Wedad Saada is an American Educational leader with 30 years of experience in teaching and leading in Massachusetts Public Schools and in the UAE for seven years now. Wedad is a forward thinker and innovator who believes that good education can transform lives and all children deserve good educational experiences. Wedad holds an M.Ed. from State University of New York at Buffalo and has completed doctoral coursework in Educational leadership at UMASS Lowell; she is a certified Principal and Superintendent in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as well as NISL trained and certified. Wedad and her husband have raised three amazing children, Mohamed, Omar and Hidaya. Wedad and her family lived in the Boston area for 29 years before moving to colorful Colorado where the kids attend college. Wedad enjoys outdoor activities and loves reading.
Ms. Amy Weibrecht
Admissions & Marketing Coordinator
Ms. Amy Weibrecht was born in St Louis, Missouri and spent 17 years in Orlando, Florida, before moving to Abu Dhabi in 2017 where she had felt at home from the first step into the sand. Amy relocated to Dubai last year and has worked with Repton Abu Dhabi and Foremarke Dubai schools while here in the UAE. She absolutely loves being in the educational sector because of all the amazing families she has the opportunity to work with. Amy says that in her free time “I can be found lost on some highway between Al Ruwais and Khorfakkan simply exploring the beauty of our country”. She’s eagerly looking forward to meeting you and your family very soon.
Senior Leadership Team
Dr. Stephen is an American educator with more than 25 years of experience in the USA and 5 years in the UAE. He holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York Masters Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Fordham University, He has also been an adjunct professor of educational leadership, education and psychology in the City University of New York. Dr. Appea’s current interests include integrating technology, emotional literacy, neuroscience and culture into education.
Dr. Stephen Appea
K-8 School Principal
Ms. Enriqueta Mayra Mariscal K-8 Vice Principal
Mayra was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Mayra received her Bachelor’s degree, in Elementary Education from DePaul University and her Master’s degree in Education Leadership from National Louis University. She believes that educators can develop world-class learners by providing a framework that includes opportunities for students to advance and flourish in their independence.
Mr. Michael Georges. Passionate, innovative and an analyst are just a few words he would describe himself as a professional working in education. This has supported schools in their efforts of reaching their targets and provided valuable information to stakeholders on the progress made in comparison to starting points. The data analysis dashboard which he had created systemizes data necessary for school inspections. Michael’s professional skills are flexible and mastered to ensure schools have the right tools to be successful.
Mr. Michael Gorges
Data Assessment Coordinator
ADMISSIONS
Dona Sta Rita
Senior Admission Officer
Dona has studied Business Management and has a Major in Human Resource. She has lived in Dubai for 5 years and it has been her second home ever since. She has previously worked in Foremarke School. Dona loves traveling and painting. She looks forward to start the new academic year here at Ignite School and getting to know all of our Ignite families.
Rociel Cielo
Admission Officer
Rociel received her Bachelor of Education and has a Major in Mathematics. The love for children made her pursue her career not to be a teacher but still work in a school as an Admissions Officer. She worked in Repton School Abu Dhabi for almost five years and now found a new home in Dubai where Ignite welcomes her. Rociel is very excited to have a wonderful year with Ignite family. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and exploring new places while focusing on self-improvement. For her, "Being with children is not a job, but it a vitamin."
Ikram Abdulfattah
Marketing & Admission Officer
Ikram was born in the United States, in the city of Houston, Texas. She has been in Dubai since day one. Ikram is a working student, and she is still studying Bachelor of Business & Quality Management at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University. She has understood and learned the value of hard work, efficiency, and communication. Ikram links certain industries with their target consumers to provide the best marketing experience possible
KINDERGARTEN 1 TEACHERS
Shantee' Henderson
Shantee’ Henderson is an American educator originally from the state of New Jersey. She earned an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership and a Master of Science degree in Education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.
Amelia Irvin
Amelia Christina Irvin is a military child, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with a minor in Spanish from Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA; She is currently pursing her Master's in Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Education at the University of Texas at El Paso. She's certified by the State of Texas to teach EC-6th grade, Special Education and ESL. She is entering into my 4th year teaching.
