Our Middle Leadership Team

Doaa Elbessa

Leader: Arabic and Islamic Studies

Doaa Elbessa is a highly experienced educator and leader practitioner from Egypt, with 16 years of teaching experience across Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Arabic Language and Islamic Sciences from Cairo University, Egypt in 2007.

Having taught both the American Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate in various schools in the UAE and Egypt, she is passionate about teaching the Arabic language and believes that education is not preparation for life, but education is life itself. Learning may begin in the classroom, but it certainly doesn’t end there. Teachers set up the foundations for the road ahead by inspiring students to learn wherever life may take them.

In 2010, Doaa moved with her husband to the UAE and has since become a mother to her son. She enjoys spending time in reading, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

Nicholas Kilty

Leader: Vocational Education / IBCP Personal & Professional Skills (PPS) Coordinator

Conal Gorman

Lead Practitioner: Numeracy and Mathematics (Primo & Junior School)

Conal Gorman is from Ireland, and is passionate about travel, music, and food. His favorite place in the world is Mexico due to the amazing food and beaches. Conal is one of our founding teachers at Bloom World Academy and has now taken on the role of math subject coordinator for our primo and junior school. He has a range of teaching experience in Primary, Secondary and the Special Educational Needs environment.

Conal has a background in humanities as well as specialising in Early Years Education. He previously worked for 3 years as a Reception Class Teacher at the British School of Barcelona. Conal believes a child’s early years are the foundation for his or her future development, providing a strong base for lifelong learning and learning abilities, including cognitive and social development.

Catherine Williams

Subject Coordinator: Science (Primo & Junior School)

Ms Catherine Williams is an enthusiastic, inspiring, effective and passionate teacher who believes every child should have the opportunity to become ‘confident for life’ resilient learners. Her belief is that children should be given the chance to keep discovering and asking questions about their learning and the wider world. Ms Williams’ nine years of UAE teaching experience has enabled young children to come to school every day eager to learn in a fun, safe environment by being encouraged to take risks in their learning. She is passionate about each child being given the skills to learn and progress in their learning, ensuring their ideas and opinions are valued. Catherine is thrilled to be returning to Bloom World Academy for her third academic year.

Sarah Sinclair

Lead Practitioner: English (Senior School)

Sarah Sinclair is a highly experienced English educator with 14 years of teaching experience spanning both Primary and Secondary stages in England and Kuwait. She possesses a strong dedication to teacher development and a deep appreciation for the Arts. Sarah studied in Leicester, England and earned her Bachelor of Arts with Honours degree in 2010. Her teaching career has primarily focused on the English National Curriculum, and she eagerly anticipates integrating the International Baccalaureate (IB) into her pedagogical approach. Two qualities of the IB that resonate with Sarah’s educational philosophy are its emphasis on inquiry-based learning and its commitment to fostering global citizenship.

Throughout her career, Sarah has held various leadership roles, including Assistant Head of English and most recently, Director of Literacy. Her highlights include spearheading curriculum development initiatives, coordinating whole-school CPD (Continuing Professional Development), and successfully embedding literacy strategies across a large Upper school. Sarah’s leadership has been instrumental in enhancing student outcomes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within her school community.

Outside of her professional life, Sarah finds fulfilment in reading, traveling, and immersing herself in different cultures around the world.

Sammy MacVicar

Lead Practitioner: Science (Senior School)

“Sammy MacVicar is British and was born on August 5th, 1990. After obtaining a BSc in Physics and Sports Science from Loughborough University, he went on to complete a PGCE in Physics at the University of Nottingham in July 2013. Previously, he held the position of Head of Physics at GEMS Founders School Al Barsha in Dubai. Prior to that, he worked at Rashid School for Boys as Head of Physics. Sammy has been teaching for ten years, eight of which have been in the UAE.

Aside from his teaching career, Sammy enjoys participating in different sports and activities. Sammy has achieved some success in the sporting arena. He has represented Great Britain at the World University Games and the England Students Football Team, as well as the Sussex FA at senior and junior levels concurrently.

