Leadership
My name is Tom McLean and I am honored to introduce myself as the Director at ISD. My application to Debrecen was inspired by the vision for ISD to be a key factor in the development of its region. I have learned, through conversations with ISD students, parents, teachers and administrators, how much the school means to the Debrecen community. There is a powerful desire to create a school culture in which everyone grows and that students develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to become successful contributors to society. I strongly believe that together we can leverage the International Baccalaureate (IB) to build a school culture in which everyone can flourish.
My understanding of international education has been shaped by seventeen years of experience teaching, learning and leading in five vastly different schools in Europe, Africa, South East Asia, and the Middle East. This experience has taught me that the IB provides an outstanding infrastructure on which to build a school that teaches students to think for themselves, care for others, and act in the best interests of all. I believe my most important role as Director is to help create the conditions in which our community can learn together as individuals and as an organization. Our community must build a shared vision, goals, and strategies around a common understanding of the IB but first we must take the time to learn about and care for each other.
My Scottish-Hungarian family are deeply invested in the success of ISD. Abi, my wife has a teaching role in the Kindergarten and our sons Jack and Sean joined the PYP at ISD. Abi and I are both global citizens with an interest in people and a taste for adventure. We met in The Gambia in 2006, while I was working in my first international teaching role and she was conducting cultural anthropological research on behalf of ELTE university.
Sean and Jack were both born during our time in the Philippines. They are kind, happy, and active boys with a love for sports, particularly football. They have benefited enormously from their international education thus far, but we believe ISD will add a new dimension by helping them to consolidate their identity as global citizens. Jack and Sean are native English speakers, but we have been committed to them becoming bilingual since their birth. Abi only speaks with them in Hungarian and we believe that immersion in the Debrecen community will result in them becoming native Hungarian speakers as well. Bilingualism will enable our children to become truly internationally minded by enabling them to think from multiple cultural perspectives.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts - Charles Sturt University
Graduate Diploma Education - University of Sydney
Bachelor of Educational Studies - University of Melbourne
Master of School Leadership, Monash University
Biography:
Lucille Burden is the MS/HS Principal at ISD and is an experienced teacher and educational leader who believes that schools are vibrant learning communities where every individual is known, valued and supported to grow. With extensive experience across secondary teaching and leadership roles—including Principal and Assistant Principal. Lucille brings both strategic expertise and a deep commitment to inclusive practice.
Her leadership is grounded in the belief that all students can learn and that improvement in schools begins with strong relationships. She prioritises connection, collaboration and clear communication, fostering a culture where students, teachers and leaders see themselves as learners. Lucille is particularly passionate about inclusion and diversity, recognising that the varied strengths, perspectives and experiences within a school community are what make it dynamic and strong.
Lucille is committed to delivering high-quality learning and to leading thoughtful, purposeful change. She believes great schools continually evolve—building on practices that enhance learning while courageously disrupting those that do not serve students well. Her focus is always on improving both the quality of learning and the quality of life for every member of the school community.
Above all, Lucille sees her role as empowering others. She is dedicated to building leadership capacity at every level and creating an environment where students and staff feel confident to take initiative, think deeply, and contribute meaningfully.
Best Teaching Moment:
One of Lucille’s most memorable teaching moments was witnessing a previously disengaged student present their learning with confidence after weeks of scaffolding, encouragement and belief. Seeing that student recognise their own capability reinforced her core conviction: when students feel safe, supported and challenged, they rise beyond expectations. It is these moments—when growth becomes visible—that continue to inspire her work in education.
Bachelor of Arts - Charles Sturt University
Graduate Diploma Education - University of Sydney
Bachelor of Educational Studies - University of Melbourne
Master of School Leadership, Monash University
Biography:
Lucille Burden is the MS/HS Principal at ISD and is an experienced teacher and educational leader who believes that schools are vibrant learning communities where every individual is known, valued and supported to grow. With extensive experience across secondary teaching and leadership roles—including Principal and Assistant Principal. Lucille brings both strategic expertise and a deep commitment to inclusive practice.
Her leadership is grounded in the belief that all students can learn and that improvement in schools begins with strong relationships. She prioritises connection, collaboration and clear communication, fostering a culture where students, teachers and leaders see themselves as learners. Lucille is particularly passionate about inclusion and diversity, recognising that the varied strengths, perspectives and experiences within a school community are what make it dynamic and strong.
