Mr David Turner has been involved in education since 1990 where he started teaching third and fifth grades in his hometown of San Diego, California. In 1994, he relocated to South Korea whilst working on his Masters Degree in Education. There he taught at university for six years.

In 2000 he and his wife, a South Korean national, moved to the United Arab Emirates where he taught for the UAE Armed Forces, Abu Dhabi. In 2006, Mr Turner and his wife started their own educational business. With more than two-decades in Dubai, Mr Turner continues to be engaged in education, consulting and college counseling -- working with university admissions officers from across the globe and alongside university counselors in the region. Mr Turner is an active member of a 200+ college counselors’ network.

When not counseling, Mr Turner and his wife are very much pro-community, working with other entrepreneurs, educational professionals, foundations and community members. He and his wife currently run one of the oldest Korean publications in the Emirates where both work to keep communities engaged and informed.

In his free time, Mr Turner enjoys regular exercise and, more recently, has begun working as a content creator, recording Podcasts for the educational community.

Mr Andrew Georgiou has been teaching Design for 11 years, 5 of which have been leading and implementing the Product Design course within the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. He has held a leadership position at his previous

school in the UAE, which saw him establish and nurture the House System for the past 7 years. Prior to being an educator in the UAE, Mr Georgiou worked in London.

Mr Georgiou completed his undergraduate degree in Virtual Product Design at Brunel University. Part of his degree saw Mr Georgiou spend a year working alongside psychologists and senior designers within a unique research facility which focused on the cognitive development of human interaction; heavily focusing on the human factors and ergonomics which dictate design. He then studied for his Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at Canterbury Christchurch University, England.

Mr Georgiou brings with him a deep understanding of the pastoral system, and thus the importance of creating a strong sense of community within a school setting. As part of his role as Head of House, he was able to encourage and foster the production of strong bonds within the school community. By embedding passion, creativity, and enthusiasm into the day-to-day system of the school, he was able to nourish and establish a thriving House system. Mr Georgiou has been fortunate enough to be a school representative amongst the Parent Teachers Association. He worked alongside both parents and teachers to facilitate and execute whole school activities. One such annual activity was International Day, which saw not only Mr Georgiou show off his own pride for his Egyptian/Greek roots but allowed the entire community to embrace the diversity of nationalities held here in the UAE.

Mr Georgiou is also a keen explorer. As a result of his inquisitive nature and desire to learn more about the world, he has embarked on many school expeditions. These expeditions challenged students to develop their own sense of determination whilst exposing them to new cultures, traditions, and communities. Such expeditions took Mr Georgiou and his students white-water rafting in Nepal, volunteering at schools in Malaysia, and mountain climbing in Borneo.

Outside of work Mr Georgiou is a keen artist who likes to lose himself in his creative process. He enjoys traditional mediums such as painting and ceramics as well developing his graphics style through various computer-based apps.

Mr Tom Mitchell has always wanted to be a teacher and studied a B.Ed. hons degree in secondary teaching and design and technology at Exeter University, graduating in 1999. Having graduated he started work in an English grammar school, teaching Resistant Materials and Graphics for several years before moving on and into a career in international education.

Having now worked in both British boarding schools and two International schools he has a wealth of experience and abilities gathered in his subject area and the wider curriculum areas of the diploma program. He has gained administrative experience both as a Head of Year and as a Head of Department. Mr Mitchell has taught and managed IB Diploma classes in three international schools and in that time has achieved some great results with his sixth formers who have since gone on to Universities in Europe, Australia and the UK.

Mr Mitchell has a keen interest in all things designed and engineered and has taken students on excursions to the Boeing factory in China and to a plastics factory in Vietnam. He likes to challenge students to solve problems and organises purposeful curricular activities in learning CAD/CAM skills or engineering related activities. Whilst in Vietnam his middle school ECA group won an ‘F1 for schools’ local competition.

In his spare time he likes to do kiteboarding, cycling, running and fishing and has coached some football, hockey and athletics for middle year students.

Mr Jon Hughes is an experienced international school educator. He has worked as a classroom and music teacher for 20 years in a number of IB schools in Germany, Oman, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

Mr Hughes holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary) and a Masters of Music Technology (with Distinction) majoring in technology integration in the classroom.

