Teaching Team

  • Home
  • Pre-School
  • Teaching Team

Elizabeth Connor-Scahill
Principal

EtonHouse International Pre-School Granada

Elizabeth has been a successful EtonHouse school leader having led an EtonHouse campus in Singapore. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the market in the Middle East as well as a strong understanding of the EtonHouse teaching and learning approach—something that inspires confidence in her local and international experience.

Elizabeth is dedicated towards providing the highest standards of care and education for children. She thoroughly enjoys working alongside teachers, parents and children to promote best practices in early childhood, drawing on her U.K. based experiences and International Educational expertise built in the Gulf and Singapore. Elizabeth is an innovative leader and enjoys planning for the school community needs. She has a strong reputation for leading new schools through to success with a solid reputation.

Elizabeth views young children as capable, curious, social explorers. She strongly advocates for play and inquiry. Elizabeth believes all curriculum decisions and programme designs should centre around understanding how children learn best. She celebrates the power of an international school as she is able to draw on diverse perspectives, experiences and talent in the staff and parent community. Elizabeth advocates for parents as partners and truly feels they understand their child best as the first educator.

Our Teaching Team

EtonHouse International Pre-School Granada 

Elanie Van Der Nest - Curriculum Coordinator

Elanie is a passionate early childhood educator from South Africa with over a decade of teaching and leadership experience. She holds a Bachelor of Education in Pre-School and Foundation Phase and an Honours degree in Learning Support, enabling her to nurture each child’s unique strengths and learning journey.

Known for her warm personality and thoughtful, creative approach, Elanie creates joyful learning environments where children feel seen, valued, and empowered to take ownership of their learning journey. As an experienced educator and school leader, she brings expertise and a deep commitment to nurturing confident, curious learners.

As a mother of two, she believes in the power of relationships and collaboration between home and school. She values strong partnerships with families, recognising that working together is key to supporting each child’s growth and wellbeing. Through continuous reflection and learning, Elanie seeks to make a meaningful difference in every child’s journey.

Gaelin is an experienced Early Years educator from South Africa, with over ten years of experience working with children aged 2 to 6 years in her home country and internationally. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Foundation Phase) from the University of South Africa.

Deeply committed to honouring each child as capable, curious, and unique, Gaelin creates calm and welcoming environments where children feel a strong sense of belonging. She believes that emotional well-being sits at the heart of learning and that when children feel safe and valued, they are free to explore, inquire, and engage with enthusiasm.

Her practice is grounded in play-based learning, with a particular love for hands-on and sensory experiences including messy play, alongside movement, music, and storytelling. Gaelin enjoys bringing stories to life and sees these moments as powerful invitations for children to wonder, imagine, and make meaning together.

Guided by a Reggio-inspired philosophy, Gaelin views learning as a shared journey. She believes that children are rich in potential and that educators learn alongside them, listening carefully to their ideas, questions, and ways of expressing themselves.

Outside the classroom, Gaelin is a devoted mother and enjoys travelling. Her teaching is shaped by compassion, creativity, and a genuine respect for childhood, supporting children to discover what truly sparks their curiosity and joy.

Idil is a qualified educator from the United Kingdom with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from De Montfort University and a PGCE in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from the University of Leicester.

Idil is passionate about Early Years education and creating meaningful learning experiences that nurture children’s natural curiosity, confidence and independence. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, she believes children learn best when they are given opportunities to explore, investigate, create and express their ideas through play and inquiry.

She has experience working with children from the very youngest ages, through the KG years and into primary education. Her experience includes creating engaging and purposeful learning experiences, supporting early literacy and phonics, developing early mathematical understanding, and supporting children with SEND and EAL.

Idil places great importance on building warm and positive relationships with children and taking the time to listen to their ideas, interests and questions. She believes in creating an inclusive and nurturing environment where children feel a strong sense of belonging and are encouraged to make choices, develop independence and take an active role in their learning.

At EtonHouse International Pre-School Granada Riyadh, Idil is committed to creating an inspiring environment where every child is valued as a capable and confident learner and encouraged to explore, discover and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Hina is a passionate early childhood and primary educator, educational leader, and trainer with 12 years of experience in teaching, classroom leadership, and learning-environment management across diverse educational settings. She holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching from Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia, along with VIT registration and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

Recognised for her creativity, warmth, and clear communication, Hina creates engaging and inclusive learning environments where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. As an experienced bicultural facilitator and EAL educator, she brings particular expertise in supporting culturally and linguistically diverse learners, applying trauma-informed practices, and strengthening digital literacy.

Hina believes that meaningful partnerships with families and the wider community are essential to children’s learning, development, and wellbeing. Through compassionate leadership, ongoing professional growth, and a genuinely child-centred approach, she is committed to making a positive and lasting difference in every child’s educational journey.

