Leadership | About Us | International School of Dusseldorf

Director

Since 2001, Frank has been associated with ISD in a number of teaching, coaching and leadership roles, prior to his appointment as Director in 2020. 

Frank describes himself as a “servant leader who aims to embody the spirit of the lifelong learner”. Passionate about ISD, Frank prioritises the well-being of the ISD community, from students and faculty to parents and alumni. He envisions ISD as a place where opportunities to learn, participate, and belong are fundamental to students' success, aligning with our mission of being a learning community that takes you beyond where you think you can go. 

Frank studied Education at Cortland State University (New York), the University of Maryland College Park and the National Sports University in Cologne, Germany. He holds his Bachelor and Masters degrees in teaching and has earned highest-level coaching licences from German and U.S. sports federations. Frank has work experiences ranging from schools to universities to national governing bodies across the U.S. and Europe, primarily in the area of teacher training and development, and coaching. Fluent in German, Frank has lived in the Düsseldorf area since 2005, and has a German wife and two grown daughters.
 

Director of Sports & Activities

Gil, along with his wife and two children, joined ISD in 2022 after working at four International Schools in Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and Copenhagen over the past 20 years. He has been involved in all aspects of after-school programmes and completed his Masters in Coaching Education in 2010. 

He is a strong advocate of the IB educational system and how it encourages students to actively participate in sports and activities. His focus is on collaborating with coaches and activity instructors to create positive and enjoyable experiences that teach diverse skills to students.

Gil is inspired by the profound impact that sports and activities have on students, nurturing confidence, establishing friendships, and creating lasting memories that extend beyond their time at ISD.
 

Director of Teaching, Learning, & Technology

Sibylle joined ISD as Director of Teaching, Learning & Technology in 2022. Her leadership is grounded in a belief that schools are places of hope, where we learn how to be human together. She aims to create the conditions where both young people and adults can thrive: where we care widely, think deeply, and grow in relationship with one another.

A passionate advocate for systems thinking and reflective practice, Sibylle has held leadership roles in international schools across the UK, Norway, the Netherlands, Vietnam, and Germany. She leads ISD’s work in teaching, learning, professional growth, and technology, from digital learning tools to the infrastructure that underpins them. Sibylle’s work is driven by a commitment to meaningful impact, designing coherent learning experiences, building professional capacity, and fostering a culture of curiosity, dignity, and shared purpose.

Sibylle holds a Master’s in School Leadership and a Master of Business Administration, reflecting her commitment to bridging pedagogical expertise with organisational leadership.
 

Director of Community Relations & Advancement

As an ISD alumna with a strong background in strategy, brand building, and entrepreneurship, Jackie brings a unique perspective to leadership. Her journey from student to parent within the ISD community has deepened her understanding of its values and potential. Passionate about fostering strong connections, Jackie aims to enhance digital communication channels, ensuring seamless interaction between students, parents, and faculty. 

She is committed to inspiring alumni to reconnect with and contribute to the beloved ISD community, believing that a united, engaged network can drive positive change and growth. Her philosophy centres on leveraging her diverse expertise to cultivate an inclusive, innovative environment where every member feels valued and empowered.
 

Senior School Principal

Clinton joined ISD in 2016 with his wife and three children. He has previously served as Deputy Principal and IB Diploma Programme Coordinator, and has led key whole-school initiatives in well-being and positive discipline. His leadership philosophy centres on collaboration, inclusion, and student agency, with a focus on sustaining and enhancing a Senior School that balances academic rigour with well-being, where every student is known, valued, and supported to go beyond.

Clinton believes in the transformative impact of strong student–teacher relationships, recognising that trust, respect, and genuine care are the foundation for deep learning. He values the expertise of ISD’s highly skilled teachers and leaders, and is committed to empowering and supporting them to do their best work for students. Outside of school, he is an active coach within the ISD Sportverein and enjoys travelling, spending time with his family, and taking part in a wide range of outdoor activities.
 

Director of Finance & Administration

Matthias originally trained as an administrative officer for the German Government but soon discovered his passion for finance and management. After earning his degree in Business Administration in 2007, he moved to Asia, where he took on a range of managerial roles in finance and treasury. For more than seven of his ten years abroad, he served as Director of Administration & Finance at a German international school, where he played a key role in strengthening its legal and financial position.

Returning to Germany in 2017, Matthias worked as Controller EMEA for an American company before joining the International School of Düsseldorf in 2020. He now combines his experience from both the corporate and education sectors to support the school’s stability and growth. Looking ahead, he is committed to further enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of finance services, and to advancing the strategic use of data and emerging AI tools to strengthen decision-making and operational excellence across the school.
 

Elementary School Principal

Melanie’s international teaching journey began in 2004, when she left Melbourne, Australia for what was meant to be a two-year experience in Germany. Twenty-one years later, after twelve inspiring years in Vietnam and Thailand, she and her family are excited to return to Germany and join the ISD community.

Melanie’s leadership is rooted in inclusion, belonging, and empowerment. She is passionate about championing diversity, student agency, and joyful, inquiry-based learning. She believes that schools thrive when relationships are strong, voices are valued, and everyone feels safe to be themselves.

A reflective learner and thoughtful listener, Melanie is inspired by the everyday moments of connection and growth that happen in vibrant school communities. Her goal is to help create a space where both students and teachers feel seen, heard, and supported to thrive.
 

Human Resources Manager

Marie has proudly served as the head of Human Resources at ISD since 2001. As a trailing spouse, she followed her husband’s career in the golfing world for what was initially a two-year adventure. She studied Business Administration in the UK and has enjoyed living and working for international companies in the UK, Italy and Germany. 

Throughout her career, she has been committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and is passionate about providing employees with a positive working environment. Marie has been touched by many talented educators and leaders during her time as an employee and as a parent of children who attended ISD. She strongly believes in the importance of an IB education and the supportive offerings of the ISD community.