Mr Hughes has been an Apple Professional Learning Specialist in the UAE for several years and is passionate about how digital learning enables students to reach their maximum potential. He loves to produce and perform music whenever he has the opportunity.

Originally from Texas,  Mrs Melanie Holmes has been teaching Drama, Dance and Performing Arts for 15 years; her teaching career has taken her all around the world. She has experience teaching K-12 in the USA, UK, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, teaching under a wide range of curricula, including IB, Common Core and The English National Curriculum. She is certified to teach the IB curriculum through Category 1 & 2 training and is an examiner of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program for Theatre. 

Mrs Holmes earned her Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas in Theatre and Dance, with a concentration in Acting and a certification in Theatre Education. She is passionate about the power of Drama to enhance a child’s communication and confidence and knows that creative teaching is essential to engaging students in the classroom. Mrs. Holmes believes that Drama is a tool to help students become better at public speaking, expressing themselves and building self-esteem. All transferable skills for any career path! She is currently working towards her MA in Educational Leadership from the University of Manchester.
Mrs Holmes is also our Dean of Student Affairs for Grades 9-12 and endeavours to build positive connections and relationships with each student. She is dedicated to our students’ pastoral care and understands that sometimes growing up comes with challenges. Mrs. Holmes offers wellbeing, academic and behaviour support to all students. 

Mrs. Naima Bouhraoua completed her Master’s degree in Physics from State University of New York at Stony Brook, one of the leading Physics departments in the United States of America. She studied under Nobel Prize Laureate C.N. Yang and other Nobel Prize nominees and is still working towards the completion of her PhD in Physics.

Mrs. Bouhraoua brings a wealth of teaching and industrial experience. In fact, she has worked as a University Lecturer and a high school teacher for more than 20 years teaching a spectrum of courses such as AP Physics Mechanics, AP Physics Electricity and Magnetism, AP Calculus, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, IB DP Physics, IB DP Mathematics Analysis and Approaches, as well as MYP Physics, MYP Chemistry and MYP Science.

Mrs. Bouhraoua has lived and taught in Algeria, the US, Canada, France, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. She is interested in innovation, technology and creativity and worked as a Patent Analyst for 4 years at TechInsights, one of the top reverse Engineering Tech firms in the world. At TechInsights, Mrs. Bouhraoua worked on world class patent infringement projects with high profile customers such as Infineon, IBM, Panasonic, and Motorola.

Outside of work, Mrs. Bouhraoua enjoys hiking, cooking and learning new languages.

Frank Ayim is from Accra, Ghana. He received a Bachelor Degree in Science Education (Biology Major and Chemistry Minor) and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Cape Coast. Frank has since achieved a Postgraduate Certificate in International Baccalaureate Education from Bethel University, Minnesota, USA.

 With 15 years combined teaching experience from two IB world schools (Lincoln Community School, Accra, Ghana and the World Academy of Tirana, Albania), Frank has a breadth of MYP Science and DP Biology experience. In addition, Frank has been an MYP Biology certified examiner for five years and enjoys being an MYP personal Project Coordinator. He believes in the constructivist teaching approach where active learning and collaboration is central to his philosophy of education. Frank has a passion for teaching science at all levels helping each child progress in all areas of their learning.

Frank is joint founder of a PreK charitable school in Tema, Ghana, where quality PreK education is given to children born on the streets. In his spare time, Frank also enjoys playing table tennis, cooking, music, and spending time with friends and family.

Ms. Libi Kuriakose has 20 years of experience in international teaching. Having completed her graduate degree in Zoology at the Mahatma Gandhi University, India, she pursued her Masters in Environmental Science at Bharathiar University, India. Ms. Kuriakose has also completed a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Mahatma Gandhi University, India.

Ms. Kuriakose brings with her a wealth of experience gained from teaching Cambridge IGCSE and IB curriculum. As an IB PYP and MYP educator in a World School in Jakarta, Ms Kuriakose implemented lessons according to the framework of the primary and middle years programme. She was also part of the team that led the school successfully through its PYP authorisation. Ms. Kuriakose has attended numerous IB and IGCSE workshops, having sound familiarity with teaching standards and  assessment styles of the international curriculum. She is an examiner for DP ESS.

