Teaching Team

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Anne Marie
Director of Education

EtonHouse International School Granada

Anne-Marie brings an exceptional depth of international education experience. Most recently, she served as Acting Deputy Director General and Founding Principal at Riyadh Schools Misk City, a flagship institution within the Crown Prince’s Misk City development, where she led a school of more than 650 students and 80 staff from its very first day.

Across more than 17 years in education, she has worked in the UK, UAE, Cyprus, and Saudi Arabia, building a strong track record of school growth and improvement. Prior to this, she was Deputy Head at Aldenham Prep School Riyadh, where she played an important role in the school’s development.
Anne-Marie is deeply familiar with the Riyadh community and the unique opportunity that international education in Saudi Arabia represents. She brings proven expertise in curriculum development, staff growth, and building high-trust school cultures where children thrive.

One thing that will be immediately clear about Anne-Marie is her belief in visible, accessible leadership. She is committed to being present in our community and genuinely available for conversation. Her door will be open, and she looks forward to getting to know our family personally.

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.

Fardousa Hassan Vice Principal

EtonHouse International School Granada

Fardousa is delighted to join the EtonHouse community as Vice Principal, bringing extensive experience in education, school leadership, inclusion, and teacher development. Originally from the UK, she has worked across the UK, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, where she has been based for the past five years.

Fardousa holds a Bachelor (Hons) degree in Primary Education and a Master’s degree in Education, specialising in Inclusion, alongside a Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma in Education and Training. She also holds Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status from the UK.

As an educational leader, Fardousa is passionate about building inclusive and collaborative learning communities where learners and educators feel valued, empowered, and inspired to grow. Her experience spans school leadership, Special Educational Needs and inclusion, teacher training and development, and contributing to the establishment and growth of new school communities.

Outside of school, Fardousa enjoys travelling, reading, and baking. As a mother of two, she values family time and finds inspiration through new experiences, places, and ideas.

Above all, Fardousa is excited to work alongside the EtonHouse team, children, and families, and looks forward to a wonderful year of collaboration, connection, and growth together.

Our Teaching Team

EtonHouse International School Granada 

Sarah Aburas- KG 1 Educator

Sarah, a passionate and dedicated KG1 teacher with nearly 7 years of experience in education. As a Saudi-American educator, she brings a warm, welcoming, and multicultural perspective to her classroom. Throughout her years in education, Ms. Sarah has developed a true passion for working with young children and helping them build a strong foundation for their educational journey.

Sarah believes that the early years are some of the most important and exciting years of a child’s development. She is passionate about creating an environment that is nurturing, positive, and engaging, where every child feels safe, valued, supported, and confident to be themselves.

She loves watching children discover new things, develop their personalities, make friendships, and gain confidence in their abilities. Sarah encourages learning through play, exploration, creativity, hands-on experiences, and curiosity, while making sure that every child has opportunities to learn and grow at their own pace.

Beyond academics, Sarah places great importance on helping children develop independence, communication skills, kindness, resilience, and a genuine love for learning. She believes that children learn best when they feel happy, comfortable, and encouraged to explore the world around them.

Building strong relationships with families is also very important to Sarah. She believes that open communication, trust, and a strong partnership between home and school create the best environment for children to thrive. She looks forward to getting to know each family, celebrating every milestone, big or small, and working together to support each child throughout the year.

Originally from South Africa, Natasha brings with her a wealth of experience and a deep passion for early childhood education. She holds a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education from UNISA (University of South Africa), as well as a diploma in Photography.

For the past nine years, Natasha has been dedicated to teaching preschool, fostering a nurturing and engaging environment where young learners can thrive. She brings valuable experience in working with neurodiverse children and is a strong advocate for inclusive education. Her background includes supporting children with a wide range of learning needs, and she is committed to creating an environment where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.

A nature lover at heart, Natasha was frequently taken to the African bush from a young age to experience the incredible wildlife and natural beauty South Africa has to offer. This deep connection with nature continues to inspire her teaching and her leadership in environmental initiatives. She previously led the Green Team at her school, guiding the community toward more eco-friendly practices.

