About Us

With a passion for international education, I bring a wealth of educational experience and leadership spanning over a decade. Having held several senior leadership positions in Scotland, including Deputy Headteacher and Acting Headteacher, I then commenced my international career by joining a highly reputable outstanding-rated primary school in Dubai in 2016, where I held a number of senior leadership roles, including responsibilities as Assistant Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher. I currently lead at another outstanding-rated 3-18 school in Dubai with an international reputation for excellence.

I am deeply committed to fostering a nurturing and stimulating learning environment, where each and every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, through personalised learning and adaptive teaching approaches. By ensuring an over-arching exciting and creative curriculum, that integrates both the UAE priorities and the National Curriculum of England, I am committed to providing children with ‘future ready’ skills, equipping them for life’s challenges ahead.

Understanding the importance of collective efficacy through building a strong community, I am looking forward to working collaboratively with our students, parents and staff at DBS Emirates Hills to build on best international educational practice at our vibrant and thriving school.

It was probably a childhood spent hiking, camping, and reading rain-soaked maps in the mountains of Northern England that gave me the urge to study geography when the time came to head to university. Then, after three years of river wading, glacier mapping, pond dipping and dune sampling in pursuit of my BSc at Loughborough University nothing felt more natural than to share my passion for this amazing subject with others. So, in 1999 I completed a PGCE at Goldsmiths College and began my teaching career in Greenwich, London.

Feeling the need to see a little more of the world, I taught in New Zealand before returning to the UK and settling in Shropshire in 2002 where I gained experience as a Head of Geography, Head of Year and then a Director of Learning leading the pastoral care and academic progress of students from Years 7 to 13.

I moved into senior leadership in 2009 as an Assistant Headteacher overseeing pastoral care, personal development and well-being in an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ school in Worcestershire. In 2012 I completed my MA by evaluating strategies to promote inclusion and achievement across primary and secondary schools, and I subsequently became Deputy Principal with responsibility for pedagogy, professional development and quality assurance.

In 2013 I began my Postgraduate Diploma in Education at the University of Birmingham in which I focused on educational leadership and conducted action research into effective methods for sharing professional excellence in schools. Working in a National Teaching School I also had the opportunity to deliver training to teachers through the National Professional Qualifications programme and to lead a team of Specialist Leaders in Education on regional school improvement projects. In 2015 I completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and used the experience to strengthen my understanding of the links between the primary and secondary education phases.

In 2016 my family and I sought a new adventure and headed to Malaysia where I became a Vice-Principal leading curriculum, assessment, and progression at the Alice Smith School in Kuala Lumpur. Whilst at Alice Smith I worked with my colleagues to build upon the school’s impressive academic pedigree and saw standards rise even further at GCSE and A Level from already excellent starting points. Our persistent focus on high-quality research-based learning through the Extended Project Qualification eventually led to formal recognition as our students’ results placed the school within the top 5% globally.

Having joined in 2022, I am extremely proud that my family and I are a part of the Dubai British School Emirates Hills community. Indeed, it’s the word ‘community’ that repeatedly comes through in any conversation I have about the school with those who know it well. I particularly value the privilege of learning from the superb staff working across the DBSEH journey from foundation to graduation and working with the students who make the school such a genuinely special place to be.

Having loved my own time at school, I knew from an early age that I wanted to teach children and provide them with the love for education that I am so lucky to have. Having graduated from the University of Greenwich in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education Studies, specialising in English and Special Educational Needs, I taught and led on a range of curriculum areas in schools in Kent, as well as becoming Assistant Headteacher before making the exciting decision to move to Dubai.

Since moving to Dubai in 2013, I have taught in two other outstanding British International schools where I have taken the lead on outstanding curriculum provision. I am passionate about providing children with learning experiences that whilst providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge and understandings they need in order to advance in their respective learning journeys, will ignite a passion for lifelong learning and that they will remember fondly when they reflect on their school days in years to come.

When I’m not in school, I love to travel and immerse myself in new cultures. I love to read and this year I plan to reignite my love of learning languages by taking German lessons.