Beth Delaney
Ignite School welcomes Beth Delaney as a Kindergarten Educator. Beth Delaney earned a Master of Arts in English and Journalism from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and is from the Washington, D.C area. Beth has been a successful KG educator in Dubai for the past five years and loves helping Kindergarten students navigate their very first experience with school in a fun, kind, and joyful atmosphere. Her goal is to be the best coach and modeler to her students while giving them the agency to fully develop their personalities. Beth is always on the hunt for healthy recipes, has a blind cat named Claire, and is currently developing a tracing and phonics book for her Kindergarten children.
Maria Daher
My name is Ms. Maria and I’m very excited to be the new kindergarten teacher this year. I was raised in New York and I graduated from the College At Brockport with a Mathematics Degree. I’ve taught in the UAE for over a year. My goal is to help my students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. I’m looking forward to a year of learning, fun and adventure.
KINDERGARTEN 2 TEACHERS
Taylor Hogan
Taylor was raised on the northwest side of Chicago. Taylor received her Elementary Education degree from Northeastern Illinois University and is certified to teach grades K-9 and English as a Second Language. Taylor has worked as a classroom teacher, after-school program Site Director, Special Education Paraprofessional, and after-school ESL Teacher.
Hanna Abozaid
Hanna Abozaid is an educator from Louisville, Kentucky. Licensed to teach grades K-6 in Indiana and with a Master's degree in Elementary Education, Hanna has taught English Language Arts, Music, Dance, Theatre, and Improvisation Rap. Having worked with children in Austin, Texas, Brooklyn, New York, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Palestine, she enjoys facilitating creative expression in children and aims to empower all students to learn - regardless of ability, culture, or socioeconomic status. A huge fan of drinking tea with sage (shay maramia), she currently lives in Dubai with her husband.
Rachel Kandji
Mrs Kadji was born in Saint Petersburg, Florida and later moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she attended the illustrious Clark Atlanta University. Rachel earned her B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education. Rachel made Atlanta her home when she married her husband and gave birth to her son. Rachel has been a certified teacher for four years, three years in kindergarten, and one year in third grade. Rachel has a love for teaching the English Language, she has an English to Speakers of Other Languages endorsement and is certified in the Orton-Gillingham approach to phonics. Rachel is a dedicated and resourceful educator with a proven ability to create and promote a safe learning environment.
Isiah Wilson
Isaiah Wilson is a new addition to the KG2 team. Isaiah is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. He received his teaching license through the Illinois State Board of Education. Isaiah has worked in various education settings in the United States and in Taiwan. His classroom experience has ranged from pre-school to high school aged students. In all of his classes, he tries to focus on teamwork and collaboration between peers.
ELEMENTARY TEACHERS
GRADE 1 TEACHERS
Vanae Hicks
Vanae was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Carlow University with a master's in early childhood education with certification. She moved to Bahrain in 2018 to teach KG2 and now her journey continues in Dubai. She also have experience teaching first and second grade in the States. She believes in providing a safe, nurturing environment with active, hands-on learning. As a teacher, her goal would be to give the best possible education for all learners to achieve their highest potential. Her aim is to bring creativity, happiness, and high expectations to the classroom each day.
Benjamin Asbury
Benjamin started teaching way back in 2009. Both your children and I have a lot to learn about working together in a collaborative environment! I fully believe that Ignite is the best place for us to learn together!
Cas Edwards
My name is Ms. Cas! I am pleased to join you this academic year. I look forward to working with everyone to have a great educational experience. Yes, we still have a lot of teaching and learning ahead. So, let’s do our best to communicate, collaborate, and inspire each other toward our best performance! I was born and raised in North Carolina. I have over 15 years of full-time teaching experience. I have worked in schools in the USA, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and now Dubai.
Hello, My name is Ms. Nancy and I am excited to be your teacher this year. I can’t wait to meet everyone! Here are a few things about me. I am originally from Long Island, New York. I have taught in Egypt, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. When I am not in school, I enjoy hiking, swimming and photography.
Nancy Wheeler
GRADE 2 TEACHERS
Mariam Mehrzad
Mariam Mehrzad is very blessed and excited to be teaching 2nd grade here at Ignite this year. She is originally from Afghanistan, but raised in Virginia, USA where She graduated from Western Governors University with a B.A in Elementary and Special Education. Her goal for each of her students is to realize their potentials, gain the necessary tools and skills to unlock those potentials, and develop an intrinsic love for learning so that they reach their greatest potentials and pave their way to a bright future ahead.