With a strong belief in the importance of learning through play, Natasha encourages critical and creative thinking in her classroom. She enjoys watching young minds explore, imagine, and problem-solve as they build the foundations for lifelong learning. Her teaching philosophy centers around co-creating meaningful experiences with her students, helping them grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually.

Having taught children from diverse cultures and backgrounds, Natasha is committed to fostering a sense of inclusion, respect, and curiosity in every child.

To Natasha, early childhood education is more than a job, it is a calling. She is passionate about being part of each child’s journey, helping them lay the building blocks for a bright and successful future.

Safia is a UK-trained Early Years teacher who studied at Birmingham City University and has experience working in both UK and international schools, including in Riyadh. She has a genuine passion for working with young children and supporting their confidence, independence and love of learning.

Her teaching approach is warm, nurturing and child-centred. Safia believes children learn best when they feel happy, safe and encouraged to be themselves. She values play, curiosity and creativity, providing children with meaningful, hands-on experiences that allow them to explore their interests, ask questions, make choices and learn at their own pace.

Building positive relationships is also central to Safia’s approach. She believes strong, trusting relationships with children, alongside open and supportive partnerships with families, help children feel understood, valued and confident. Her aim is to create a classroom where children are excited to come to school, feel confident sharing their ideas and take pride in their achievements.

Safia looks forward to getting to know each child and family and creating a happy, positive and memorable year filled with learning, growth and discovery.

Originally from the UK, Hollie holds a BA (Hons) in Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from England and has over 15 years of teaching experience in the UK and internationally. She has taught across KS1 and KS2 in the Middle East and Southeast Asia and is a culturally experienced and dedicated educator, committed to providing the best possible education for her learners.

With a strong interest in wellbeing and experience supporting neurodivergent learners, Hollie has a secure understanding of strategies that support learners’ social and emotional development. She is Level 2 trained in Makaton, enabling her to support learners with communication difficulties through the use of signs and symbols alongside speech. She previously led a Mindfulness Club to support learners in understanding and developing their emotional regulation, as well as a Social Club designed to help selected pupils overcome barriers related to social cues and communication through fun and engaging provocations. Hollie is passionate about creating a safe, inclusive environment where all learners feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

An outgoing and collaborative professional, Hollie enjoys contributing to the wider school community and working closely with colleagues to create engaging learning experiences and stimulating environments that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.

Shukri is a Canadian Early Years educator, trained at Mohawk College in Ontario, Canada, where she graduated with High Honours in Early Childhood Education. She also holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree and is a Registered Early Childhood Educator. She brings over four years of experience in Early Years education, including three and a half years as a Homeroom Teacher at NEOM Community School in Saudi Arabia. Shukri has a genuine passion for working with young children and supporting them as they develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Shukri has a genuine passion for working with young children and creating warm, welcoming environments where they feel safe, valued, and confident to be themselves. She believes that strong relationships and a sense of belonging are at the heart of meaningful learning and enjoys supporting children as they develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Her practice is grounded in play-based and inquiry-led learning, with a particular love for hands-on exploration, sensory experiences, storytelling, movement, and creative learning opportunities. Shukri enjoys observing children’s interests and using their questions, ideas, and natural curiosity as starting points for deeper learning and discovery.

Guided by a Reggio-inspired philosophy, Shukri views children as capable, curious, and full of potential. She values learning alongside children and creating environments that encourage them to explore, communicate their ideas, make choices, and develop their own understanding of the world around them.

Having spent several years teaching within a diverse international community in Saudi Arabia, Shukri values the relationships she builds with children and families from different cultures and backgrounds. She believes these connections are an important part of creating an inclusive classroom community where every child feels that they belong.

Daniya is a passionate and experienced educator with a BA (Hons) in Primary English Education and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). She has taught EYFS, primary, and secondary education in the UK and internationally. She is currently a Grade 1 Homeroom Teacher at EtonHouse International School, where she also serves as English and Mathematics Subject Leader.

