Royal Russell Team

We create education for today and the future. Being able to gather information is an easy task for all of us, but being able to select this information is very important. In today’s society, it is important not only to follow orders, but also to take the initiative in creating your future success.

Our teachers encourage students to incorporate their imagination and curiosity to enrich the learning process.

We believe that the best way for a child to take responsibility for his choices and decisions is through learning, developing his personal motivation, and creating his future.

Royal Russell world-class professionals

At the Royal Russell, we recruit highly qualified education professionals who are experienced and fully committed to providing outstanding international and British education to children and young adults. Together with our team we ensure that students learn and grow within a caring community. By working together, supporting each other and having fun together, we have created a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Living by our motto Non Sibi Sed Omnibus, we encourage the qualties and values of resonsibility and giving – make Royal Russell special.

Headmaster’s welcome
We are a family school, which means we value the things which make each of us distinctively brilliant.

I am honoured to serve as Headmaster of Royal Russell School Vilnius, bringing over 25 years of experience as an educator and school leader. My focus is on fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and a supportive learning environment. I have a passion for language, storytelling, and the performing arts.

I have held senior leadership roles in schools across the UK, Eastern Europe and Spain and have enjoyed working with families and children from a wide range of cultures and traditions.

I believe that education should be inclusive, inspiring, and adaptable, enabling every child to develop the knowledge, skills, and values needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. I am committed to nurturing resilience and self-confidence, helping students discover their passions and realise their potential both academically and personally.

Outside school, I enjoy reading widely, particularly historical fiction and biographies, as well as writing both fiction and essays. I have a lifelong love of music and enjoy playing guitar and singing. I also love exploring new cultures and cuisines while travelling.

Dean Moore
Headmaster

Royal Russell School Vilnius - Mr Dean Moore
Royal Russell School VIlnius - Giedre Golobovskaja
Giedre Golubovskaja
Director of Admissions and Marketing

After working in the education industry for several years, Giedre opened Royal Russell School, Vilnius. She sees her role as ensuring that prospective families have the very best experience of our School as possible understanding how importance of our family community. A mother of 3 herself, she works diligently to provide the kind of school she would want for her own children and the kind of service she would want to receive as a parent.

Languages: Lithuanian, English, Russian
Royal Russell School Vilnius - Giedre Sniriene
Giedre Sniriene
School Office Manager

Giedre is a Vilnius local, with a Bachelors degree in Social Education (Socialine Pedagogas) and a Masters in Education. She also has completed Kimoji courses and is our school’s expert on emotional communication.  She considers the holistic health and well being of every child, and uses her knowledge of Best Practices to create a safe and nurturing environment for the children in her care.

Qualification: MA Education, BA Social Education (Socialine Pedagogas)
Languages: Lithuanian, English, Russian
Early years lead
Jacqueline Bills
Early Years Lead

Hailing from the UK, Jacqueline, “Jackie”, uses her knowledge of British Education to create a warm and welcoming environment for her students. Jackie has an NVQ2 in Early Years and is a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience working with children in this capacity.

Qualification: Registered Nurse, NVQ2 Early Years
Languages: English

Kindergarten / Early Years Team

Royal Russell School Vilnius - Mrs Mary
Mrs Mary Oketunde
Reception Teacher

I am thrilled to introduce myself as Mary, the new Reception Teacher. It is an honor to join such a vibrant and supportive community dedicated to nurturing young minds. As an educator with over six years of experience, and a deep passion for early childhood development, I believe that the early years are a crucial time for exploration and discovery. My teaching philosophy centers around creating a warm and inviting classroom where children feel safe to express themselves, learn through play, and develop a love for learning. I strive to foster curiosity and creativity in my students, encouraging them to explore their interests and develop their unique talents. I have a Masters degree in International Communication and Bachelors degree in Primary Education. I am excited to bring my knowledge and experience to our Reception class, where I aim to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences that cater to the diverse needs of each child.

Qualification: MSc International Communication, BEd Primary Education Studies, TRCN and TEFL Certified
Languages: English, Lithuanian
Mrs Kate Prochorova
Early Years Practitioner

Hailing from Ireland, Kate has a QQI in Early Years Childcare and Education. She has several years of experience working in nurseries and creches in Ireland and brings her experience and knowledge of Best Practices to our youngest class. Kate has a gentle and calm demeanour and works diligently to create an engaging and safe environment for the children in her care.