Aurelius Atwell
Aurelius is so excited to be your Grade 2 Teacher for this year, he hopes all of you are ready to have an amazing time to learn and grow with him. He was born and raised in the United States, but he also studied and taught in India, Taiwan, Mainland China, and yes, even the UAE. He also completed a year in teaching Grade 2 at another school in Dubai last year. He has been teaching elementary-level students since 2015. When he's not in school, he enjoys walking, reading, biking, and traveling.
Amy Bin Sassi
Hi everyone my name is Amy! I’m really looking forward to getting to know each of you this year. Here are a few things about me. I enjoy hiking, learning about other cultures, drinking tea, cooking and traveling. I’m was born in St. Louis, Missouri but you’ll hear me talking more about New York because I moved there when I was eight years old. I have lived in Connecticut for the past few years and two things I love about it are the beaches and the deer that you can see all around. This year I want to learn all about Dubai and my students
GRADE 3 TEACHERS
Ashanta Washington
Ms. Ashanta Washington as our 3rd grade educator. Ashanta has over 8 years of experience working with elementary students in the United States. She has taught students in grades 2 and 5. Ashanta is from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree from Florida Atlantic University. She mentored young girls and instilled the basic foundational and social skills needed to become lifelong learners. Ashanta is enthusiastic about joining the Ignite team and looks forward to making a positive impact academically, socially, and emotionally in each of her students lives on a daily basis. In her free time, Ashanta enjoys talking with friends and family, listening to music, and reading different genres of books.
Michelle Behluli
Ms. Michelle Behluli as our 3rd grade educator. She is an American educator from Cleveland, Ohio with over 14 years of experience working with elementary children. Michelle earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Spanish from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She has taught grades 1st through 5th grade while working in California,Taipei, and Abu Dhabi. Michelle believes that true education means more than taking a certain course of study.
GRADE 4 TEACHERS
Redrick Williams
Mr. Rederick Williams aka Mr. Rhed as a 4th grade educator. Mr. Williams has over 20 years of experience working with elementary students in the United States and United Arab Emirates combined. He is originally from Virginia USA. He earned an elementary teaching certification from Norfolk State University and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Regent University. Mr. Williams has taught grades 1 – 5 in Norfolk Public Schools in Virginia, USA and grades 1 – 7 at Sweihan Boys Common Cycle School (ADEC/ADEK/MOE) Al Ain, UAE. Mr. Williams has been a class teacher; a gifted educator with an Avant Garde emphasis, a math teacher for grades 4 – 7, and a lead teacher. As a GT and Math teacher his students won several awards for drama and 24 Math Challenge.
Briana Billings
Briana is from Houston, Texas and has over 10 years of as a PE educator and head of the Physical Education department. She also has prior experience teaching in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Her passions are playing, coaching, and talking sports, and she is enthusiastic to teach anyone, anything sports related. When she is not engaged in sports related activities she is somewhere around music. Briana has a real gift of getting the students excited about the endless was of enjoying physical education. Briana looks forward to sponsoring extracurricular activities and developing programs to engage the interest of all students
MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS
Jasha Lentini
5-6 Science Teacher
Ms. Jasha is an American educator with more than 15 years of experience in the United States and 2 years in the UAE. She holds a Master's in Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She taught science for Birmingham City Schools and assisted with writing the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum and obtained her certification as an AMSTI (Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative) teacher. During this time,
Ms. Jasha gained a deeper knowledge of the STEM disciplines, scientific and engineering practices, and the important role of inquiry-based learning for 21st-century learners. With her deep passion for innovative science, she inspires her students to investigate issues through research, observation, and exploration and to analyze the connections between content and everyday life. As a creative educator, her goal is to show students that science is fun and magical while preparing them for a world where creativity, innovation, and collaboration thrive.
