Guiding and safeguarding
ISTA’s global arts learning mission

Steven is originally from the UK and has lived and worked around the world – from Australia through to Hong Kong, South Africa and France. He is now settled in London. Steven previously held various executive leadership roles in financial services – from strategy, through to marketing and general management. He continues to hold non-executive roles in fintech start-ups and is an accredited executive coach, working with senior leaders across a spectrum of industries.

Steven is passionate about inclusion and is Trustee for a charity supporting young adults ‘at risk’ across the Balkans, and also helps run a project, with the Shakespeare Schools Foundation, for secondary schools in disadvantaged parts of the Midlands and North Yorkshire, UK.

Steven has had a long-standing and active interest in the performing arts – for many years, he helped run community theatre groups in Hong Kong. He was formerly a Trustee at The Audience Business (Edinburgh), Deputy Chair of The Audience Agency (UK) and Chairman of its technology subsidiary. Steven joined the ISTA Board in April 2025 and is delighted to be able to see how he can help support the growth of ISTA’s network and services for teachers and young people.

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Malina holds a BFA in Acting and a BEd. She began her career in Canadian theatre as a stage manager for companies such as Obsidian Theatre Company, Theatre Passe Muraille, Soulpepper Theatre, and Canadian Stage Company.

Malina is an educator and artist driven by the desire to explore and question the world around her. She believes that theatre is a powerful tool for reflecting on humanity and exploring important themes and issues. Malina is honoured to serve ISTA and looks forward to learning and growing alongside the organisation as they move forward together.

Caroline, born and raised in Atlanta, GA, USA, has always had a passion for theatre and the performing arts. After a childhood career as a voiceover artist and a significant experience in IB Theatre, she graduated from DePaul University with a BFA in Theatre Management. Caroline moved to Washington, D.C., in 2018 to work in Institutional Giving at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Caroline is passionate about the intersections of art, social justice, education, and accessibility. She believes that the arts are a powerful tool for community empowerment and change-making and has witnessed the impact of world-class art and education firsthand. Caroline is honoured to join the board of trustees and looks forward to contributing her perspective as both a professional fundraiser and a recent IB Theatre student.

Helen is originally from South Africa and holds a BA Honours degree in Dramatic Art fromthe African School for the Creative Economy, as well as a Master of Fine Arts in Culturefrom the University of London. With over 20 years of experience in Arts education, Helen is currently the Head of Performing Arts at Marymount International School London.

An IB Principal Examiner and workshop leader, Helen has also contributed to pilot Theatre courses and is a passionate advocate for International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) having been involved as an artist, ensemble leader and DP Theatre lead, and the transformative power of the Arts in education.

Helen believes that in an ever-changing global landscape, Arts education is not simply valuable, but essential. She is deeply committed to creating spaces where creativity, collaboration, empathy, and cultural understanding can flourish, empowering young people to find their voice and engage meaningfully with the world around them. She is proud to be part of such a respected and forward-thinking international educational community.

Elana grew up as a Taiwanese-American within the vibrant cultural landscape of Shanghai, China, embodying the true essence of a third-culture kid. She later pursued her BA and MA in drama and applied theatre at Goldsmiths and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London.

For Elana, theatre is less about performing on stage and more about the transformation it can inspire within individuals and communities. The theatre that resonates most with her is the kind that fosters personal growth and development. Elana now works as a freelancer with schools, nonprofits, and arts centres globally, developing programmes and workshops that focus on creative self-expression and confidence. ISTA was a significant inspiration for Elana as a student, and she is excited to give back and grow alongside the organisation as a board member.

Rene is an educational leader, curriculum innovator, and arts advocate committed to reimagining how schools prepare students for an evolving world. She currently serves as Assistant Principal at Dakota High School in Macomb, Michigan, bringing nearly 30 years of experience across teaching, international program development, and school leadership.

Beginning her career as an English and theatre teacher, Rene spent over 15 years fostering creativity, critical thinking, and student voice through literature and performance. Her background in the arts continues to shape her leadership philosophy: that education must be both rigorous and deeply human.

She holds a Doctor of Education from the University of Michigan and serves as an IB Theatre examiner and ISTA workshop leader, collaborating with educators worldwide to strengthen arts education. A strong advocate for equity and access, she is passionate about connecting students to meaningful career pathways and ensuring learning is relevant and empowering.

A published poet and frequent presenter, Rene was a finalist for Assistant Principal of the Year by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals. She remains a leading voice in advancing creativity, career-connected learning, and the future of education.

Sheila has a lifelong commitment to creativity, diversity, and engagement in the arts. As Chair of the South-West Arts Council UK and a Trustee of its National Council, Sheila significantly contributed to major policy and investment decisions across various art forms, from theatre to dance, music to museums, and creative collaboration across the globe.

As a Chief Executive in local government and a Director with Central Government, Sheila led strategic change and improvement programmes in collaboration with business, cultural organisations, and local communities. As a Trustee of Kneehigh Theatre, she promoted a global perspective, ensuring the company became internationally renowned. Sheila has also played a key role in the development of the Walsall Art Gallery, the Ikon (Birmingham), and Tate St Ives. She has served as Chair of the Audiences Agency and Audiences Central. Sheila now acts as an independent consultant and advisor for the arts and culture and is a member of the board of several cultural organisations, including Bristol Ideas. She is delighted to contribute to the development and progression of ISTA’s work.