Head of School – Ms Elvan Tongal

Ms. Elvan Tongal has served as Head of School for MEF International School Istanbul and MEF International School Izmir since August 2019. With more than 35 years of experience in education, including nearly two decades in senior leadership, she is a passionate educational leader dedicated to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and student well-being.

Ms. Tongal began her career as a History teacher and has held a variety of leadership positions in respected independent schools throughout Türkiye. Prior to joining MEF, she served as the Founding Director of SEV American College, where she played a key role in establishing a strong culture of academic excellence and international-mindedness.

An experienced International Baccalaureate educator, Ms. Tongal has specialized in the IB Diploma Programme for many years. She has served as an IB Workshop Leader since 2013 and, in 2023, became an accredited member of the IB Evaluation Team, supporting schools around the world in maintaining the highest standards of IB education.

Committed to the continuous professional growth of educators, Ms. Tongal has also been a part-time instructor at the Teachers’ Academy Foundation (ÖRAV) since 2010. Throughout her career, she has contributed to a number of influential educational initiatives, including Sabancı University’s Alternative History Textbooks Project, No Teaching Limit, and the Digital European Union Project, which developed digital learning resources for primary and secondary school students.

Ms. Tongal holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Marmara University and two master’s degrees: one in Educational Administration and Supervision from Bahçeşehir University, and another from Sabancı University, where she focused on the Alternative History Textbooks Project.

A firm believer in lifelong learning, Ms. Tongal describes herself as a proud “digital immigrant” who continues to embrace innovation while remaining deeply committed to the human connections at the heart of education. She believes that every student deserves an inclusive, inspiring learning environment that nurtures curiosity, integrity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

Whole School Principal – Ms. Lauren Henrietta Fajobi

Ms. Lauren Henrietta Fajobi serves as the Whole School Principal of MEF International School Istanbul, providing academic and operational leadership across both the Primary and Secondary Schools. Since joining MEF IS, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening teaching and learning, advancing strategic initiatives, and fostering a collaborative school culture centered on student success.

With extensive experience in international education and standards-based learning, Ms. Fajobi has held a variety of leadership positions throughout her career, including Head of Upper School at The Ellis School, Associate Director of Upper School at Thaden School, Deputy Principal at MEF International School Istanbul, and Academic Dean, where she served as both IB Diploma Programme Coordinator and Cambridge Coordinator.

Throughout her leadership journey, Ms. Fajobi has championed initiatives that enhance teaching, learning, and student well-being. She has led the implementation of standards-based grading, promoted innovative and student-centered instructional practices, facilitated professional learning for educators, and introduced reflective and restorative approaches that strengthen school culture and build positive relationships across the community.

Dedicated to continuous school improvement, Ms. Fajobi has also served on accreditation team visits with Middle States Association – Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), contributing to the evaluation and development of international schools worldwide.

Before moving into senior leadership, Ms. Fajobi taught a broad range of subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, General Science, Physical Science, and Spanish. Her classroom experience across multiple disciplines continues to inform her commitment to authentic, inquiry-based learning and the holistic development of every student. She has also mentored aspiring educators through the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at the University of Mississippi.

Ms. Fajobi holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Physiology and Neurobiology and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture from the University of Maryland, College Park, where she was awarded the prestigious Banneker/Key Scholarship, the university’s highest merit-based scholarship for Honors College students. She also earned a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Mississippi.

As Whole School Principal, Ms. Fajobi is committed to fostering an inclusive, internationally minded learning community where every student is challenged to think critically, act with integrity, and develop the confidence and skills to thrive in an ever-changing world. She believes that strong relationships, continuous reflection, and a shared commitment to excellence are the foundations of an outstanding school.

Primary School Deputy Principal – Mr. Carlos Isern

Mr. Carlos Isern is the Deputy Principal of Primary School, leveraging over 16 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.

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 21 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 Aydınkal

Cansu Ece Aydınkal is the IB Diploma Programme Coordinator at MEF International School, Istanbul. She brings over 11 years of experience in international science education and a strong academic background in physics, holding both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Teaching Physics from Boğaziçi University.

