The Middle School Counseling team aims to provide a proactive and collaborative program that promotes the overall well-being of each student, ensuring that they learn in a safe, healthy and supportive environment.
Students are assigned alphabetically between the four Counselors for the duration of their Middle School years; however all the Counselors are available for consultation for personal or academic concerns.
IS Manila's Counseling Department hosts several activities and events throughout the year. Watch out for some of the workshops offered to ISM parents this school year.
Meet the Counselors
Philippa Spendelow - Grade 5
Philippa was born in England and raised in Canada. Over the past 20 years, she has lived and worked across Asia, building a career in education while also taking time to explore the region. She holds a Master’s in Counseling from Monash University, a Graduate Diploma in Primary Education from the University of the Sunshine Coast, and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Windsor.
Her professional background spans teaching and leadership roles in Korea, Australia, Singapore, and Indonesia, where she has collaborated closely with students, families, and educators to support meaningful learning opportunities and supporting families as they transition into new environments.
Most recently, Philippa served as MYP Curriculum Coordinator and Teacher of Language and Literature at Bali Island School. Prior to that, she was Department Head of MYP Language and Literature at The Overseas Family School in Singapore, where she taught English, Drama, EAL and supported in pastoral aspects.
Philippa also brings counselling experience from a freelance counselling service in Singapore, where her approach centered on cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy.
Outside of work, Philippa enjoys cycling and exploring with her Kiwi husband and two Singapore born children. She also dedicates time to sustainable DIY projects, gardening, writing, ballet dancing and travelling. She is looking forward to working at ISM.
Alex Newgard - Grade 6
Alex Newgard is from Southern California and is starting his ISM journey this year. With 5+ years of school counseling experience, Alex comes from Hyderabad, India where he worked for 3 years as a Grade 6-12 counselor with a focus on creating inclusion and diversity programs, developing student mentorship initiatives, and cultivating a Middle School community of clubs and passion projects. At the same time, Alex ensured that effective referral systems were in place to best support family needs and enrich school resources. As a participating member of "Parents as Partners", Alex is a strong believer in working in collaboration with families and that children benefit most from being heard and not solved.
With a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC) and Psychology from the University of Westminster in London along with a professional license in teaching, Alex values the importance of working towards understanding the relationship with ourselves as individuals, as well as with others.
When Alex is not working, he can often be found playing hide-and-seek with both his 5-year-old son and daughter, enjoying a good meal with his best friend, who just so happens to be his wife, and many video calls with his family in the US.
Diana Van Der Merwe - Grade 7
Abigail Diwas - Grade 8
Abbey is from Baguio, Philippines, and is a graduate of St. Scholastica's College in Manila, where she obtained the degrees BS in Psychology and BA in Guidance and Counseling. She went on to pursue her Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling at Saint Louis University, Baguio and is currently finishing her Doctorate Degree in Counseling Psychology at De La Salle University, Manila. Ms. Abbey also holds an Early Childhood Education Certificate from the University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
She is a licensed Counselor and Psychometrician in the Philippines and is a member of the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association and the American School Counselor Association.
Prior to joining ISM, Abbey was the K-12 Counselor and Learning Support Coordinator at Brent International School. She has worked with children, teens, adults, and families from diverse backgrounds. She is very passionate about social and emotional learning, and children and adolescent wellbeing. She is also an advocate for mental health and self-care.
Outside of her work she loves spending time with her husband and her wonderful eleven-year-old son. She also enjoys reading, listening to music, playing the ukulele, and traveling.
The following services are provided by our Counselors:
- Welcome of new students and their families to ISM, by facilitating the orientation programs which include academic scheduling and other transition concerns
- Provide confidential personal and small-group counseling services
- Offer parent workshops throughout the year which address various issues that relate to adolescent students
- Collaborate with teachers, parents, administrators and other educators to discuss, design and implement specific interventions based on students individual needs
- Represent student's well-being in school-wide program planning in collaboration with the Middle School Administration
- Work with Grade Level Leaders to provide specific guidance lessons or initiatives through the Advisory program
- Encourage Leadership development through programs such as Student Council and Student Ambassadors
- Facilitate the High School Tutoring program, that offers academic and mentorship support for our students by High School volunteers
Availability - Appointments can be scheduled Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM by calling 8840.8555, or simply stopping by. You can also schedule an appointment with our wonderful Counseling Assistant, Ms. Nichole Reyes in the Middle School Office or email us at mscounseling@ismanila.org.
Experience Middle School at ISM
International School Manila