Head of School – Ms Elvan Tongal

Ms. Elvan Tongal has served as the Head of School at MEF International Schools in Istanbul and Izmir since August 2019. With over 34 years of professional experience in education, including 19 years in leadership roles, she brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her position. Her career began as a History Teacher in several esteemed private schools, and she notably served as the Founding Director of SEV American College.

Ms. Tongal specializes in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and has been an IB Workshop Leader since 2013. In 2023, she became an accredited member of the IB Evaluation Team after completing the certification program. She has also worked as a part-time instructor at the Teachers’ Academy Foundation (ÖRAV) since 2010.

Throughout her career, she has contributed to several significant educational initiatives, including Sabancı University’s Alternative History Book Project, No Teaching Limit, and Digital European Union: Turkish E-Book for High School and Primary School Students.

Ms. Tongal earned her undergraduate degree in History from Marmara University and holds two master’s degrees: one in Education Management and Supervision from Bahçeşehir University and another related to the Alternative History Books project from Sabancı University.

A proud digital immigrant, Ms. Tongal describes herself as a lifelong learner and a hopeful traveller on the path of education.

Primary School Principal – Ms. Lauren Henrietta Fajobi

Ms. Lauren Fajobi serves as the Primary School Principal as she enters her sixth year at MEF IS Istanbul. Lauren brings to MEF IS a wealth of experience leading challenging international and standards-based academic programs, directing teaching and learning, and supporting the smooth operation of the whole school. Lauren has served in various leadership roles at MEF IS and beyond, including Head of Upper School at The Ellis School, Associate Director of Upper School at the Thaden School, Deputy Principal at MEF IS Istanbul, and Academic Dean (IB Diploma Programme Coordinator and Cambridge Coordinator) at MEF IS Istanbul.

In these roles, Lauren has built a welcoming learning culture through visible leadership, guided wise change to achieve strategic goals, led the implementation of standards based grading to engage students in the process and products of their learning, facilitated professional development to enhance approaches to teaching, and established reflective and restorative discipline practices to build a positive school climate. Lauren’s commitment to professional growth and school improvement has seen her serve on accreditation team visits with MSA-CESS at schools around the world.

Lauren’s teaching expertise spans sciences and languages, and she enjoys facilitating authentic, student-centered learning across all divisions. She has taught Biology, Chemistry, General Science, Physical Science, and Spanish. She has also supported teachers making the transition to classroom teaching in the MAT program at the University of Mississippi – Oxford. Lauren holds a BS in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Physiology and Neurobiology and a BA in Spanish Language, Literature & Culture from The University of Maryland – College Park. She was a Banneker/Key Scholar at the University of Maryland – the most prestigious merit based scholarship awarded to select Honors College students. She also holds a Masters degree in Curriculum & Instruction from The University of Mississippi – Oxford.

Secondary School Principal – Mr. Malcolm Ringo

MEF International Schools are among the most distinguished educational institutions in Turkey and the region. For over 20 years, Malcolm Ringo has served in key leadership roles at MEF International Schools in both Istanbul and Izmir, including as Principal, IB Diploma Programme Coordinator, and Cambridge Coordinator. Now in his second stint as Secondary Principal at MEF International School, Istanbul since after a hiatus in Izmir, Malcolm brings a wealth of experience, insight, and dedication to the role.

Throughout his career, Malcolm has taught History, Geography, English, and Theory of Knowledge, reflecting his broad academic expertise. He holds two master’s degrees – one in History and the other in Teaching English as a Second Language. His leadership has been central to multiple successful accreditation processes, including IB Diploma Programme evaluations and authorizations as well as inspections by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Deeply connected to Turkish culture and society, Malcolm is passionate about international education that is both inclusive and challenging. He enjoys sports and fitness, literature, history, writing, conversation, language learning, and gardening—interests that reflect his commitment to lifelong learning and well-being.

As a school leader, Malcolm works closely with teachers, students, and families to ensure that learning is meaningful and holistic. He believes strongly in the power of collaboration among parents, educators, and students to set goals that inspire growth. With shared vision, optimism, and determination, he believes every child can reach their unique potential, achieving both academic success and personal fulfillment in an interconnected world.

It is a privilege for Malcolm to serve the MEF International School community in Istanbul. He looks forward to building on its legacy and supporting its continued growth in the year ahead and beyond.