Ms. Kuriakose has a strong passion for Science and nature. Her teaching strength is emphasis on connecting classroom science with the real world through hands-on activities and practical experiences. She is keen about initiating programmes related to the environment .

In her leisure time, Ms. Kuriakose likes to travel or spend time tending to plants 

Mr Takaingofa (Taka) Pasai has 14 years experience teaching Science. Mr Pasai graduated in 2007 with Bachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry from the

University of Zimbabwe, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, majoring in Chemistry

Education for High School. Mr Pasai is also certified by Converse College, SC, USA, as a teacher of Gifted and Talented students.

Mr Pasai began his teaching in South Africa and has since taught in schools in the State of South Carolina, USA, Kuwait and the Sultanate of Oman.

Mr Pasai knows that successful students become successful adults, and he endeavours to nurture a strong work ethic for his students. Outside the classroom, he enjoys meeting new people from different cultures as well as playing musical drums. Mr Pasai will be involved in volleyball coaching in the upcoming academic year.

Mrs. Amin is an educational leader with 16 years of experience in teaching high school mathematics. Her philosophy of education is to make a difference in her student's life, knowledge, and skills.

She has successfully planned, organized andexecuted the first MYP / DP mathematics inquiry based Exhibition across all MYP and DP classes in Dwight school Dubai. Being a great believer of personalized learning, she has implemented Dwight's first extended and gifted Math group of outstanding Mathematicians where the engineering design process is taking place.

Mrs. Amin is originally from Egypt, where she completed her Bachelor's degree in Engineering. Her passion towards education made her extend her education at the American international college in Springfield, Massachusetts, where she received her Master's degree in international education with curriculum design as a major. She studied for her PGCE in developing mathematical thinking at the University of Dundee, Scotland.

Mrs. Amin has a wealth of knowledge and experience in Mathematics and applies it in the maths department teaching and learning using unique and personalized approaches, aiming all students to enjoy and relate mathematics to their own real life. She started her career as a High school GCSE Mathematics teacher in British schools in Egypt. She then joined Qatar foundation institution as an IB educator teaching high school extended classes. Her passion towards the International Baccalaureate world made her continue her journey as an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program educator in Dubai.

Ms. Amin has conducted educational workshops, the latest was in Dubai to support teachers on how-to differentiate according to CAT4 data and on MAP test preparation techniques. In her free time, Ms. Amin enjoys reading and chess.

Mrs Hareem Navaid is an experienced IB Mathematics and Business Management teacher with expertise in digital learning, curriculum development and conceptual and contextualized teaching. Mrs Navaid has been actively engaged through all stages of authorisation, implementation, and development of the IB Diploma Program in an IB world school. She is an IB examiner for IBDP Business Management. She received her Master of Business Administration from McMaster University, Canada, in 2006. In 2019, she continued her path in education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, towards the OISE Certificate in International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program . She has completed the course “ Educating Global Citizens” from Harvard University Graduate School of Education. She has passed UAE Ministry of Education Teacher’s Professional License: Pedagogy and Specialization Mathematics Cycle 3, Grade 9 - Grade 12. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Mathematics from the School of Mathematics and Statistics in the United Kingdom. She believes in providing students with the opportunities to explore and experiment so that students can find their passion and develop a lifelong love for learning. In her spare time, Mrs Navaid enjoys gardening and exploring nature.

Mr Ryan Mc Mahon has 7 years of teaching experience covering GCSE, IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. For the past 4 years, he has been teaching the IB program in the UAE and has successfully led two cohorts through the old and new course.

Mr Mc Mahon completed his undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Geography at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, Ireland, before moving to Liverpool in the UK. During his time in Liverpool, he studied for his Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at Edge Hill University and went on to gain a Masters in Education – where the aim of his study was to examine the different teaching pedagogies that can be observed in a classroom and explore how they link with students’ preferred learning styles.

Mr Mc Mahon brings with him a wealth of experience, teaching students from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds in different countries across the world. With such experience, Mr Mc Mahon wants to help students develop their analytical skills through investigation activities, expose them to the practicalities of mathematics in everyday life and, in turn, encourage them to grow holistically.