Roduane Rouchdi
5-6 Math Teacher
Mr. Radouane graduated from Georgia institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. He received a bachelor's degree in industrial System Engineering in 2009 , and a Texas Standard Teaching Certification 4-8 and 7-12 from Texans State University in 2017. He taught in Austin Independent School District .Calhoun City School, Georgia, and in Liberty Hills Public Schools, Texas. Also,Mr. Radouane taught in secondary school and AP Calculus in American school in Casablanca. He believes that we need to prepare our students and future generations to meet the third millennium demands and expectations. Indeed, our students need to be emerged in an international environment in order to acquire the skills necessary to be successful in a globalized and open world market. Ignite School is a promising and unique experience for students and teachers
Thomas Little
6-8 Social Studies Teacher
Thomas Little was born and raised in North Carolina. His first job was delivering sandwiches for Jimmy John's on a unicycle. He attended UNC Asheville where he graduated with a degree in history and received a North Carolina teachers license. While at UNC Asheville he was an all-conference cross country runner. Outside of school life he still enjoys exercise epically biking. After college, he taught in Buncombe County Schools in Western North Carolina.
Most recently he has been teaching English and History classes in Oaxaca, Mexico while learning Spanish. He is passionate about student-centric learning and using history to teach students critical thinking skills. He hopes to bring his enthusiasm and passion for teaching to Ignite in order to have a positive impact on the scholars and families he will serve.
GRADE 7/ 8 TEACHERS
Elizabeth Corra
7-8 Math Teacher
Elizabeth is the Math teacher for grades 7 and 8. This year, for the first time, she will also be teaching grade 8 social studies. Elizabeth was born and raised in West Virginia. She has also taught in West Virginia, Ohio, Florida, Abu Dhabi, and most recently, North Carolina. Her 14th year teaching will be here at Ignite School. Elizabeth graduated from Ohio University with a teaching degree in Integrated Mathematics. She enjoys reading and read 130 books last year, her personal record thanks to the pandemic. Elizabeth has also led an Origami club at three different schools. She believes that learning is a continuous process, we always have growth opportunities, and learning can happen anywhere
Bilal Davies
7-8 Teacher
Bilal Davis completed his BSBA with a minor in Asian Studies (Japanese language concentration) from Old Dominion University and a TEFL Certificate from Bloomfield College. He is originally from New Jersey, USA. Bilal has been teaching English and Business in the UAE for over 8 years now. He has studied Education, Teaching and Learning in post graduate school at the Middlesex University Dubai. His hobbies are learning languages, travelling, and reading about history/religion. He believes in ethics of care. Students should care about their learning, themselves, and their community.
Ayssar Jassim
7-8 Science Teacher
My name is Ayssar Jassim, I am from Atlanta, Ga, and originally from Iraq. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Kennesaw State University in Georgia, USA. A teaching credential from the UK, and 4 years of experience working in international schools. Worked over 15 years as an environmental scientist in the United States. I believe through science many windows of opportunities and imagination arise. In my classes, I focus on teaching my students life skills that are critical for their success in college and future careers. I prepare my students to work cooperatively in a global and technological society where many of them will eventually hold jobs that do not yet exist. I emphasize critical thinking and problem solving, using our science content to develop good evidence-based reasoning and communication skills.
SPECIAL AREA EDUCATORS
Kerry O'Brian
ES PE Teacher
I am so excited to join the team at Ignite schools because I know that I will continue to professionally grow, but I aim to grow as a whole person as well. I look forward to the diverse environment and the new relationships that I will build with staff and students!I bring a fun, outgoing energy to any situation I am in. I am ready to hit the ground running within this new learning environment bringing my creativity and organizational skills into my new role.
I am currently in my eleventh year in the education field, having taught children from ages eleven through eighteen. I started my career with Physical Education but transitioned to English Language Arts during my third year. I have worked in many different schools in Michigan and Tennessee which have overall created a very unique perspective that drives my commitment to young people and their educational growth. I believe that a great education is very important, but learning is a life-long adventure.
Olatokunbo Okuwobi
MS PE Teacher
My name is Olatokunbo Okuwobi and this is my 6th year as an educator. I am really excited to join Ignite School. I have many fun ideas and things planned throughout the year. To start off, I would like to tell you a little about myself personally and professionally. My parents are Nigerian and Dominican and I was born in New Jersey, but raised in Houston, Texas. I graduated from Texas State University with an Exercise Sports Science degree with an all-level P.E certification. I love traveling, experiencing new cultures and I have visited 60 countries. Also, I have a passion for photography, playing sports, coaching sports, talking sports, specifically basketball. Excited to be teaching in Dubai, a fast-forwarding future-thinking city that demands excellence from students and teachers. One of my goals as an educator is to instill a love for learning in my students.
