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Who We Are » ISH Leadership Team

ISH Leadership Team

Linda LaPine
Ms. Linda LaPine
Head of School
 
Born and raised in Westchester County in New York, Linda began her teaching career working in public and private schools. She moved abroad and embarked on her international career in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Linda went on to work at the Singapore American School, the Anglo-American School of Moscow, the International School of Panama, ACS Hillingdon International School in London, and GEMS World Academy in Abu Dhabi.
 
While living in Singapore, Linda adopted her two daughters, both from China. Raising her daughters in five different countries, Linda knows first-hand the advantages that the international school environment provides in developing true global citizens. The eldest now works internationally as a freelance artist and her youngest is attending university in the U.S. studying to be an elementary teacher.
 
The power of education to change lives drew Linda to teaching and from the day she stepped into her first classroom, she knew she had taken the right path. Linda is immensely excited to be a member of the ISH community. The September reopening of the beautiful campus has allowed her to engage face-to-face with students and teachers to develop the relationships that are so important in a learning environment.
 
Linda holds an MPS in Special Education from Manhattanville University as well as a BA in Urban Studies from the State University of New York - College at Purchase. She has completed extensive postgraduate coursework in education including certification in International School Leadership through the Principal’s Training Center.
 
Ben Wilkins
Mr. Benjamin Wilkins
Principal - Secondary School 
Ben Wilkins is from Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Ben has a bachelor’s degree in Finance, and a Master of Arts in Teaching and is currently completing his Ed.D in International School Leadership at the College of William & Mary in Virginia.
 
Prior to being an administrator, Ben taught mathematics and business studies at the middle and high school levels. Ben’s mission as a school leader is built around student success and personal growth. To achieve his mission he works to encourage whole child development, leadership by example, and exemplifying excellence.  
 
An active health enthusiast, he enjoys playing squash and golf, traveling, and taking photos. He has visited India numerous times and is delighted to be a part of the ISH family.
 
Ms Catherine Erpen
Ms Catherine Erpen
Principal - Elementary School 
Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Catherine worked in public schools in England and Wales before embarking on an international career. Catherine's first posting was at Chiang Mai International School in Thailand, following which she worked at Tohoku International School in Japan and then GEMS World Academy - Abu Dhabi in the UAE. During this time, Catherine has enjoyed a variety of roles including primary teacher and K-3 Department Head, Head of Elementary, PYP Coordinator, Assistant Principal and Principal. 
 
Catherine holds a Bachelor’s (Hons) degree in Primary Education from the University of Wales, a Master’s degree in Education from The Open University, and a Certificate in Advanced Education Leadership from Harvard University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) through Durham University Business School. In addition, Catherine is in the process of completing certification in International School Leadership through the Principal’s Training Center and a National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) through the Best Practice Network. 
 
Catherine is a passionate leader committed to fostering an environment in which students are engaged, challenged, inspired, and supported. She believes that a concept-rich, inquiry-based education not only provides learners with a broad knowledge and deep understandings but ensures students develop the necessary skills and dispositions that will ensure they grow into caring, culturally-competent and creative individuals who are able to make a positive difference in the communities to which they belong. Catherine fosters a collaborative culture that recognizes and embraces children’s curiosities, competencies and capabilities, while also promoting the value of hard work and perseverance. Catherine believes that people matter and strong relationships are at the heart of all we do. She encourages collaboration between all members of the learning community and values strong partnerships with parents.