, Health Regulation, among others. Experience in staff training, as well as organization and coordination of training courses for the pharmaceutical industry and Clinical Research Associates.
  Experience teaching at the primary and secondary level to adolescents and adults with learning difficulties, as well as in their literacy.
   
• What drew you to DIS?
  The level of educational excellence that I can see with my children, as well as the multiculturalism and multilingualism of its students and community. The opportunity to contribute with my own experience to the same community.
   
• How is DIS different than other places you have worked?
  Because at DIS I have the wonderful opportunity to work with children, to be part of their development and to teach them in three languages ​​at the same time. In addition to being able to work with colleagues from different countries and in different languages.
   
• Why should a parent choose DIS over other educational options for their child?
  Because DIS is a real international school with excellent results at all levels.
   
• What do you like best about teaching at DIS?
  What I like most is that I can contribute to the education of students in different languages ​​and see their progress every day; as well as having the opportunity to enjoy the multicultural and inclusive environment with students and colleagues from different backgrounds who are part of our beautiful international community.
   
• What makes a DIS education different?
  DIS is an international school with a French section, and a rather small school. This allows a close teaching to students with a very great chance of success for them.