Academic Team at Maplewood Canadian International School

I am very excited to be part of the Maplewood family! This is my 6th year at this amazing school, and my 9th year teaching in multiple different assignments, including Social Studies, English, and Physical Education along with various elective courses. I currently teach Social Studies for High School and I am also the Head of High School and the Athletics Director for MCIS.

Hello, I am Ms. Chloe from Ontario, Canada! I teach grades 9 to 12 math and science at Maplewood Canadian International School. This is my first year teaching at MCIS as well as living in Abu Dhabi. I am super excited and grateful to begin teaching and sharing my love for mathematics and science with the students at MCIS! Previously in Ontario, I taught various levels of math and science in high school as well as English to newcomers to Canada. I strive to create a positive and welcoming classroom environment and inspire a love for learning in my students. In my free time, I enjoy sewing and gardening. I am looking forward to being able to garden all year round in Abu Dhabi!

My name is Yusuf Moolla and I teach Science from grade 7 to 10. I enjoy teaching the Alberta Science curriculum because it covers a broad range of topics and provides students with a solid base for further development of their scientific knowledge.This is my third year at Maplewood. I like the diversity of teaching students from all over the world. I have been living and teaching in the UAE for 6 years. I have recently taken an interest in cooking because it feels a lot like doing chemistry experiments.

My name is Orrin Shakeshaft I am from a town called Milton Keynes, England. I ampassionate about all sports and turned into a career by becoming a PE teacher and Footballcoach. I support my local team MK Dons and then my favourite team is the best team in theworld Arsenal!I have been teaching for around 5-6 years in the UK and UAE. Since being in the UAE I haveworked at multiple public schools and have been successful in the creating andimplementation of Extra Curricular activities, providing better opportunities for students totake part in different sports and to compete against other schools.I will be joining Maplewood School for the academic year 23/24 as your new PE teacher andHead of Options. I am excited to begin this new journey and look forward to meeting you all.

My name is Jessica Byrne and I am from Laois, Ireland. I am very excited to be teaching KG1 and become a part of the amazing community at MCIS! This is my first year teaching and living in the UAE. I have a real passion for both teaching and traveling and I am really looking forward to this new experience. Prior to joining MCIS, I completed a four year degree in Education, with a specialization in Literacy Education. From there, I went on to teach for five years in Ireland and also spent some time teaching at summer camps in California. I am very grateful to now be joining the inclusive and welcoming team at MCIS! I look forward to creating meaningful and engaging learning opportunities for our KG1 students as they start their journey into education.

My name is Aviwe Kitshini. I am from Port Elizabeth, South Africa. I have a Bachelor's degree in Education, specializing in Sciences. I teach Biology and Physics in grades 11 and 12.I've been teaching for the past 8 years, 4 of which were in South Africa and 4 years here in the UAE, all of which I have called Maplewood home. I believe everyday has something new to teach us, regardless of our age, and I learn from my students as much as they learn from me. The 2 things I try to teach my students in every class I teach are 1. Kindness should know no boundaries… It costs us nothing to be kind and everyone needs a kind word or action everyday. 2. Learning is not an event:- It's a lifelong process and you have to give it time. It’s not characterized by a % or level… It’s characterized by a change in behavior/ attitude. When we know better, we do better!

My name is AYA ALAA and I am from Egypt. I currently teach Arabic fromGr.7 - Grade 12. I love teaching and reading. This is my seventh year teaching experience in the UAE. I love the Maple Wood family, and I love the mutual respect between the staff and the students. On holidays, I enjoy spending my time writing poems or spending time with my children and friends, I enjoy cooking and making dishes from different countries

My name is Maggie Dillon and I am from a small town in Ontario, Canada and I am a Grade 3 Teacher. This is my first year teaching at Maplewood and living in the UAE. I am enjoying living and teaching in such a diverse and inclusive environment. I previously taught English in Thailand, Spain and Poland! Outside of teaching, I like to spend my time being active, spending time with my friends and family, and traveling.

