Our Team

Ms. Elisabeth Vanness, Head of School

Elisabeth Vanness joined the American School of Ben Guerir in October 2025 after studying, working, and living in North Africa for over twenty years. Ms. Vanness first came to Morocco as an exchange student after studying in France as a Rotary International high school exchange student.

Before relocating to Morocco in 2019, Ms. Vanness was the director of a private school in Virginia focusing on early English acquisition and the President of the NOVA branch of the International MOMS Club.

In 2023, in recognition for her contribution to bilateral cooperation, the U.S. Ambassador appointed Ms. Vanness to the Board of Directors of the Moroccan American Commission for Educational and Cultural Exchange.

A native of Tennessee, Ms. Vanness is a graduate of the George Washington University and a certificate holder of the Yale University School of Law and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of France.

At the American School of Ben Guerir, Ms. Vanness is supported in her role by the following team of talented full-time administrators:

Dr. Paula Gordon, Principal of the Lower School

Ms. Celine Macarthur, Principal of the Upper School

Mr. Miguel Oliveira, Director of Athletics

Ms. Katy Stubanas, School Counselor

Mr. Ahmed Allouchi, Manager of Facilities

Mr. Monssif Talmoudi, Chief Accountant

Ms. Ilhame Elorf, Officer of Enrollment & Recruitment

Ms. Hind Elkhamoussey, Human Resources

Ms. Najlaa Jelloul, Officer of Accounts

Mr. Imrane Chaibi, Internet Technology

Ms. Safaa Zabakh, Executive Assistant

Ms. Samyra Benbih, School Nurse

Additionally, ASB benefits from support from personnel based at the American School of Tangiers and the American School of Marrakesh.