HomeWho We Are

Reflecting on the remarkable achievements of AISH's 26-year history and steadfast guidance of the Board of Trustees, it is clear that AISH has been pivotal in supporting the growth and success of school heads worldwide. At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to fostering a community where international school leadership thrives.

As we celebrate more than a quarter century of leadership excellence, AISH remains committed to innovation and growth. We are dedicated to enhancing our online and in-person presence, expanding mentorship, coaching, and consulting programs, and strengthening professional standards to meet the evolving needs of our members.

We believe that our collective expertise empowers us to navigate challenges, make sense of the increasing complexity of the role of a Head, and to seize opportunities for collaborating on a global scale. Together, we will continue to elevate the standards of international school leadership and inspire our students to thrive in an interconnected world.

Our Team

AISH is led by two Co-CEOs, Jeff and Sheena, who share the role by deliberate design. They lead together so that Heads across the network always have someone who understands their world —whether that's a question about governance, a challenging season of leadership, or simply the need to talk something through with someone who's been there.

Sharing this role doesn't just divide the work; it multiplies AISH's capacity to reach, respond to, and genuinely support the Heads who make up its membership.

Read Jeff and Sheena's bios below.

Sheena Nabholz and Jeff Paulson

AISH Co-CEO's

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Jeff's Story

Jeff's Story

Jeff Paulson serves as the Co-CEO of AISH, bringing over 30 years of experience in international education to his role. He has held teaching, counseling, and leadership positions in six different international settings, including the United States, England, Malaysia, Peru, Venezuela, and Switzerland. With 15 years of experience as a Head of School in Venezuela, Switzerland, and the USA, Jeff has demonstrated a strong commitment to educational leadership.

Jeff holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Policy and Administration (Ed.D.) from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology (Ed.M.) from Boston University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (B.A.) from Augustana College. He has also completed the Klingenstein Head of School Program at Columbia University and is recognized as an Executive Scholar with the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. His most recent academic work was earning a certificate in Executive Coaching from Columbia University.

Jeff's dedication to international education has been recognized by the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE), reflecting his lifelong commitment to the field.

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Sheena's Story

Sheena's Story

Sheena's international education career began after a decade of teaching high school mathematics in Canada when she and her husband embarked on an overseas journey. Over the next 21 years, she held various teaching and leadership roles in Egypt, Costa Rica, Syria, and Jordan, and later served as a school head in Cameroon and Ghana.

After returning to North America, Sheena joined Search Associates as the Director of School Relations, gaining valuable global insights into diverse educational contexts. Her experience in leadership ignited a strong interest in governance, leading her to serve on the boards of the Educational Collaborative of International Schools (ECIS) as Treasurer, and the Academy for International School Heads (AISH).

Certified as a Leadership and Performance Coach through Brown University, Sheena enjoys partnering with Heads in thought-provoking conversations to inspire them to maximize their professional and personal potential. She co-facilitates AISH’s course, "Cultivating a Positive Culture of School Governance," and has served as a board governance trainer. As Co-CEO of AISH, she partners with Jeff to drive strategic initiatives, focusing on community engagement, program enhancement, financial stewardship, and operational excellence.

The AISH Board of Trustees

Guiding the strategy, in service of Heads

President
Chrissie Sorenson
TKonnect,
Germany

Vice-President
Marta Medved-Krajnovic
Western Academy of Beijing,
China

Treasurer
Alan Knobloch
International School of Hamburg,
Germany

The Trustees

Charles (Chip) Barder

Governance Training Center,
U.S.A.

Nada Collins
Associacion Escuelas Lincoln, Argentina

Catarina Song Chen
Uruguayan American School
Uruguay

Tim Carr
Joyful Learning Leaders,
U.S.A.

Karrie Dietz
Nexus International School, Singapore

Kevin Glass
Atlanta International School,
U.S.A.

Coreen Hester
Resource Group 175 (RG175),
U.S.A.

Vladimir Kuskovski
Trinity Private School,
Cyprus

Cinde Lock
Pickering College,
Canada

James MacDonald
Head in Transition
Canada

Laurie McLellan
Nanjing International School, China

Eileen Niederman
Int'l School of Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Jay Teston
Nibras International School, U.A.E.

The AISH Strategic Plan

In 2023, the AISH Board of Trustees, together with AISH leadership, developed an ambitious plan to guide the organization into its second quarter-century and we're excited about the forward-focused vision of what we hope to achieve in support of the global international school community.

Since 1999, AISH has been for Heads, by Heads, and that commitment remains. Rooted in our commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation, this plan outlines key priorities and initiatives designed to support leadership development, foster sustainable governance, and enhance the global impact of our members. Through this strategic roadmap, AISH is poised to empower school heads and their leadership teams to navigate the challenges of today’s educational landscape and drive meaningful, lasting change.

The strategic plan seeks to address the following:

AISH’s role as a hub for international school heads, fostering a supportive network, and addressing the various needs of its members.
AISH’s professional development offerings and refine its leadership and operational structure for greater efficiency and sustainability.
AISH’s image as a forward-thinking, innovative organization while maintaining relevance and enhancing its impact on international school heads.
AISH’s actions towards achieving financial sustainability and revenue diversification
AISH’s guide for decision-making and progress tracking over the five-year period

Membership is open Heads and Deputy Heads of exemplary schools around the
globe as well as Principals and Senior Leadership Team members aspiring to become a Head.

Learn More about Membership