Aside from teaching, Mr Mc Mahon has experience leading extracurricular activities, with particular success in the UK Mathematics Challenge Club – a fun-based learning sessions accessible for students of all abilities. And as a proud Irish man, who enjoys promoting his own culture through his love for Irish Gaelic football, he has arranged opportunities for students who are interested in learning a new sport.

Outside of work, Mr Mc Mahon likes to travel and explore new places; he takes part in a wide variety of sports such as football, swimming, golf and, in the UAE, other outdoor activities with friends and family.

Mr. Kilian has 22 years teaching experience in South Africa, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Mr. Kilian holds a Higher Diploma of Education (Senior Primary) which he attained at the Boland College of Education in Wellington, South Africa. As of January 2021 he has been enrolled at Murdoch University, Dubai, undertaking a Masters in Education, with International Education as his major. By the end of this academic year he will have attained the Advanced IB certificate.

Family is Mr. Kilian’s first love, with sport taking a very close second place. He has many years of coaching experience and holds various coaching certificates. Mr. Kilian is able to use his talents to develop core skills for most sports, such as fitness, endurance, footwork, handling and hand-eye coordination. In his free time Mr Kilian enjoys cycling, specifically mountain biking. Time in nature, with family, is always first prize for him, especially if it can be combined with a barbeque with friends.

Miss Michelle Francis is an experienced teacher of 12 years; six of which have been at an international school in Abu Dhabi where she was the Grade 11 Team Leader for five years.

Miss Francis completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Johannesburg where she received an award in her final year in Sociology for the best research conducted, which resulted in having her work published at the university. She then went on to complete her Post-Graduate Certificate in Education at the University of South Africa.

Miss Francis has been teaching DP Psychology for the past four years and has been an Extended Essay supervisor to eight students during this time. She has completed Category 1 IB training and plans to become an IB examiner during the next academic year.

During her time at her current school, Miss Francis had three ADEK school inspections with the most recent achieving excellent scores in distance learning during the outbreak of the pandemic and, as a result, has excellent practical experience and knowledge of the requirements of a school inspection.

Miss Francis has led and developed numerous successful after-school activities including a community outreach program, mock trials, girl’s hockey, and film club. Her passion for her students extends beyond the classroom and she can always be found supporting her students at school events and productions.

When not at work Miss Francis enjoys spending time with her friends, travelling and off-roading in the desert. Her passion for life-long learning and languages has led her to embark on a journey of teaching herself Arabic.

Petrece has been an international teacher for the last eight years having taught the British Columbia Canadian curriculum in China and the IB MYP and DP in Dubai.

 Petrece received both a Bachelor’s Degree and Bachelor of Education at the University of Western Ontario in London Ontario, Canada. Her educational experience enables Petrece to teach English and History for grades 4 to 12. Specifically, for the IB program Petrece has experience teaching MYP Language and Literature, and DP Language A and B.

 As a lifelong learner, Petrece has become an MYP Language and Literature E-Assessment Examiner, marking scripts from IB students around the globe, allowing her to understand how to direct student learning while decoding common challenges students experience during the E-Assessment process. In addition, Petrece has also worked with students for the DP Extended Essay and MYP Personal Project as a supervisor.

 Petrece has also supported school music and productions, helped students set up after-school tutoring programs and organized volunteer opportunities to connect to the local community.

Mr Jason Adams is an experienced educator with 10 years of experience teaching the IB and Common Core curriculum. He has served as a middle leader and teacher in the USA, Saudi Arabia, China, and the UAE.

Mr. Adams completed his undergraduate degree in History followed by a masters degree in Education from the University of Georgia, USA. After a brief stint working in corporate America, he returned to the classroom. He is certified to teach Middle School Language Arts and Social Studies as well as High School History in the US. He has also completed a number of IB workshops focusing on History and Business Management.

Mr Adams has spent the last 5 years teaching in the IB including a role as a Service Action Coordinator. He is also an IB MYP eAssessment examiner for I&S, IDU, and the Personal Project.

Mr Adams has also been a Global Issues Network supervisor, Model United Nations supervisor, is part of the Academic Honor Committee, and has coached girl’s and boy’s football.

When not at work, Mr Adams enjoys spending time with his family at the beach. He is also an avid sports fan, particularly enjoying football and American college football.