Primary School Deputy Principal – Mr. Carlos Isern

Mr. Carlos Isern is the Deputy Principal of Primary School, leveraging over 15 years of international teaching experience. His career has allowed him to engage with students from a variety of cultural backgrounds, teaching Spanish across primary, secondary, high school, and university levels worldwide. Additionally, Carlos has made significant contributions as an International Baccalaureate (IB) examiner for Spanish over the past five years.

Carlos is dedicated to creating an engaging and effective learning environment through teamwork and collaboration. His educational approach is founded on empathy, adaptability, communication, patience, encouragement, and support, all of which have played a crucial role in his success as an educator. He is committed to fostering a supportive and dynamic atmosphere where students can excel academically and personally.

His commitment to professional growth is reflected in his academic achievements. Carlos holds a university degree in Law, an MBA, and has completed two master’s degree programs in education. His qualifications are further underscored by his certifications and his authorship of four influential educational books on the Spanish language, which have been published and widely read in Turkey.

Outside of his professional life, Carlos is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring and immersing himself in different cultures. He finds these experiences both enriching and inspiring. He also stays active with outdoor sports and cherishes the time spent with friends and family, which brings him joy and a strong sense of grounding.

Outside of his professional life, Carlos is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring and immersing himself in different cultures. He finds these experiences both enriching and inspiring. He also stays active with outdoor sports and cherishes the time spent with friends and family, which brings him joy and a strong sense of grounding.

Secondary School Deputy Principal – Mr. Peter DiCarlo

Mr. Peter DiCarlo serves as Deputy Principal of the Secondary School at MEF International School, Istanbul. He brings over 20 years of experience as an international educator and curriculum leader. Peter has held a wide range of leadership roles in both the U.S. and Turkey, including Curriculum Coordinator, Head of Department, and Instructional Supervisor. He has been deeply involved in school improvement initiatives, faculty development, interdisciplinary learning, and the successful coordination of international curricula across multiple divisions and cultural contexts.

Peter’s academic background includes a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Columbia University and a Master’s Degree from Rutgers University, where he also earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He has pursued postgraduate studies at The Juilliard School and contributed to curriculum innovation and professional development programs at leading institutions such as the United Nations International School and the Churchill School in New York City.

At MEF IS Izmir, Peter served as Curriculum Coordinator and Head of the Arts Department, where he oversaw the Cambridge program, coordinated interdisciplinary planning, and played a central role in the school’s CIS-NEASC reauthorization. Throughout his career, he has focused on building student-centered academic environments rooted in high expectations, clarity of purpose, and collaborative growth.

Outside of work, Peter is a jazz saxophonist. He also enjoys outdoor activities and cooking. Peter lives in Istanbul with his wife and daughter, who is a proud Primary School student at MEF IS. Together, they enjoy traveling, discovering great food, and spending time with friends and family.

IB PYP Coordinator – Ms Ceni Alpanda

Ms. Ceni Alpanda is the IB PYP Coordinator at MEF International School, bringing over twenty years of experience in education, leadership, and curriculum development. Her career began as an English language teacher and evolved into a leadership journey that has contributed to the development of practices of numerous IB World Schools. 

Ceni has been a passionate advocate of the IB philosophy since 2010. Her expertise spans school authorization and programme evaluation, professional development, and the implementation of transdisciplinary, concept-based, and inquiry-based learning. As the former PYP General Coordinator for a large group of schools in Türkiye, she not only mentored coordinators and teachers in aligning their practices with the PYP framework but also actively supported schools at various stages of their IB journey and played a key role in leading change management processes. 

An active member of the IB Educator Network (IBEN) since 2012, Ceni continues to lead workshops, consultations, and school visits around the world. She also serves as a faculty member in university-level IB Educator Certificate in Teaching and Learning programmes, preparing both pre-service and in-service teachers to navigate the demands of international education. 

At MEF International School, Ceni coordinates the Primary Years Programme from Preschool to Grade 5 with a strong focus on empowering collaborative teaching teams and ensuring learning is relevant, inclusive, inquiry-based, and rooted in student agency. 

A graduate of Istanbul University, English Language Teaching, Ms. Ceni holds Yeditepe University EducationManagement and Supervision Master’s degree; along with  internationally recognized certificates. Outside of her professional role, she has a deep appreciation for the arts. She enjoys music, reading, and exploring new cultures through travel and learning foreign languages

IB DP Program Coordinator – Ms. Cansu Ece Çakılı

Cambridge Program Coordinator – Mr. Furter Malherbe