I have always been lucky to encounter good people and walk my own, experience-rich path. I had studied cultural sciences and psychology at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan and completed psychology at the University of East London. My knowledge, skills, and pedagogical experience have been acquired during many years of work in the United Kingdom and Poland as well as during postgraduate studies. Concurrently, I have been pursuing my academic interests – I am the co-author of a book “Psychescapes – the identity of our times?” (Pankalla, Kilian), scholarly articles, and presentations on psycho-cultural conferences. Life experiences and counselling work in a multicultural environment have deepened my cultural awareness and sensitivity towards child’s place and problems in the contemporary world and have made me comprehend the need for culturally embedded psychoeducational practice for people working with children.
My mentor and life inspiration Helena Kuźmicka (RIP) – a student and collaborator of Janusz Korczak (Polish doctor, writer, educator, and fighter for the children’s rights) – used to say: “Janusz Korczak first asked if we love children. Because if we do not love them, we should not work with them as we will harm them”. This love for children is fulfilled also in my private life – I am a mum of a teenage boy Tristan. Moreover, I am an enthusiast of forests and mountains, yoga and piano.
It is a huge honour and a source of unprecedented joy to accompany another person in discovering their way by sharing my experience and love for the world and its wonders. I believe that being the headmaster of FSA School and raising a new generation of young people makes it possible to live up to Mahatma Gandhi’s message: “Be the change you want to see in the world”.
With kind regards and a welcoming invitation, Aleksandra Kilian.