Meet our team

Elena Bignardi, a native of Milan, possesses a rich educational background rooted in pedagogical studies. Her professional journey commenced in the realm of teaching within various private schools in Milan, where she quickly distinguished herself.

In 2001, Elena embarked on an impactful journey at Collegio San Carlo, where she spearheaded the development of an intercultural, bilingual program. Her collaborative efforts with Università Cattolica further underscored her dedication to advancing bilingual education. This culminated in her appointment as Head of Primary in 2010.

Transitioning to MILE Bilingual School in 2018, Elena assumed the role of Head of Primary, affirming her commitment to educational excellence. The year 2023 marked a significant milestone in her career, as she ascended to the positions of Head of Primary and Head of Middle School, ultimately being entrusted with the overarching role of Whole School Principal.

Elena is a keen researcher, continuously enriching her expertise through participation in courses and training programs both in Italy and across the globe. Her collaborations with distinguished institutions such as the University of Pavia, the Catholic University of Milan, and the Bicocca University of Milan further attest to her academic prowess.

Elena is an advocate for the infusion of innovation and digitization in education, champions robotics initiatives and endeavors to expand the network of international educational partnerships. Her passionate advocacy extends to the support of gifted and talented students.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Elena finds solace in her love for animals, a penchant for exploration through travel, and a deep appreciation for the theatrical arts.

Born in Milan in 1976, Diego began his educational journey with postgraduate studies, earning a diploma that allowed him to start, in 1996, a long and varied career in the field of education.

For more than twenty-five years he has worked in education and care, with experience ranging from primary schools to nurseries and centres for people with disabilities.

Andrea de Milato is the Academic Director of the Lower Secondary School.
A retired captain of an auxiliary corps of the Italian Army, Andrea began his career as a trainer, teaching Law and Economics. He later held managerial positions in various educational institutions, gaining significant experience in complex educational settings that strengthened his strategic and organizational leadership.

Passionate about books and strategy games, Andrea is married and has two daughters, aged seven and two. Driven by an innate curiosity that enables him to find effective solutions even to complex problems, he adopts an educational approach based on attentive listening, with a focus on each individual student.

With an empathetic and enthusiastic approach, he coordinates the teaching staff and welcomes students, ensuring an excellent educational experience and fostering a supportive environment where each student can fully express their potential.

Beth is committed to ensuring that students thrive within the Cambridge Pathway, prioritising their wellbeing and equipping them with the skills, resilience and mindset needed to succeed throughout their lives.

Originally from Long Island, NY, Beth’s journey in education has taken her across the world. With a degree from St John’s University, an MBA from UCONN Stamford and a PGCE from both Nottingham University and Moreland University, she brings extensive experience to MILE School.

Since joining MILE in 2015, Beth has dedicated herself to making a difference in our community through innovative projects such as STEAM Week, ISP Scientists and ISP Changemakers, with a strong focus on sustainability.

In her free time, Beth enjoys cooking, gardening and spending time with her family, friends and beloved golden retriever.

Valentina has been teaching in Primary Schools for more than 10 years, gaining solid experience both in Early Years and Primary education. She graduated in Primary Education at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan and later enriched her professional journey by working with several private bilingual schools in the Lombardy capital.

For the past two years she has been part of the MILE school community, where she has taken on a significant role in coordinating the Italian Primary team. Despite the responsibilities of coordination, Valentina has chosen to maintain direct contact with her class, nurturing her passion for everyday teaching.

In her free time she is an active mother who enjoys spending quality moments with her family and friends, taking part in recreational activities and sharing moments of leisure and light-hearted fun.

Thirty-two years ago, following his heart and seeking a change of direction, Adam left the bright lights of London to begin a new chapter in a small village near Lake Como.

A graduate in Philosophy, with a PGCE and a Master’s in Education, he held various teaching and leadership roles in international schools, first in Milan and then in Modena, before joining MILE.

Adam advocates a student-centred approach in the classroom, promoting critical thinking, reflection and creativity in a supportive and inclusive learning environment through special projects and international learning opportunities.

Adam’s hobbies include creative writing, reading, running, hiking, swimming, travelling, cooking and chess. He is married with two sons and a daughter, who now live and work in London.

I’m a mother of two from Wales, now based in Milan, with over a decade of experience in bilingual, international schools. As Cambridge Early Years Coordinator at MILE School, I work with the team to deliver a play-based, child-led curriculum that fosters curiosity, confidence, and joy. I believe children thrive when they feel safe, loved, and understood, and I aim to create spaces where every child is seen and celebrated. Alongside classroom work, I mentor educators, support families, and lead curriculum development with a focus on wellbeing, inclusivity, and meaningful learning. Early education, for me, is about nurturing empathy, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning, and I feel privileged to be part of these first chapters in a child’s story.

After starting his career in the organised catering sector, Manuel developed extensive skills in staff management, recruitment and training, contributing to the growth and retention of teams in dynamic and challenging environments. He later held senior roles within the Marriott Group as Payroll Manager, where he honed his leadership and employment law expertise.

With a decade of experience in the sector, Manuel has developed a strong ability to improve human resource management, fostering motivating workplaces that comply with regulations.

He has a keen interest in personal finance, trading and investments, areas that allow him to maintain a broad and strategic perspective on his professional journey.

Manuela is a primary school maths and science teacher, as well as serving as DSL. In this role, she is responsible for gathering concerns about students and supporting staff in protecting minors and ensuring an environment conducive to growth and learning.

Manuela has been teaching in schools for over 15 years and has gained a wealth of experience as an
educator in nurseries and kindergartens and as a support and class teacher in primary schools. 

She graduated from the Istituto Magistrale Sperimentale and obtained a degree in Psychology from the Catholic University of Milan, where she also carried out academic activities and participated in projects dedicated to childhood. She has undergone systemic-relational training and considers school to be a fundamental reference system for human development, alongside the family. 

In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking in the mountains and spending time with friends and family.

Patrizia teaches Art, Design and Technology at MILE Secondary School.

After completing her diploma at the Liceo Artistico, she continued her studies and graduated in Architecture from the Politecnico di Milano in 2000. Her career is distinguished by a variety of valuable experiences in Italy and abroad, including a course in Educational Robotics for teaching at the University of Padua and a Tinkering course at the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology.

She has also attended specialised training on gifted education, to better understand and support students with exceptional talents, and on disability, to ensure a more inclusive and accessible learning environment for all.

She believes that art, technology and education are powerful tools for developing the transversal skills young people need to face the future with creativity and confidence.