Colin Donovan
IT Teacher
I have been teaching for 12 years and had the pleasure of teaching here at Ignite for 3 years. Teaching can be very rewarding. We are always waiting for those moments when students grasp a concept or understand how to do something. My favorite part of teaching is watching my students understand the basics of a project and building on it to make something new and different. I motivate my students by making the things we are learning fun and engaging.
Anthony Mourao
French Teacher
Mr. Anthony Mourao as our ES French educator. Anthony comes from France (Poitou-Charentes). He holds a Master’s Degree in Modern Foreign Languages delivered by the University of La Rochelle. Anthony started his career as French teacher in Colombia, where he worked in schools linked to the French Embassy in Bogotá and received the certification of exam corrector of the DELF / DALF. For the past year Anthony has taught in the UAE. Anthony adopts student-centered methods in an intercultural approach. He is a motivated and enthusiastic teacher. Anthony speaks French, Portuguese, Spanish, English and Romanian
Nada Safwat
Lab Technician
Mrs. Nada graduated from Cairo University with a bachelor's in veterinary medicine and a teaching certificate from the American University of Cairo. Mrs. Nada started as a lab tech in 2011 in Egypt. Mrs. Nada's passion for science combined with a strong medical foundation will support students in achieving great success with hands-on experiments. Mrs. Nada believes science is magical and fascinating and that all students should be able to experience what it's like to be a real scientist in a lab.
Donna Reeves
Middle School ELA
Donna is an American educator with over 30 years of teaching experience in Washington State, USA and the UAE. Donna holds a M. ED in Curriculum Development and Administration from Gonzaga University and a BA in Education from Central Washington University. She has taught Middle School English for the last 10 years in Dubai. Donna’s experience includes service as Head of Department for Learning Support, reading specialist, and classroom teacher. She believes that strong, positive relationships are the key to all effective teaching and learning. Donna is very excited to be joining the Ignite family.
Tanja Robinson
Reading Specialist
Tanja was born and raised in Savannah Georgia, USA. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Jones College in Jacksonville, Florida and Masters in Health Administration from the University of Phoenix. Tanja switched her career path to education because she felt that she could contribute to making a difference in children’s lives. Tanja received her Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah Georgia. Tanja has eight years of experience teaching students in Kindergarten through grade three. Within her eight years of teaching, Tanja has had the opportunity to work as an Early Intervention Teacher (EIP) also known as the Reading Support Teacher, Response to Intervention Coordinator (RTI), and Testing Coordinator. This is Tanja’s third year at Ignite where she has taught 2nd grade for two years and will be joining the Reading Support/Intervention team for the 2021-2022 school year. Tanja believes that every child can learn, it just takes patience, passion, time, and rapport with the child for him or her to be successful.
INCLUSION TEAM
Eunice Payne
After 32 years of educating students in the US, Eunice Payne is excited to join the elite team of Ignite School educators. Her educational experience includes teaching students on elementary, middle and high school levels, elementary school principal, coordinator of Special Education, Behavior Specialist and School Business Manager. Journeying to the UAE from Atlanta, GA where she obtained a BS in Social Work and M.Ed. in the area of Learning and Behavioral Disorders from Georgia State University and an Ed. S in Educational Leadership form Columbus State University. She also holds Turnaround Leader certification from Harvard University and is National Board certified in the area of Special Education.
Carol Sims
Hello, I am so excited to be apart of the Ignite School team. I have thirty-one years of teaching experience in the United States. Thirty of those years have been devoted to teaching students with disability at the middle and high school levels. My work history denotes my love for what I enjoy doing – teaching precious commodities. I received my Doctorate from Argosy University (Educational Leadership) - Atlanta; Specialist from Cambridge College (Educational Leadership) – Augusta, Georgia; Masters from Georgia Southern University (Educational Leadership) - Statesboro, Georgia, and my Bachelor from South Carolina State University (Special Education with a concentration in Specific Learning Disability) - Orangeburge, South Carolina.