Zahra Kazerooni is an experienced Early Years educator with over 14 years of experience working with young children in international schools in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. She has worked as an Early Years teacher and team leader throughout her career.

Zahra holds a Montessori Diploma and is currently completing her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Her experience includes EYFS, Birth to Five Matters, Montessori, play-based learning, and professional training in the IB Primary Years Programme.

Zahra believes children are capable, curious learners who develop through exploration, relationships, and interactions with their environment. Her practice is shaped by careful observation, child-led learning, purposeful play, and creating a classroom that support curiosity, confidence, and independence.

She values listening to children’s ideas and interests and hopes to create an environment where every child feels confident, valued, and excited to learn

Aisha is a passionate early years educator from the UK with a First Class Honours degree in Education and Learning and a Diploma in Child Development. Her strong academic foundation and hands-on experience allow her to support each child’s development with care, intention, and insight.

Guided by the Reggio Emilia approach and UK EYFS principles, Aisha creates nurturing environments that honour children’s voices, spark curiosity, and celebrate creativity. Calm and reflective, she builds trusting relationships that help young learners feel confident, safe, and empowered.

Aisha is deeply committed to professional growth and is particularly inspired by inquiry-led learning and the power of play. She is excited to be part of the EtonHouse Granada community and looks forward to working closely with families to support each child’s journey of exploration and joy.

Hodo is a qualified and dedicated Primary Educator from London, United Kingdom. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Primary Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education Studies from Middlesex University, London.

With a passion for early childhood education, Hodo brings creativity, warmth, and professionalism to her teaching. She believes that young children learn best through meaningful, play-based experiences that nurture curiosity, independence, and confidence. Her classroom is a joyful and inclusive space where children are encouraged to think critically, express themselves freely, and develop a lifelong love for learning.

At EtonHouse Riyadh, Hodo is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and the Inquire-Think-Learn curriculum, valuing each child as capable, competent, and full of potential. She places great importance on building strong, trusting relationships with her students and families, ensuring that every child feels valued, supported, and celebrated for who they are.

Deeply committed to safeguarding and child wellbeing, Hodo strives to create an environment where children feel safe to explore, collaborate, and take risks in their learning. She is thrilled to be part of the founding team at EtonHouse International Preschool Granada, contributing to a nurturing and inspiring community where children embark on a joyful journey of discovery and growth.

Halima is an experienced early years educator from Kent, UK, whose love for literature, especially the works of Charles Dickens, inspired her passion for teaching. With classroom experience across Kent, London, and Riyadh, she brings a strong understanding of both UK and US early childhood frameworks.

A specialist in inquiry-based, play-driven learning, Halima believes in tailoring her approach to each child’s unique learning style. Her classrooms are warm, inclusive spaces where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to explore the world around them with curiosity and confidence.

As a mother of two, Halima brings empathy, kindness, and high expectations to her work. She values strong home-school partnerships and is committed to supporting children’s holistic growth, academically, socially, and emotionally.

Halima is excited to join the EtonHouse Riyadh community and looks forward to nurturing confident, compassionate learners through meaningful early childhood experiences.

Alba is an Early Childhood and Primary teacher from Gran Canaria, Spain, who has had the opportunity to teach and learn in different educational settings across Sweden, Spain and Saudi Arabia. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education and Primary Education, specialising in English, as well as a Master’s degree in Research and Innovation in Education.

Alba has always had a passion for travelling and discovering different cultures, which has shaped her curiosity about the world and the way she approaches teaching. She enjoys bringing this curiosity into the classroom through creative and environmentally conscious experiences, encouraging children to explore, ask questions and develop an international mindset.

Warm and enthusiastic, Alba loves building genuine relationships with her students and creating a classroom where children feel confident, curious and excited to learn.

Yasmin is a passionate early years educator with over seven years of experience teaching in London, United Kingdom. She creates calm, inclusive, and nurturing classrooms where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to explore.

She resonates with play-based and inquiry-driven approaches, valuing how they support children in following their interests, asking questions and growing at their own pace. A strong advocate for kindness, collaboration and curiosity, Yasmin fosters a classroom culture where friendships flourish, self-expression is encouraged and learning is joyful.

Believing that strong home-school partnerships are key to a child’s success, Yasmin works closely with families to support each learner’s holistic growth. 

Rachel brings with her over 25 years of experience nurturing creativity in young learners. She holds a First Class Honours degree in Education from the University of Liverpool, UK, and has led Art and Design across UK preparatory schools, working with children aged 2 to 13.

Originally a generalist teacher, Rachel followed her passion for the arts, dedicating her career to supporting children as they explore, imagine, and express themselves. Deeply inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and the Hundred Languages of Children, she believes that every child is a unique individual and that learning flourishes when curiosity, experimentation, and self-expression are at the heart of the experience.