Ms. Larissa Milne is an experienced IB Diploma teacher with 17 years experience of teaching in Australia, the UK and the UAE. She has held middle leadership positions in the UK and the UAE with her subject specialism being History and Global Politics.

Ms. Milne completed her undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Arts in History at Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia, and later completed her Master of Education in International Education at the University of Sydney, Australia.

Ms. Milne has also worked in collaboration with IRENA, an intergovernmental organisation based in Abu Dhabi, which supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, developing a Student Trainee Programme. Ms Milne has led a successful Model United Nations (MUN) programme which has included hosting an annual conference involving a number of schools across the UAE for the past 5 years.

Ms. Milne has a passion for international education and a passion for teaching and learning. Ms. Milne brings with her to Dwight a track record of outstanding results consistently above world average and a track record of leading a consistently outstanding department. As well as being an experienced examiner for IB Global Politics. Ms. Milne has successfully led a department through authorisation, development, and evaluation of the IB Diploma Programme for both History and Global Politics. In addition, Ms. Milne has led departments through inspections and Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditations and has a comprehensive understanding of the inspection framework.

When Ms. Milne is not teaching, she is exploring new destinations, new cuisines, playing sports, or finding new experiences. This month it is wakeboarding!

Ms. Misha Batool Khan is an experienced IB educator. 

Ms. Khan has an undergraduate degree in Communications and Humanities from Jacksonville University, USA, and a graduate degree in International  Relations  from  Middlesex  University,  England. She holds a

Postgraduate Certificate in International Education from the University of Nottingham, England,

and has completed IB workshops in Individuals and Societies: Implementing the MYP Curriculum; Global Politics: Diploma Programme; and Creativity, activity and service: Category 1.

Ms. Khan has also completed a Level 2 ECIS Certificate in Child Protection. Ms. Khan will be coordinating the Upper School’s Eco Club. Outside of school, Ms. Khan is an avid reader, expressive dancer and abstract painter. She enjoys the natural landscapes of places and often spends part of her summer vacation hiking up different mountain trails. She is keen on staying active, exploring and learning about different cultures and considers herself an amateur anthropologist. Ms. Khan is also certified in meditative practices and techniques.

Dr. Neha Sharma has been living in the UAE for 25 years and has witnessed inclusion evolve tremendously during this period. She has previously held the senior leadership position as Head of Inclusion at an International IB Curriculum School.

Mrs. Sharma is currently employed in the position of Head of Inclusion at one of the most prestigious government schools following the UK curriculum in Dubai.

Mrs. Sharma graduated from the University of Bombay with a B.E (hons) in Engineering before obtaining a Masters in Inclusive and Special Education from the University of Birmingham (British University in Dubai campus). This unusual journey was inspired by her daughter, a person of determination. Following her passion for inclusion, she will be completing her PhD in Gifted Education from British University in Dubai soon and joining our school as Dr Sharma. Her passion includes setting up an exemplary Gifted Education Program at Dwight School Dubai.

Mrs. Sharma was rated as an ‘Exceptional’ Head of Inclusion by KHDA during their inspections in 2018. Under her leadership, the inclusion department won the 2nd best SEND team in the UAE award by Education Journal Middle East Awards in 2017. She is the recipient of the prestigious Prof. Indira Parikh Award for Women in Education Leaders organized by the World Education Congress in India in 2018. Mrs. Sharma presented her research proposal at the UAE Graduate Students Research Conference in 2019.

Mrs. Sharma has also completed the CPT3A qualification and is a licensed assessor with the British Psychological Society. She has chaired the CIS accreditation committee for the Access to Teaching and Learning section at her previous school. She has completed levels 1-3 in Safeguarding and child protection, first aid in mental health, positive education and ASDAN vocational programs.

Beyond work, Mrs. Sharma enjoys reading, cooking, and listening to Indian music.

Ms. Jennifer Adinolfi is a Masters level psychotherapist with a holistic style of achieving mental health and wellness. Ms. Adinolfi’s approach is to support and help clients by connecting to their needs and goals through an interconnected relationship of mind and body modalities, such as awareness and acceptance, self-development,

empowerment and mindfulness.

