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Meet

Our Team

Our team of talented and experienced educators bring a wealth of international experience to The Lisboan. With a passion for lifelong learning, and a dedication to ensure every child thrives, we aim to go above and beyond the classroom to create a truly outstanding learning experience. Because students and staff who enjoy learning will achieve great things together.

Guðmundur
Jónsson

Founding
Principal

Ines
Pinheiro Torres

Business Manager

John
Searles

Marketing

Lexi
Lloyd Owen

Admissions

Our Teachers

We have around 30 teachers on board and will be placing them here as soon as possible. We will arrange meetings with parents once everyone is in the country. 

Cein
Collins

Primary

Cora
Chiarin

Early Years

Francisco
Gomes

Music

Ines
Tonkin

Portuguese

Joana
Vaz

EAL

Kyriakos
Koursaris

Computer Science

Lorraine
Ford

Primary

Natalie
Godley

English

Sam
Roberts

Primary

Meet

Our Team

Our team of talented and experienced educators bring a wealth of international experience to The Lisboan. With a passion for lifelong learning, and a dedication to ensure every child thrives, we aim to go above and beyond the classroom to create a truly outstanding learning experience. Because students and staff who enjoy learning will achieve great things together.

Guðmundur
Jónsson

Founding
Principal

Ines
Pinheiro Torres

Business Manager

John
Searles

Marketing

Lexi
Lloyd Owen

Admissions

Kyriakos
Koursaris

Computer Science

SCHOOL CAMPUS ADDRESS
R. Maria Luísa Holstein,
1300-388 Lisboa, Portugal

admissions@the-lisboan.school

☎ +351 910 114 631

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An Artemis Education School

Guðmundur Hegner Jónsson

Founding Principal

Throughout his career, Guðmundur has worked in respected international schools, leading teams and shaping environments where students can thrive. A teacher of Philosophy, History, and Theory of Knowledge, he brings a thoughtful and values-driven approach to education, always aiming to connect academic learning with the broader development of the whole child.

He’s passionate about the power of experience to shape young minds, whether that’s through outdoor expeditions, service learning, or meaningful classroom conversations. From organising school trips in remote landscapes to supporting students as they pursue ambitious goals, Guðmundur believes in learning that leaves a lasting imprint.

Now in Lisbon, Guðmundur is focused on building a school community that feels deeply human: a place where students are seen, heard, and encouraged to become thoughtful contributors to the world around them. He lives with his wife and daughter, with a son in university. Enjoys long-distance biking, reading anything from poetry to political theory, and finding moments of stillness in nature.

Ines Pinheiro Torres

Business Manager

Inês brings over 20 years of experience leading complex projects across sectors including education, retail, and telecommunications. For the past 10 years, she worked at one of the largest education groups, where she played a key role in the development and launch of several major international school campuses in Portugal and across Europe, managing full project lifecycles — from land acquisition and design to construction and operational readiness.

Her background also includes operational leadership at an international school in Portugal, business development in the retail sector, and strategic consulting roles in both Portugal and Angola. Known for her dynamic and collaborative approach, Inês is highly results-oriented, with a strong track record in process optimization, stakeholder engagement, and delivering high-impact outcomes.

She is thrilled to be part of The Lisboan team and the impact it will have in Portugal. 

John Searles

Marketing

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John has dedicated his work to the intersection of education, technology and storytelling in a career that has spanned five continents.

From developing student data systems and IT solutions to leading marketing strategies and capturing powerful narratives through media, photography and videography, he has helped schools bring their stories to life in meaningful ways.

John believes that schools have the most compelling content strategy. Every day, incredible teachers are shaping young minds, sparking curiosity and making a real difference. His passion lies in amplifying those stories, ensuring they inspire and connect communities around the world.

Now based in Lisbon with his wife and three boys, John’s focus is not just on building a school, he wants to help create a culture where all members of the community can support one another; one that encourages students, educators, and families to step beyond their comfort zones, embrace new challenges, and engage with the world in bold and impactful ways.

Lexi Lloyd Owen

Admissions

Lexi brings a wealth of experience in operations, design, and education to our Artemis Education team.

Lexi’s education career started at Cameron House School in London as the school registrar, before moving to Halycon London International School. She joined at the early stages of conception, where she assisted the founding board and team. With only an eleven-month planning and delivery cycle, she supported in many aspects of research, design, refurbishment of the building and the procurement and delivery of the furniture, fixtures and equipment for its launch.

Prior to her education career, Lexi joined a private family office in London, where she spent ten years covering all aspects of operations moving into the world of education. A History of Art graduate, Lexi started her career in galleries specialising in contemporary art in London and New York. 

Natalie Godley

English

• Brings 16 years of international teaching experience across the UK, France, Spain, and Portugal.
• Passionate about inclusive education and creating safe, inspiring spaces for all learners.
• A dedicated linguist who believes in the power of multilingualism to connect people and cultures.
• Lisbon-based since 2019, she finds joy in books, podcasts, hiking, and the sea.

Kyriakos Koursaris

Computer Science

• Experienced leader in EdTech, music, and STEM with advanced degrees from Charles University and the University of Lisbon.
• Pioneered the use of Minecraft in education globally and advocates for gender diversity in STEM.
• International speaker featured at TEDx, BETT, ECIS, and the European Parliament, with appearances in RTP, Público, and Edsurge.
• Multilingual educator from Cyprus with a rich cultural background and passions for music, martial arts, gaming, and family life.