Leadership
Akida Mashaka
Founder
(pictured on the left)
BHS was founded by Barcelona resident Akida Mashaka, an American free-spirited entrepreneur from Los Angeles, California and author of the BHS Method for Startups. Akida founded BHS to create the best learning environment for his teenage son. After Covid, he started BHS with only 5 students in a basement for American high school grades only. Hence the name "Barcelona High School". Since then BHS has grown to over 500 students from ages 3 to 18, with two campuses (primary and secondary), based on Akida's vision to have the best learning environment and school experience for students.
After living in Barcelona with his family, Akida experienced the antiquated teaching methods and major flaws of traditional education in schools, which were clearly exposed during Covid. Accordingly, Akida created a school to solve the problem that he had in finding the right school for his son.
Akida wanted a school with smaller class size focusing on individualized and communal learning in a family-like environment. Through a student-centered culture, innovative digital educational tools, independent learning, social engagement, and emotional confidence, Akida founded BHS to foster the skills necessary to be successful in today's modern world, not the world of the past.
While the name "Akida" means leader, Akida is a graduate of Harvard Law School and attended university at Morehouse College on a tennis scholarship where he graduated #1 in Psychology for his Bachelor's degree.
Based on his background, Akida wanted a one of a kind work-life culture committed to academic empowerment, social confidence, emotional growth, mental health, along with athletics, extracurricular and after school activities as the foundation of the BHS experience.
Amanda Slefo
Co-Founder, Director of Middle & High School
(pictured on the right)
Amanda Slefo is Assyrian American from Chicago with an infectious personality, referred to as the "heart and soul" of BHS by students, parents and staff.
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Amanda serves as Director of both the Middle School and High School and is part of the expansion of BHS schools.
Prior to joining BHS, Amanda was already a distinguished high school teacher at Evanston Township High School (ETHS) in Chicago where she received multiple outstanding teacher awards. ETHS is ranked in the 95th percentile of all high schools in the United States.
Amanda is the first BHS staff member, joining BHS in an initial role as Head Teacher. Amanda has been involved in overseeing admissions, educational learning, academic performance, and university placement in her path to becoming Director. Amanda then became a Partner of BHS as well.
Amanda holds a Bachelor's Degree in History and Secondary Education. She also has an English Language Learners certification and served as Education Director of the Assyrian Cultural Foundation.
Moreover, Amanda specializes in creating dynamic learning experiences for students and continues to evolve the BHS Method pedagogy to create the best outcomes for students.
Kate Bonato
Director of Admissions, Middle & High School
Kate Bonato oversees admissions for both the Middle School and High School as well as the homologation process for Spanish universities. Kate is from Canada and joined BHS in September 2022 as a teacher in the Humanities Department. Kate immediately thrived within the BHS atmosphere and student-centered classrooms. BHS was the place where her talent could truly grow. Kate quickly rose from a teaching position to an administrative role and eventually into her current role.
Prior to joining BHS, Kate was working as a teacher and coordinator of a work study program in Montreal, Canada at John F. Kennedy High School. She has been teaching since 2009 and prides herself on loving her line of work and teaching from the heart. She emulates an energy that students recognize for being open, honest, and above all having their best interests at heart while still finding ways to challenge them both in and outside of the classroom.
Niki Savva
Director of Elementary & Preschool
Niki is a Cypriot-Canadian educator with leadership experience in Toronto, London, Cyprus, Paris and Barcelona. Niki holds a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of English Literature and Linguistics, a Montessori Teaching Degree, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Management.
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While Niki oversees both the BHS Elementary School and Preschool programs, her passion lies in Montessori education and early childhood development, as what inspires her most is creating a school community where joy is at the center of everything. Niki’s vision is to build the happiest elementary school and preschool environment in Barcelona. A place where learning feels exciting, families feel connected and children feel genuinely happy to be there each and every day. For Niki, BHS means "be happy school".
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At BHS, Niki is leading the growth of the elementary and preschool programs with warmth, purpose and a deep respect for each child. Niki works closely with teachers and families to create an environment where curiosity is celebrated, independence is encouraged and every child feels seen, supported and proud of who they are.
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As Niki manages the new BHS Elementary School & Preschool project, she is the point of contact for admissions as well.