My first career passion was military aviation, and I joined the Royal Air Force part time straight after my A-levels and started learning to fly. After subsequently attaining a First in Physics from Oxford, I joined the RAF full time to train as a fast jet pilot, until diabetes curtailed that career prematurely. I then joined J.P. Morgan as a trader and spent over 16 years working in global finance in London, New York and Hong Kong, becoming a senior leader managing a global line of business for a division of AIG. Throughout this time, I took on many training roles, and taught and coached hundreds of people to understand complex financial mathematics better, so when I decided to leave finance, I followed my passion for education full time.

Whilst studying at the University of Sunderland for my PGCE (remotely), I also founded, built and managed a tutoring school in Hong Kong and competed in a sailing class world championship. I began teaching at a bilingual Mandarin and English-speaking school and rapidly gained educational leadership experience as Deputy Head of Maths, Acting Head of Maths, and Head of Years 7 and then 8. As a committed life-long learner, I also began to study Psychology at the University of Derby and in gaining my MSc I found a passion for Positive Psychology, learning extensively about how well-being, performance and attainment are intertwined. This eventually led me to become the Head of Positive Education for senior years at another prestigious school in Dubai, where I helped design and implement a global award-winning Positive Education programme.

As a senior leader in education, I have endeavoured to ensure that our programmes of education and pastoral care are world-class in helping our students become the best they aim to be. My driving force is that we equip students with the holistic skills to achieve great personal success at school, in further education, and their careers.

After graduating in 2002 with a Bachelor of Education, specializing in English and Special Educational Needs, I began my teaching journey in a small inner-city primary school. This early experience laid the foundation for my passion for inclusive education, which has been the driving force of my career.

Returning to Northern Ireland, I had the privilege of managing and working hands-on in a learning support center dedicated to children with Specific Speech and Language Disorders and Autism. This role fulfilled a long-standing professional goal, allowing me to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams within my local education authority and directly impact the lives of students with unique needs.

In 2012, I relocated to Dubai with my family. During this time, I earned my Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) qualification and a Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment, and Access Arrangements (CPT3A). My dedication to advancing inclusive education was further recognized when I played a key role in our Inclusion Department, which was awarded the MENA SEN Department of the Year in 2017.

I have also enjoyed sharing my expertise by hosting workshops with established training providers, a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the professional growth of my peers.

In recent years, I achieved my NPQSL qualification and completed a Postgraduate Certificate to become a Specialist Dyslexia Teacher, with plans to further specialise as a Dyslexia Assessor via the British Dyslexia Association. My commitment to inclusive education remains unwavering, as I firmly believe that every child has the right to reach their full potential.

Outside of my professional life, I am a mum of two and enjoy exploring new cultures with my family. I am always open to connecting with parents, colleagues, and the wider community to share ideas and collaborate on initiatives that support our students.

I graduated from Cairo University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts (Arabic department). Eager to share my knowledge, I immediately dove into the world of teaching, spending three rewarding years as an Arabic instructor for non-Arab students in Egypt.

In 2007, I joined the dynamic team at Raffles International School as an Arabic teacher. It was there that I honed my skills in engaging students from diverse backgrounds, igniting their enthusiasm for the richness of the Arabic language.

I made the move to Dubai British School Emirates Hills in 2010, where I had the privilege of teaching both Arabic and Islamic studies. This dual role allowed me to truly immerse myself in the cultural and spiritual aspects of the Arab world, fostering a deep appreciation for the connections between language and faith.

Driven by a thirst for continuous learning, I embarked on a journey of professional development. In 2015, I obtained the prestigious ACTFEL qualification, equipping me with specialized techniques for teaching Arabic to non-Arab students. This was followed by the completion of a pedagogical diploma in 2018, further enhancing my pedagogical expertise.

Additionally, I have recently begun (NPQSL) program, positioning me to lead the Arabic and Islamic department with strategic vision and innovative approaches.

As the Head of the Arabic and Islamic Department at the outstanding Dubai British School since 2022, I am thrilled to inspire a new generation of learners, fostering their appreciation for the linguistic and cultural richness of the Arab world.

