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.
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.
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.
The opportunity to educate other people’s children is a rare privilege, bringing with it a huge responsibility to provide the best all-round education possible as we aim to prepare young people for happiness and success in their adult lives. At Royal Russell we take this responsibility extremely seriously. We care about the individual and pride ourselves in the warmth of a community in which all our pupils feel valued. Our school motto is ‘non sibi sed omnibus’ which translates as ‘not for oneself, but for all’. With our core team of teachers creating meaningful and engaging learning opportunities, we work hard to establish a feeling of family and community at our school.
We live in exciting and fast changing times and this means that providing an outstanding, progressive and well-rounded education is more important than ever. That being said, school should be fun and happy children are more likely to be successful. Our happy, vibrant and ambitious community provides our pupils with an exceptional educational experience; with the pupil right at the heart.
Sharon Ashbourn
Head Teacher
After working in the education industry for several years, Giedre has taken the helm at Royal Russell School Vilnius. She’s the glue that holds us all together, creating a warm environment for our children, parents, and teachers. 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.
Originally from London, Sharon moved to Lithuania as a child and attended the American International School of Vilnius, and Vilnius Lyceum for high school. She uses her knowledge of International and Lithuanian education systems in Vilnius to create a welcoming environment for students and parents alike. She has been teaching in International Early Years Schools since 2011 and managing schools since 2018. Her knowledge of Waldorf and Montessori practices alongside her British Early Years qualifications help to create a learning environment that is welcoming and fun.
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 spends her free time coming up with fun new lesson plans and craft activities that will engage her class. 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.
Hailing from Scotland, Christy has a British PGDE (Post Graduate Degree in Education) in Primary Education as well as a TEFL certification. She has also completed courses in Active learning, Phonological awareness and Learning through play. Christy creates fun and engaging lessons and fosters confidence and creativity in every child she meets.
Hailing from the UK, Pauline has 20 years of experience as an educator and brings a wealth of experience and confidence to the job. Her students love coming to school each morning as Pauline's lessons are engaging and fun.
Hailing from Ukraine, Olena has a Bachelors and Masters in Teaching English Philology as well as a Post Graduate Certificate from Cambridge Education for International Teachers. She has worked in International Education since 2005 and brings years of experience and confidence to her classroom.
Hailing from the UK, Rad has a degree in 3D Design and Materials Practice from Brighton University and Qualified Teacher Status degree from the University of East London. Rad believes that it is important to develop children’s curiosity and that there is no such thing as a silly question. His teaching style is fun and energetic and he uses his knowledge of Best Practices to create a safe and intellectually stimulating environment for the children in his care.
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.
Hailing from Australia, Esther is an experienced teacher with proven results and glowing recommendations. She brings her energetic and fun teaching style to her class everyday and is constantly coming up with fun new activities for the children to do in the afternoons. She can speak French fluently and is learning Lithuanian.
Hailing from Lithuania, Ugne has not only studied for her Bachelors and two Masters Degrees in the UK, but she has also worked in private British schools since 2020. She combines her knowledge of music and psychology with her extensive experience in British education, to create a stimulating and safe space for her children.
Hailing from the UK, Alifia uses her extensive scientific knowledge to create fun learning opportunities for the children. With a kind and friendly demeanour, Alifia makes sure that all the children in her care feel seen and heard and that they have a lot of fun together.
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.
Hailing from Iran, Sina has a Master's degree in Social Work with Children, as well as a Teacher Training Course diploma. He has a lot of experience working with international children as an assistant social worker in Austria, Latvia, and Iran. Sina has a calm demeanour and believes that it is important to model positive behaviour for the children.
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.
Hailing from Turkey, Umay has an MA in Social Work and a Montessori teaching diploma. Alongside her studies, she has volounteered at the Youth Exchange program and NGO Vilnius. An educator at heart, Umay diligently works to create a safe and engaging environment for the children in her care.
Currently in her final year of her bachelors program at Vilnius University, Aiste has been working with children since 2017. A philologist at heart, Aiste uses her extensive knowledge of language teacher to help our students master the basics of the Lithuanian language. Aiste is fun and energetic and the children love her lessons in Performing Arts. Aiste also organises the school’s concerts and events, bringing her infectious energy to each and every event.
Hiva uses her art skills to create fun activities for the children. Her energetic and enthusiastic attitude encourages children to do their best and have fun while doing so.
Yutong brings his passion for art to class every day, to the delight of the children. Yutong encourages children to express themselves and reach their full potential.
Deimante is an experienced early years teacher, working towards her teaching qualifications. She uses her knowledge to create a warm and educationally stimulating environment for the children.
Hailing from Ukraine, Inna is a diligent and proactive Teacher and Learning Coordinator with 15+ years of experience in Teaching English as a Second Language. She has a passion for teaching, coupled with skills in classroom management, as well as a calm and positive demeanour.
Hailing from Venezuela, Mirleisy has a degree in Occupational Therapy as well as completing a course in Child Psychology. In Venezuela she worked as a Paediatric therapist, working with children with disabilities in a medical capacity. Mirleisy believes it is important to show empathy, and to engage with children on their level.
Originally from Lithuania, Monika has a BA in Social Education and is currently studying for a Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator Level 3 CACHE). She has lived in the UK for 6 years, and in that time combined her studies with positions at British schools and nurseries.
Originally from Lithuania, Migle has a Diploma in Childhood Practice from Glasgow Clyde College. This British Early Years qualification, combined with years of experience working at British nurseries, allows Migle to apply Best Practices to her teaching methods and work with children from 0-7 years old.
Olese is a Vilnius local, and a recent graduate of the American International School of Vilnius. She is currently studying at ISM University for a degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Olese is creative, energetic, and has “big sister energy”. She uses her personal experience as a "third culture kid” to guide her interactions with the children.
With an MA in English Studies from Vilnius University, Anastasia is a keen linguist and speaks fluent Arabic, French, and English as well as Russian and Lithuanian. Anastasia has a calm and friendly demeanour and connects with the children on their level.