Ms. Adinolfi’s expertise comes from the inclusive integration of her past work in physical therapy, fitness, education and mental health. She values the process of fulfilling personal potentials while optimizing individual strengths for more meaningful experiences and overall happy lives. At Dwight School Dubai, Ms. Adinolfi supports both lower and upper school students and their families with socio-emotional and mental health needs and offers preventative-based health and wellness tools for staff and students that are aligned with curriculum and essential needs.

Olamide has a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Education.

Olamide has worked in Nigeria and the UAE, specialising in supporting students with special learning needs and English as an additional language in English, Mathematics and Science subjects. Olamide also works with teachers to develop inclusion strategies and provides support with dyslexia awareness. 

Mrs Paraskevi (Viviana) Kontogeorgou is an experienced and well-qualified Inclusion teacher with 20 years of teaching experience in various British and IB schools in the UK, Dubai and Greece.

Mrs Kontogeorgou holds QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) from the UK and Greece. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Pedagogy and Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. After working as a Greek Language and Literature teacher in Athens, she moved to the UK to do her Master's degree in Special Educational Needs from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne. After graduating, Mrs Kontogeorgou started working as an Inclusion teacher in the UK. To expand her knowledge and skills in the field of inclusive education, she completed her PGCE in Professional studies-SENCo from the University of Birmingham while at the same time she was working as an Assistant SENCo.

In 2011 she moved with her family to Dubai where she continued her international teaching journey by taking up a teaching job in a well reputed IB school. Currently, Mrs Kontogeorgou holds a  position of an Inclusion teacher at a school in Dubai.

Mrs Kontogeorgou brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of inclusive education. Her extensive teaching career in various multicultural educational settings has given her the knowledge and expertise in adopting differentiated teaching strategies and creating inclusive, caring and stimulating learning environments that accommodate and meet the diverse needs of every student and maximise their learning and academic success. She has been constantly commented by her senior managers and KHDA inspectors on her outstanding teaching and learning practices, on her excellent relationship with her students and on her committed efforts in promoting their academic, social, emotional and physical development and wellbeing.

Over the years, Mrs Kontogeorgou has run various extracurricular activities and literacy  intervention clubs fostering her students’ critical thinking, problem solving, leadership and social skills.

As an enthusiastic and life-long learner, Mrs Kontogeorgou is committed to professional development and she is open to new ideas, teaching strategies and approaches which can benefit her students and spark their curiosity and passion for learning.

Outside of work Mrs Kontogeorgou likes to attend theatre plays and cultural performances and events. She also loves travelling and exploring new places and cultures as well as spending quality time with her family and friends.

Mr Abdallah Khaleel is a founding member of staff and comes with 10 years experience in inclusion and special education needs in schools.

Mr Khaleel is also a writer known for his touching short stories and poems and is a founder / co-director of the project Stories in a Well, which is a group of editors dedicated to writing stories. Mr Khaleel has published three books and has won awards for his work. The most recent, in 2015, was the Mahmoud Darwish Foundation Award.

Ms. Monique Anduze has worked as a primary and secondary years educator since 2005 in four countries - the USA, Jamaica, Turkey and the UAE.

In addition to obtaining her degrees - BA in Political Science and Educational Studies from Emory University and MA in Teaching English as a Second

Language from University of Delaware, she has completed multiple IB PYP training courses and spent 10 years working in IB schools teaching different grade levels.

In her spare time when she is not teaching, Ms. Anduze enjoys getting involved in theatre and discovering new artistic exhibitions.

Ms. Gracien Fomeche, who has a Diploma in Education from the Government Teacher Training College in Cameroon, has 4 years experience in teaching primary years in Cameroon and 4 years as a Learning Support Assistant in Dubai. Ms. Fomeche specializes in providing skills building, phonics and fine motor skill support for kindergarten and English language support for primary years. She also attended some training workshops and obtained professional development certificates from Conference for Learning Support Assistants (Dubai Inclusion Network) and the certificate of completion for the UAE Professional Development Module. During Gracien’s free time she takes delight in travelling.

Ms. Safeera Aslam has 13 years as an IB Librarian and regularly attends IB professional workshops for the Librarians.

Ms. Aslam completed a Bachelor's Degree in Education, and then a Masters Degree in Library and Information Science, whilst working as a Science teacher.

