Meet the Senior Leadership Team of Dubai British School Jumeira
Lucy Barker
Inclusion Teacher
Lucy Barker
Inclusion Teacher
A very warm welcome to our DBSJ community! I’m Lucy Barker and I’m delighted to continue my journey at DBSJ as a Primary Inclusion Teacher.
My career in education began in inclusion, supporting children with a range of additional needs. It was this experience, and the wonderful children I worked alongside, that inspired me to become a teacher and complete a PGCE in Primary Education through the Early Years specialist pathway.
Since 2012, I have taught across all primary age groups in the UK, Thailand, Poland and Dubai. These experiences have strengthened my belief that children thrive when they feel truly understood, celebrated for who they are and confident that the adults around them believe in their potential.
As an Inclusion Teacher, I am passionate about recognising each child’s unique strengths and finding creative ways to remove barriers to learning. I value warm, trusting partnerships with children, families and colleagues, and aim to nurture confidence, independence, resilience and a genuine sense of belonging.
One of my favourite children’s books is The Way Home for Wolf by Rachel Bright. Its message – that even the strongest adventurers sometimes need a helping hand – beautifully reflects the importance of kindness, teamwork and accepting support when we need it. Jim Field’s sweeping, moonlit illustrations carry the reader through the snowy wilderness, bringing a wonderful sense of warmth and hope to even the coldest pages.
Outside school, I enjoy beach walks, nature trails and family adventures with my husband, our son and our three rescue dogs, who make sure that no walk is ever entirely calm or predictable!
Jennifer Diec
School Counsellor
Jennifer Diec
School Counsellor
Hi, I’m Jenni and I’m so excited to be part of the DBSJ community as the school counsellor.
I am a BACP-registered integrative counsellor with a Master’s degree in Counselling Children and Young People. Over the past eight years, I’ve had the privilege of working with children in various settings and am passionate about supporting them through life’s challenges and making a positive difference in their lives.
I am relatable, down to earth, and someone young people can feel comfortable talking to. I’m here to listen without judgement and to work alongside students, staff, and families to promote emotional wellbeing across the school. Whether it’s anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, or friendship issues, my aim is to create a safe, supportive space where every child feels seen, heard, and understood.
The wonderful thing about being an integrative counsellor is having the flexibility to draw on different therapeutic modalities, allowing me to tailor support to each child and work with them to explore, understand and manage their feelings and develop healthier ways of coping. My practice incorporates elements from cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic, humanistic, and creative approaches such as play and art therapy.
When I’m not working, I’m fully committed to living my best life – preferably poolside or on a beach somewhere sipping a cup of English tea. I love spontaneous adventures, escaping on holidays, and spending time with family and friends, ideally somewhere with good food. Since moving to Dubai, trying new restaurants and exploring different cuisines has become my unofficial hobby!
I feel incredibly lucky to be part of the DBSJ team and look forward to helping students navigate challenges, build emotional resilience, and feel confident in who they are – while empowering them to strive to become the best versions of themselves.
Mais Habeel
Arabic B Teacher
Mais Habeel
Arabic B Teacher
Hello! My name is Mais Habel, and I am delighted to join the vibrant community at Dubai British School Jumeira as your new Arabic B teacher. I studied bachelor’s degree in literature at Aleppo University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree. Following this, I completed my professional postgraduate diploma in teaching at Ajman University in the UAE. With over ten years of teaching experience, I have had the pleasure of working with students from diverse backgrounds in Syria and internationally.
Throughout my career, I have primarily worked with students aged 4 to 16, I believe in creating a positive and enjoyable learning environment where students feel motivated to explore the Arabic language and have fun while connecting it to real life. Seeing my students use the language daily brings me immense joy. My teaching approach is student-centered, focusing on interactive activities, real-life connections, and fostering a love for learning.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy participating in sports and swimming. I also love listening to music and cooking, especially sweet foods. My favorite children’s book is “”The Wonderful Things You Will Be”” by Emily Winfield Martin. I love this book because it conveys a message of unconditional love, acceptance, and encouragement from parents or caregivers to their children. It teaches us to believe in and support them.
I am eager to join the DBSJ community and look forward to creating a dynamic and inspiring learning environment for our students. I am particularly excited to meet the students, engage with the school’s diverse community, and contribute to a positive and innovative learning atmosphere. Let’s embark on this exciting journey of learning together!
Anhar Sanouri
Arabic A/B Teacher
Anhar Sanouri
Arabic A/B Teacher
Hello! My name is Anhar Sanouri, and I am delighted to introduce myself as your new Arabic teacher here at DBSJ.
With a degree in Arabic Language and Literature from Palestine, my journey has brought me to the vibrant city of Dubai. I have had the pleasure of teaching at Kings’ School Dubai for many years before moving to Arcadia School, where I cherished the opportunity to work in such an inspiring environment.
My teaching experience spans both primary and secondary school levels. I particularly enjoy engaging with younger students through playful learning and exploring more advanced concepts with older students. My specialty lies in teaching Arabic and its skills in a fun and joyful manner, making the learning process both effective and enjoyable.
As your teacher, you can expect a lot of creativity and encouragement to explore more. I believe in the power of expression and will guide you to build your character first, then produce many wonderful masterpieces while thinking outside the box.
Outside the classroom, I love spending time with my family, going on new adventures with my husband and daughters. One of my favorite pastimes is reading the Arabic translations of Harry Potter stories, as they offer a magical escape into a world of imagination. I also enjoy sports and trying out different cuisines, which add a sprinkle of excitement to my life.
Joining DBSJ fills me with great excitement, and I look forward to sharing these new experiences with all of you. Together, we will enjoy learning Arabic through innovative and enjoyable methods. Let’s embark on this exciting journey of discovery and fun!
