Our Leadership Team
AMADEUS International School Vienna
Ms Karen Ball
Head of School
Nationality: Canadian
Background
Originally from Canada, Karen Ball has held leadership positions in international schools for 8 years and most recently whilst completing her PhD in Education Science from the University of Vienna. She has also completed a diploma in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University. She has experience in leading Secondary and Primary phases as well as having whole school responsibility for IB Curriculum Development, Learning Support, and English Language Programming.
She recently published a book chapter on Environmental Sustainability in Education and received a certification in Educational Testing
Mr Manuel Tauber
Head of Secondary
Nationality: Austrian
Background
Manuel Tauber has completed his teaching degree in Mathematics and Physical Education at the University of Vienna and is currently finishing his Master’s in Business Administration at the University of Applied Science in Burgenland.
His teaching career started as a Volleyball Coach, as he is a passionate volleyball player. For many years, he played in the second-highest league in Austria, as well as beach volleyball tournaments.
With the analytic and statistical skills of his Mathematics degree, the dedication and commitment of a qualified PE teacher and active sports person, combined with the skills of his Business Administration degree, he ensures that our Diploma Programme students have the right environment to achieve their highest potential.
Ms Holly Johnson
Head of Primary
Nationality: Canadian
Background
Mag Alexandra Gruber
Head of Business & Finance
Nationality: Austrian
Background
Alexandra Gruber gained her Master’s degree in Musicology and began her career in Music Libraries and Archives in Austria and England organising exhibitions and publications.
Before receiving her Accountancy qualifications, she worked for the Niederösterreich Government in Music School Management.
She, therefore, brings her passion for Music Education and Business to AMADEUS Vienna and leads the Business Office in providing sound management and effective support services.
Ms Karin Obermann
Head of Human Resources
Nationality: Austrian
Background
Mr Ammar Alwazeh
Head of Operations
Nationality: Austrian
Background
Ammar Alwazeh holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and began his career at the British Council Damascus/Syria then moved to the British Council Cairo/Egypt.
After that, he moved to Austria and started a new career in Facility Management with a Facility Manager qualification from TÜV Austria and worked at Webster Vienna Private University as a Senior Facility officer and then as Head of Facility Management.
He did many related pieces of training as a Fire Officer, Safety Trusted Person, and First Aid.
Dr Samuel De León Páez
Head of Admissions & Marketing
Nationality: Spanish
Background
Dr Samuel De León Páez has a doctorate in Communication Sciences and a degree in Journalism (UCM). He is an activist committed to diversity, feminism, and gender policies. His formation fluctuates between Madrid, Mexico, and New York. During the period 2015 – 2019, he served as Councilor in San Miguel de Abona assuming responsibility for areas such as Education, Culture, Equality, Diversity, Tourism, and Festivities.
He is also a promoter of feminist art, community manager, graphic designer, and social media manager. He founded La Vienísima (2019 – Present).
In February 2021, he joined AMADEUS family with a focus on AMADEUS Festival Vienna. Later he took roles as a Marketing Specialist, and Marketing Manager, and is currently Head of Admissions and Marketing.
Ms Maribel Castillo-Garrido
Head of House
Nationality: Spanish
Background
Originally from Barcelona, Maribel graduated from Johnston High School in Rhode Island, earned a degree in English Philology from the University of Barcelona, and received a scholarship for International Relations at Knox College, Illinois.
With 30 years of international teaching experience, including over a decade in boarding schools, Maribel has been an IB DP teacher and examiner for 14 years. She holds master’s degrees in Counselling and Secondary Education, advocating for character development and positive psychology in a supportive boarding environment that fosters both academic and emotional growth.
Ms Andrea Mainone
Assistant Head of Secondary (DP)
Nationality: Hungarian
Background
Mr Paolo Tornitore
Head of Music Department & IB CP Coordinator
Nationality: Italian
Background
Paolo Tornitore completed his studies at the University of Rome Tor Vergata (BA in Musicology), the University of Glasgow (MLitt in Popular Music Studies), and the University of Sheffield Hallam (PGCE in Secondary Education).
He has taught in England, Poland, and Austria. By adopting a student-centered approach to teaching and learning, Paolo is committed to developing curious and motivated lifelong learners who pursue their aspirations with joy and determination.
Mr Yvan Wever
Assistant Head of Secondary (MYP)
Nationality: South African
Background
Yvan Wever has a degree in Sports Science and earned his teaching qualification through Sunderland University, England. He is trained in Montessori education and has taught in international schools in both Primary and Secondary. Yvan has also spent the past 12 years involved as a Coach Educator for World Rugby.
Yvan is passionate about the MYP and its concept-based approach to teaching young people to be critical thinkers and problem-solvers. As a Physical Education Teacher, he strongly believes in the positive impact that health, fitness, and an active lifestyle can have on young people’s physical, mental, and social well-being.
Mr Dustin Byers
Assistant Head of Secondary (MYP)
Nationality: American
Background
Mr Dustin Byers comes from a small, rural town in the eastern mountains of Oregon in the United States. Much of his early experience working with youth was in outdoor education, particularly through working as a Ski Instructor for four years.
He started his teaching career in a rural Central Oregon Public Middle School after completing his Master of Arts in Teaching from Oregon State University. He later moved to Kyiv, Ukraine where he spent the next three years teaching Humanities at Kyiv International School.
Dustin and his wife were happy to finally come back to Austria in 2021 where they could be closer to family. He was lucky enough to be hired by AMADEUS and has been living and working in Vienna ever since.
His teaching motto is simple, “humor first”.
Mr James Elliot
Assistant Head of Primary (PYP)
Nationality: Canadian
Background
James Elliot has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa in Canada.
James is a qualified and experienced special needs educator and looks to build on his international school experience and leadership at AMADEUS having worked in the UK, Venezuela, Germany, Latvia, and Romania.
He is passionate about using creative arts to inspire learning and looks to find ways to support social and emotional development at the School while modeling kindness and compassion to bring the AMADEUS community closer together.
Ms Linda Eteleng
Assistant Head of Primary (PYP)
Nationality: Kenyan
Background
Ms Mira Koller-Herlt
Early Years Coordinator
Nationality: German
Background
We welcome the opportunity for prospective students and their families to visit AMADEUS Vienna and learn more about our unique programme and inspiring school environment. Contact our Admissions team to ask your questions or schedule a tour.