Executive Leadership team

I’m Ms. Nejra Alispahic, a dedicated child advocate with a passion for early childhood development and nature-inspired learning through play. Coming from the heart-shaped country of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where I completed my BA of preschool education and MA in Pedagogy, I’ve been blessed to do what I love for over a decade now – guiding little ones aged 2 to 6 on their journey of growth. I firmly believe that building strong connections with children and their families is key to achieving their developmental milestones. That’s why I strive to create a safe, positive and nurturing environment where children can blossom in their own unique ways. I love bringing nature into the class, inspiring children to be excited to learn about and with the nature. Nature will always find away to our rising class!

When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll often find me outdoors, soaking in the beauty of parks, forests, or catching sunsets. I enjoy crafting home decor and educational resources from nature’s treasures, collected during my walks and travels. One of my favorite children’s books is “”The Lion Inside”” by Rachel Bright and Jim Field, a heartwarming story about courage, friendship, and self-belief.

Hello, lovely families of Dubai British School Jumeira!

My name is Ms. Polina Lipse, and I’m delighted to be joining the Early Years team at DBSJ. Originally from Latvia, I’ve always known I wanted to work with young children. I studied in Denmark and the UK, and hold a Master’s degree in Education (Early Years) from University College London (UCL). I’ve worked in early childhood education for six years, mainly with children aged 2–4.

I would describe myself as a nurturing and creative practitioner with a child-led approach. I enjoy transforming the classroom into a “Theatre of Learning,” where curiosity leads and children’s voices are valued. I create a joyful, welcoming space where every child feels safe and celebrated.

Outside the classroom, I love staying active through tennis, reformer Pilates, and hiking—especially with good company! I’m also an avid reader. Two of my favourite children’s books are Elmer and Giraffes Can’t Dance, as they celebrate confidence, kindness, and being yourself.

What drew me to DBSJ is its strong sense of community and values that closely match my own—playfulness, curiosity, and inclusion. I’m excited to join the school where children’s interests are truly at the heart of learning.

My name is Ms. Rachael Burns, and I am thrilled to join this wonderful school community.

I’d like to share a bit about my background, interests, and educational philosophy so that you can get to know me better. In the UK I am from a pretty little village in The Cotswolds called Bourton on the Water. I began my teaching career at a private school in the UK where I taught for two years; however, I have now been teaching internationally for nearly 10 years in Saudi Arabia, Dubai and most recently Thailand. I hold an Undergraduate Teaching Degree and a Postgraduate Degree in Education from two UK universities. In addition to my teaching role, I have served as Deputy Head of Mathematics, Head of Pre-School, and acting Special Educational Needs Coordinator. Before qualifying as a teacher, I participated in various voluntary projects and international summer camps, this includes volunteering at a township and orphanage in South Africa, being a Special Needs Counsellor for Camp America and attending a University teaching placement in Budapest, Hungary.

In my spare time, I lead an active lifestyle. My favourite sport is football, and I enjoy engaging in various sports and fitness activities. One of my greatest achievements is trekking to Everest Base Camp without experiencing altitude sickness! I am also an avid runner, and a lifelong dream of mine is to run the London Marathon. Additionally, I love travelling, with my favourite destinations to date being Hawaii, The Bahamas, Australia, and The Maldives. One of my favourite childrens books is We’re Going on a Bear Hunt because it is so versatile, interactive and fun. At the heart of my educational philosophy is play based learning, curiosity and creativity. In my classroom I endeavour to create a fun, nurturing atmosphere where all pupils feel valued and equipped to grow.

My name is Mrs. Natalie Hutchison, and I am proud to be joining this welcoming community as both a parent and teacher.

After graduating from University of Gloucestershire in 2004, I began my teaching career in London, working in a vibrant and diverse community. Fifteen years ago, I moved to Dubai, which has been my home ever since. Over the last twenty years, I have primarily taught in Key Stage One and the Foundation Stage. Additionally, I have taken on leadership roles focussed on my passion for early literacy. My teaching philosophy focusses on nurturing meaningful learning experiences and celebrating each child’s unique interests. As a mother of two young girls, I witness every day the power of play and how children are natural learners. By igniting their curiosity about the world around them, we can foster a love of learning. My classroom is a place to feel safe, explore and grow at your own pace. In my spare time, I love swimming, yoga, and spending time with my two daughters and husband. We are avid readers, and Julia Donaldson is a favourite author in our house. Whether we’re hiding from a bear or escaping from a scary mouse, we cherish the moments when we can escape the busy world through books.