 Rachel aims to create an Atelier that sparks curiosity, wonder, and joy where children are free to experiment, imagine, and communicate their ideas in unique and meaningful ways. She sees each child as an individual with their own voice and values an environment that supports growth, creativity, and discovery.

 Rachel is excited to contribute her experience and vision to the EtonHouse community, nurturing a space where creativity, inquiry, and joyful learning thrive.

Huda Jmaim is a passionate multilingual educator with a Bachelor’s degree in English and French Languages from the University of Jordan. She delights in guiding young learners on their journey of discovery. A native Arabic speaker fluent in Modern Standard Arabic, Huda loves sharing the richness of her language and culture, helping them build strong early language and literacy. 

With experience supporting children from diverse backgrounds, she creates inclusive and nurturing environments where every child feels valued, heard, and encouraged to express themselves. Huda is dedicated to fostering the whole child, nurturing curiosity, emotional growth, early literacy, and a lifelong love of learning.

Beyond the classroom, she enjoys reading, exploring cultures, and continually developing her expertise in early childhood education.

Abir is a passionate Arabic language educator who finds joy in helping children discover the beauty and meaning of the Arabic language. Born and raised in Riyadh, she believes language learning should be an inspiring and enjoyable journey where children feel supported, engaged, and eager to explore. Her mission is to nurture in every child a genuine love for Arabic that lasts a lifetime. Holding a Diploma in Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers from Mutah University, Jordan, Abir has taught Arabic to children across the pre-school and primary years in international and bilingual settings.

As a native Arabic speaker fluent in both Arabic and English, Abir brings cultural depth, clarity, and creativity to her teaching. She combines her linguistic expertise with warmth and care, ensuring children not only develop strong communication skills but also grow in confidence, self-expression, and character.

Abir delights in discovering each child’s unique strengths and interests, guiding them to explore their potential with curiosity and imagination. At EtonHouse International Pre-School Granada, she creates joyful, meaningful learning experiences where Arabic language lessons become a gateway to learning, confidence, and cultural appreciation.

Hiba specialises in teaching Arabic to young learners through creative and engaging experiences designed for early childhood. She believes language learning in the early years should be joyful and meaningful, helping children build confidence as they explore reading, writing, and speaking Arabic in playful, interactive ways.

With experience teaching in pre-KG schools in Damascus and several years teaching Arabic to early learners, Hiba brings both compassion and expertise to her classroom. She holds a Diploma from Almaamoun Educational Center in Damascus and is trained in early childhood development and classroom management. She thoughtfully designs age-appropriate experiences that support curiosity, communication, and a love for learning.

Beyond teaching, Hiba enjoys handcrafts and interior design, passions that inspire her to create vibrant, stimulating environments where every child can imagine, explore, and express themselves.

Mengying is a passionate Mandarin educator with over eight years of languageteaching experience in China and Saudi Arabia. At EtonHouse, she is responsible for Mandarin learning from Nursery through Kindergarten, creating age-appropriate and engaging language experiences that introduce young children to Mandarin and Chinese culture through play, inquiry, stories, music, movement, and meaningful everyday interactions.

She holds a Master’s degree in Translation and Interpreting and is certified in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (CTCSOL) and TESOL. Her academic and professional background has shaped her understanding of how children develop language and communicate across different cultural contexts.

Mengying’s teaching philosophy is inspired by both the Reggio Emilia approach and traditional Chinese educational wisdom. She values the Confucian principle of teaching according to each learner’s individuality, believing that every child has their own strengths, interests, voice, and way of learning. She is also inspired by the Taoist appreciation of natural growth, seeing education not as rushing children towards predetermined outcomes, but as creating the right environment for their curiosity and potential to unfold.

As a Mandarin teacher, Mengying sees language as more than words—it is a bridge between people, cultures, and ways of seeing the world. She enjoys creating playful, inquiry-based experiences where Mandarin naturally becomes part of children’s exploration, relationships, creativity, and everyday life.

Dania is a passionate and energetic Physical Education teacher who believes that PE is about much more than sport. She is passionate about helping children build confidence, resilience, teamwork and a lifelong enjoyment of movement and physical activity.

Having completed her university studies in Jordan, Dania has taught Physical Education in several international schools across Riyadh, working with children across different age groups and abilities. She has completed Category 1 training in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and holds Cognia certification, supporting her understanding of inquiry based learning and international educational practices.

Dania is also a qualified personal trainer, fitness instructor and beginner swimming coach. Her professional training includes children’s physical education, motor skills development, swimming, water safety, strength and conditioning, aerobics and fitness.

Dania enjoys creating energetic, inclusive and engaging experiences through sports, swimming, team games, fitness activities and creative physical challenges. She places great importance on ensuring that every child feels safe, supported and confident to participate at their own level.

Her goal is for children to develop their physical skills, balance, coordination and teamwork while building healthy habits and confidence. Most importantly, Dania wants children to experience the joy of being active, celebrate their progress and have fun while learning.