Qualification: QQI in Early Years Childcare and Education, BA Art Studies
Languages: English, Russian
Royal Russell School Vilnius - Selin Arikin
Selin Arikin
Early Years Practitioner

Selin, Heralded from Turkey, has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Social Work. She has many years experience working with refugee children from different countries, giving educational and social support. in this work, her workload lent itself handling sensitive cases, where she gained skills/training from the United Nations agencies in child protection, communication with children, and interview techniques. She is also proud to share, that she has volunteered as a camp leader in youth and scouting camps and worked as a trainer in programs about preventing addiction. I also got experience working in kindergarten in Lithuania, learning the Lithuanian culture and language. Now, she is undergoing a second master’s degree in Organizational Innovation and Management in Lithuania.
“My love for working with children and my interest in different cultures brought me to Royal Russell. I am happy to help create a safe and friendly place where every child can grow and feel important. ”

Qualification: Bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Social Work
Languages: Turkish, English
Kenia
Kenia Moreno
Early Years Practitioner

Originally from Ecuador, with a Bachelor in International Relations and minor in translation. Certified Spanish teacher since 2017. I worked as a private language teacher for several years in South America, Czech Republic and Lithuania. Moved to Lithuania in 2019. I’m a philologist by heart with an inner child soul. My mission is to create a safe and inclusive space where children can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. As well, by using immersive and engaging teaching methods, I aim to inspire a passion for languages and equip students with the linguistic tools they need to succeed in a globalized world.

Languages: English
Royal Russell School Vilnius - Neringa Svirplyte
Neringa Svirplytė
Early Years Practitioner

Neringa is a caring and dedicated Early Years practitioner with several years of experience working as a nursery teacher in London. She has worked as both a nursery teacher and room leader, supporting children’s early development and helping them build confidence, independence, and positive relationships from a young age.
She has a naturally warm and calm approach and believes that children learn best through play, exploration, and everyday experiences. Neringa enjoys getting to know each child as an individual and takes pride in creating a nurturing, structured environment where children feel safe to try new things and express themselves.
Neringa holds a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and has completed training in Safeguarding, Child Protection, and First Aid. She is deeply committed to children’s wellbeing and values close communication with families as part of a supportive school community.

Qualification: College Degree in Childcare (Level 3), Safeguarding and Child Protection, First Aid
Languages: Lithuanian, English, Italian
Royal Russell School Vilnius - Lia
Lia Leanne Richardson
Early Years Practitioner

Originally from the British Virgin Islands, Lia is currently going through a bachelors degree in Biological Sciences from Heriot Watt university in Edinburgh. She has a love for travelling having lived in 4 countries and now calling Lithuania her home. Lia believes in providing a fun and safe space through creative and engaging activities for children.

Qualification: Currently going through a bachelors degree in Biological Sciences
Languages: English
Royal Russell School Vilnius - Mr Deo
Deo Fernandez
Early Years Practitioner

Hailing from the Phillipines, Deo has a bachelors degree in Industrial Education. He has over 12 years of teaching experience, including teaching at international nurseries and schools. Deo believes that it is important to consider the psychological nature of a child and to follow good educational principles. Deo has infinite patience and is always kind and respectful towards children.

Qualification: BA Industrial Education
Languages: Tagalog, English
Royal Russell School Vilnius - Lolita Lekuna Lema Tchamga
Lolita Lekuna Lema Tchamga
Early Years Practitioner

Hailing from Cameroon, Lolita has been working in education for several years. She combines her knowledge of Best Practices with her varied experience to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children in her care.

Qualification: Technical Teacher’s Certificate, BSc Accounting
Languages: English
Silvia
Silvia Represas Pateiro
Early Years Practitioner, Lead

Spanish adventurer, teacher, learner, dreamer. When she studied Social Education and Psychopedagogy in Santiago de Compostela (Spain) she understood that the importance of a healthy development lies in early education. She graduated with a Master Degree in Medical Anthropology and International Health in Tarragona where she became even more aware about the importance of mental health in our development as a person.
Silvia has years of experience in teaching children in their first years of life. She also has experience in the fields of family education and special education. Along this time she was focusing on emotional intelligence, socialization and the subject’s connection with the environment
The early years of a person’s life are key for building the personality, self-confidence and relation with the world. I believe we can achieve anything when our body and mind are in balance. My mission is to accompany and inspire children during this exciting journey.

Languages: Spanish, Galician, English, Italian
Royal Russell School Vilnius - Viktorija
Viktorija Zakis
Early years practitioner

I graduated from Vilnius University, Faculty of Economics. It’s no secret that the abilities of a child become apparent from an early age. As soon as I learned to write and count, I used to write in my classmates’ notebooks, crafting sentences with or without spelling mistakes. Then, I would correct them, write down grades, compile everything, and calculate the average for the day.