Throughout her career, Cansu has taught across a range of grade levels and curriculum frameworks, consistently focusing on creating engaging, inquiry-based science learning experiences. Her approach to education is rooted in conceptual understanding, real-world relevance, and fostering student voice — qualities she also emphasizes in her leadership.

Cansu is a certified educator in all IB Category 1, 2, and 3 workshops and an active member of the International Baccalaureate Educator Network (IBEN). As an IB Workshop Leader, she is aiming to contribute to the professional growth of educators worldwide by facilitating training sessions and supporting schools in delivering high-quality IB programmes.

In 2025, Cansu was selected to join the prestigious CERN High School Teacher Programme, where she had the opportunity to work alongside leading scientists and explore cutting-edge research in particle physics. This experience continues to inform her efforts to bring authentic scientific inquiry into the classroom and inspire students to see themselves as future problem-solvers.

As DP Coordinator, she is dedicated to guiding students through the academic and personal journey of the Diploma Programme while supporting teachers in curriculum planning, assessment, and professional development. She is passionate about building a learning environment that is academically rigorous, emotionally supportive, and globally minded.

Cambridge Program Coordinator – Mr. Furter Malherbe

In his new role as Cambridge Programme Coordinator, Mr. Furter Malherbe brings over 15 years of international teaching and leadership experience to MEF International School. His career has taken him across Türkiye, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, giving him a broad perspective on diverse educational systems and strong expertise in curriculum management and school leadership.

Mr. Malherbe has held several key positions, including Deputy Principal, Academic Coordinator, Head of the Science Department, NCUK Manager, and Cambridge Exams Officer. As Cambridge Head of Centre, he oversaw the delivery of the Cambridge International curriculum at IGCSE, AS, and A-Level, while managing examination logistics and ensuring compliance with international standards. He has also played a key role in supporting schools in achieving accreditation for both COBIS and NCUK.

Mr. Malherbe, by trade, is a Biology teacher who holds a B.Sc. in Life Science and a B.Sc. in Environmental Science, along with a Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary and Tertiary Education. In addition to teaching, he has extensive experience in managing school timetables and examination schedules, coordinating professional development for teachers, mentoring staff, and guiding students as they prepare for university. He believes in fostering a collaborative school culture where clear communication and strong partnerships between students, teachers, and families drive success.

Outside of his professional role, Mr. Malherbe enjoys chess and playing squash when time allows. He looks forward to contributing to MEF’s vibrant academic culture and supporting students in achieving their full potential in an interconnected world.

Head of the MEF International Schools Istanbul and Izmir Counseling Department and  Whole School Safeguarding Lead – Pelin Uster

In her role, she provides strategic leadership in counseling, student wellbeing, and safeguarding.

She also serves as the Primary School Counselor, Primary Student Support Team (SST) Department Head, Primary Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and Primary PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education) Teacher at MEF International Schools.

With 29 years of professional experience, Pelin has served as a school counselor and Head of Counseling Department at several of Istanbul’s leading private schools. She is currently in her 13th year at MEF International Schools.

Pelin graduated with honors from Boğaziçi University, where she completed a double major in Psychological Counseling and Guidance and Psychology. During her undergraduate studies, she also participated in an academic exchange program at the State University of New York at Binghamton. She later earned an Executive MBA from Işık University and continues her professional development in the fields of mentoring, coaching, wellbeing, and safeguarding.

She has completed extensive professional development in psychology, psychological counseling and guidance, child and adolescent mental health, mentoring and coaching, and student wellbeing. She has also undertaken specialised safeguarding and child protection training through the Council of International Schools (CIS), along with numerous other national and international professional development programmes, reflecting her ongoing commitment to best practice in education, safeguarding, and student support.

Working collaboratively with school leaders, teachers, students, and families, Pelin is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Her leadership is characterised by collaboration, proactive problem-solving, and a strong commitment to child protection and student wellbeing.

Pelin’s professional practice is grounded in the core values of kindness, respect, empathy, and integrity, which shape both her leadership style and her daily interactions with the school community.

Pelin is also a proud MEF parent. One of her sons is a graduate of MEF Schools, and her younger son is currently a student at MEF National High School, giving her both a professional and a parent’s perspective on the MEF community.