Daniya is committed to creating engaging and purposeful learning experiences that encourage children to be curious, think critically, and develop confidence in their own abilities. She believes in maintaining high expectations while ensuring that learning is accessible and responsive to the individual needs of every child.

With experience in curriculum development, phonics, adaptive teaching, assessment and pastoral support, Daniya takes a well- rounded approach to children’s learning and development. She particularly enjoys creating engaging learning environments and using practical, collaborative and inquiry-based experiences to help children make meaningful connections across their learning.

Alongside her classroom experience, Daniya has contributed to curriculum development, mentored colleagues and supported wider school initiatives. She is passionate about building positive relationships with children, families and colleagues and creating a classroom community where children feel valued, supported and motivated to achieve their best.

Fardousa is delighted to join the EtonHouse community as the Grade 1B Homeroom Teacher. Originally from the UK, she has taught across the UK, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, where she has been based for the past five years. She holds a Bachelor (Hons) degree in Primary Education and a Master’s degree in Education, specialising in Inclusion.

Fardousa sees every child as a curious, capable, and confident learner, bringing their own ideas, experiences, questions, and perspectives to the classroom. She believes in creating an environment that invites children to wonder, question, explore, investigate, create, and collaborate, with meaningful opportunities to engage deeply, make discoveries, and extend their thinking.

She believes learning should connect children with the world around them, encouraging them to make meaningful connections between their own experiences, their local community, and the wider world. Through purposeful inquiry and exploration, Fardousa aims to nurture independence, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning.

Outside of school, Fardousa enjoys travelling, reading, and baking. As a mother of two, she values family time and loves finding inspiration through new experiences, places, and ideas.

Above all, Fardousa is excited to build meaningful relationships with the children and families of Grade 1B and looks forward to a wonderful year of curiosity, connection, discovery, and growth together.

Jacqueline is a Canadian international educator, curriculum leader and Grade 2 Homeroom Teacher at Etonhouse with over 12 years of experience in primary education across Canada and Saudi Arabia. She has called Riyadh home for the past two years and brings a diverse international perspective, a strong academic background and a genuine passion for helping children become confident, curious and independent learners.
Jacqueline holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Bachelor of Arts in Design, alongside a Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) qualification. She also holds both a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) and an International Postgraduate Certificate in Education (iPGCE). She is currently completing a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, continuing to develop her expertise in teaching, learning and educational leadership.
Jacqueline is passionate about creating a warm, inclusive and engaging classroom environment where every child feels a strong sense of belonging. Her approach to education is grounded in student wellbeing, inquiry, creativity and purposeful learning. She believes children flourish when they feel safe, valued and encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, take risks and learn from their experiences.
Alongside her classroom role, she serves as a Subject Leader, supporting curriculum development, teaching and learning, assessment and teacher collaboration.
As a Canadian educator living and working internationally, Jacqueline values cultural diversity, global-mindedness and learning from different perspectives. She believes that strong relationships between children, teachers and families are at the heart of a successful educational experience and looks forward to building a strong partnership with the Grade 2 community.
Outside of education, Jacqueline is a proud mother of three. She enjoys travelling, reading, cooking and painting, and loves opportunities to explore new cultures, express her creativity and spend meaningful time with her family.

Karina Smith is an experienced and passionate educator from South Africa with over 30 years of experience in education, including both teaching and management positions. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree as well as an Honours degree in Education Management, Law and Systems.

Throughout her career, Karina has worked with children across different age groups and has gained experience in a variety of educational settings and curricula. She is passionate about creating a warm, caring and engaging learning environment where every child feels valued, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Originally from South Africa, Karina enjoys travelling, reading, discovering new cultures and exploring new places. She is delighted to be joining her new school community in Riyadh and looks forward to sharing her experience, enthusiasm and love for education with the children and families.

Karina believes that learning should be meaningful, enjoyable and inspiring. She values building strong relationships with children, families and colleagues and enjoys contributing positively to the wider school community.