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X

This quote is a reminder that education is not just about the present, but it also shapes the future. Teachers play a crucial role in helping students prepare for their future by providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. Parents are also important partners in this process, as they provide support and encouragement to their children. By working together, teachers and parents can help students achieve their full potential and create a better future for themselves and for society as a whole.”

Ilham Najibi

Lead Practitioner: Languages

Ilham Najibi knew from an early age that she wanted to be a language teacher. Languages have been her lifelong passion. Throughout middle and high school, Ilham pursued various opportunities to develop her linguistic skills as an educator. She engaged in numerous school-based volunteer activities and spent many summers taking courses to learn new languages, traveling between her hometown of Marrakech, Morocco, and France. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in English and French Literature and a Master’s Degree in Linguistics from Cadi Ayyad University.
After mastering five languages, Ilham moved to the UAE in 2012 to begin her journey as a language teacher. Over the past 12 years, she has taught at various International, American, and British schools, gaining extensive knowledge and experience with different curricula. Currently, Ilham is an IGCSE and IB French/Spanish teacher and examiner, as well as a DELF examiner with L’Alliance Française, the French Ministry of Education.
As Frank Smith once said, “One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” Ilham’s work is rooted in the belief that learning a new language is the key to exploring new cultures and worlds. Her goal is to create academically engaging learning experiences in an environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, diversity, practice, principles, and kindness.
Committed to sharing her passion for teaching languages and being a mother of three young children, Ilham is enthusiastic about working with students of various ages. She has also taken on roles such as Head of Year 9, 10, and 11, and careers advisor for Years 12 and 13.

Emily Scudamore

Lead Practitioner: Physical Health Education

Emily Scudamore has 19 years’ experience delivering Physical Education, Health, and Well-being at a UK state school. She graduated with a BSC Hons in Sports Coaching and Postgraduate in Education from University of Wales Institute Cardiff.
Emily is an outstanding practitioner that is driven and motivated to inspire future generations. She has led a faculty of 10 practitioners as well as additional whole school responsibilities. Her vision as a practitioner is to ensure all students are able to experience a sense of lifelong learning and value the importance of physical education and well-being.
Physical Education and Sport provides opportunities to allow every child to experience success, a sense of belonging as well as enhancing social, emotional, and physical well-being, which will only encourage children to thrive successfully throughout their education. The link between well-being, aspirations and attainment are paramount in the success of ensuring all students have personalised pathways that create opportunities for successful futures. Inclusive opportunities are essential for all children, this will in turn enable and encourage habitual lifestyle choices that will promote the well-being of the whole school and the wider community.
Emily is an advocate for health, well-being and fitness as an international hockey player, county representative for netball and athletics, as well as Level 1 gymnastics, trampoline and yoga coach. Her current interests and hobbies include yoga, meditation and CrossFit.

Huma Deshmukh

Lead Practitioner: Digital, Computer Science & AI

Huma Deshmukh is an innovative and technology-driven educator hailing from Mumbai, India. With a strong commitment to fostering creativity, innovation and critical thinking skills, she has over 12 years of experience in teaching. Huma holds a Master in Information Technology and has been working in Dubai schools for the past eight years, including four years as the lead for Innovation and Digital Learning.

Passionate about empowering students, Huma works closely with them to bring their innovative ideas to life, utilizing exponential technologies such as AI, Robotics, AR, and VR. She firmly believes in equipping students with the skills needed for future jobs, fostering entrepreneurship, and integrating STEAM concepts into the learning process. Huma’s proficiency in programming languages and her dedication to imparting computational skills to her students have earned her recognition in the education community.

With a commitment to lifelong learning, Huma incorporates Computational and Design Thinking into her teaching, leading students to remarkable achievements in external innovation competitions. Her key message to parents and students is, “Embrace the power of technology and innovation, for it holds the key to unlocking a world of endless possibilities. Let curiosity guide you, and let your dreams soar high.”

