Student Support Team

M.Ed. in Counseling – Southeastern Oklahoma State University M.A. in History – Western Carolina University B.A. – James Madison University

American

Mr. Whit has served as the DP/MYP Counselor at ISD since August 2022. Originally from the southeastern United States, he grew up dreaming of exploring the world beyond his small hometown. Today, he lives in Debrecen with his wife and two children, who are also students at ISD.After initially working in the tech industry, Whit realized his passion lay in education and has now spent over 25 years working with students in a wide range of settings He worked in education in the US as well as South Korea and the Northern Mariana Islands. His experience spans social-emotional counseling, outdoor education, mentoring at-risk youth, ESL, college counseling, research, and history in international classrooms.

Whit’s education philosophy is grounded in diverse experiences and lifelong learning. He believes in being prepared, active, supportive, flexible, having fun, and doing good work. He is passionate about guiding students through their MYP and DP years and helping them discover paths that energize and inspire them.

Degree in Special Education, Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), Budapest
Degree in English Language Teaching and Communication, Kodolányi János University of Applied Sciences, Székesfehérvár
Postgraduate Professional Teaching Qualification with specialization in Animal-Assisted Therapy, University of Debrecen, Faculty of Child Education and Special Education

Hungarian

Sarolta Rácz is a Learning Support Coordinator and Teacher at ISD with over ten years of experience in the field of special education and learning support. She is deeply passionate about her work and considers it her mission to ensure that every child at ISD experiences success and a sense of achievement.Sarolta believes that close collaboration with parents and colleagues is essential in supporting students’ development effectively. She believes that students learn best when they feel safe, understood, and supported. Empathy, safety, curiosity, and resilience are key qualities that students cultivate through high-quality education.

She brings clarity, structure, and a calm, supportive presence to both classroom settings and one-on-one sessions, helping students approach challenges with growing confidence and independence. Sarolta is committed to continuous professional development and actively follows the latest research and international best practices in learning support and inclusive education to further refine her expertise.

HDE in Secondary Education – University of KwaZulu Natal (South Africa)
Master’s Degree in Education (Counseling) – Wake Forest University (USA)

Zimbabwean born and South African raised/citizen

Beverley joined ISD at the beginning of the 25/26 school year, via the UK and 14 other countries in her 30+ years as an international educator (22 years as a counsellor). She started her career teaching in a shipping container in the Kalahari desert and has gone on to work in state and international day and boarding schools on 5 continents. Over the years she has taught 9 subjects and supported grade 1-12 students as a personal counsellor, and as career advisor she helped students gain admission into universities from Oxford to equally great fit liberal arts colleges. She has taken on safeguarding responsibilities and overseen student leadership groups. After school she has coached most ball sports and swimming.Community wellbeing has been at the forefront of Bev’s work as a counsellor. She has seen how connection and belonging can have a transformative effect on a child (and adult for that matter). Research has shown that the most effective tool counsellors have at their disposal is providing a space where a person can be heard, accepted, and championed. She believes that people have the capacity to change as they gain valuable insight and effective strategies. Life is messy and people are complex, but a caring counselor can draw from a deep reserve of patience, understanding, and genuine empathy. Counselors have been referred to as “wounded healers” for many have come from a place of brokenness to find healing and strength to support others. It is such a privilege to walk alongside a child/adult as they move through this journey.

Psychologist / International School Counselor

Italian

Engy is the Middle and High School Counselor at our school and has been serving in this role for the past four years within international school settings around the world. She is deeply passionate about prioritizing mental health and wellbeing in schools and is a strong advocate for her students’ needs. Engy works collaboratively with leadership, parents, and teachers to ensure students receive comprehensive and meaningful support.She firmly believes in approaching each student from a holistic perspective, recognizing that when academic, social, and emotional needs are supported together, students can achieve remarkable growth. Engy is a dedicated counselor who brings empathy, compassion, and collaboration to her work, guiding students toward becoming the best version of themselves both inside and outside the classroom.

Committed to continuous professional growth, Engy regularly participates in professional development opportunities and attends conferences and training through organizations such as the International School Counselor Association (ISCA).

BA in Conductor-Teacher from Semmelweis University, Pető András Faculty

Hungarian

Katalin Gulyás is a Conductor-Teacher and Movement and Motor Development Specialist at ISD with over twenty years of international experience working in multicultural educational settings. She supports students’ motor development, coordination, and independence through purposeful, structured movement programs aligned with the IB philosophy.Katalin integrates elements of Occupational Therapy (OT) to enhance fine and gross motor skills, sensory regulation, and functional independence, ensuring students can fully access learning. She believes that agency, resilience, and confidence are nurtured when children feel supported and capable. Her calm and encouraging approach helps students develop self-management skills and grow as balanced, reflective learners.