by kfi | Jul 15, 2025 | In the Spotlight |
Dr. Brad has served as an educator and school leader for 25 years at locations in Africa and Asia. Prior to joining KIS, he lived in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, where he was Vice Principal at Woodstock School. His previous tenure at Woodstock stands testament to the long standing history that Woodstock and Kodai share. Brad comes with the knowledge that helps him navigate the rich legacy of our school and alumni community.
A teacher, published researcher, and senior administrator since 2001, Dr. Brad thrives on group dynamics and relishes the challenge of channeling collective passion into collaborative initiatives. Student wellbeing is his guiding principle; every initiative he undertakes places students first.
Dr. Brad believes strongly in character development, the vital importance of role-modeling, active classroom pedagogy, and holistic education. He is committed to the promotion of integrity, kindness, forgiveness, and other core Christian values that infuse individual well-being.
A native of the US Carolinas, Dr. Brad grew up between beautiful beaches and mountains, which fostered an appreciation of the powerful role outdoor education can play in whole-child development. He and his family have since embraced nature’s wonders wherever they go, from the foothills of the Himalayas to the coastlines of Japan and China. This leaves much for them to explore in the Palani Hills and surrounding coasts.
by kfi | Jul 15, 2025 | In the Spotlight |
Tara Menon is a seasoned alumni relations professional with a rich multicultural background and over a decade of experience spanning education, communications, development, and global alumni engagement. Born in West Bengal, India, and raised in the tea gardens before migrating to Kenya, Tara’s early years were marked by cultural diversity and adaptability. Her formative education across India and East Africa—including time at the Lawrence School Lovedale and St. Andrew’s School Turi—instilled in her a deep appreciation for community, identity, and the transformative power of education.
After completing a triple honours degree in English Literature, Psychology, and Sociology from Christ University in Bangalore, Tara pursued two postgraduate degrees at the University of Edinburgh: an MSc in Literature and Modernity, and a second MSc in International Development and African Studies. These academic experiences cemented her commitment to development and global engagement.
Professionally, Tara has worked across East Africa, the Middle East, and India. Her early roles with the United Nations Development Programme in Kenya and USAID in Tanzania showcased her project management acumen and passion for empowering communities. This was followed by a stint in Dubai with a boutique advertising agency, where she led campaigns for global clients like HTC, Intel, and Hershey’s across the MEA region.
Tara returned to India in 2016 to join Woodstock School in Mussoorie as Alumni Relations Coordinator. There, she built Woodstock’s first comprehensive alumni programme from the ground up—launching a professional networking platform, running global alumni events, initiating mentoring programmes, and strengthening ties between alumni and the school. Her efforts culminated in a cleaner database of over 5,000 active alumni and more than 30 events held across five continents.
Since 2020, Tara has served as the Alumni Relations Coordinator for the Aga Khan Schools, a network of 186 schools across seven countries. In this role, she created and executed a global alumni relations strategy—collecting and managing alumni data, launching professional networking tools, coordinating regional and global events, and building a communications strategy that included newsletters, social media, and brand development. She also established the Aga Khan Schools Alumni Network and supported alumni engagement initiatives that connected graduates with current students through mentoring, career talks, and service opportunities. Her work has extended beyond India, contributing to global strategy from her base at the Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad.
Tara’s multicultural upbringing and global professional journey allow her to bring a unique lens to alumni engagement—one that is inclusive, strategic, and deeply personal. Her belief in the power of connection, storytelling, and shared history has shaped every programme she has built. She continues to champion alumni involvement as a powerful force in strengthening institutions, building community, and inspiring the next generation.