It’s said that it’s never too late to start doing what you love, and then the word “work” takes on a different meaning.

I worked as a kindergarten teacher for nearly 9 years. For 4 years, I worked as a preschool group teacher. For another 2 years, I was an art teacher. During this time, I wrote 2 books for children, which were published by ALMA LITTERA. I have learned through experience that it is important to be not only a teacher but also a friend to the children in my care, someone they could trust. The most interesting part of my profession is finding the right key to each child’s heart.

Qualification: Vilnius University, Faculty of Economics
Languages: Lithuanian, English

Primary School Team

Royal Russell School Vilnius - Aaron Walter
Mr Karl Rawsthorne
Year1 Teacher

Karl, originally from the UK, has a rich teaching background, having worked with children in South Korea, Kuwait, Thailand, and England. Now, he’s looking forward to the next chapter of his career at Royal Russell in Vilnius. Outside of teaching, Karl enjoys the theatre, reading, and exploring new places through travel. His diverse experiences and passions will surely enrich his new role!

Qualification: MBA, PhD International Relations
Languages: English
Royal Russell School Vilnius - Ms Kristy Mclean
Christy McLean
Year 2 Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator

Since qualifying as a Primary teacher in Scotland in 2017, teaching has and continues to be my true passion. I hold a PGDE in Primary Education, alongside a Bachelor’s degree in Business and French (with distinction). Over the past eight years, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching in various settings—spending four years in Glasgow, one year in Asia, and the last three wonderful years here at Royal Russell in Vilnius.

I am deeply committed to fostering creativity, self belief and confidence in my students. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is watching children grow—not only becoming fluent English speakers but also developing self-assurance and skills that prepare them for future success.

Qualification: PGDE Primary Education
Languages: English, French
Royal Russell School - Mr Joseph Hughes
Mr Joseph Hughes
Year 3 Teacher

I’ve been a teacher now for over 10 years and in that time I’ve had the pleasure of teaching in a variety of outstanding schools, primarily in London. After graduating with a degree in English from the University of Sussex in Brighton, I went on to complete my teacher training with Goldsmith’s College, University of London. In my career so far I have been a subject leader of English, Maths and Science and served on the leadership teams of Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ schools, helping to improve outcomes for students. In my spare time I have a passion for music and am a keen guitarist. I am fascinated by the culture and history of Eastern Europe and I feel very fortunate to live in a city as beautiful as Vilnius. It’s a privilege to get to know the children and families at Royal Russell.

Qualification: BA Joint Honours English & American Literature from University of Sussex, PGCE in Primary Education, Goldsmiths University of London
Languages: English
Royal Russell School Vilnius - Courtney Simmons
Courtney Simmons
Year 4 Teacher

Courtney is excited to join the team at Royal Russell School Vilnius. She is from the United States but has taught abroad in several countries such as South Korea, Colombia, Mexico and Hungary. She has taught pupils from a range age groups and they always have a great time learning in the classroom. She enjoys cooking, reading, watching movies and going for long walks in nature. She is looking forward to learning all about Lithuania and getting to know everyone at RRSV!

Qualification: Teaching Diploma, PGCE
Languages: English, Spanish
Oliver Strahle - Royal Russell School - Vilnius
Oliver Strahle
Year 5 Teacher

Originally from the UK, Oliver worked in the museum sector before completing his PGDE at the University of Glasgow. He has previously taught in Scotland and China, and is looking forward to joining Royal Russell School Vilnius. He aims to create a safe and welcoming classroom where children feel comfortable to express themselves and explore the world around them. Outside of work, Oliver enjoys history, reading, cooking and travel. He is looking forward to meeting the children, and is excited for the year ahead!

Qualification: BA (Hons) History (2:1) – University of Durham. MA Heritage Management (Merit) – University of Newcastle. PGDE – University of Glasgow. CELTA – International House, Newcastle
Languages: English
Joseph Hoole - Royal Russell School - Vilnius
Joseph Hoole
Year 6 Teacher

Joseph is excited to be joining Royal Russell School Vilnius and contributing to its growing international community. He holds a First-Class BA and a Master’s degree in History from the University of Hull.
After completing his Master’s, Joseph moved to Hangzhou, China, where he taught English as a Second Language. He continued teaching online after returning to the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. Motivated to return to the classroom, he completed a PGCE at University College London (UCL), ranked as the world’s top institution for education.
Since qualifying, Joseph has taught in a UK primary school and spent two years teaching at an international school in Cairo, gaining valuable experience across diverse educational settings.