My name is Hannah McDonald, and I am delighted to introduce myself as your new teacher and to be joining the wonderful school community at Dubai British School Jumeira. I’d like to share a few things about myself so you can get to know me before we meet!

I completed my Bachelor of Education Degree in DCU in my hometown of Dublin in Ireland in 2022. Since then, I have had the privilege of teaching many young children, mainly under the age of 7. Working with children at this age has shown me the crucial impact play and social interactions have on children’s learning journey and development, and I’m dedicated to creating a classroom environment where every child feels valued, inspired, and excited to learn. I believe in making learning experiences interactive, hands-on, and fun! Get ready for plenty of engaging activities, storytimes, and opportunities for us to explore new ideas together. My goal is to nurture a genuine love for learning in children and create lasting memories in our classroom. Outside of the classroom, I love spending time outdoors, running, and spending time with family and friends. I enjoy walks with my Australian Shepherd, Blue, who has one blue eye and one brown eye. I also love reading, especially with my classes! One of my all-time favourite children’s books is Elmer by David McKee. It’s such a fantastic story that celebrates how everyone is unique and special. Another book I love is The Invisible String by Patrice Karst.

A warm hello to the families of Dubai British School Jumeira.

My name is Mrs Kayleigh Osborn and I am so excited to be joining the DBSJ community. I have been a teacher for 13 years gaining my PGCE in Early Years from University of Worcester. Since then I have been an FS2 and Year 1 teacher in both Bristol UK and Dubai, as well as being an Early Years Lead and an Assistant Headteacher.

Teaching some of the youngest children within a school is an absolute privilege, where natural curiosity and a play based environment brings out independent and resilient young people.

My classroom is full of creativity and imagination, a hub of activity!

In my spare time I love exploring new places with my family as well as horse riding with my daughter.

My favorite children’s book is ‘Room on the Broom’ by Julia Donaldson because it highlights the importance of friendship, kindness and teamwork.

My name is Ms. Harriett Baxter, but everyone calls me Hattie, and I am delighted to join this wonderful school community.

I studied Primary Education at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln, England, and have been nurturing young minds for the past 8 years. Since 2021, I have been living and teaching in the vibrant city of Dubai. My experience mainly lies with children aged 3-6 years, specifically in Foundation Stage and Year 1. As a teacher, I have a passion for crafts, creativity, and storytelling. I love to base my lessons around engaging stories, making learning a fun and imaginative journey for my students. I believe that each child is unique and my goal is to create a warm, encouraging environment where every child feels valued and excited to learn. In my spare time, I enjoy playing netball and caring for my two fluffy cats. One of my favorite children’s books is “”We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.”” I love how the entire class can join in on the actions, making it a joyful and interactive experience.

My name is Mrs. Lorna Holvey, and I am beyond excited to be a part of this wonderful school community.

I have been in the education sector for over 15 years, and my passion for teaching truly ignited when I had my own children. Before becoming a qualified teacher, I worked in various roles within a school environment, including several years as a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant and an Unqualified Teacher. These experiences provided me with invaluable hands-on experience and a deep appreciation for the unique needs and potentials of early learners. My passion lies in helping young children develop their literacy skills through engaging and interactive activities.

As a teacher, you can expect me to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where your child can thrive both academically and emotionally. I believe in fostering a love for learning and encouraging each child to reach their full potential.

One of my all-time favourite children’s books is “”The Very Hungry Caterpillar”” by Eric Carle, which I adore for its delightful illustrations and the wonderful lesson it teaches about growth and transformation. I am looking forward to getting to know each of your children individually and creating meaningful connections with them.

Hi DBSJ families!

My name is Ms. Andreia, and I’m delighted to be joining this wonderful school. I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and share a bit about my experience, teaching values, and what inspires me as an educator. I’m really looking forward to starting this exciting new chapter at Dubai British School Jumeira!

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree, a CACHE Level 3 in Early Years Education and Special
Educational Needs, as well as an iPGCE in Early Years. I believe in continuous professional
development and am always eager to grow as an educator. My most recent training was in
Forest School—something I’m excited to bring into our lessons to enrich outdoor learning.
With over a decade of experience in Early Years, my philosophy centres on fostering
child-led opportunities, nurturing a lifelong love for learning, and celebrating every child’s unique developmental journey. I’m passionate about creating engaging environments that spark curiosity and growth, tailoring each experience to support individual needs and interests.

Outside the classroom, I thrive in the outdoors. Whether practising CrossFit, strolling
along the beach, or hiking, I find joy in staying active and connected with nature. I value the balance between physical wellness and the calm it brings.