Originally from Newfoundland, Canada I completed a Bachelor of Science in 2018 at Memorial University of Newfoundland where I majored in Computational Mathematics and minored in Business Administration. I then went on to complete my Bachelor of Education in Intermediate/Secondary in 2019. I am currently working towards my Master of Education in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning Studies. I taught in Kuwait for my first year of teaching and then returned to Canada during the pandemic where I have now been for the last three years. During that time I have taught in the province of British Columbia and Alberta. I am excited to continue my adventure abroad and join the team in Maplewood to teach Middle School Mathematics!

My name is Maura Flood from Ontario, Canada and I am a Grade 5 teacher! This is my first year at Maplewood and I am really excited to have the opportunity to be part of this community. I have been living in the UAE since 2016 and prior to that I was teaching in London, England. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, reading, and sports.

My name is Christiaan Enslin, I am the new dedicated Head of Mathematics and Physical Science at MCIS! I hail from the beautiful coastal town of Ballito, South Africa. I am hoping to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our school community in the UAE.I embarked on my educational journey at the prestigious University of Stellenbosch, where I earned not one, but two degrees—one in Engineering and another in Science. I also pursued my passion for teaching by obtaining a degree from UNISA.With over a decade of teaching experience, my expertise extends far and wide. I have shared my knowledge with students in various international settings, including Russia, South Africa, and Kazakhstan. My global perspective approach allows me to connect with learners from diverse backgrounds with a holistic approach.I am not just a teacher; I am a lifelong learner myself. I constantly seek innovative ideas to bridge the gap between science and mathematics, fostering a deep understanding of these subjects in students. I firmly believe that the key to achieving greatness lies in one's ability to introspect and analyze oneself before understanding the world around them. This philosophy propels my teaching approach, inspiring students to discover their infinite potential as long as their thirst for knowledge remains unquenchable.I am excited to be on board to ignite the same passion for learning in our students that was instilled in me by my own educators. Students: ready to embark on a journey of curiosity, discovery, and limitless possibilities with me as your guide.

My name is Tanya Fourie and I am from South Africa. I currently teach Physical Education from KG - Grade 5. I love teaching and playing various sports. My main sport has always been Field Hockey and have coached and managed many teams over the years. This is my seventh year teaching at Maplewood Canadian International School. The diversity of staff and students makes for a holistic learning environment, for myself and students. I have been living and teaching in the UAE for 14 years. Outside of teaching, I am involved in the animal welfare community in Abu Dhabi as I have a passion for animals.

My Name is David Stone and I come from Westmeath, Ireland. I teach social studies to grades 7-10 at Maplewood as well as coaching the U15 football team. This my first year in the UAE and I have loved my time here so far. The sense of unity amongst management, staff and students was something I was immediately taken by and this is what makes Maplewood a truly special place to teach and learn. In my short time here I have grown so much and embraced the diversity and vibrancy of our school community. Previously, I have worked as a grade 7-12 English and history teacher in Ireland while also volunteering at kids camps during this summer. Coaching u15 football has enabled me to combine two of my biggest passions: sports and working with young people. In my spare time I also enjoy reading, traveling and live music.

I am Ms. Kristin from Alberta, Canada. This is my first year in the UAE and at Maplewood International School. I teach Physical Education for grades 6-10 and CALM Studies for grade 10. I have a specialization in Physical Literacy, which takes a holistic approach to lifelong learning through movement and physical activity. Previous experiences include designing and implementing Physical Education programs from Grade 1-9, teaching Physical Education to students in grades 7-12 for the past five years, and coaching sports in after school programs. I was also heavily involved in development programs for youth in sport; primarily facilitating and leading the Volleyball programs from Grade 1 through to 12. In my spare time I love coaching and playing volleyball, running outside, and traveling the world.

