Meet your mentors

IB Experts who guide you step by step

Our founders welcome you to Focus Mentoring, where we partner with educators and schools to strengthen IB programmes through expert mentoring.

mentor-patrick-hillman
Founder

Patrick Hillman

Expertise: IB Diploma Coordinator, IB Math Analysis, IB Math Applications, IB Theory Of Knowledge, IB Examiner

About

Originally from the UK, Patrick has taught and worked in schools in England, Australia, New Zealand, Qatar, and Indonesia before arriving in the Philippines in a career spanning more than 27 years. He is currently the IB Diploma Coordinator at the International School Manila (ISM). In his role as the IB Coordinator, Patrick has overseen a highly successful 5-year IB Evaluation. He has organized regional Jobs-Alike events that attract 250+ teachers and has run a 3-day International IB Workshop Conference with multiple courses. As current Chair of the IB DP Philippines Network, he organizes annual meetings for IB Coordinators and administrators, providing opportunities for support within the Philippines IB community, and regularly hosts consultancy visits from IB teaching teams at local schools eager to learn more about setting up and running successful IB programs. Prior to leading the IB Diploma Program at ISM, Patrick was the Program Leader of High School Mathematics. He continues to teach IB Standard and Higher Level Mathematics Analysis as well as Theory of Knowledge (TOK). He is an IB Examiner and Team Leader for Mathematics and has experience training teachers to deliver the internal assessment more effectively. In his spare time, Patrick enjoys writing and is currently working on his second novel; he keeps fit, plays golf, loves traveling, and scuba diving.
mentor-hema-rai
Founder

Hema Rai

Expertise: MYP Consultation, IB Examiner, IB Environmental Sciences, IB Biology, IB Theory of Knowledge

About

Hema Rai is an experienced educator with a Master’s degree in Microbiology. She is currently serving at International School Manila and brings extensive experience from her previous roles as MYP Coordinator, DP Coordinator, and MYP–DP Science Educator in China and in several institutions across India. As an MYP Coordinator, she successfully led her team through a rigorous programme evaluation. An active member of the International Baccalaureate Educator Network (IBEN), Hema serves as a Workshop Leader for MYP, DP, and IB Continuum workshops, as well as an IB Consultant. She has held a range of roles during evaluation and authorisation, including Visit Chair, School Visit Team Leader, Programme Leader, and Evaluation Leader. Hema has facilitated workshops on a wide spectrum of topics across the MYP and DP frameworks, including cross-programme workshops in wellbeing, building quality curriculum, and artificial intelligence. In addition, she is an examiner for IBDP Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) Papers 1 & 2, and serves as a Team Leader and Moderator for Internal Assessments (IA). Beyond her professional life, Hema is a voracious reader who loves to travel and embrace new experiences.
mentor-nyla-caras
Founder

Nyla Caras

Expertise: IB exams facilitation, IB assessment management, Managebac, IBIS

About

Nyla Caras has been serving as the IB program assistant for the Diploma Programme at International School Manila (ISM) since 2013, supporting one of the largest IBDP schools in the Philippines. In her role, she oversees the administration of thousands of IB assessments, ensuring the smooth management of exams and the efficient use of IB platforms such as IBIS, ManageBac, and Turnitin. She works closely with the IB Coordinator and teachers to meet deadlines, resolve technical issues and streamline workflows across the program. In addition to her work at ISM, Nyla has facilitated workshops for newly authorized IB World Schools across Metro Manila, equipping administrators and teachers with tools and resources as they establish their programs. Her professional background also includes experience in public relations and development work, having previously worked with Fleishman Hillard in Indonesia and as a research assistant for Columbia University’s Davis Projects for Peace and the Asian Institute of Management. Nyla holds a degree in AB Economics with a minor in Development Management from Ateneo de Manila University. Beyond her professional life, she teaches Jiu-Jitsu to kids and explores her creativity through floral design.
mentor-onur-gundogdu
Founder

Onur Gundogdu

Expertise: Grade Level Coordinator, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Mentor Mindset, IB Physics, MYP Science, NGSS

About

Onur Gundogdu is an experienced educator with over 20 years in leading international schools, currently serving as a Grade Level Coordinator at International School Manila (ISM). In this role, he oversees the advisory program for more than 200 students and 18 teachers, ensuring strong pastoral care and academic support. Onur also represented the High School on ISM’s Future Committee, a strategic body dedicated to making the school future-ready. Previously, he served as Science Department Head, where he led curriculum development, faculty mentoring, and the promotion of high academic standards. He has also contributed to school improvement and evaluation through service on IB, WASC, and CIS accreditation committees. His leadership journey is further enriched by extensive teaching experience in IB DP, MYP, NGSS and IGCSE programs across Türkiye, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Onur holds two master’s degrees—one in Secondary Science & Math Education and another in Physics—and is currently completing the Certificate in School Management and Leadership at Harvard University. Outside of his professional life, Onur enjoys scuba diving in the Philippines’ oceans, reading, and discovering new culinary experiences.