International Advisory Board

Our school is supported by an International Advisory Board composed of experienced educators from different parts of the world. Board members contribute to the continuous development of our institution through diverse perspectives and strong educational expertise.

Lisa Smith, who served as Principal at our school during the 2014–2015 academic year, currently works as a principal at a public school in Nova Scotia, Canada. One of our founders, Doğa Demirsü, has been leading our middle and high school campus in Toronto since 2017, and as of this year, our Toronto school has transitioned to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. Sema Kızılkaya, founder of both Keystone and Kilittaşı Schools, continues to serve as the Acting General Director at Kilittaşı School in Istanbul.

Working closely with the CEO, the International Advisory Board provides strategic guidance and supports the development of educational practices aligned with international standards.

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.

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 Kilittaşı Schools.