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SPAN FOUNDER & ADVISOR 

Douglas W. Ota

Doug Ota is a child psychologist, researcher, and specialist in how transitions affect people.

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THE SPAN GOVERNING BOARD

Claudine Hakim

Claudine Hakim

Chair

Claudine Hakim is Head of Transitions, Student Support and Advancement at the International School of London (ISL) and is the leader of the award winning ISL Crossroads Transitions programme.

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Ruth Van Reken

Ruth Van Reken

Vice-Chair

Dr. Ruth Van Reken is a US citizen who grew up in Nigeria as a second generation Third Culture Kid (TCK) and raised her three daughters in Liberia.

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Dr. Graham Ranger

Dr. Graham Ranger

Secretary

Dr. Graham Ranger is an experienced leader of change and development in school systems in the public and private, not-for-profit, sectors.

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Michael Iannini

Michael Iannini

Treasurer

Michael Iannini is ACAMIS's Leadership Development Facilitator, a Search Associates Partner supporting it’s members in China to improve Recruitment, Induction and Retention of Overseas Teachers, and a Council of International School’s (CIS) Affiliated Consultant

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Chair

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Valérie Besanceney

Chair

Valérie Besanceney (MA, MEd) is an international education and transition consultant, passionate about helping families thrive through transitions.

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Jane Barron

Chair

Jane Barron (MEd) is an educational consultant specialising in student cross-cultural transitions.

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Catalina Gardescu

Chair

With over 20 years of experience in school marketing and admissions, Catalina Gardescu led the Admissions, Communications and External Relations Department at the American International School of Bucharest for 9 years.

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THE SPAN LEADERSHIP TEAM

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