Alexus has also contributed beyond the classroom through her experience as an Activities Coordinator, helping to plan and support school-wide activities, events, and initiatives that strengthen student engagement and community. She enjoys creating opportunities for students to connect, collaborate, and develop confidence outside of their everyday lessons.

Her teaching approach is rooted in strong relationships, purposeful learning, and the belief that every child brings unique strengths to the classroom. Alexus looks forward to contributing her experience, creativity, and collaborative spirit to the EtonHouse community.

Ms. Alexus is an experienced international educator with a background in elementary education and a passion for creating engaging, student-centred learning experiences. She has worked with diverse learners across international school settings and values building classrooms where children feel confident, curious, and supported.

She is looking forward to being a part of the Eton House Teamand being a Homeroom Teacher for Grade 5A.

Ms.Sammy Coble is a passionate and dedicated Primary School Teacher from the United Kingdom, with nearly a decade of teaching experience.

She holds a degree in Law and Philosophy. She then completed her PGCE with QTS, specializing in PE for Primary School.

Sammy promotes a growth mindset within the children, allowing all children to have a voice through their inquisitive nature.

For Sammy, the children are at the heart of everything she does. In her previous roles she has helped lead the Student Council, organised various events including a Wellbeing day and Book Week, along with extracurricular clubs.

Dr. Hiba Shabir is a dedicated science specialist who joins the team as Grade 6A Form Tutor, leading Science and Maths lessons for the class. She is an educator with over 8 years of experience working alongside a rich, multicultural community of students.

She holds a Ph.D. in Biosciences and gained her iPGCE (International Postgraduate Certificate in Education) from Plymouth Marjon University (United Kingdom). Her love for teaching has led her to another milestone in her ongoing professional growth, as she is currently completing a PGDE (Postgraduate Diploma in Education) with UCAM, Spain.

Hiba brings valuable experience from a UK-based school, where she has taught pupils across a wide span of ages and curricula, from Year 6 Science through to A-Level Biology. Alongside this, she has taught diverse groups of students in Saudi Arabia, developing a rich, internationally-minded perspective on teaching and learning.

Inquiry-based learning sits at the core of her teaching philosophy: Hiba believes children learn best when they are curious, asking questions, and exploring ideas for themselves. She is deeply passionate about nurturing that sense of wonder in every child, using differentiated instruction and technology-enhanced pedagogies to bring Science and Maths to life for each learner.

EtonHouse Riyadh - Our Teaching Team - Teresa Lambrechts - Homeroom Educator

Ms. Teresa Lambrechts is a passionate and dedicated educator from Cape Town, South Africa. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree (cum laude), with a specialisation in English and Literature and brings over a decade of classroom experience to her role.

She is committed to creating dynamic, learner-centred environments that foster creativity, critical thinking, and mutual respect. A strong advocate for the arts in education, Ms. Teresa often integrates drama into her teaching practice. She is an advocate for using the creative process to help students build confidence, communication, and collaboration skills.

She believes in the power of the arts to enrich learning and inspire students to express themselves with authenticity and purpose.

Ms. Ayesha Gilroy holds a First Class Honours degree in Supporting Children, Families, and Young People from the University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity. With over 13 years of experience in the education sector, she brings a wealth of expertise and a deep passion for supporting children with a diverse range of needs.

Ayesha has worked across a wide range of settings, including mainstream and high-needs special schools, local authorities, parental support services, charities, community organisations, and the health sector. 

She is committed to fostering inclusive learning environments where all children are supported to thrive. Ayesha also values mental and physical wellbeing and holds a yoga teaching qualification, which she integrates into her work to promote balance and self-awareness.

Mr. Simon brings over a decade of experience in primary Physical Education, having taught in his hometown of Bradford, England, as well as in international settings including Qatar, Brazil, Jamaica, the United States, and Italy. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Coaching & Development and Physical Activity from Teesside University in the UK, and has spent nearly 20 years coaching football, including work with a professional football academy in the UK.

Simon is passionate about delivering inclusive, high-quality PE programmes that support students’ physical, social, and emotional development. With a strong background in curriculum design, he creates active, engaging environments where children are encouraged to enjoy movement, embrace challenges, and build confidence.