My name is Riley Di Nardo and I am from Toronto, Canada. I am honored to be a part of this fantastic school community as a teacher. With a passion for education and a love of learning, I strive to create a positive and engaging classroom environment where all students can thrive. In my free time, I enjoy watching TV, cooking, and trying new things. I am also an avid rugby player and have a passion for athletics. This is my first year here at Maplewood! I have 2 years of experience teaching primary school, and I hold an education degree from Queen’s university in Canada. I believe that every student has unique talents and strengths, and it is my goal to help each student discover and develop their full potential.

My name is Rasna Dhami, and I am from Ontario, Canada. I teach grade 1 at Maplewood Canadian International School. This is my first year in Abu Dhabi and MCIS. I am thrilled to be part of such a diverse and inclusive community! It’s been a pleasure working with peers and teaching students from different nationalities and cultures. Before joining Maplewood, I spent two years teaching K-5 in Canada. When I am not teaching, I enjoy yoga, trying new foods, painting and traveling.

My name is Dane Henegan from a small town in South Africa called Mossel Bay. I am the middle school coordinator at Maplewood International school, and teach math to grade 6’s and Physical Education to grades 7-10.I arrived in Abu Dhabi and started teaching at Maplewood at the start of 2022. In my short time here I have learnt so much and have grown as a teacher. The Diversity within the school provides me with the opportunity to learn about different cultures and nationalities.I previously taught for four years at a school called Bridge House in Franschhoek, SA. I have an incredible passion for sport. If i'm not at school you could find me watching, playing or coaching a variety of sports. I also have a newfound love of traveling with my wife. We are hoping to tick off all the places on our bucket list.

My name is Randa Batarseh. I am from Jordan. I am an Arabic teacher at Maplewood Canadian International School. I graduated from the University of Jordan. I have a master degree in Arabic language. I have been working for six years till now at Maplewood Canadian International School. I loved working at school because I feel like it’s my second family.Previously, I worked as an Arabic language teacher in Jordan in the American school for five years then we moved to Abu Dhabi from 2012 I worked for five years in belvedere British school till 2017 then I moved to Maplewood Canadian international school till now, I love Maplewood so much it’s my second family and I love teaching it’s my passion.On holidays, I enjoy spending my time with my family and friends, I enjoy cooking and making lovely fruit deciduous cake.

My name is Sheila Barry. I am Anglophone from Edmonton, Alberta–proof that the Core French programme offered by Alberta Education can lead to full bilingualism. I completed my Master’s degree in English & French at the Université de Montréal; I now have the great fortune of being a permanent resident of Cannes, France. I teach French, Drama, and Communications. This is my first semester with Maplewood. I came here because I believe in the Canadian Curriculum and its ability to manifest critical thinking in students. Previously, I spent 18 years in the UAE–I taught Academic English at Zayed University & College Foundations at Dubai Men’s College (HCT). I have also taught at universities in Canada and the US as well as at school boards in Toronto and Cannes. My goal is to provide students with the academic and life skills they need to succeed in an international post-secondary/work environment.

My name is Rebecca Atallah and I am so excited to be teaching Kindergarten (KG2) at Maplewood for a second year. In KG2 we prepare students for their journey as lifelong learners. It is my professional opinion that the best learning happens when students feel safe, challenged and engaged in the learning process. We are a school who prides ourselves on hands on learning experiences that give students the opportunity to be an active participant of their learning. When students come into our classroom we want them to leave with the skills to be responsible for themselves, strategies to solve problems and interact well with their peers and teachers. These are the next leaders of our world and I am so excited to be a part of their personal growth and academic journey.

I am delighted and excited to be part of such an amazing school like MaplewoodCanadian INTL. School. My name is Hanan Alazzam, and I am from Jordan. I aman Arabic and Islamic teacher for KG students with over four years of teachingexperience.I am thrilled to join an amazing family and leverage my skills and experience tohelp our students reach their full potential. I am confident that my passion forteaching, combined with my drive, dedication, experience, and Maplewoodmanagement instruction, will cooperate to create a new generation and be able to build the future.

