The Advisory Board of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is pivotal in guiding the accreditation process, ensuring schools like İstanbul Keystone International Schools, a Canadian offshore school, meet and maintain high educational standards.
Advisory board members provide strategic guidance, evaluate educational quality, and support accreditation efforts. They advocate for continuous improvement, share best practices, and engage with the school community, all while monitoring progress to enhance the learning environment at Keystone.
Advisory Board Members
Lisa Smith
Lisa Smith, Vice Principal of Valley Elementary School in Nova Scotia, Canada, served as a Keystone Schools principal for the 2014 -2015 school year. It was a pleasure working with her, and we are now excited to have her on our advisory team. Lisa is married to Trevor, who enjoyed being in Istanbul during her work time with us. They have two lovely dogs, Dunkin and Donut, and one of whom was with them while living in Istanbul. They also love to travel and explore new places.
Doa Demirsu-Doran
Doa Demirsu-Doran is the Head of Keystone School, a private school (grades 7-12) in Toronto known for its project-based learning and nurturing environment. Doa holds a Bachelor of Science from UMass and a Master’s in Global Leadership from McGill. Under her leadership, Keystone is on its way to becoming an IB school, expanding its international and local student base. Doa also served as a director of McGill’s Alumni Board of Toronto for several years. Her strategic vision, dedication to educational excellence, and strong background in school operations make her a valuable addition to any board.
Erin Çolak
Erin Colak served as Vice Principal at Keystone, where she greatly contributed to the school’s vibrant and close-knit community. Recently, she relocated to Australia with her family following her husband’s acceptance of an exciting new role. Though the transition was bittersweet, Erin cherishes the warmth and sense of belonging she experienced at Keystone, which continues to hold a special place in her heart. Now serving as an advisory board member, she is thrilled to remain connected to Keystone and support its growth and success from afar, contributing her expertise and passion for education.
Sema Kızılkaya
Sema Kızılkaya has been a dedicated educator since 1991, shaping the early childhood and K-12 education landscape with a vision centered on fostering a sense of belonging and joy in students. She believes that education must go beyond knowledge transfer, equipping students with practical life skills, creativity, and adaptability to navigate an ever-changing world. Her approach emphasizes multilingualism, well-being, and core values that prepare students for both academic and personal success. As a member of the Advisory Board, she contributes her extensive experience and innovative perspective to support the development of student-centered, future-ready educational strategies at Keystone International Schools.
