At ACS Hillingdon, wellbeing is an integral part of everything we do.
It is our aim to collaboratively nurture proactive wellbeing for all.
We strive to create a growth-oriented and inclusive school environment where every student is inspired to learn, grow, and be a positive contributor to society.
Student Welfare
Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE)
Community
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)
Medical Care
Student Wellbeing Triangle
Meet the
Wellbeing Team
Designated Safeguard Lead
Dean of Students
Wellbeing Counsellor pK-6
Eileen Keane is the School Counsellor for Grades PreK through Grade 6 at ACS Hillingdon International School. Originally from Virginia in the US, Eileen previously worked in Fairfax County Public Schools from 2012 before joining ACS Hillingdon in 2018.
Eileen received her Master’s degree in Education & Human Development from The George Washington University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English from Villanova University in 2007. She has been a licensed School Counsellor since 2012.
Eileen takes a cognitive-behavioural, solution-focused approach in her counselling work with students. She is presently pursuing a certification as a Therapeutic Play Practitioner to support her work with ACS Hillingdon’s youngest students.
As the School Counsellor for PreK through Grade 6, Eileen supports students through individual and group counselling, as well as Personal, Social, Health & Economics Education (PSHE) lessons in classrooms from PreK to Grade 4. Eileen also serves as the Student Advocacy Advisor for Grades PreK through 4, helping students organize service-learning efforts and supporting leadership opportunities, such as Student Council and Peer Mentors, in the Lower School.
Eileen serves as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and works closely with her fellow safeguarding team members, administration, staff and families to support student safeguarding concerns. Eileen helps support students and families with a variety of presenting issues, from transitions and coping skills to conflict resolution and building healthy friendships. Eileen welcomes connection and collaboration with families so please do reach out if you have any questions or wish to know more about counselling at ACS Hillingdon.
Wellbeing Counsellor 7-12
Bernadette Richards is an education professional with over 20 years’ experience working with children and young adults who are struggling with anxiety, mental health issues and needs that manifest as challenging behaviours. She is currently our Counsellor for grades 7-12, a Deputy Safeguarding Lead and Mental Health First Aider.
Originally from Singapore, where she trained as a special needs teacher specialising in working with autistic young people, Bernadette moved to the UK with her family 15 years ago. During her time in the UK, she has undertaken regular advanced studies, including a degree in Education and Wellbeing, postgraduate certificate in Psychology, and Masters in Psychology of Education with a specialism in counselling from the University College London. These have developed her understanding of the key issues and challenges our young people currently face, enabling her to enhance the interactions and interventions she offers to our students.
Bernadette is passionate about promoting psychological flexibility to help young people adapt and thrive in an international community. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology and Human Development, with the goal of deepening her appreciation of the transnational student population we welcome at ACS, aiming to develop more effective educational and psychological strategies to support their diverse needs.
Head of Upper School Student Services
School nurse