Lucille is committed to delivering high-quality learning and to leading thoughtful, purposeful change. She believes great schools continually evolve—building on practices that enhance learning while courageously disrupting those that do not serve students well. Her focus is always on improving both the quality of learning and the quality of life for every member of the school community.
Above all, Lucille sees her role as empowering others. She is dedicated to building leadership capacity at every level and creating an environment where students and staff feel confident to take initiative, think deeply, and contribute meaningfully.
Best Teaching Moment:
One of Lucille’s most memorable teaching moments was witnessing a previously disengaged student present their learning with confidence after weeks of scaffolding, encouragement and belief. Seeing that student recognise their own capability reinforced her core conviction: when students feel safe, supported and challenged, they rise beyond expectations. It is these moments—when growth becomes visible—that continue to inspire her work in education.
Rosie Fawcett
Elementary School Principal
Degree
BA Hons Education and Dance – University of Bath Spa, UK
Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) – University of East London, UK
Certificate of International Leadership – Principals’ Training Centre
Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) – University of East London, UK
Certificate of International Leadership – Principals’ Training Centre
Nationality
British
Biography
Rosie is an experienced international school leader with a strong track record in nurturing diverse, inclusive, and globally minded learning communities. As an Elementary Principal, she brings deep knowledge of child development, empathetic leadership, and a commitment to creating environments where both students and teachers can thrive.
With over 19 years of experience living and working in multicultural settings across Europe, Rosie is passionate about building school cultures that value creativity, wellbeing, and authentic learning experiences. She believes that children learn best when they feel understood, supported, and encouraged to explore their potential with confidence and curiosity.
Known for her calm presence, collaborative leadership style, and strategic approach to school improvement, Rosie works closely with families, faculty, and school teams to create meaningful, student-centered educational experiences. She continuously seeks innovative approaches that strengthen teaching and learning across the Elementary School.Rosie is proud to lead a dedicated team of educators and to contribute to a learning environment where every child is encouraged to discover their strengths, take risks, and thrive.
With over 19 years of experience living and working in multicultural settings across Europe, Rosie is passionate about building school cultures that value creativity, wellbeing, and authentic learning experiences. She believes that children learn best when they feel understood, supported, and encouraged to explore their potential with confidence and curiosity.
Known for her calm presence, collaborative leadership style, and strategic approach to school improvement, Rosie works closely with families, faculty, and school teams to create meaningful, student-centered educational experiences. She continuously seeks innovative approaches that strengthen teaching and learning across the Elementary School.Rosie is proud to lead a dedicated team of educators and to contribute to a learning environment where every child is encouraged to discover their strengths, take risks, and thrive.
Best Teaching Moment
There is no better feeling than watching a student who joined the school with very little English, standing on stage presenting in an assembly with confidence and courage. When you see that you know you’re doing something right!
I have been an educator for the last thirteen years teaching Integrated Sciences, English Language and Literature, and English Language Acquisition in Grades 1-11. I joined ISD in 2021 as the MYP Science teacher. The following year, I accepted the role of Middle/High School Principal as ISD was making the critical transition from a new start-up school to a fully accredited IB World School. This role allowed me to work closely with all members of the ISD community as together we strive to ensure high-quality teaching and learning. From 2025 I am the Assistant Principal of the Middle/High School.
I earned a BA in International Studies and Foreign Languages and a Master of Arts in Teaching. I am on course to earn the Principals’ Training Center Certificate of International School Leadership. I am passionate about impactful learning and its effective application for personal, professional, and community growth.
I am originally from Idaho, USA. I enjoy practicing my Hungarian language skills, playing the piano, and singing. My Hungarian wife and I are delighted to live in Debrecen with our three boys, each of whom was born in a different country. This multi-cultural, bilingual, American-Hungarian heritage has encouraged my family to become internationally-minded world citizens. We are deeply invested in the long-term success of ISD as it contributes to the economic and educational development of the region and country.
Angélica Maria Cárdenas Infante
Elementary School Assistant Principal
Degree
Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages (English and Spanish), Universidad de La Salle (Bogotá, Colombia)
Nationality
Columian
Biography
Angélica Cárdenas is the Elementary School Assistant Principal and PYP Coordinator at the International School of Debrecen (ISD). With 26 years in education and experience in Colombia, Brazil, and Hungary, she is passionate about concept-based, inquiry-driven learning that empowers student agency and meaningful action. Angélica leads key PYP initiatives, including the PYP Exhibition and Programme of Inquiry development, and supports collaborative planning across grade levels. She values strong home–school partnerships and believes learning is most powerful when students, teachers, and families work together.
