The International School of Texas is led by a dedicated team of experienced educators and administrators who bring a shared commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community. With a combined 100+ years of experience, this team has the expertise and knowledge to continue growing Austin’s premier IB World School while remaining uniquely focused on quality, community, and excellence.
Dr. Watson is a distinguished international educator with more than 30 years of leadership experience across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. A dual U.S./UK citizen fluent in English and French, he brings a global perspective and a deep commitment to academic excellence, community, and innovation.
Dr. Watson holds a Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Zagreb, an M.Sc. in Social Science from the University of Bristol, and advanced degrees from leading institutions in France and the UK. He is also a graduate of the Principals’ Training Center for International School Leadership.
Most recently, Dr. Watson served as Head of School at the Community School of Naples (Florida), where he led a remarkable transformation growing enrollment by 40%, tripling the endowment, expanding facilities, and introducing cutting-edge STEM, robotics, and global programs. His prior leadership at schools such as The Awty International School (Houston), RAK Academy (UAE), and Garden International School (Malaysia) reflects his expertise in driving growth, uniting communities, and fostering international partnerships.
Dr. Watson’s philosophy centers on community, respect, and meaningful challenge, aligning perfectly with IST’s mission to develop compassionate, confident, lifelong learners and global citizens. His vision for the IB education emphasizes not only academic excellence, but also character development, inclusivity, and a strong sense of belonging.
Ms. G serves as Head of Primary Division and Middle School at The International School of Texas, bringing more than 20 years of experience in international education and a deep commitment to fostering student growth, belonging, and academic excellence. Since joining IST in 2021, she has served the school in multiple roles, including lead teacher, learning specialist, and swim coach, before stepping into her current leadership position in 2024.
Throughout her career, Gene has taught and led in international schools across Kuwait, Thailand, South Korea, and South Africa, giving her a broad global perspective and a passion for creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments. She believes that every child thrives when challenged, supported, and encouraged to be curious, confident, and compassionate.
As Head of IST's Primary Division and Middle School, Gene is dedicated to nurturing a vibrant school community where inquiry, collaboration, and meaningful relationships inspire students to become lifelong learners and engaged global citizens. Outside of school, she is an avid swimmer and a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation. She has climbed Mount Everest, swam in shark-infested waters near Madagascar, and strives to instill traits learned from those adventures in all our students: resilience and joy.
Mrs. Bates serves as Director of Operations at The International School of Texas, bringing a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to creating exceptional experiences for students, families, and faculty. Since joining IST in 2019, she has held several key roles, including serving at the front desk, leading the Admissions Office for five years, and now overseeing the school's daily and facility operations.
Mrs. Bates studied Psychology at the University of Oklahoma before beginning her professional career in the business sector. After the birth of her third daughter, she discovered her passion for education and spent a decade in school leadership at a private Methodist school in East Texas. There, she served in a variety of administrative roles, including admissions, licensing, marketing, and school health services, while contributing as a member of the senior leadership team.
Known for her welcoming spirit and student-centered approach, Mrs. Bates is dedicated to ensuring that every family feels supported and connected throughout their journey at IST. Her broad operational expertise, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to building a strong school community help create an environment where students and educators can thrive. A proud Native American, Mrs. Bates enjoys sharing her heritage and traditions with the IST community, helping foster a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives.
Sara Solomon serves as Director of Admission and Enrollment at The International School of Texas, where she leads the school's admissions and enrollment efforts as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. With more than 15 years of experience in admissions and an additional decade of expertise in recruiting, human resources, volunteer management, and sales, Sara brings a thoughtful, relationship-driven approach to helping families find the right educational fit for their children.
A graduate of TCU, Sara has built her career in independent school admissions and enrollment management, including serving in the Office of Admission at St. Stephen's Episcopal School in Austin before joining IST in 2023. She also serves on the Independent School Admission Consortium of Austin, collaborating with fellow admissions professionals to support families navigating the independent school landscape. Known for her warmth, integrity, and data-driven approach, Sara is passionate about building meaningful relationships and ensuring every family experiences the welcoming, globally minded community that defines an IST education.
Outside of school, Sara enjoys traveling, hiking scenic trails, and playing pickleball. She is the proud mother of two adult sons and loves spending time with her miniature dachshund, who is always ready for the next adventure.
Corey Gayheart serves as Director of Communications & Marketing at The International School of Texas, where he oversees all marketing and communications initiatives, including the school's branding, website, social media, public relations, internal communications, strategic storytelling, event planning, volunteer management, and master calendar. Since joining IST in 2023 as Community Relations Coordinator, he has grown professionally, including serving as Interim Director of Development during the 2025–26 school year.
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Corey earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science while serving as Student Body Vice President. He then completed his Master of Education through the University's ACE Teaching Fellows program. Prior to transitioning into communications and marketing, he taught English Language Arts and Social Studies in Austin, where he also advised Student Council and Safety Patrol, coached flag football and basketball, and developed a passion for creating school communities where every student feels known, challenged, and inspired.
Throughout his career, Corey has been driven by a commitment to service, leadership, and building meaningful connections. His professional experiences span education, public policy, political communications, higher education advancement, and nonprofit leadership, including roles with K&L Gates in Washington, D.C., the National Student Leadership Conference, the Kellogg Institute for International Studies, and political campaigns and community engagement initiatives in Ohio. He currently serves as the Southwest Regional Director on the University of Notre Dame's Young Alumni Board.
At IST, Corey is passionate about telling the stories that make the school community extraordinary while helping families discover the transformative impact of an international education. At IST, he also advises Destination Imagination and serves on the school's Sunshine Committee, reflecting his belief that a thriving school culture is built through belonging, collaboration, and authentic relationships.
Outside of school, Corey enjoys traveling, discovering Austin's live music and culinary scenes, spending time with his book club, and exploring the city with his dog, Rudy. He also competes in flag football, captaining an A Division travel flag football team that won the national championship in 2025. Whether on the field or behind the scenes telling IST's story, he believes in the power of teamwork, storytelling, and community to help people and teams reach their fullest potential.
Justin Mulloy serves as Director of Athletics & Activities at The International School of Texas, where he leads the school's athletic programs, extracurricular activities, and student leadership opportunities. Since joining IST in the summer of 2024, he has been dedicated to fostering a culture of teamwork, resilience, sportsmanship, and personal growth, helping students develop confidence and character both on and off the field.
Justin brings a diverse background in athletics and leadership spanning professional sports, collegiate athletics, and education. Before joining IST, he served in athletic leadership roles at Texas State University as Associate Athletic Director and at Cleveland State University as Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing. He also held positions at Dartmouth College, was part of an NCAA National Championship-winning football program, and gained professional sports experience with both the NFL and NBA. Together, these experiences have shaped his passion for developing student-athletes, building successful programs, and creating meaningful opportunities for young people to thrive.
He earned a Master of Science in Sport Management from Northwest Missouri State University and a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from the University of Minnesota. He has also completed a Post-Graduate Leadership Certification through Harvard University, further strengthening his expertise in organizational leadership and team development.
At IST, Justin is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for every student to discover their interests, challenge themselves, and experience the lifelong benefits of athletics and extracurricular involvement. He believes that sports and activities are powerful vehicles for building leadership, resilience, collaboration, and a strong sense of community.
Outside of school, Justin enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, staying active through fitness and wellness, and following a wide variety of sports. He also loves spending time with his five-year-old Golden Retriever, Bella. Having grown up playing football, basketball, baseball, and track and field, he continues to believe that the lessons learned through athletics extend far beyond the game and help prepare students for success in every aspect of life.