Qualification: BA (Hons) History – University of Hull. MA History (Merit) – University of Hull. PGCE with QTS – University College London
Languages: English

Senior School & Specialist Staff

Clare McCurdy - Royal Russell School - Vilnius
Clare McCurdy
Teacher of Humanities

I am originally from County Antrim, Ireland, and have a keen interest in the Humanities. My teaching career has taken me to both London and Spain, where I have worked across primary and secondary settings. I am dedicated to ensuring that all students feel secure among their peers, confident in accessing an ambitious curriculum and wider opportunities, and ultimately experience success both academically and beyond the classroom.
As a Special Educational Needs Coordinator and Teacher of Humanities, I have greatly valued the opportunity to advocate for young people and their families, working closely with external agencies and a multi-disciplinary team of specialists—including educational psychologists, educators, and healthcare professionals—to secure the provision students deserve.

Qualification: BA (Joint Honours) English and History – Queen’s University Belfast. Master’s in International Relations (Distinction) – Queen’s University Belfast. NASENCo Qualification – Middlesex University. PGCE – Kingston University London. TEFL Certificate – British Council
Languages: English, Spanish
Royal Russell School - Jack Burkill
Jack Burkill
Teacher of English and Drama

During my 10-year teaching career, I have worked across a range of settings, including small inner-city schools (such as in my last role, where I was a Senior Leader) and large international through-schools.
Having been part of a founding school team previously, I am aware of the unique excitement that comes with growing a school from its infancy and, having been born and raised in London, I have long been familiar with the prestige of Royal Russell School. I even remember playing football against them during my own school days!
I am therefore delighted to join the team at Royal Russell School Vilnius, and look forward to building an English curriculum that empowers our students to become flawless readers, writers and communicators who use literature to engage meaningfully with the wider world.

Qualification: BA (Hons) History – University of Sheffield. PGCE (Teach First Leadership Development Programme) – Teach First, Yorkshire & the Humber. M.Ed (Education) – University of Manchester & Teach First
Languages: English
Royal Russell School - Ali Abbas Obri
Ali Abbas Obri
Teacher of Mathematics and Science

Ali is a passionate mathematics and science teacher with a degree in Biomedical Sciences and a PGCE in Secondary Mathematics from Leeds Trinity University. He has taught internationally in the UK, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, India, and Tunisia, where he currently serves as Head of Sixth Form.
He enjoys using technology to enhance learning and is committed to helping students excel in STEM subjects. Outside of work, Ali is a keen sports enthusiast, coaching cricket, badminton, and chess teams at school level.

Qualification: BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences – University of Central Lancashire. SKE (Secondary Mathematics) – Canterbury Christ Church University. PGCE in Secondary Mathematics – Leeds Trinity University. QTS – Leeds SCITT
Languages: English
Royal Russell School Vilnius - Ingrida Žalalienė
Ingrida Žalalienė
Lithuanian Language Teacher

I am a primary school teacher. I chose teaching because I see it as a very meaningful path, an opportunity to help others learn and grow.
I have been working for a long time in the field of Lithuanian education in the diaspora. I founded a Lithuanian language school, where I still teach children remotely. I love to read, write, create and think in Lithuanian. I joined the Royal Russell School staff as a Lithuanian language teacher to help children hear, understand and love the sound, beauty and originality of the Lithuanian word. I am interested in traditional Lithuanian culture. In my spare time I am a member of a folklore ensemble – singing, dancing, learning about dialects and customs, and I am very keen to share my experiences, to help discover the diversity of traditional culture and to bring into every child’s world these things that fascinate me so.
I believe that only students who are interested and engaged are ready to learn, so I always try to make Lithuanian lessons as interesting as possible for them.

Qualification: Vilnius University, Faculty of Economics
Languages: Lithuanian, English
Royal Russell School Vilnius - Raimonda
Raimonda Tamošauskaitė
Lithuanian Language Teacher

Raimonda holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Vilnius University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in English Philology, and an associate’s degree in Graphic Design from UCLA Extension. Having lived in Los Angeles for 14 years, she gained valuable teaching experience at St. Casimir Lithuanian Heritage School, working with children of various ages and language abilities. Her background in design and film has shaped her flexible and creative approach to teaching. She also volunteered for three years as an emotional support provider at Vaikų linija, speaking with children on diverse topics. Raimonda enjoys teaching Lithuanian in an international setting, where she can combine her knowledge of psychology, education, and languages. She is also a proud mother of two boys.

Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Bachelor’s degree in English Philology, Associate’s degree in Graphic Design
Languages: Lithuanian, English
Royal Russell School Vilnius - Laisvunas
Laisvūnas Stipinas
P. E. Teacher
Qualification: Lietuvos Edukologijos Universitetas
Languages: Lithuanian, English