I am an Adjunct Professor at the Graduate School of Education at Queen's University, with over 31 years of experience in the education sector. I hold a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and an Education Specialist (Ed.S) in Educational Leadership and Administration from Liberty University, as well as a Supervisory Officer's Certificate and Principals Qualifications from Ontario Principals' Council and Ontario College of Teachers.My core competencies include teacher mentoring, adult education, educational leadership, collaborative inquiry, program inquiry and evaluation, organizational leadership, organizational learning, knowledge translation and mobilization, curriculum planning, theoretical and historical foundations, finance, and various health and safety certifications. I have also served as a regional evaluator for the Prime Minister's Teaching Award for STEM, and as a member of the Ontario Minister's Principal Reference Group, advising on policy and programs affecting educators and students in Ontario. Additionally, I have conducted research and published on the mentoring needs of beginning vice-principals, the impact of Covid-19 on teaching and leading schools in the Middle East, and I have taught and continue to teach multiple graduate-level courses at Queen's University.My mission is to contribute to the improvement of educational outcomes and opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, by applying my expertise, experience, and passion for education. I am always eager to learn from and collaborate with other educators, researchers, policy makers, and stakeholders in the field. I believe that education is a powerful tool for social change, and I strive to inspire, empower, and support the next generation of educational leaders.

Hello, I'm Muhammed Shafeek, a passionate graduate in Computer Engineering from India. I have proudly served as the IT Manager at Maplewood Canadian International School since 2014.My journey at Maplewood has been an incredible one, and I'm thrilled to be part of this exceptional educational institution. As an IT Manager, I thrive on teamwork and collaboration, always striving to enhance the digital landscape of our school.One of my strengths lies in designing, implementing, and managing school IT projects and network infrastructure. At Maplewood, we take pride in being a digital school, and I had the privilege of leading the charge in implementing Google for Education, making us pioneers in the region.I look forward to continuing to support Maplewood Canadian International School in its mission to provide cutting-edge education in a digital age.

My journey as an educator began in 2003 with Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland, USA. After nearly a decade there, I ventured to the United Arab Emirates, marking the start of my international teaching journey. My experiences have taken me to both public and private schools across the UAE and Oman. I hold a Master's in Special Education, and I've had the privilege to serve as a classroom teacher, special educator, and special education coordinator. Two decades in, and my unwavering belief that every child has the potential to succeed continues to fuel my passion for education. I'm excited to collaborate with the Maplewood community on our shared educational adventure!

“Character will take you further in life than marks and talent!” My name is Mrs. Kimberly Ngozichukwu. I am from the USA by way of Montgomery, Alabama. I’ve been teaching in the UAE since 2017 and was awarded the coveted Teacher of the Year award at my first school during the 2017-2018 school year! I often refer to it as the confirmation that my journey overseas (for the first time) was not in vain!. My highest level of education obtained is a Master’s degree in Secondary English Language Arts, and I’ve been teaching full-time for 11 years. I’ve been at Maplewood since November of 2021, and I currently serve as the Head of Humanities and the K-12 ELL Coordinator. Serving our diverse population brings me great joy!

My name is Nagat Mohamed from Egypt , I am Arabic Coordinator at Maplewood Canadian International School. I have been working for five years at Maplewood Canadian International School. I loved working at school because I feel like I belong in my family. Previously, I worked as an Arabic language teacher for grades 6-7-9-10-11 at Rosary Private School in Abu Dhabi for 8 years.I joined Al Basma British School to teach grades 1-4 for one year. I joined five years ago at Maplewood Canadian International School as an Arabic language teacher for grades 7-12, and finally an Arabic language teacher for grade 12 in addition to coordinating. Maplewood has been very relevant because of its curriculum, its community and most importantly its staff and students.