Executive Leadership team

Welcome, families of Dubai British School Jumeira!

My name is Manika Tanna and I am so excited to be part of the founding team at DBSJ! I am very much looking forward to meeting you all and working together to create a vibrant and supportive school community.

I have just moved to Dubai from Hong Kong where I have spent all my life! Having just got married over the summer, I am excited to live in this amazing city and to bring my experience in International education to Dubai. I have been a teacher for 6 years, after completing my education at the University of Exeter and have taught across Early Years and Key Stage 2. I was previously the Wellbeing Coordinator and place great importance on your Child’s heath and wellbeing.

I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can feel inspired and challenged to reach their true potential. Encouraging students to become independent and respectful of each other and of the environment while making learning fun! My classroom is a place where children can feel valued, successful and capable of anything and everything.

In my spare time I love to travel, lift weights and cook. I am a massive foodie and am always thinking of my next meal! My favourite book is the magical world of Harry Potter and I will forever dream to be walking along the hallways of Hogwarts.

Hello, families of DBSJ!

My name is Miss Checklin, and I am so excited to be part of the DBSJ family. I cannot wait to get to know you all! I would love to share a few key points about my background, interests, and philosophy so that you can get to know me better.

As a child, I remember lining up my teddies and forcing my brother to be part of my ‘make believe’ class. I used to take registers and teach my family times tables. I did have a feeling that one day I’d become a teacher!

Originally, I went to Drama school and studied Drama with English. I performed professionally in productions across the UK in my teens to my mid twenties. I then went onto train as a teacher in Bristol and this will be my 8th year of teaching.

My teaching philosophy revolves around children having fun, making progress and engaging in their learning. I take the time to really get to know my students and develop trust and respect. My classroom is vibrant, practical and energetic. I am committed to creating a safe space where students feel valued and motivated to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally through consistent structure, empathy, and collaborative teaching strategies. Be prepared to have lots of fun this year, we will be going on an exciting journey together!

In my spare time, I love to keep fit and active with spin classes and run clubs across Dubai. I enjoy spending time with friends and my fiancé watching concerts and travelling. I still sing and perform myself which keeps my love for the Arts alive!

Hello, families of DBSJ! 

My name is Miss Hannah Wyllie, and I’m delighted to be your child’s teacher this year. I studied Primary Education at Canterbury Christ Church University for 3 years and have taught across Year 2 and Year 3 for the past two years. I’m moving from Kent, England to Dubai this summer and am so excited to begin this new adventure with you and your children.

I’m a kind and compassionate teacher who believes that strong, positive relationships are the foundation for successful learning. Every child is unique, and I am committed to supporting them in the way that suits them best to reach their full potential.

In my classroom, kindness and happiness come first. I work hard to create a safe, warm environment where children feel confident, valued, and encouraged to try their best. When children feel seen and supported, they can achieve amazing things, and I’m here to help make that happen.

Outside the classroom, I’m very sporty and passionate about fitness, and I love bringing that energy into school life. I’m also a keen reader and enjoy sharing stories with the class. One of my favourites is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a book that holds a special place in my heart, and one the children always enjoy!

My name is Mia Grant, and I am excited to join the DBSJ community. I grew up in London and studied Law at the University of Liverpool before discovering my true passion for teaching.

I completed my Primary Education degree at the University of Goldsmiths and have been teaching for three years, mainly with Year 2 students in KS1.

As a teacher, I am known for making lessons fun, hands-on, and creative. I believe in involving children in their learning, encouraging them to ask questions, participate actively, and learn from their mistakes. I aim to create a supportive and enjoyable classroom environment where everyone feels excited to learn.

In my spare time, I enjoy experimenting with new cooking recipes and exploring different cuisines. My favourite children’s book is “”Amazing Grace”” by Mary Hoffman because it teaches us that we can achieve anything if we put our minds to it and never give up. One of the things I look forward to most about joining DBSJ is being part of a new school and team. I am excited to bring my energy and passion for teaching and to make a positive difference in the lives of my students.

My name is Mr Joshua Gibson, and I am thrilled to be one of the founding teachers of what promises to be an excellent school community.

After completing my bachelor’s degree in Geography from Aberystwyth University, I worked internationally as a qualified swimming teacher and coach in the UAE and USA. Following this, I returned to the UK to complete my teaching qualifications. I have been teaching for six years across a range of year groups in primary school, with four years here in the UAE. My teaching philosophy revolves around making learning as practical, engaging and relevant to the children’s interests as possible. I believe that learning should be fun and hands on, underpinned by the curriculum to ensure that all children are learning as much as possible! My classroom is a very friendly place as I view the whole class as one team, all working together. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and exercising. Swimming has always been a large part of my life, and I try to swim at least six kilometres every week!