Outside the classroom, Huma enjoys indulging in her passion for reading fiction, sketching, painting, and watching Sci-Fi and Marvel movies. With her unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student growth, Huma continues to inspire and empower young minds, shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Kholoud Sawalha

Lead Practitioner: Visual Arts / IBDP Creativity, Action & Service (CAS) Coordinator

Kholoud is a professionally qualified bilingual educationalwith over fourteen years of experience. An artist by education, she holds an MA in Secondary Education and leadership with honours from the American University in Dubai (AUD). She began her educational career as a teacher in Dubai, later becoming an Innovation and Creative Arts Lead across schools in the city.

Kholoud has worked with prestigious institutions, including Harvard University’s Project Zero, NASA, the Australian government, and the UAE government. She also serves on an advisory council for the AUD School of Education. Her passion for education, combined with her personal qualities and skills, has enabled her to make a positive impact in every institution she has worked with.

Matthew Bentley

Lead Practitioner: Performing Arts

Yesica Ricaurte

Lead Practitioner: Individuals & Societies (Senior School)

Yesica Ricaurte joins Bloom World Academy as the Head of Individuals and Societies. She has over nine years of experience as a DP and MYP teacher, and a research assistant in the field of Social Sciences. Yesica has been a Middle Level leader since the early start of her career, holding positions such as Head of Department and IB CAS Coordinator, and she has just finished a Master in Educational Leadership in Practice at The University of Manchester.

Yesica adopts a student-centered teaching approach that emphasizes research and self-management, and the development of communication and social skills. Her educational philosophy draws inspiration from Einstein’s perspective that “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think”. Therefore, her classroom is a space for debate, innovation and critical thinking in which BWA students will develop a wide range of skills to grow academically and personally as lifelong learners.

In 2017, Yesica moved to the UAE with her husband and Dubai is now the place she calls home. Outside of work, Yesica enjoys cultivating a growth mindset through reading, watching documentaries, and traveling.

Kate Opie

Early Excellence Centre (EEC) Manager

Kate Opie is a highly experienced Early Years Educator and leader who grew up in a small village in East Yorkshire, England. Kate pursued her career in education from an early age as a school leaver and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) degree in Early Years and Education Studies at Leeds Trinity University in 2015. She later completed her Postgraduate Degree in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordination in 2023, Kate is passionate about inclusivity.

Kate has 14 years experience of working within and managing a number of outstanding early years settings in the UK, following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum and holds high standards in providing rich learning opportunities and experiences that allow children to flourish.

Kate is passionate about providing a warm, welcoming and enriching environment that nurtures children in the earliest years of their educational journey, developing and fostering a lifelong love of learning. In the classroom, Kate is devoted to creating and enhancing areas of learning that support children’s interests and reflect their experiences, placing emphasis on encouraging independence through choice and inquiry-based learning.

Kate takes pride in creating a child centred approach and she enjoys working together with parents and families to secure the best outcomes for all children.

Outside of school, Kate enjoys fitness and days out; she loves to spend time with her young family, enjoying new experiences and making memories together.

Sarah Moat

Grade Leader: Pre-KG

Sarah Moat is an experienced British primary school teacher with a teaching career spanning over 26 years. She completed her teaching degree at the University of Sunderland in the North East of England and then went on to study a Post Graduate Certificate specialising in Early Years Education (The Foundation Stage) at the University of Teesside. Sarah moved to Dubai in August 2019 with her husband and children, and has been teaching in international schools since October 2020.

She has taught in all year groups of the primary age range both in the UK and in the UAE, with the majority of her experience in teaching children between the ages of 3 and 7 years old. Sarah has a passion for teaching young children and enabling them to develop to the best of their ability, through both adult led activities and purposeful play based learning. She believes that strong relationships are at the core of successful teaching, between both staff and students, and school and home.

Since arriving in Dubai, Sarah and her family completed the PADI open water scuba diving qualification and she enjoys diving days with them in Fujairah. She is also a keen follower of football, in particular her hometown team of Middlesbrough FC and is an avid reader of detective novels.

