Staff Directory
Staff are listed in alphabetical order by first name. To find a particular staff member by Name: search by Last or First name in the keyword box and press the tner key or click on the search button. For school specific departments use the drop down list to filter by school sections and subjects.
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Ekhlas Barakat
Admission Assistant & Ministry Liaison
Departments: Administration -
Farag Mohammed
Classroom Teacher
Departments: Primary SchoolFarag Mohammed was born and raised in Birmingham, UK. He graduated from Birmingham City University with a Bachelor Degree in Primary Education. He has worked in the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. He has been in the UAE since 2019 and has previously worked at RAK Academy in Ras Al Khaimah. His 13-year teaching experience has rewarded him the opportunity to teach Grade 3 through to Grade 5 including being a SEND and specialist maths teacher. He has also has had the opportunity to lead whole school PE. Farag’s philosophy in teaching is to provide a safe and positive learning environment for students in which they develop their academic and social skills needed to become responsible community and global citizens. He wants the children to develop responsibility for their own learning and a resilient attitude to challenging tasks. His students are encouraged to respect, value, and share their own and each other's unique abilities.
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Filipinas Macalalad
Accountant Assistant
Departments: Administration -
Francis Meehan
English Teacher
Departments: Secondary SchoolFrancis Meehan was born and raised in Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland. He graduated from secondary school in 2009 on completion of his Leaving Certificate. Francis attended St. Patrick’s Carlow College studying a Bachelor of Arts Level 8 Degree English and History. He then attended University City Dublin and achieved a Professional Master’s in Education with the focus of English and History. Francis began working in Presentation College Bray for the first year of his PME and De La Salle College Dundalk. The following academic year he moved to Aylesbury in England and began his Newly Qualified teaching course in The Grange School.
Francis returned to Ireland and began working for the Louth Meath Educational Training Board. Over the next two years Francis worked in different schools for the LMETB as a teacher covering maternity leave and sick leave contracts. While working in these schools Francis obtained further experience teaching English and History whilst also gaining new teaching experience in the subjects of Religious Education and Civic Social Political Education.
Francis decided to move to the UAE in 2019. He undertook a role as an English teacher in Emirates National School, Sharjah and worked there for three years. He has concluded that the UAE has more opportunities to offer and successfully applied to Ajman Academy for the role of English teacher.
Francis is a conscientious teacher who believes in making a safe and enriching learning environment for all students. He aims to achieve this by employing various teaching methods and has recently focused on using technology in the classroom.
In his spare time Francis enjoys playing Gaelic football with the Sharjah Gaels who are based in the Wanderers Sports Club in Sharjah. He also enjoys playing pick-up soccer games, swimming, and attending fitness
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Gabrielle Theodore
Classroom Teacher
Departments: Primary SchoolGabrielle Theodore was born in London and studied at Roehampton Institute (University of Surrey, UK), where she obtained a BA (Hons) Degree in English Literature and Education. Gabrielle has twenty-five years of valuable teaching experience which includes the UK and internationally. She has taught across the age phases from Nursery to Grade 6. Her career began as a Montessori teacher, which inspired her holistic approach to childhood education and passion for making learning fun, engaging, relevant and memorable. Gabrielle’s passion for creating a curriculum that encourages critical thinking and promotes life-long learning skills led her to qualify as a teacher in multicultural UK schools. During her teacher training, she participated in an Erasmus scholarship programme in Lund University, Sweden, which specialised in “Teaching in Multi-Lingual Primary Schools”. This training led to an interest in teaching English to multi-lingual students in the UK and internationally. Gabrielle has worked for the British Council teaching English to children and adults in summer school programmes in London, Jordan, Hong Kong and Qatar. Gabrielle’s international teaching experience also includes the British School of Kuwait, Doha British School, British International School Abu Dhabi and Aldar Academies. In addition to this, she has been a subject coordinator at several schools, English as an Additional Language coordinator and contributed to raising standards of achievement in Writing and Science.
Gabrielle is delighted to be joining the Ajman Academy community. She is committed to implementing the best methods to overcome language barriers to learning so that all students succeed. Gabrielle believes that a safe learning environment that nurtures self-esteem and respect for others is crucial in developing confident and tolerant global citizens and leaders that can work collaboratively with others towards a better world for all.
Gabrielle enjoys travelling and visiting places of historic interest. Her travelling experience has also inspired an interest in photography and silk painting. She is also an avid reader and enjoys going to the theatre and music concerts.
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Genalyn De Leon
Learning Support Assistant
Departments: AEN -
Ghada Ata Mahmoud Samara
Social Studies Teacher
Departments: Secondary School -
Ghadeer Ahmed
Receptionist - Primary School
Departments: Primary School, AdministrationSecondary Title: Bus Coordinator -
Gurpreet Singh Joginder Singh
Security
Departments: Facility -
Gurwinder Singh
Security
Departments: Administration -
Hala Sweilem
Assistant Primary Principal - PYP Coordinator
Departments: LeadershipHala Sweilem
Hala was born in Jordan to an Arab American mother and a Jordanian father. Hala is married with two young daughters.