Ms. Aslam is very passionate about supporting students and providing them with the best possible resources and skills, so that they are empowered to become the leaders of the future.

Rajakrishnan Kalaichelvan was born into an artistic family and found his own calling for art through the mediums of painting, sculpture, photography, drawing and new media. He holds a BFA and MFA in Sculpture from Madras University, Chennai, India. Since beginning his career in teaching in 2008, he has taught at primary and secondary schools throughout India. Most recently, he taught at Step-by-Step School in Noida (Delhi NCR), India. In addition to teaching, Mr. Kalaichelvan continues to show his own work at exhibitions in major cities, including the “11th Oita Asian Sculpture Exhibition” in Oita, Japan. He is a native of India and speak English, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam and a little French.

Mrs Manar Mrayan joined the school in 2018, as an Islamic Studies Teacher, with 15 years experience as an educator with both National and International schools in Jordan and the UAE. Mrs Mryan also has experience teaching Arabic Language to non-native speakers. Mrs Mrayan holds a Master Degree in the Basics of Education, a Bachelor Degree in Islamic Studies, and a Diploma in Education Technology from Jordan University. In terms of professional development, Mrs Mrayan has attended MYP and IB training workshops and was a Reviewer for the Quality of Teaching at GEMS. Mrs Mrayan and her team have strong aspirations in assisting students to reach their full potential and make a real difference.

Mrs Iman Daban is an experienced and passionate teacher of 20 years with most of these years spent teaching Arabic and Islamic in IB schools in Dubai. Mrs Daban has a strong record of raising students' progress and attainment at different levels.

Mrs Daban completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Yarmouk in Jordan. She then completed her Postgraduate studies at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.

Mrs Daban is currently enrolled at University of Buckingham to complete her Masters in Education with her studies focusing on Data and Assessment.

Outside of work, Mrs Daban likes travelling, getting away into nature, and learning about new cultures with her family. She also enjoys cooking and making crafts from recycling materials.

Mrs. Soha Elokda holds a High Diploma in Education, a major in Arabic Language, and has been teaching Arabic for the past 15 years in international schools in Dubai.

Mrs. Elokda enjoys being outdoors and, during summer, also enjoys travelling and exploring countries and cultures with family and friends

Ms. Julie Delcroix is an experienced educator with 8 years experience teaching the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, mainly in the UAE.

Ms. Delcroix completed her undergraduate degree in Marketing and Communication at the University of Lancaster followed by a Master of French Language at Sorbonne Paris. She is passionate about new technology and is aiming to obtain a PhD, with her work focused on technology integration in the classroom.

Ms. Delcroix brings with her a wealth of IB experience. She has successfully helped MYP and DP students to grow interest in French language and literature and to achieve a high score in their final exams. Ms. Delcroix is a fully accredited IB teacher who has participated in setting up the language acquisition program in IB World Schools.

Outside of work Ms. Delcroix likes to spend time hiking the beautiful UAE mountains and improve her strength and balance by attending yoga classes and workshops.

Born from an Italian father and a Spanish mother, Ms. Lía Margarita Turtulici was raised in Maracaibo, Venezuela. Her passion for languages started since she was always surrounded by members of the family who spoke different languages and dialects which made her fluent in various languages as well.

Ms. Turtulici attended La Universidad del Zulia and achieved a Bachelor Degree in Education with a Major in Modern Languages (English and French). She did her internship at that same university in Audiovisual Mass Communication Faculty where she had the opportunity to design and teach all the material necessary for the emergent level of English. Several years later, she got her Master’s Degree in Education in International Teaching from Framingham State University in Massachusetts, USA.

Ms. Turtulici has extensive experience in the Advanced Placement Program and the IB Diploma Program. This is her eleventh year teaching the DP Program and her second year teaching MYP Spanish. She has been appointed IB examiner for the past 5 years and has gained expertise assessing the oral components of the DP Program in Language ab initio. She was also an examiner for the Personal Project in MYP once before joining Dwight.