Nadia Everson

Grade Leader: Grade 1

Nadia Everson was born and raised in the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa. She holds a bachelor’s in education, which has been the foundation of her teaching career that began in 2016. Nadia’s journey as an educator has taken her across the globe, with enriching experiences in Thailand, Bahrain, and Russia, and in 2022 Nadia moved to Dubai.

Throughout her career, Nadia has been passionate about creating dynamic and inclusive learning environments. One of her biggest passions outside the classroom is Latin-style dancing. Another of Nadia’s passions is anything and everything to do with nature! She is a lover of animals, and a safari trip in South Africa ranks as one of her favourite activities when going home.

As she joins the Bloom community, Nadia is excited to be part of a team who look at the education system through a different lens. To her future students and parents, Nadia is looking forward to meeting everyone and starting to build a relationship that will support the learning of the student and make for a great year together.

Morven Anderson

Grade Leader: Grade 4

Morven Anderson is an experienced primary teacher born in Scotland, United Kingdom. She has been a primary teacher for five years and graduated from the University of Strathclyde with a four-year, BA Hons undergraduate primary teaching degree.

Morven has lived in Dubai for four years, and thoroughly enjoys all of the exciting and innovative opportunities that it has to offer. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors and regularly discovering the incredible hiking trails around the UAE. Furthermore, she enjoys relaxing by reading books around Dubai’s beautiful beaches as well as socialising with friends on walks and exercise classes.

As a passionate and enthusiastic teacher, she aims to inspire hope, ignite the imagination and instill a love of learning amongst all students.

Jack Pierce

Grade Leader: Grade 6

Jack Pierce is an experienced educator and leader from Brighton, England. After studying Sport and Physical Education course at Cardiff Metropolitan University, he pursued his passion for teaching by completing a PGCE at Brighton University. His career then took him to the UAE, where he has proudly spent the last six years enhancing his skills in education.

During this time, he’s led a PE department and earned an NPQ qualification in leadership, behaviour, and culture. This experience has prepared him well for an upcoming venture into the IB curriculum, having previously taught the British curriculum.

Outside of the classroom, he stays active by playing football in the DAFL league and pursues his passion for golf. As a dedicated supporter of Brighton and Hove Albion, he has consistently followed and celebrated their recent successes.

Jack is also an advocate for mental health through sport and looks forward to implementing this ethos at Bloom World Academy, through physical activity and wellness initiatives.

Charlotte Godfrey

Grade Leader: Grade 8

Charlotte Godfrey is a passionate Physical Education teacher from England, with experience teaching all year groups and a wide range of sports. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education (BA) from University of East Anglia, and then went on to complete her Postgraduate certificate in Education (PGCE) too. Having taught both Primary and Secondary education in Schools within the UK and for the last two years in Abu Dhabi, she is a dedicated advocate for promoting a healthy active lifestyle.
She has really enjoyed working in international schools out in the middle east as she enjoys being truly immersed in the foreign cultures while exploring and discovering new places. Charlotte initially found the school intriguing and desired to be involved in its vision. She values the PYP’s focus on international-mindedness and independent inquiry, seeing it as empowering students to connect learning to the real world and take meaningful action to enhance their future.
Charlotte has chosen to move to Dubai from Abu Dhabi for a new adventure and to be closer to her partner who works here too. She enjoys challenging herself to fun sports competitions such as the half marathon. She also really enjoys swimming and playing netball as she loves being part of a team. In addition to her passion for education, Charlotte is interested in exploring the world and learning about different cultures.

Alice Coburn

Grade Leader: Grade 9

Alice Coburn, a British national, holds a BA Hons degree and QTS in English. With a versatile teaching background, Alice has taught children aged 3 to 18 in English and Performing Arts. Her extensive experience is complemented by her diverse passions, including health and fitness—she previously owned a fitness facility in the UK—and acting for both stage and screen, having performed professionally in shows and on television.

Recently relocated to the UAE, Alice is excited to join Bloom World Academy. She looks forward to introducing fresh, innovative ideas and progressive teaching methods, to help the next generation thrive in a rapidly evolving world filled with diverse opportunity. Outside of her professional life, Alice enjoys spending quality time with her two children. Alice is committed to fostering an engaging and dynamic learning environment where students can reach their full potential.