Hala is a certified IB educator with 12 years of teaching experience. She holds a master’s degree in International Education from the University of Bath (UK). Hala is also a certified IB Workshop Leader who values sharing and gaining experience from other educators. She is bilingual, speaks English and Arabic, and enjoys learning and speaking other languages. Hala has recently held teaching and a PYP Lead position at Amman Baccalaureate School in Jordan.
Hala believes that children must have a stimulating educational environment where their curiosity and interests are nurtured and developed so they can strive to be agentic lifelong learners. She believes that every educator should aspire to create a safe and happy environment for students so they can grow in all aspects and become well-rounded citizens who will make a positive impact on the world.
In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Hala enjoys meeting new people and gaining new experiences; she is delighted to join Ajman Academy Team.
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Hamdy Mostafa Darwesh Mostafa
Accountant
Departments: Administration -
Hania Easton - Wisniewski
Classroom Teacher
Departments: Primary SchoolHania Easton was born and raised in Scotland, United Kingdom. She attained an MA (hons) in International Business management with marketing from Heriot Watt University. Later, she graduated from the University of Birmingham, with a PGCE in Primary Education.
Hania has been living in the UAE since 2017. Prior to joining Ajman Academy, she was working as a primary teacher at a British school in Dubai and has loved her time teaching in the UAE. Hania is passionate about creating positive and engaging learning experiences for her students. She hopes to share her inquisitive nature and passion for knowledge with the young minds that she works alongside. She understands that all children are unique and aims to nurture their gifts.
Outside of school, Hania enjoys skiing, particularly on beautiful mountain slopes. She regularly travels to her home in Scotland and enjoys being with her family in the bonny Scottish countryside.
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Hannah Auld
English Teacher
Departments: Secondary SchoolHannah Auld has over 6 years of experience working in education and has spent three years working as a trained English teacher in the United Kingdom. She also has nine years’ experience in other areas of work which include hospitality, administration, retail and proofreading.
Hannah was born in Glasgow, Scotland to a Scottish mother and father. Having studied at the University of Glasgow, she obtained a BA (Hons) Degree in English Literature. Following this, she worked for 2 years on the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme, working as an assistant language teacher in Fukuoka, Japan, and then a further 2 years teaching at various schools in Tokyo. During this time, Hannah discovered her passion for working with young people. Hannah returned to the UK to complete a Master’s in English Literature at University College London, and later qualified at the University of Edinburgh as a secondary English teacher.
Hannah believes that every child is a unique individual with the potential to bring something different to the world. By believing in them as capable individuals, Hannah helps children develop to their full potential. She is continuously researching and looking for new ideas on how to continue to help the children in her class’s academic, social and emotional wellbeing. Hannah also regularly attends professional development courses which contribute to her achieving these goals.
In her spare time, Hannah loves to travel all over the world, spend time with her family, socialise with friends, and keep fit by going to the gym and taking part in outdoor activities.
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Hashim KC
MIS System Administrator
Departments: Administration -
Hayley Beresford
KG2 Teacher
Departments: Primary SchoolSecondary Title: Grade LeaderHayley is from South Africa and has been living in the UAE for 18 years. Hayley has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology through The University of South Africa and her Post Graduate Certificate in Education through The University of Sunderland in England. Hayley has been teaching young children for 18 years, specialising in Early Years. Hayley taught in a Nursery school in Sharjah for seven years and then moved to a school in Dubai for another seven years. During her experience, she progressed to being the Foundation Stage Leader in her previous school. Hayley is currently the KG2 Grade Leader and KG Read, Write Inc. Co-Ordinator at Ajman Academy. She is married and has one daughter. Hayley enjoys spending time with family and friends and being outdoors; in the pool, camping and having Barbeques.
Hayley aims to create a fun and safe learning environment for her students who will be active, engaged and become independent learners. Hayley believes students learn best through real-life experiences and being involved in their learning as well as working in different areas including inside and outside the classroom. -
Heather Marie Horvath
Classroom Teacher
Departments: Primary School
Heather Horvath was born in Australia, lived many years in London and currently lives in Ras al Khaimah. She studied and worked in London believing that teaching the upper primary school was for her, before being hired to teach year 1 and discovering the sheer chaos of learning through play and embraced it wholeheartedly.
She spent a few years as a year one teacher before leaving to do supply work and gain experience in other grades. She spent the last year teaching KG2 in Al Rams in a 100% Arabic speaking school.
During this time and her time teaching in inner city London schools, she has worked with lots of children that English is a second language. Speaking and listening, games and visuals are a big part of teaching in an EAL setting and her background in performance and theatre provides her with the skills to create interesting and engaging lessons. She thinks that providing a safe space and engaging lessons allows the children to take charge of their own learning and develop their skills at a fast pace.
