At Academic Summer, we take pride in being a women-founded, women-led organisation that champions education, leadership, and opportunity for both students and staff. Our team includes exceptional women who bring passion, expertise, and dedication to creating transformative learning experiences for young people.
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women who make Academic Summer Camps a success. From admissions to academics, marketing to operations, these inspiring women lead with excellence, innovation, and heart.
Meet the Women Leaders of Academic Summer
Helen Lami, Founder and CEO
Helen is the visionary behind Academic Summer, having founded the organisation to provide a holistic and academically enriching experience for students worldwide. With over 25 years in education and business, she leads with innovation and a commitment to excellence, ensuring that students receive the best of British education while embracing international diversity.
See Meet the Queen of British Summer Schools, Helen Lami
Follow Helen on LinkedIn
Dr Giedre Balcytyte, Academic Manager and Course Director
A linguist, researcher, and educator, Giedre brings a unique approach to learning, combining language and music to enhance student engagement. She oversees teaching methodologies and academic quality, ensuring that every student benefits from Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL).
See Unlocking potential at Academic Summer: Insights from our Academic Manager, Giedre Balcytyte
Follow Giedre on LinkedIn
Caroline Marshall, Head of Communications and Operations
Caroline plays a key role in ensuring the smooth running of Academic Summer. She oversees communications, logistics, and strategic planning, ensuring that both students and staff have a seamless and rewarding experience.
Follow Caroline on LinkedIn
Betty Ho, Head of Admissions and Finance
Betty is the driving force behind admissions and finance, ensuring that families receive the best support when choosing an Academic Summer programme. She manages student enrolment, financial planning, and parent relations, making the application process smooth and stress-free.
Follow Betty on LinkedIn
Eleanor Callon Jones, Head of HR & Academics
Eleanor ensures that Academic Summer’s teaching team is filled with passionate and skilled educators. She also looks after staff welfare, recruitment, and training, ensuring a supportive and inclusive workplace for all.
Follow Elle on LinkedIn
Anastasia Babak, Sales & Marketing Manager (UK & Canada)
Anastasia is responsible for expanding Academic Summer’s reach to students worldwide. She develops partnerships, creates marketing strategies, and ensures that families understand the benefits of our summer programmes in both the UK and Canada. She also books up all the leisure programme to ensure fun is had by all.
Follow Anastasia on LinkedIn
Danielle Kilsby-Ogden, Operations Manager
Danielle oversees day-to-day operations at our host schools, making sure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. From coordinating schedules to ensuring programme logistics, she plays a vital role in delivering a high-quality summer camp experience. She also supports Ellie in looking after our staff team.
Follow Danielle on LinkedIn
Nora, Hernadi, Admissions Manager
Nora is Admissions manager and is often first point of contact for everyone who contacts us. She has a lovely infectious laugh.
Follow Nora on LinkedIn
Recognising our senior summer managers
Anastasia Vasileiou, Bohdana Kuripko and Nadyshka Latsiba are other valuable members of our summer team who help lead our camps on location. Their dedication to educational excellence and student support makes a real difference in the Academic Summer experience.
Why Women in leadership matter
At Academic Summer, we believe in empowering women—not just in our own organisation but in education as a whole. Women bring diverse perspectives, compassionate leadership, and a strong commitment to student success.
Our partnership with Theirworld Charity is a reflection of our values. This year, we are once again participating in the Your Walk fundraiser, raising money to provide laptops for girls in conflict-affected areas. Education is the most powerful tool for empowering women worldwide, and we are proud to support this cause.
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who shape Academic Summer, the female students who will become future leaders, and the power of education to transform lives.
To all the women in education, business, and beyond, we celebrate you.
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