Ms. Turtulici was a former member of the Standards Based Team and participated in 3 accreditation school visits at her former school back in Venezuela. She also was appointed and collaborated as Creativity/Action/Service Advisor and Supervisor and National Honor Society Advisor. Former  Co-head of Foreign Languages Department in Venezuela as well where she gained a lot of experience developing placement tests for students who wanted to enroll in either Spanish or French classes and last but not least she coordinated and collaborated in activities for the Venezuelan Week celebration. Moreover, she was assigned to prepare students for the French Language Proficiency Test DELF in the American Overseas School of Rome. Finally, She has attended several workshops on MYP curriculum and DP update workshops for Language B Spanish since she arrived in Dubai. .

As she is passionate about languages and teaching, Ms. Turtulici is also passionate about learning about new cultures and sharing her own culture with her students and people around her. She will be thrilled to teach after school activities such as latin rhythms dancing or just help students practice their conversation skills in the beautiful language of spanish. She is a true believer that the study of foreign languages is a good stimulus that can ignite a passion for learning and that by exposing students to various types of second language learning approaches they have the opportunity to engage with various concepts and ideas that translate into other disciplines and throughout life. She has witnessed that students can and will learn if they are giving the right support and encouragement.

Mr. Daniel Muñoz González was born and raised in Madrid, Spain, but he has been living overseas for more than 8 years. He brings with him a wealth of international school teaching experience in China, Spain and the United Arab Emirates. This will be his third year teaching in the UAE, having been teaching

previously in GEMS American Academy, an American and IB curriculum international school in Abu Dhabi.

Mr. Muñoz completed his undergraduate degree in English and Chinese Studies at Shanghai International Studies University and then, later, completed his Masters in Education of Teachers of Spanish as a Foreign Language at the University of Barcelona.

Mr. Muñoz is NEASC and ACE trained evaluator for school visits and accreditations, having a comprehensive understanding of different educational curricula. He is also a certified examiner for international Spanish exams (DELE).

Outside of work Mr. Muñoz enjoys learning languages. He speaks Chinese, English, French, and Spanish and, currently, he is learning Arabic. He also enjoys discovering new cultures, spending time talking to people of different backgrounds, and exploring new countries. Mr. Muñoz is passionate about serving communities in need and constantly looking for community service opportunities. One of his recent projects include helping a school in Afghanistan with books and class supplies. He hopes to engage in many such projects and inspire his students to do the same.

Miss Shivania Naidoo graduated from the University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, with a BEd (Hons) in Education and a Masters in leadership and management. She has 13 years of teaching experience of which 11 years are at International IB schools providing rich learning experiences to students aged 3 to 18. Miss Naidoo has worked as a Head of Physical Education, sports coordinator and mentor for new teachers, providing them with the support and knowledge for their teaching and learning journey.

On the field and in the classroom, Miss Naidoo is a committed and driven person; she strives to inspire children and young people, providing high-quality teaching and learning experiences. As a passionate sportswoman, Miss Naidoo believes that physical activity shapes the self in promoting confidence, health and wellbeing and believes in providing her students with a growth mindset, the motivation to succeed in a fun environment where failure along with success is an important part of learning.

Miss Naidoo has bungee jumped off the world’s highest commercial natural bridge and summited Mount Kilimanjaro. She also loves learning about new cultures through language, food and travel

Mr Robert Mathews is a football coaching specialist with a strong background in international coaching and teaching.

Mr Mathews has a BA Hons degree in Football Studies from Southampton Solent University, as well  as an English Football Association UEFA B Coaching Licence, together with other specialist coaching badges.

Mr Mathews was most recently teaching academy football players in the UK. He has also held an international role at Chelsea FC for four years, based at a renowned IB International School in Bangkok, Thailand, as well as spending time coaching in Singapore, Japan, and Australia.

Mr Mathew’s key achievements include winning the SouthEast Asian Schools Football Championship, in 2018, and travelling with the senior men's Chelsea FC squad on their international tours to Singapore, Australia and Japan between 2017-2019.

By the time Mr Mathews joins Dwight in August, he will also have an MSc degree in Performance Coaching from St Mary's University Twickenham, England, and be a Qualified Teacher in Learning & Skills. Mr Mathews brings extensive experience of developing whole school sport programs, as well as enriching the footballing opportunities on offer to students and staff.

Outside of school, Mr Mathews enjoys a healthy active lifestyle, including weight training, swimming, cycling and watching and playing football