She believes that children’s social and emotional well-being is an important aspect to their learning and development. She thinks that creating meaningful relationships through listening, encourages the students to feel safe and in turn provides them the opportunity to succeed. Fostering these relationships with the parents is just as important, as she believes it is a team effort that helps to create a well-rounded person, ready for the future.
In addition to teaching, she has liaised with the edible garden coordinator to encourage outdoor learning and directed the year one Christmas play. In the UAE, she hosted an Art club for after school activities.
Outside of school she enjoys swimming, exercising, and taking the time to read a good book. She is delighted to be a part of the Ajman academy team.
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Hoda Abu Hussein
Arabic and Islamic Teacher
Departments: Primary School, Arabic, IslamicHoda Abu Hussein brings over 22 years of educational experience in the UAE across Ministry of Education and private schools. Hoda has both a Masters and PhD Degrees in curriculum and teaching methods and she has a bachelor’s degree in Arabic language and Islamic studies.
Hoda believes that an interest in education at a young age gives us greater access to creative scientists and influential leaders in the future. -
Hossain MD Bellal
Store Keeper
Departments: Administration -
Jacquelyn Guillermo
Bus Nanny / Cleaner
Departments: Secondary School, Administration -
Jayna M Cortes
Bus Nanny / Cleaner
Departments: Primary School, Administration -
Jennifer Hewitt
PE Teacher
Departments: Secondary SchoolJen grew up with a passion for sport and parents who work in Education which inspired her future career goal. She completed her BA (Hons) Degree in Education Studies at Winchester University. She then went on to complete her Post Graduate Certificate in Education within Secondary PE. Jen has been teaching in a variety of schools in the South of the UK planning and delivering lessons, organising extra-curricular team events and bringing her knowledge and passion for a variety of sports to these settings. Within her experience, Jen has worked with all age ranges from 4 to 19. With a love of all sport Jen has extended her knowledge from practical to technical alongside gaining her gymnastics coaching qualification and football referring certificate. For several years Jen was a judge at the county tumbling competition. Jen was born in the South of England and has enjoyed growing up with her siblings near the coast. Jen was part of the local swimming team training in the water at 5am and conditioning on the trampolines in the evenings. Jen also enjoys team sports such as netball, football and rugby. Jen spent a year travelling around Asia and Australia and enjoyed learning about many different cultures. She has a passion to inspire the next generation to help them identify their sense of self, challenge themselves and build a sense of affiliation with their peers. She believes that through PE she can teach key life values such as fairness, teambuilding, equality, inclusion, discipline, perseverance, and respect. -
Jenny Comia Berjay
Learning Support Assistant
Departments: AEN -
Jessica Ratac
Teaching Assistant
Departments: Primary School, AdministrationSecondary Title: KG1HSM -
Jinky Darantino Calica
Bus Nanny
Departments: Primary School, AdministrationSecondary Title: Admin Assistant -
Jocelyn Sumagang
Teaching Assistant
Departments: Primary School, AdministrationSecondary Title: Pre-KGCEA -
Jocet Dial
Teaching Assistant
Departments: Primary School, AdministrationSecondary Title: Grade 3 -
Jonathan David Thomas
Grade 4 Teacher
Departments: Primary SchoolJonathan is from Wales and it is his passion to see students express themselves. He has a degree in Drama and a Postgraduate in Education. He has taught in the UAE for 8 years in two different schools in Sharjah and Dubai. He has been involved with different theatrical companies in Dubai. He enjoys seeing students gain self-belief and the art of effective communication through drama and theatre. -
Karima Chaouch
Head of Arabic - Primary School
Departments: Primary School, ArabicSecondary Title: Arabic Teacher -
Kathriena Joyce
English Coordinator, Grade 3
Departments: Primary SchoolKathriena was born and raised on the Aran Islands in Ireland. She graduated from the National University of Ireland with a Bachelor Degree in Arts in Irish, English and Philosophy. She also graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a Post Graduate Higher Diploma in Primary Education. She has worked in the United Arab Emirates as a teacher since 2013. She has worked in Ras Al Khaimah American Academy for Girls for two years and as a Private Teacher for three years teaching in different schools throughout that time. While in Ireland she worked as a Learning Support Teacher and a Resource teacher teaching children with Special Education Needs and Learning Disabilities.
Kathriena places a great deal of emphasis on the holistic approach to learning. She strives to create a safe and secure environment where children gain confidence personally and emotionally and learn to express what they know as well as their needs and what they would like to learn. She believes that if a child feels secure and confident, this can translate into their approach to learning and dealing with new situations. This gives them the confidence to be responsible and considerate citizens within their community and abroad.
Ajman Academy
We are perfectly located off the E311
Sharjah - 15 mins
Mirdiff - 20 mins
Ras Al Khaimah - 35 mins
Silicon Oasis - 25 mins