Leadership Team

Biography

Jean Maher, Campus Director of Brewster Madrid in Chamberí, begins her 39th year in independent school education.  Throughout her career, Jean served as teacher, dorm parent, coach, Admission Officer and advisor at both The Taft School in Connecticut and at Berkshire School in Massachusetts.  Over her 20 years at Berkshire School, Jean served as Associate Director of Admission, Dean of Faculty, and in 2013 Jean became the school’s first female Associate Head of School where she focused on strategic planning, faculty development, sustainability and hiring, and programmatic development.  After a full and rewarding career in New England schools, Jean joined Brewster Madrid as Campus Director in Chamberí.

A graduate of Mount Holyoke College with a B.A. in Spanish Literature, Jean lived and studied in Madrid for her junior year of college.  Upon graduating, Jean began her teaching career while pursuing a graduate degree over several summers at the University of Salamanca in Salamanca, Spain with the New York University program. After completing a masters in Spanish Literature, Jean promised herself that she would live and learn in Spain again in her career, and here she is!  As she begins her second year at Brewster Madrid, Jean looks forward to supporting the strategic thinking, innovation, and joyful learning that is the hallmark of Brewster education.

Biography

Jennifer brings 20 years of experience leading and teaching in international schools. Her work has centered on connecting with families, championing student growth, and leading innovative curriculum design—including a model recognized by Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Project Zero for its excellence in urban, outdoor, and place-based learning.

Her leadership roles include serving as Head of School at an international school in Madrid, Founding Head of an international school in Tanzania, and leader of divisions and educator in Spain. She also has extensive expertise in both the International Baccalaureate (IB) and NEASC.
A social entrepreneur, Jennifer co-founded a global non-profit dedicated to safeguarding children and other vulnerable populations through teacher training, education, and community engagement in Tanzania.

Originally from Chicago, Jennifer first came to Spain to work at the U.S. Embassy. Captivated by the culture and energy of Madrid, she soon shifted her career toward education and thrives in the classroom. She holds a BA in Primary Education, International Studies, and Spanish, as well as an MA in Interdisciplinary Women Studies

Biography

Kathryn (Kat) Simison joined Brewster Madrid in its founding year, 2023, as the Network Director of Enrollment and External Affairs. Kat graduated from Holy Cross in 2011 with a double major in Spanish and International Studies and began her career in global education. She started her trajectory with a Fulbright Teaching Assistantship in Reinosa, Spain, followed by a move to La Coruña, Spain to teach English and work as a study abroad consultant. She returned to the United States in 2015 where she worked as the Director of International Recruitment at Miss Porter's School. During that time, Kat received her M.B.A with an international business concentration from the University of Hartford in 2020 and started a family. Kat is excited to be back in Spain with Brewster to foster global education and expand the American education in Madrid. She also maintains her ties to her own impactful educational experiences as a member of the University of Hartford Alumni GOLD Board and Co-VP board position for the Fulbright Spain Interest Group. In her free time, you can find Kat out on a run, exploring new restaurants, traveling to new destinations, or at the local park with her husband, daughter, and dog.