Executive Leadership team

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.

My name is Mr. Sam Barker and I’m delighted to be joining the team at DBSJ.

I’ve been teaching for 11 years, beginning my journey in the beautiful north of England where I trained and taught in Cumbria. Since then, I’ve taught in Thailand and spent the last six years living and working in Poland. Now, I’m excited to start a brand-new chapter in Dubai and feel so lucky to be joining the DBSJ community.

Over the years, I’ve taught children from Year 2 to Year 6 but I have a real passion for Key Stage 2. I love how every day brings something different, whether we’re diving into ancient history, experimenting in science, exploring space or letting our imaginations run wild in writing. I believe learning should be exciting, active and creative. My goal is to create a classroom where everyone feels safe, valued and ready to try their best. Whether we’re working together on big ideas or sharing small wins, I want us to grow as thinkers and as a team.

I’m a huge fan of stories, especially fantasy and adventure. One of my favourite books is Wolf Brother, full of mystery, bravery and nature. I also love reading Mr Stink with my class – it’s funny, heartwarming and sometimes a little sad too, which makes it perfect for reading together.

When I’m not teaching, I love spending time with my family; my amazing wife, our cheeky son Charlie and our three mischievous rescue dogs who always keep us on our toes! I also enjoy gaming, woodcarving and exploring new places, especially if they’re full of nature or hidden stories waiting to be discovered.

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.

My name is Oliver Page, I am delighted to be joining DBSJ, the school is shaping up to be incredibly special with a community that mirrors it.

I began my teaching career in the UK and have spent the past six years teaching in Dubai. I have had the opportunity to teach a wide range of age groups, from the youngest students in FS to the oldest in Cycle 2, both as a class teacher and in leadership roles.

My teaching philosophy fosters a love of learning, emphasising academic, personal, and social development while encourage a growth mindset by praising progress and effort. I create a stimulating, supportive environment that challenges children, nurtures their unique strengths, and promotes confidence in both creative arts and sports, ensuring holistic development and resilience in all areas of life.

I’m a keen sportsman, and outside of school you’ll find me playing golf, cricket, or football. I also enjoy spending time at home with my wife, our newborn son, and our rescue cats. My favourite children’s book is “Kensuke’s Kingdom”, it’s a beautifully written tale of an exceptional friendship which survives beyond the boundaries of culture and language; I find this very fitting for life here in the UAE.

Hello! My name is Mr Frank Agbontaen, and I’m absolutely delighted to be joining the DBSJ community.

I began my teaching journey over 13 years ago after being inspired to help children within my community. Since then, I’ve taught across a range of schools in London before moving internationally to Dubai. I’ve had the privilege of working with students from diverse backgrounds and have developed a strong passion for teaching Upper Key Stage 2—particularly Year 5 and Year 6.

My specialism is in Maths and curriculum development, and I love designing purposeful, engaging learning experiences that challenge and inspire children. I believe in setting high expectations, nurturing strong relationships, and creating a classroom where every child feels valued and empowered to succeed.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy hiking, running, and playing padel. I like pushing myself out of my comfort zone—whether that’s through a new fitness challenge or exploring somewhere new. I’m also a passionate football fan and a loyal Chelsea supporter—through all the ups and downs!

I’m really looking forward to connecting with students, families, and colleagues, and contributing to the vibrant and forward-thinking culture at DBSJ.

My name is Ms. Laura Hogan, and I am thrilled to be joining this vibrant school community. In this biography, I will share a few key points about my background, interests and philosophy so that you can get to know me a little ahead of time!

I studied Teaching with English Language as an undergraduate and Education as a postgraduate. I taught in the UK for over three years before moving to the UAE 11 years ago. I feel privileged to have had opportunities to work in diverse school environments and to teach students from all over the world.

My teaching style ensures that children receive an enriched curriculum through hands-on, interactive, and challenging activities. I aim to motivate children to want to learn independently and stretch themselves both emotionally and academically, becoming fully prepared for the future.

In my spare time, I am learning how to ski, a new skill that I never thought I would be brave enough to try. I love reading and learning new things. my favourite author quote is “It’s better to know how to learn than to know.” – Dr Seuss.

I am eagerly looking forward to getting to know each of your children and helping them embark on a journey of discovery and growth.

I am delighted to introduce myself, I am Holly Westpfel. Growing up, I spent lots of time with my Nan who was a teacher. We used to play schools and she would show me all the fun things that she would teach her class.

This piqued my interest in teaching as my Nan always spoke so positively about school. I went onto study Primary Education at University and have now been teaching for 10 years, teaching between FS2 and Year 4.

I love to learn myself and try to foster a love of learning to all who I teach. I also believe that to be academically successful, we must foster secure and meaningful relationships and ensure that children feel safe and happy. One of my favourite parts about teaching is spending time creating learning environments that are engaging and evoke curiosity. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the beach and reading books. My favourite book as a child was ‘Esio Trot’ by Roald Dhal. I still hope that one day I will have a tortoise of my own.

Hello DBSJ families!

I’m Ms Pavla Gariboli, a specialist SEN teacher who has spent the past 15 years championing inclusive learning in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I hold a BA in Early Childhood & Special Education and a Post-grad Diploma in Special & Additional Learning Needs from the University of East London, and I’m currently completing an MSc in Psychology of Mental Health and Well-being with the University of Wolverhampton.

My experience ranges from nursery through Year 2, but my true passion is tailoring support for learners who think and feel differently—whether that’s early-speech intervention, sensory strategies, or enrichment for twice-exceptional pupils. Families can expect a classroom where routines feel safe, mistakes are celebrated as “first attempts in learning,” and every child’s voice is amplified through visuals, movement and play.

Away from school, you’ll find me on Dubai’s cycling tracks, practising yoga, or devouring the latest research article with a strong coffee in hand. My favourite picture book is The Invisible String by Patrice Karst; its gentle message—that we are always connected to those we love—beautifully support emotional resilience.

I’m excited to join the vibrant DBSJ community, collaborate with you, and help each child discover the unique strengths that make them shine.

Hello families of Dubai British School Jumeira!

My name is Jess Griffin and I am thrilled to be joining your wonderful school community.

As the oldest of four siblings and part of a large family, I fostered a love for supporting and helping children from a young age. It was always my ambition to become a teacher, led me to pursue a Primary Education degree at the University of Brighton.

Since graduating 9 years ago, I have worked throughout the Primary and Early years, learning an growing alongside many pupils. Most recently, my role has developed into a SENDCo position, teaching pupils with identified speech and language needs.

Within my teaching, I have developed a passion for creativity, learning through play and the power of communication.

I strongly believe that, with the right support, every child has the ability to achieve their goals, growing to reach their full potential.

I pride myself on a nurturing approach to teaching, allowing all learners to feel valued, included and confident.

When I am away from the classroom, I can often be found reading, shopping or spending time with my family. I love live music and often attend concerts and festivals. I am a big fan of country music!

My favourite book series growing up was Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. I love these stories for their magic and the enchanting worlds they create, whilst celebrating the power of friendship and bravery.