Name: Kyle van Hall
From: Northern Virginia, US
Background: Mr. van Hall joined BBIS Boarding as a live-in mentor for the 2014-15 school year. He has lived and traveled throughout the world and, having discovered his passion for Germany as an exchange student, now considers Germany his second home. He has also worked for over 10 years as a teacher in IB and bilingual schools teaching history, geography and English; and was an international youth worker and a wilderness guide.
Passions: In his free time, he canoes on the nearby lakes, bikes through the local forests or experiments with cooking gourmet meals.
Name: Nicholas Heymans
From: Knysna, South Africa
Background: Mr. Heymans has held different positions within the boarding school environment over the last 8 years and has a Bachelor of Education from the University of South Africa. He joined BBIS Boarding as a live-in mentor for the 2021-22 school year
Passions: He is passionate about education, sport and travelling.
Name: Lukas Miedel
From: Seattle, US
Background: Mr. Miedel joined BBIS Boarding in the fall of 2019. After graduating from Washington State University with a degree in Sport Management, Mr. Miedel traveled around Europe for the summer and was especially impressed by parents’ country, Germany. He returned to Seattle, earned his TESL certificate, and moved to Berlin shortly thereafter. As a freelancer, he taught English at various language schools in Berlin and also to kids at English camps. Mr. Miedel ran an English club and other activities for the boarding students.
Passions: Mr. Miedel loves to travel and play sports, particularly skiing/snowboarding and ice hockey. But his true sport is soccer – he played for the Olympic Development program as a teenager.
Name: Nadine Pieterse
From: Gauteng, South Africa
Background: Ms. Pieterse joined BBIS Boarding as a live-in mentor for the 2021-22 school year. In Cambodia, where she lived and worked for an international school. She realized her passion for education and making an impact on the lives of students. Ms. Pieterse finds her purpose in guiding students to take initiative and lead as key community members by encouraging real-world skills and ensuring that students have ample opportunity to experience life outside of academics. With roots in the pharmaceutical industry, she then went on to complete a Marketing Management degree at the University of South Africa and is currently pursuing a Masters in Education.
Passions: Ms. Pieterse enjoys sharing her outdoor adventures and experiences with her friends and family, especially camping and scuba diving. A lover of coffee, she also takes pleasure in traveling off the beaten path and reading books.
Name: Lindsey Walsh
From: Cape Town, South Africa
Background: Ms. Walsh has four years of experience working within boarding schools and holds a BA degree from the University of South Africa, an Honours degree in Psychology and an MA in Anthropology, specialising in Wellbeing and Nature connections from Rhodes University. She joined BBIS Boarding in August 2021.
Passions: She is passionate about working with and mentoring students from all walks of life. Ms. Walsh supports and encourages students to find what contributes to them living a purpose-driven life.