Layla Asaad
My name is Ms. Layla Asaad, and I am proud to be part of Ignite school. I am from Miami, Florida. I received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Florida International University, specializing in (ABA) Applied Behavior Analysis. I am certified to teach in Exceptional Student Education (Grades K-12) and Academic Class Endorsement in Autism Spectrum Disorder. I obtain my Certification in Special Education from KHDA and Cambridge University. This will be my eight-year teaching Early Childhood Special Education, gaining my experience teaching in USA, Asia, South America, and now the UAE. I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development—academic, social, language, and motor—is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment. I look forward to working together with you as partners in your child’s growth and development!
ARABIC & ISLAMIC TEACHERS
Heba El Tomaily
KG Arabic Teacher
She has 12 years of experience in teaching. She graduated from the Faculty of Arts – Cairo University 2005 and since then she has been teaching in Egypt and Palestine. Heba recently received a Diploma for Teaching Arabic as a foreign language from the American University in Cairo. She has been taken part in many workshops that support modern methods of education and add to the Arabic language classes. She is excited to work at Ignite School to maximize student’s language and help them reach the highest academic level. She believes that the students will participate in their work by investigating their daily goals and researching, thinking and creating according to their different levels.
Ghada Harhar
ES Arabic Teacher
Mrs. Ghada Harhar is an Arab educator. Harhar has over 12 years of experience teaching the Arabic Language in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Art and Humanities – department of the Arabic language from the University of Aleppo-Syria. Harhar holds a KHDA certificate (Knowledge and Human Development Authority). Currently, she is part of Ignite family as an Arabic teacher. Harhar is passionate about teaching the Arabic language using different teaching methods and strategies to enhance students' understanding and skills. Mrs. Ghada is passionate about giving young students the best possible education in life.
Manal Saif
ES Arabic as Second Language Teacher
Hello, Im Ms. Manal who had the privilege of being a teacher for more than 30 years, I have a Bachelor's in English Literature, from Yarmouk University in Jordan. I teach in many schools across the UAE, like Rosary School, National Charity School, Emirates International School, and Dubai American School, which she was excited to expand her role at it by teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers.I managed to be committed in providing a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning. I also worked to create and maintain an environment where our children can grow and thrive while exploring the world around them.
Rahma Elsaid
Islamic Teacher
Rahma although from Palestine was born and raised in UAE. She holds a KHDA Approval Certificate in Islamic Studies. Rahma graduated from Sharjah University Islamic studies with Honors. She has more than 3 years of experience in teaching Islamic studies in American schools in Dubai. She has visited Tucson, Arizona and several other American states where she enhanced her English language proficiency, explored methods for student-centered learning and discovered more about American culture. She loves teaching and Rahma believes that every child has an amazing ability to learn.
Soher Al-Rifay
Islamic Teacher
Soher comes from Jordan where she completed her studies at Yarmouk University. Soher has 4 years experience as an Islamic educator in UAE. Soher would like each child to leave her class with a better understanding of the social impact of their choices. Working with her students, she ensures a student-centered learning environment for Islamic Education in her classes. Her passion for professional learning and her personal interests of reading, painting and writing enable creative student-led learning activities. Soher holds a KHDA Approval Certificate in Islamic Studies. Aisha has 5 years of experience in teaching Arabic Language in the UAE. She holds a KHDA approval certificate.
Mohammad Fahil
Islamic A Teacher
Mohammad Fahil is a teacher for Islamic A for Arabs. He has been teaching for more than 15 years. He has a Bachelor's degree in Islamic Studies. He's from Syria. I like walking, swimming, reading, and soccer. He believes in meeting the needs of every student and helping students to be well-rounded in Islamic knowledge
Wafa Alatwani
Arabic Teacher
Wafa is an Arabic teacher for Grades 4, 5, and 6. She graduated from the University of Damascus and had been teaching for six years in UAE. She loves reading books and believes that reading, is how children truly grow. She believes in teaching children, different values, that will lead them to be good people in life. Mrs. Wafaa is committed to building a partnership with parents, where both the teacher and parents are involved in the child’s education. That is how a child will bloom across all areas. Her dedication and passion for education, make her expand and mold the minds of future children. We are thrilled to have Wafaa be part of our Ignite family, as she as well is thrilled to join the Arabic team at Ignite School.
