Lucy Pawlik is an educated psychologist specialised in Social Clinical Psychology with over 15 years of hands-on experience in international school setting, both in the primary and secondary classroom. Passionate about inclusive education, Lucy has dedicated her career to create teaching and learning environments where all students can be successful, by working collaboratively with students, teachers and parents. She recently completed a Certificate in Special Needs Education in International Schools from the Department of State and is currently completing a postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Child Diagnosis at the University of Warsaw.
Raised in the Great White North, Toronto, Canada, Lucy has experienced various education systems in three different languages that allowed her to truly understand the value and challenges of an international experience.
As the Head of the Wellbeing Department, she encourages students to take care of their wellbeing in order to achieve their goals and make their dreams come true.
Dr Marta Dżoga
MA Cultural Studies, University of Warsaw
PhD Social Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw
A Master of Cultural Studies (University of Warsaw) and a PhD in Social Sciences (Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw), Marta Dżoga joined Akademeia High School in 2016, where she worked with students first as a mentor, and now as a coach, being an integral part of the Wellbeing Team. Using the experience gained during coaching training and at the Non-Violent Communication Trainer School, Marta accompanies the students in their process of discovering internal resources and their own agency, in understanding their needs and dreams, and in organizing priorities. Previously, Marta popularized science by managing projects and educational workshops for children, adolescents and adults in various cultural institutions, including the Museum of The History of Polish Jews (POLIN) and the History Meeting House.
Every day Marta promotes the extraordinary power of conversation, active listening skills and openness to other people – values that guide her in life and at work.
Agata Ziarko
BSc Neuroscience, University of St Andrews
MSc Psychological Studies, University of Glasgow
MSc Psychological Therapy in Primary Care, University of Dundee
Agata Ziarko is a psychologist and a therapist. After completing her BSc in Neuroscience at the University of St Andrews she pursued a psychology conversion course at the University of Glasgow. She then worked as an assistant clinical psychologist before embarking on professional training in psychological therapies, specialising in cognitive-behavioural therapy. Prior to moving back to Poland, she worked for the Scottish National Health Service as a primary care mental health therapist. She has treated patients presenting with common mental health problems of mild to moderate severity, such as anxiety disorders, depression, low self-esteem and stress.
As a member of the Wellbeing Department, Agata will use her experience to help students develop a greater awareness of factors which lower their sense of wellbeing and contribute to stress, low motivations and a loss of perspective. She will use her professional skills to work with students experiencing stress, mild levels of anxiety or low mood, perfectionism and a lack of assertiveness.
Sylwia Bartela
MA, University of Rehabilitation Pedagogy, specialities: rehabilitation pedagogy, criminology
The Polish Federation of Therapeutic Communities, specialist in addiction psychotherapy
Sylwia Bartela graduated from the University of Resocialization Pedagogy with a degree in resocialization pedagogy and criminology. She is passionate about working with people. Sylwia has fifteen years’ experience working in a youth shelter. Her desire to learn more about basic human needs and the consequences of these going unmet led her to working as a streetworker with individuals experiencing homelessness. In addition, Sylwia obtained the title of an addiction psychotherapy specialist through The Polish Association of Therapeutic Communities and worked as a manager of the Addiction Intervention Centre in Monar. Sylwia has been a school counsellor at Akademeia (ATC, AHS) for five years. Currently, as a member of the Wellbeing Department, Sylwia contributes to the holistic development of students.