Samaa Alabed
Arabic A Teacher
Samaa Alabed
Arabic A Teacher
My name is Samaa Alabed, I am truly looking forward to joining Dubai British School Jumeira as an Arabic teacher.
In 2005, I graduated from the University of Damascus with an Arabic Language & Literature Bachelor’s degree. I have also went on to earn numerous certifications in various fields, such as earning my Professional Diploma in Happiness, Positivity and Quality of Life, becoming a Trainer of Happiness, Positivity and Quality of Life, earning my Educational Diploma Degree, becoming an embassador of happiness, and many others. Having 13 years of teaching experience, I have enjoyed educating students of various ages and from a variety of different backgrounds!
Since the commencement of my career, I have taught children aged 3-12 Arabic. My experience has shaped my belief in the fact that it is crucial to create a comfortable, engaging, and interactive atmosphere within the classroom to allow students to learn in an efficient manner. Hence, my teaching style revolves around interactive entertaining activites, specifically active learning.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, travelling, and reading, as such activities serve as a window for me to experience new cultures. When it comes to reading, I enjoy reading and writing stories, as I am an author of children stories, yet my favourite story books so far are “Amira al khatira”, written by myself, and “Bila Quba’a” authored by Lateefa Buti, which is a story I have previously taught and really enjoyed!
I am truly looking forward to joining DBSJ, and getting to know my new students, in addition to creating a personalized enjoyable learning environment for them. Additionally, I am most excited about engaging in the DBSJ community, and watching my students gradually develop linguistically as learners of Arabic. Let’s embark on this enriching journey of teaching and learning together!
Hala El-Attar
Arabic B Teacher
Hala El-Attar
Arabic B Teacher
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Law and Arbitration and have been teaching Arabic to non-native speakers since 2014. My legal background has helped me develop strong communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills, while my passion for education inspired me to pursue a career in teaching. I am passionate about making Arabic accessible, engaging, and meaningful, and I enjoy inspiring students from diverse backgrounds to build their confidence and develop a genuine appreciation for the Arabic language and culture.
Marwa El Barawy
Islamic B Teacher
Marwa El Barawy
Islamic B Teacher
I am delighted to introduce myself as Marwa El-Bahrway, joining the esteemed Dubai British School Jumeira as an Islamic teacher.
My educational journey commenced with a focus on Arabic Language and Literature, along with Islamic Studies, at Zagazig University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree. Subsequently, I pursued a teaching certification in Quran Sciences from Al-Azhar University in Cairo. With sixteen years of experience in international schools as both a teacher and a leader, I bring a wealth of expertise to my new role.
My teaching career has predominantly centered on guiding students aged 6 to 16 years old. I am passionate about creating an interactive classroom environment where students can deeply engage with the profound teachings of the Holy Quran and the life of the Prophet (PBUH). At the core of my teaching philosophy is placing students at the forefront of their learning journey, employing innovative methods and practical applications.
Beyond my professional life, I derive great joy from reading both Arabic and English literature. One particular book that has deeply resonated with me is “”Life will change,”” which beautifully illustrates the transformative power of love and inspiration in overcoming life’s adversities.
When I’m not immersed in literature, I indulge my curiosity for diverse cultures through travel, an activity that continues to enrich my perspective. Recently, I’ve also discovered a newfound passion for tennis, finding it to be both a mentally stimulating and physically rewarding pursuit.
I am enthusiastic about becoming an integral part of the DBSJ community and am committed to fostering excellence. By engaging students in diverse activities and nurturing their innate curiosity, my aim is to inspire a lifelong love for learning in each of my students. Let’s begin a thrilling educational adventure together.
Lina Osama Nasser
Islamic A Teacher
Lina Osama Nasser
Islamic A Teacher
Hello! My name is Lina Nasser, and I am delighted to join the vibrant community at Dubai British School Jumeira as your new Islamic Education teacher.
I studied Sharia and Islamic Jurisprudence at the University of Sharjah, where I earned my bachelor’s degree, and I am currently completing my master’s degree. With over ten years of teaching experience, I have had the honor of working with students from diverse backgrounds in the UAE.
Throughout my professional career, I have worked across all age groups from Grade 1 to Grade 12. I believe that a teacher should not merely instruct but should create an immersive and engaging classroom environment where students can explore and enthusiastically retain knowledge. My teaching approach is student-centered, focusing on interactive activities, storytelling, and real-life applications to make learning enjoyable and meaningful.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy challenges and renewal. I start my mornings with reading and enjoy spending my free time engaging in sports and discovering new healthy recipes because I love cooking and trying out diverse dishes from different cultures. I also enjoy shopping and spending quality time with my family.
I am excited to join the Dubai British School Jumeira community and look forward to creating a dynamic and inspiring learning environment for our students. I am particularly eager to interact with the school’s diverse community and contribute to our students’ growth. I will always strive to build a relationship of love, compassion, and friendship with my students to unleash their talents and help them achieve their aspirations, as these young stars will be our future support. Let’s embark on this exciting learning journey together!
James Godber
Secondary English Teacher and Student Character Lead
James Godber
Secondary English Teacher and Student Character Lead
I am an experienced educator who has had the privilege of serving in a wide range of roles within schools, from classroom teacher to leadership positions. At the heart of my philosophy is a deep commitment to placing students first, ensuring that their learning journey is both inspiring and challenging, while also providing the support they need to thrive.
My career began in the United Kingdom, where I taught for ten years before moving to Egypt for seven wonderful years of teaching and leadership. These experiences have shaped my belief in the power of education to transform lives and the importance of building strong, supportive school communities.
I am now truly excited to begin the next chapter of my journey here in Dubai. I look forward to getting to know our students, families, and colleagues, and to working together to create a nurturing and ambitious environment where every child can succeed.