I am thrilled to introduce myself as Ms. Sarah Webb. From a young age, I was passionate about becoming a primary school teacher.

I completed my undergraduate degree at Nottingham Trent University in Early Years and Special and Inclusive Education. I then did my PGCE at Birmingham City University. After teaching for one year in England, I moved to Dubai in 2019. I have now been teaching in KS1 for six years.

My teaching philosophy centers on the belief that every child can achieve and find joy in learning. I am convinced that children thrive best in a safe environment where they understand that making mistakes is part of the learning process. Every child deserves an enriching education that nurtures and motivates them. My professional practice is grounded in mutual respect. I strongly believe in hands-on learning experiences and celebrating all successes, no matter how big or small.

My favorite children’s book is “Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae. I love this story because it celebrates differences and understands that we need to dance to our own beat; we are all going to achieve, but we take our own route. In my spare time, I enjoy going on long walks and trying out new recipes at home. I am very fond of animals, and I have a cat called Cheddar, my little pride and joy.

My name is Caroline Benson and I am from Liverpool, UK. I have been a primary school teacher for 10 years now and absolutely love my role, helping to shape young minds with an eagerness to be excited about what they will learn and how they will grow.

My teaching journey began when I studied Geography in Edge Hill University, gaining my Bachelor of Honors degree. During my time in University I took a summer opportunity to work in Walt Disney World, Florida. Returning, I completed my degree and decided upon a teaching career, obtaining my QTS. I have taught across the primary years, and mainly in KS2 over the past 5 years.

My classroom aim is always to create a happy, exciting and thriving place for us all to aim high and succeed, investigating confidently, unafraid of making mistakes, and where resilience is built in a supportive and caring environment.

In my spare time I love being with my daughter, Lola and my husband, Joseph, exploring the outdoors together. We love exploring books, and a personal favourite of mine is ‘Matilda’, I love how this story can be applied to all ages, where kindness and courage gains a rewarding result.

I’m Miss Natasha Gill, and I am delighted to be joining this fantastic school community.

My educational journey is a bit of an adventure, as I originally earned both a degree and a masters in Law from universities in London. However, my passion for teaching sparked from my desire to dive into the world of inclusive education. I’ve had the joy of working with children from FS to Year 6, helping them overcome barriers to learning and discovering the kind of teacher I aspire to be. After earning my PGCE in Primary Education from St Mary’s University, Twickenham, I’ve been thrilled to teach young, curious minds, especially in KS2, for several exciting years.

My teaching philosophy focuses on building strong, positive relationships with parents and children. I believe a collaborative approach fosters an environment where every child’s well-being is prioritised and their unique strengths are celebrated. In my inclusive classroom, students feel valued, excited to learn, and supported in their curiosity. I maintain high expectations, encouraging children to view mistakes as growth opportunities and strive for their personal best.

Beyond the classroom, you’ll often find me immersed in the pages of a good book, exploring nature on hiking trails, or embarking on exciting road trips. My cat, Magnus, is also a cherished companion, adding joy to my daily life. One of my favorite children’s books, “The Land of Roar” by Jenny McLachlan, ignites the spark of creativity and imagination in both children and adults alike.

Hello! My name is Clare O’Sullivan, and I’m so excited to be joining the vibrant community at Dubai British School Jumeira.

I’m originally from Ireland and completed my Bachelor of Education at Dublin City University in 2022. Since then, I’ve had the joy of teaching in my own former primary school—a lovely full-circle experience! I’ve worked with a range of age groups, from 7 to 13 years old, and each stage has helped shape the teacher I am today.

A quote that inspires my teaching is:
“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, then maybe we should teach the way they learn.”
This reflects my core values as an educator – celebrating and affirming each child’s individuality and creating a classroom that is inclusive, supportive, and full of curiosity. I want every student to feel valued, confident, and eager to learn. My aim is to make learning fun, interactive, and meaningful so that the spark for curiosity and discovery continues long after our time together.

Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, meeting friends for coffee, and staying active through playing lots of tennis. My favourite children’s book is Little Cloud by Anne Booth. It’s a gentle reminder of how important it is to feel accepted and loved just as we are.