Manal Al Ramahi
KG Islamic Educator
Ignite School is pleased to welcome Mrs. Manal Al Ramahi. Ms. Manal whose family is originally fromPalestine, was born and raised in UAE. She holds a KHDA Approval Certificate in Islamic Studies. Ms. Manal Graduated from the UAE University, the faculty of Sharia & Law with Highest honors. She has obtained a Master’s Degree with honors in Islamic Studies from Imam Malik University in Dubai. She has more than 10 years of experience in teaching Islamic studies in various international schools in Dubai. Ms. Manal has visited Sacramento, California three times where she discovered more about American culture. Ms. Manal is keen on developing students’ skills and stimulating their motivation, by learning about the intelligence patterns that each student possesses.
Amany Mawlana
KG Arabic & Islamic
Amany Mawlana has an experience of 25 years in the field of education. She has a Bachelor's in Kindergarten Education. She teaches Arabic language and Islamic education. She's from Egypt and living in UAE for 26 years. She loves reading, sports, arts, and crafts. She believes that all students can achieve if they have the right support and a good environment.
Noha Ahmed
Arabic Teacher
Hi I am Noha Abdelwhab Ahmed. I am an Arabic language teacher for primary and middle school, with three years of experience in Egypt and nine years in the United Arab Emirates. I graduated from Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Department of Arabic Language, and then I obtained a general diploma from Cairo University. My hobbies are reading and inventing new things, as I always like to challenge difficulties and achieve the impossible. I chose the teaching profession because, in my view, it is one of the greatest professions that It affects peoples and worlds so this has an impact on the students. I also excel in developing the four Arabic language skills (reading - writing - listening - speaking) among students in creative and attractive ways.
Samer Alsubaia
Islamic A Teacher
Samer is an Islamic ‘ A ’ For Arabs education. He worked 15 years in the field of education. He has a Bachelors degree in Islamic Education. He was born in Turkey and he has been in UAE for 2 years. He loves reading and doing sports. He believes that all students can achieve if they have the right support and a good environment.
Khaled Ghounaem
Arabic A Teacher
It is my pleasure to be a member of Ignite School for this year. My name is Khaled Ghounaem. I have been working in education for 31 years. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Arabic. I am from Egypt. I like poetry and swimming. I believe in creating a positive environment
Support Staff
Dr. Marwa Al-Khazmi
Doctor
I am Dr. Marwa Al-Khazmi, I finished my Bachelor of Science Major in Medicine & Surgery at – the University of Tripoli, Libya and I had an internship in Central Medical Hospital; March 2010 - March 2011. I am holding a DHA license as General Practitioner. I also had PALS Training, Basic Life Support Training, First Aid Training, Pediatric First Aid, and Women Health Workshop.
Neemah Sooraj
Nurse
I am Neemah Sooraj, a registered nurse. I am from Kerala India and I have been working here in Dubai since 2015. I had a comprehensive clinical service for the pediatric area, post-natal mothers with newborns. Performing medical treatment, procedures and vaccinations, creating and implementing care plans.
Regina Sabat
Librarian
Regina Sabat is delighted to join the Ignite team. She hails from Long Island, New York, and earned her degree in English Literature from Northeastern University in Boston. Regina gained experience in the fields of public relations and marketing as well as film production before embarking on her journey as a librarian. Regina says, "I look forward to nurturing students' love of reading as well as supporting the Ignite community." In her spare time, Regina enjoys traveling, cooking, and photography.
Zahid Mahmood
Cashier
My name is Zahid. I have graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from PUNJAB UNIVERSITY in 2008.I have started my professional carrier in UAE in 2016.
I am married and I have 2 young girls. I have 6 years of experience as an accountant. In my free time I like to watch movies, play cricket, and cook.
Parent Association
Jada Arab
Parent Association President
Jaida is a professional administrator with more than 18 years of experience in the field of Administration and Office Management in UAE. She has moved to Dubai with her husband in 2002 and fell in love with the city from day one.
Jaida holds a B.A in English Literature and a Diploma in Translation from Damascus University, Syria. She is also a mother to three amazing children who are studying at different schools in Dubai. Jaida is very passionate about education, books, music and cats.