Sean Bartlett

Grade Leader: Grade 10

Sean Bartlett is a skilled Physical Education teacher from England. With a decade of experience in the educational field, Sean has worked in a range of school environments, from mixed comprehensive schools to top-ranked selective schools, and is dedicated to helping all students achieve their potential.

Sean holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sports Development and Coaching from Southampton Solent University, which specialised in the Football Industry. He furthered his education by earning a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Suffolk.

Passionate about the positive impacts of sport, health, and exercise on society, Sean is driven to motivate his students through his subject and aims to inspire a life-long understanding of the benefits of health and exercise. An enthusiastic sportsman, he actively participates in various sports and maintains a six handicap in golf. In England, he played football in the Non-League pyramid.

Bridgette Doyle

Grade Leader: Grades 11 & 12 / IBDP Extended Essay Coordinator

Angelina Steinberg

IBCP Service Learning (SL) Coordinator

Angelina Steinberg is a passionate and enthusiastic MYP and DP educator. She holds a dual Master of Arts degree in German Language and Literature Studies and in Communication Science from the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany. Angelina firmly believes that with the right approach to learners and a deep understanding of their needs, teachers can effectively guide students in developing new skills and enhancing their learning.

Over the years, Angelina has taught German B and A courses across various grades at IB international schools in Dubai, where she guided Grade 10 students through their MYP on-screen examinations and prepared Grade 12 students for their final IB Diploma exams. Originally from Georgia, Angelina graduated in Germany and moved to Dubai in 2007 with her husband, where she began her teaching journey. In her role as Head of the German Department, she has shaped and developed the German curriculum, helping students successfully achieve their language goals.

Outside of teaching, Angelina is a dedicated yoga practitioner and has been a certified Hatha and Yin Yoga instructor since 2015. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. When she’s not on the mat or immersed in a book, she loves exploring nature around the world.

Ana Robertson

IBCP Reflective Project (RP) Coordinator

Ana Robertson joins Bloom World Academy as a seasoned Chemistry teacher with 20 years of experience in the field. She holds a BSc in Chemistry and spent a decade working as a Development Chemist for the international company Unilever. After her successful career in industry, Ana transitioned into education and has been inspiring students with her passion for Chemistry ever since.
For the past three years, Ana has been teaching at an international school in Marbella, Spain. She recently moved to Dubai with her husband, excited to bring her expertise to Bloom World Academy. Ana is particularly enthusiastic about working in a full IB World School and has substantial experience teaching both Chemistry and Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) at the IB Diploma level.
Beyond her professional life, Ana has a rich array of hobbies. She has been teaching salsa for 18 years in the UK and enjoys an active lifestyle that includes running, cycling, and swimming. Ana looks forward to contributing to the vibrant academic community at Bloom World Academy and fostering a love for Chemistry in her students.

Amy Willson

Grade Leader: Grade 5

Thomas Golledge

Grade Leader: Grade 7

Thomas Golledge is a passionate French teacher with over eight years of experience in the education sector across the United Kingdom, France, and Spain.

Born and educated in Wiltshire, UK, he holds a BA (Hons) degree in International Business Management with French from Northumbria University and a PGCE from Newcastle University. After graduating, Thomas volunteered for the British Partner School Delegation and also taught English at the International School Partnership of Hebei Province, China.

In addition to his current role at Bloom, where he has been teaching for one year, Thomas spent the last two years as a French and Spanish Teacher at The Ridgeway School in the UK. There, he shared his passion for languages, led co-curricular activities, and prepared students for examinations. Thomas believes that inquiry, discovery, and critical thinking are the foundations of lifelong learning and strives to help every student reach their personal best.

Thomas is also a qualified tennis coach with a background in semi-professional football. He believes that sport fosters dialogue, unites people, and helps break down prejudice and discrimination.

In his free time, he enjoys hiking and exploring nature.