I have always had a desire to understand the world better and gain an appreciation of what can be done to solve the problems we face now and in the future. It was for this reason I was drawn to the study of Geography. I completed my Masters Degree at the University of Glasgow and, having carried out research within the UK, Europe and Africa I knew I wanted a career that allowed me to meet and work with people from around the world. As a result, having completed my teacher training and enjoyed my first years as a teacher in Scotland I was drawn to a job offer in Dubai.

As Head of Year overseeing pastoral care for Years 8 to 10 I was part of a dynamic team moving a new school from Good to Outstanding over the course of three years.

My interest in enhancing learning and teaching led me to become Head of Humanities Faculty within the same school. Subsequently, having taken a year out to enjoy time with my new daughter during the pandemic, I was excited when the opportunity of Head of Humanities became availability at DBSEH. Following a year in this position, I was appointed Assistant Head Teacher of Academics overseeing pedagogy, quality assurance and professional development.

For me, teaching is about sharing my passion for Geography and fostering the belief that every child, regardless of their starting point, can achieve success. At DBSEH we have both incredible students as well as a staff body who are truly dedicated to the social , emotional and academic wellbeing of the children in their care. The beauty of international education is the celebration of culture and diversity and I feel honoured that my role allows me to be part of the DBSEH community.

I graduated with a Degree in Physical Education in 2000 and worked in Essex for six years as a PE teacher, then as a Head of ICT, before moving to the North East of England.  I then worked in Consett, Co, Durham for thirteen years in a variety of roles from Head of Department, Head of Year and then to become an Assistant Head.

I have always had a passion for finding new ways to support students learning, particularly through the use of technology, and I enjoying bringing these into my teaching practice.

I moved to Dubai in the summer of 2019 to become the Assistant Headteacher for the whole of DBSEH. I came with my wife and son and have loved the difference in lifestyle that we have experienced since moving from the chilly North East of England.  We enjoy getting out into the desert camping, going to the beach or enjoying some of the fantastic opportunities that the UAE has to offer.

Graduating from Loughborough University in 2004 I spent a few years teaching in Nottingham whilst playing volleyball and coaching the East Midlands girls’ team.

The decision to move to Dubai was, in all honesty, not entirely planned. I visited a teaching friend in Abu Dhabi and fell in love with the country, lifestyle and prospect of teaching in the heat! With Maths and PE jobs available at DBSEH, my husband and I headed to the Sandpit and are thrilled we made this choice.

DBSEH really is a close community and I feel fortunate my daughters are in a school where young people of all nationalities and backgrounds are valued and differences celebrated. As the Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for care and wellbeing, I work alongside the pastoral team to ensure our students are happy, responsible learners. My role also includes being the Head of Sixth Form and teaching Psychology and PE.

In my free time I love to be outdoors, travelling and exploring new places. I enjoy a range of sports and just spending time with my family.

I was born and raised in Brazil but have also lived in Australia, the USA, and the Netherlands. For the past 14 years, Dubai has been my home. I have a 12-year-old son who is also a student at DBSEH.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Trilingual Executive Secretaryship, a postgraduate certificate in Management, and a Master’s in Psychology. Despite my diverse educational background, my career has consistently centered around education, whether as a teacher or in administration.

I have been with Taaleem for 14 years, beginning at Uptown International School, one of our sister schools. I then joined Dubai British School Jumeirah Park Foundation during its construction phase. A couple of years ago, I moved to DBS Emirates Hills after spending eight rewarding years at DBF.

At the DBS Group, we function as a close-knit family, where teamwork and mutual support are at the heart of everything we do.

Originally from the Canary Islands, I bring a wealth of diverse experiences to my role. Over a decade ago, I came to Dubai to work as an international cabin crew member, which allowed me the incredible opportunity to visit over 85 countries and gain invaluable experience in working with people from all over the globe. This journey enriched my understanding of different cultures and enhanced my ability to connect with people from various backgrounds.

In addition to my extensive travel experience, I hold a background in PR and advertising. After spending four years in the education field in Dubai, I am excited to bring my expertise and enthusiasm to DBS Emirates Hills.

Outside of work, I am a passionate Lagree Megaformer enthusiast and enjoy visiting local markets. My love for the sea is a constant in my life and I always find comfort near the water.

I look forward to contributing to the vibrant community at DBS Emirates Hills and supporting our students’ growth and success.