MEET OUR
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Ms. Nel Capadona - Head of School
Nel grew up in Yorkshire, England, and earned her Bachelor of Education from Brighton University. She later participated in an international teacher exchange program in the United States—an experience that inspired her to pursue a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Northern Arizona University.
She was delighted to join the Overseas School of Colombo (OSC) team in July 2025, bringing with her over 25 years of leadership experience in international education. Throughout her career, Nel has worked with a wide range of schools, organizations, and universities across Southeast Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, the United States, and the UK.
No matter the role—head of school, teacher, university instructor, or instructional coach—Nel has remained committed to empowering others to build on their strengths, ignite their passions, and exceed their goals. Her focus has always been on creating inclusive, thriving school communities where everyone feels connected, valued, and heard.
Mr. Jason Grandbois - Principal
Mr. Grandbois has been a proud OSC Gecko since 2011. Born and raised in Kenora, ON, Canada, Mr. Grandbois has a passion for the outdoors, and he loves to explore and learn about new cultures. He began his teaching career in Canada and then moved into international education in Egypt, Peru, Tanzania, and then Sri Lanka. He is joined by his wife, Kelly, and his three children, one of whom graduated from OSC and is now attending UBC in Canada.
Ms. Jennifer Kesler - Primary Asst. Principal/PYP Coordinator
Now in her 21st year in education, Jennifer has held leadership roles in PYP schools in China, Albania, Indonesia, and South Korea, taught a range of primary grades, and supported teachers as both a PYP Coordinator and Literacy Coach. Originally from a small town in Texas, Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Texas A&M University and a master’s in educational leadership from the University of Houston–Clear Lake. Passionate about inquiry and student agency, Jennifer has spent the past 15 years immersed in the PYP. She values strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues, and brings a warm, collaborative spirit to her work. A lifelong learner herself, she actively engages in professional learning communities, seeks out development opportunities, and is always curious about new ideas in education. Outside of school, Jennifer is an avid traveler and has visited over 40 countries. She loves exploring new
places through food and culture, and enjoys cooking, reading, and blogging.
Mr. Jake Eagle - Secondary Asst. Principal/MYP Coordinator
Jake joined OSC in August 2021 as the MYP Coordinator and Secondary Assistant Principal. He has been working in IB schools around the world for the last 18 years before arriving at the beautiful island of Sri Lanka. Originally an English Language & Literature teacher, he has taught in both Hong Kong and Germany as a curriculum coordinator, projects coordinator and department leader. He is passionate about building a school culture in which students learn the skills, knowledge and dispositions which will allow them to face any challenge that comes their way. He joins the OSC community with his wife, an amazing art teacher, his son and his daughter who attend the secondary and primary school respectively.
Dr. Philip Leigh - Diploma Coordinator
Dr. Philip Leigh joined OSC as a Language and Literature teacher in 2018 and took on the role of Diploma Coordinator in 2022. After beginning his teaching career in his home country of the United States in 2001, he has been teaching internationally since 2011, working first in Taiwan before moving to Sri Lanka. His professional interests are shaped by his studies in sociolinguistics, which have inspired him to embrace the immense variety of ways in which language functions with social and cultural contexts. His personal interests include a lifelong interest in baseball and a recent enthusiasm for cricket. Philip believes deeply that the door to learning for students and for educators is never closed.
Mr. Steve Turner - Director of Athletics
Mr. Turner is from the UK. He brings to us over 30 years of teaching experience. He joined OSC in 2012 and has taught at International Schools in South East Asia and East Africa. During his time in International Education, he has taught the British and the IB Middle Years and Diploma curricula in several subjects, including Physical Education & Geography. He is currently Head of Physical Education & Athletics Director and enjoys nothing more than seeing students develop their love for moving.
Ms. Heather Lee - Director of Student Support and Educational Psychologist
Ms. Lee has been at OSC since 2021 and brings a broad range of international experience in Educational Psychology, Counseling, Community Mental Health, and Psychotherapy. In the past 15 years, Ms. Lee has worked in numerous countries in the Middle East, Europe, and North America in both the school and clinical settings. She brings a passion for bridging social-emotional learning with the academic setting.
Ms. Vidya Niyangoda - Head of Administrative Operations
Ms. Niyangoda has been at OSC since 2013. She brings 26 years of experience in managing and leading operations in the areas of Financial Services, Business Analysis, and General Management. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration and is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. Ms. Niyangoda has previously worked in the for-profit sector in leading local and international companies such as John Keells Group, Richard Peiris Group, and Aviva Global Services.
Mr. Chrishan Fernando - Head of Maintenance & Facilities
Crishan has been at OSC since 2017 as Head of Facilities and Maintenance. He brings 18 years of engineering experience in Mechanical engineering, Project management, and Operations. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree from the University of Peradeniya, followed by a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Colombo. He is an Associate Member of the Institute of Engineers of Sri Lanka. Crishan has previously worked for Multinational companies in the Sustainable Energy sector, and in the Apparel sector in leading local and international companies such as Kramski and Brandix.
Mr. Ajith Nathaniels - Head of Security & Transport
Ajith Nathaniels has served at OSC since 2019. He served in the Sri Lankan Air force for 23 years. He holds a Master’s Degree in Management. Mr. Nathaniels has previously worked as the Head Of Security for the National Development Bank (NDB) for 10 years and before that as an Administration Manager of the Janashakthi Insurance company for nearly two years.
Ms. Kanchana de Silva - Director of Admissions
Kanchana joined OSC as Director of Admissions in 2021. She possesses 25 years of experience serving higher education institutions and foreign missions. Originally from Sri Lanka, she has lived in the USA, UK, Italy, and India. She enjoys listening to music and reading in her spare time.
Mr. Antony Rappai - Director of Technology
Mr. Antony Rappai has been at OSC since 2019 and brings in 14 years of experience in Educational technology. Originally from India, Mr. Antony worked in an international school in Qatar for 13 years and is specialized in bridging the gaps between teaching, learning, systems, and processes. Antony likes jogging, video games, and cooking in his free time.
Mr. Jehan de Silva - Director of Marketing and Communications
Jehan joined OSC in 2019 and brings over 15 years of experience in marketing, branding,
communications, PR, and media relations. His career spans both local and international roles, having contributed to the strategic growth of institutions such as the Colombo Stock Exchange, Qatar Airways Group, the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (UK), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, and the Lyca Group. He is an alumnus of the University of Sunderland and an Associate Member of the Association of Business Executives (UK). A keen traveler and self-proclaimed avgeek, Jehan has visited over 10 countries and enjoys capturing moments through photography. In his downtime, he writes poetry and occasionally experiments in the kitchen when inspiration strikes.