Momodou, aka Mr. Ceesay, is delighted to join the EtonHouse community as the STEM Coordinator, bringing over a decade of experience in engineering, STEM education, curriculum leadership, and project management.
Originally from The Gambia and having worked across the United Kingdom and internationally, he combines real-world engineering expertise with a passion for inspiring young learners through hands-on, inquiry-based experiences. Holding a Master of Engineering (MEng) degree in Mechanical Engineering and professional memberships with leading engineering institutions (such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers),
Momodou has taught and led STEM programs from primary education through to college and apprenticeship levels. His experience includes working with industry partners such as Rolls-Royce, Mercedes AMG, Formula One teams, and leading engineering departments and curriculum development within UK colleges.
Momodou is passionate about connecting learning to the world around us and creating exciting opportunities for children to explore STEM through initiatives such as STEM Racing, First Lego League, and sustainability-related projects.

Outside of school, he enjoys basketball, Formula One, traveling, and volunteering as a STEM ambassador. 

EtonHouse Riyadh - Our Teaching Team - Moncef Abdellaoui - ICT Educator

Mr. Moncef Abdellaoui is a passionate ICT and Robotics educator with a solid background in computer science. He designs dynamic, hands-on learning experiences that bring STEM concepts to life, encouraging students to explore programming, engineering, and real-world problem-solving.

By integrating modern technologies and robotics into the classroom, Mr. Moncef fosters critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. His approach empowers students to become confident digital learners and forward-thinking problem-solvers.

He is excited to be part of the EtonHouse Granada team, where he continues to inspire a love for technology and future-ready skills in every learner.

EtonHouse Riyadh - Our Teaching Team - Sun Yunjie - Mandarin Educator

Ms. Sun Yunjie holds a Master’s degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language and has taught across the USA, Russia, and Spain. With a strong foundation in early childhood immersion, HSK preparation, and Business Chinese, she brings both versatility and depth to her teaching practice.

A recipient of the Excellent Award in the Confucius Institute’s Chinese Teaching Skills Competition, Ms. Sun is known for her engaging and effective teaching style, combining academic rigour with humour and empathy. Her lessons are thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity and foster a genuine love for the Chinese language.

Students and parents consistently commend her for her professionalism, passion, and ability to connect meaningfully with learners of all ages.

EtonHouse Riyadh - Our Teaching Team - Amina Reguiti - Arabic Co-educator

Originally from Jordan and now based in Riyadh, Ms. Rosol is an experienced Arabic language teacher with an IB PYP certification. She holds a degree from the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Arts at UNRWA University, as well as a diploma in Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers.

Ms. Rosol has taught in international schools across Jordan and Saudi Arabia, where she brings Arabic to life through creative, student-centred approaches. She believes that language is a powerful connector to identity and culture, and is passionate about making Arabic accessible, engaging, and meaningful for all learners.

Her teaching focuses on building strong reading, writing, and communication skills while nurturing a lifelong appreciation for the Arabic language.

Ms. Amina is a native Arabic speaker with a strong passion for education. She holds a BSc in Economics and Management and has years of experience working with children up to Year 5 in both Morocco and the UK.

Having spent the past few years in the UK, she brings a global perspective to her teaching, blending structured learning with creativity and care. Her bilingual background allows her to support students in developing strong language skills while nurturing cultural awareness and confidence.

Ms. Amina is dedicated to creating a warm, inclusive environment where every child feels seen and supported . She is excited to be part of the EtonHouse Granada community and looks forward to inspiring a love of Arabic language and culture in her students.

Alaa brings over 12 years of experience in education, working across early childhood, bilingual, and international school settings.

Throughout her career, she has taught students from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, which has shaped her flexible and inclusive approach to teaching.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from King Khalid University and a Saudi Educational Professional License.

Her background in language and education has given her a strong understanding of the different needs of students learning Arabic as an additional language.

For Alaa, teaching Arabic is about more than learning new words and language skills. She is passionate about helping studentsdiscover the beauty of the Arabic language, enjoy their learning journey, and develop the confidence to use Arabic in meaningful ways.She believes students learn best when they feel encouraged, involved, and proud of their progress.