Best Teaching Moment
Angélica will always consider herself a teacher, even in leadership roles. One of her favorite memories from teaching in Brazil was creating an inquiry into Colombia during a unit on cultures and countries. Students became so engaged that many families later traveled to Colombia, and parents shared that their children could describe the country in detail and recognize many well-known places, an experience that reminded her how powerful meaningful, authentic learning can be.
Barbara works as ISD’s Head of Human Resources and Compliance. She is responsible for defining and implementing the HR strategy of the School, ranging from recruitment through HR management systems to all other aspects of employee relations.
In the compliance field she ensures that ISD has a solid framework for meeting a variety of regulatory and other, accreditation requirements as a key pillar of the school’s operational excellence initiative.
Barbara’s previous work experience includes legal, compliance and HR roles, both in Hungary and abroad. She worked as an in-house Legal Counsel of the Hungarian Customs Authority, as a Court Secretary supervising the legal compliant operations of non-profit organizations in Hajdu-Bihar County and as an HR project specialist while living in the UK for a US multinational company in the technology sector.
She studied business administration and HR management while living in Austin, Texas for 18 months. She graduated as a lawyer from the University of Debrecen in 2002, passed her Hungarian legal bar exams in 2007, earned a mediator degree in 2022, and she is finishing her LLM in HR Management in December, 2023. As a life-long learner herself, a heartfelt cause for Barbara is supporting mothers to continue to train themselves even while at home with small children and encouraging them to successfully return to building a career. Barbara is a proud mother of two teenagers, loves traveling and playing tennis in her free time with her children and her husband.
Zoltán has always been interested in numbers and economics, he made his economics degree at International Business School in Budapest. Before ISD he spent 15 years at various multinational companies where he gained several years of experience in controlling, financial analysis, data management, and project management.
He joined to ISD as Finance Manager in 2021 and was promoted to Business Manager in 2022.
He joined to ISD as Finance Manager in 2021 and was promoted to Business Manager in 2022.
Being a professional project manager with 10+ years of startup experience in strategic planning, HR, marketing and branding Katalin was on of the first employees of ISD and helped to establish the school from scratch. She is keen on implementing ideas that result in community improvement and social change in the long run.
She has three master degrees: she graduated as a PYP teacher in 2000, in 2005 she received her European Expert diploma at University of Debrecen, Human and Social Sciences, finally in 2022 she became an HR Expert and earned her third diploma at University of Debrecen, Faculty of Law.
During her career she obtained several professional qualifications, such as General Data Protection Expert and Consumer Protection Expert. She began as a PYP teacher but after the birth of her two children, she started working in online media covering four countries. She organized Wedding Exhibitions in three counties between 2007 - 2010.
Then she moved retail sales, where she worked as a Deputy Manager of a hypermarket franchise. During this time she was asked to coordinate the Hungarian distribution of a British retail company from Debrecen: she actively participated in the opening of 13 stores in Hungary, trained managers, second level managers and was awarded with the title of ‘Europe's store manager’.
She started to work at ISD in 2018 as Communication and HR Manager, brought all her professional experience, communication and organizational skills, enthusiasm and cheerful personality to ISD. She became part of the Leadership Team and is responsible for the Admission and Communication of ISD.
She has three master degrees: she graduated as a PYP teacher in 2000, in 2005 she received her European Expert diploma at University of Debrecen, Human and Social Sciences, finally in 2022 she became an HR Expert and earned her third diploma at University of Debrecen, Faculty of Law.
During her career she obtained several professional qualifications, such as General Data Protection Expert and Consumer Protection Expert. She began as a PYP teacher but after the birth of her two children, she started working in online media covering four countries. She organized Wedding Exhibitions in three counties between 2007 - 2010.
Then she moved retail sales, where she worked as a Deputy Manager of a hypermarket franchise. During this time she was asked to coordinate the Hungarian distribution of a British retail company from Debrecen: she actively participated in the opening of 13 stores in Hungary, trained managers, second level managers and was awarded with the title of ‘Europe's store manager’.
She started to work at ISD in 2018 as Communication and HR Manager, brought all her professional experience, communication and organizational skills, enthusiasm and cheerful personality to ISD. She became part of the Leadership Team and is responsible for the Admission and Communication of ISD.