In her classroom, Alaa enjoys bringing learning to life through interactive activities, technology, games, projects, and opportunities for

exploration and participation. She values each student’s individual progress and aims to create a positive and supportive environment

where students feel comfortable trying, making mistakes, asking questions, and growing in confidence.

Beyond teaching, Alaa enjoys walking and spending quiet moments appreciating and reflecting on nature.She greatly values family and meaningful relationships and appreciates the simple moments in life.

She hopes to inspire her students to connect with Arabic, discover its beauty, and become confident and enthusiastic language learners.

Raghad brings experience in teaching Arabic across different year groups within bilingual and international educational settings. She holds a degree in Arabic Linguistics, which has given her a strong academic foundation in language, literacy, communication, and language acquisition. As an educator, Raghad believes that learning should be more than simply completing a curriculum. She sees the classroom as a place where children can develop curiosity, confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning. Her approach is child-centred and focuses on creating a safe and engaging environment where every child feels valued, heard, and encouraged to express themselves. Raghad is particularly passionate about making Arabic meaningful and enjoyable for children. Through storytelling, discussion, games, creative activities, and real-world connections, she aims to bring the language to life while helping students appreciate its beauty, richness, and cultural significance. She believes that every child learns differently and brings their own personality, experiences, and strengths into the classroom. By building positive relationships and understanding each learner as an individual, Raghad strives to create meaningful opportunities for children to explore, ask questions, make mistakes, and grow with confidence. Outside the classroom, Raghad enjoys creative writing, reading, exploring languages and cultures, and developing creative ideas. Her interests in writing, research, media, and communications also allow her to bring creativity and fresh perspectives into her teaching. Above all, Raghad hopes to create learning experiences that children remember beyond the classroom, and looks forward to a year filled with curiosity, creativity, connection, and discovery at EtonHouse.

Atheer is a passionate Arabic educator with nearly a decade of experience teaching children from KG1 to KG3 in international settings. Holding a degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University and a Certificate in Child Behavior Modification from King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, she brings language to life through stories, play, and celebrations. As the Arabic Language Leader at her preschool, she specializes in delivering Arabic in engaging, joyful ways tailored to each child’s learning style, whether they are native or non-native speakers. Atheer believes young children learn best when they feel seen, heard, and emotionally connected, striving to build trusting relationships that nurture confidence and curiosity. She has led many special events, including Saudi National Day, Ramadan, and World Arabic Language Day, often incorporating children’s theatre to make learning meaningful and memorable. Deeply committed to helping children connect with the Arabic language and their cultural identity, Atheer is excited to be part of the EtonHouse community and looks forward to a school year filled with creativity, culture, and joyful learning.

Bshaier is delighted to join the school community as an Arabic Teacher, bringing eight years of experience teaching the Arabic language. Throughout her career, she has worked withvlearners of different ages and abilities, adapting her teaching methods to meet individual learning needs and support student success.

Bshaier holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has obtained the Professional Education License from the National Center for Assessment in Saudi Arabia.

She enjoys reading about child psychology, designing creative educational resources, and exploring innovative teaching tools that promote curiosity and critical thinking in young learners.

As an educator, Bshaier believes in creating a warm, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where students feel safe, confident, and motivated to learn. She believes in delivering interactive and enjoyable lessons that are developmentally appropriate and encourage a lifelong appreciation for the Arabic language and culture.

Her teaching philosophy is centred on the belief that every child is unique and capable of learning and growing when given the right support, encouragement, and meaningful opportunities to explore, participate, and succeed.

Hanan is an Islamic Studies Teacher at EtonHouse, bringing seven years of experience in teaching children and a deep passion for nurturing their learning, character, and personal development. Originally from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Hanan brings her knowledge, experience, and love of education to her work with young learners. Hanan graduated from Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where she developed a strong academic foundation in Islamic Studies.
Throughout her seven years of teaching experience, she has had the opportunity to work closely with children and support them in developing both their knowledge and understanding of Islamic values and principles. As an Islamic Studies Teacher, Hanan believes that children learn best in a warm, supportive, and engaging environment where they feel valued, respected, and encouraged to ask questions and express their ideas. She is passionate about making Islamic Studies meaningful and accessible to young learners, helping them connect their learning to their everyday lives and experiences. Through engaging activities, purposeful discussions, stories, and age-appropriate learning experiences, Hanan aims to nurture children’s understanding of Islamic teachings while developing values such as kindness, respect, honesty, responsibility, compassion, and good character. She believes that teaching Islamic Studies goes beyond acquiring knowledge; it is about helping children understand and live the values they learn in meaningful and positive ways. Hanan is committed to creating an inclusive and nurturing classroom environment where every child feels confident to participate, explore, and grow. She values building positive relationships with children and families and believes that strong partnerships between home and school play an important role in supporting children’s development and well-being. Outside of school, Hanan enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and discovering new experiences. She is passionate about continuous learning and enjoys finding creative and engaging ways to inspire children and make their learning experiences meaningful and enjoyable. Above all, Hanan values the relationships she has built with the children and families of EtonHouse and looks forward to continuing to support their learning, growth, and development throughout the year. 

Lina is delighted to join the EtonHouse community as Learning Resources and Student Enrichment Coordinator, bringing more than three decades of experience in education, school leadership, curriculum development, quality assurance, accreditation, and learning resources.

She holds a Master’s degree in Education and authored the For a Better World series of Social Studies books for schools, reflecting her passion for connecting learning with values, society, and the world beyond the classroom.

As an educator and leader, Lina believes in creating learning environments built on trust, connection, compassion, and belonging, where every learner feels seen, heard, valued, and empowered. At heart, she also considers herself a storyteller and believes in the power of stories to spark imagination, develop empathy, inspire curiosity, and help children make sense of themselves and the world around them.

As a Librarian, Lina is excited to strengthen connections between the library, the classroom, and the wider world. She sees the library as a vibrant learning space for reading, inquiry, research, creativity, and discovery, while enrichment experiences provide children with meaningful opportunities to explore their interests and discover new possibilities beyond the classroom.

Lina strongly values collaboration and believes that meaningful relationships between learners, educators, parents, and the wider community are at the heart of a thriving school. Outside of school, she enjoys travelling, discovering new places and cultures, and spending time with family and friends.

A lifelong learner herself, Lina looks forward to working alongside the EtonHouse community to create a safe, nurturing environment that inspires children to wonder, explore, question, discover, and grow.

Pia has led and initiated numerous service projects, including the Help a Farmer Buy a Cow initiative, murals for disabled centers, service in orphanages, visits to the Moon Bear Rescue Centre in Chengdu, the Calling Yemen project, and the Cercle de Vie biodiversity initiative, Let It Grow Switzerland. Her travels with her two children have taken her around the world, and she often reflects on the writings of Ibn Battuta, who found only kindness and generosity wherever he went. Six hundred years later, Pia says she can honestly say the same. Pia trained at the Slade School of Fine Art, University College London, and has spent over 20 years facilitating art for children aged 2 to 16. She is a painter first and foremost, with expertise across printmaking, ceramics, textiles, sculpture, drawing, and digital media, and is also a certified Art Therapist. At EtonHouse Riyadh, she is excited to bring a love of Saudi culture and art, alongside techniques from around the world, into the art room. Pia works confidently across every medium, from drawing, painting, and batik to screen printing, linocuts, woodcuts, clay, and sustainable-material sculpture. She believes art brings genuine delight to every child, who can recognize their own ingenuity and creativity the moment they create something of their own. Some of her proudest moments have come from watching pupils discover just what they’re capable of. Pia’s goal is to nurture her pupils’ imagination and self-expression, encouraging independent thinking, confidence with materials, and a spirit of kindness and curiosity. Her background as an Early Years teacher through to her current role has given her a bright, flexible outlook, and she believes wholeheartedly that the art room should be a place of joy.

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.