Executive Leadership team

Hello, my name is Katrina Downie. I was born in the West of England (Bristol), before studying up North in Hull, moving South to London, then on to Essex before getting on a plane to sunny Dubai in 2023! I brought my family along for the ride and have been so happy that they are happy!

I’m so incredibly proud to be one of the founder Secondary Teachers of our school community at DBSJ, and look forward to embedding systems that help to remove any potential barriers to your child’s learning. I always aim to build enjoyment into our wide and varied curriculum (focusing on my two specialisms, ICT and Computer Science), so that all students feel successful in the subjects. When your child enjoys learning and is taught to identify and develop high level learning, they are more able to embrace agile thinking, innovative ideas and problem solving skills. ICT and CS are both subjects that are ever dynamic and requires each of the qualities and skills mentioned. They are finely honed from Year 5 onwards during Computing sessions.

I have been teaching for a long time – over 20 years – and have done so with incredible results because the children I teach have such great aspirations and I can give them the tools to get them there, and making it as real as possible to them as we go on the learning journey together.

It is a privilege to introduce myself as part of the Secondary Founding Team at Dubai British School Jumeira. For the past three years, I have taught at a British International School in Saudi Arabia, where I have enjoyed guiding students through KS3, IGCSE, and IB Theatre and Performing Arts. I believe Drama is a powerful tool for building confidence, empathy, and creativity, and my aim is always to create a classroom where every student feels encouraged to take risks, work collaboratively, and develop their own unique voice.
I look forward to working with DBS Jumeira students, families, and colleagues to establish a Secondary Performing Arts department full of energy, imagination, and opportunity.

Hola! My name is Cristina Requena, and I’m thrilled to be teaching Spanish at DBSJ across both Primary and Secondary. I was born in Barcelona, Spain, where I earned my BSc in Education and began my teaching career in Spanish state schools, working with infant and primary students.

After several years in Spain, I moved to London, where I gained my Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and completed a Masters in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language. I then transitioned into international education, working as a Spanish lecturer at the University of Roehampton and teaching Secondary at ACS Egham.

Following five years in London, my family and I relocated to Singapore, where I spent six years teaching Spanish in a very well-known international school. I taught students from Year 7 to Year 13, preparing them for IGCSE and IB exams, and I’m proud to say they achieved excellent results.

Now in Dubai, I’m excited to be part of the vibrant DBSJ community. In my classroom, I aim to create a fun and engaging environment where students not only learn the Spanish language but also explore its rich culture and traditions.

I speak three languages: Spanish, Catalan, and English. I am passionate about languages and strive to inspire my students to appreciate their value, as multilingualism is a key asset for their personal and professional futures. Outside of school, I love travelling, meeting new people, cycling, and swimming.

Hello there! My name is Mrs. Helene Harrison, a long-time bookworm and Dubai resident. I am delighted to be joining DBS Jumeira to set up their Primary Library.

I was born and educated in South Africa. My childhood unfolded among bookshelves as both my grandmother and mother were school librarians! It was with surprise that I found myself following in their footsteps later in life. After working in a UK curriculum primary school library in Dubai for over a decade it was time for a new chapter! I can’t wait to introduce all the students to the magic of the written word. I endeavour to live by Kate DiCamillo’s words; “Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift.”

As a primary librarian, I love all the illustrated literary treasures that can be found amongst the library shelves. Tales from distant lands, mysteries waiting to be unravelled, and adventures yet to be embarked upon, all ready for young minds to explore and discover. There is no place quite as inspiring for young or old as a well-stocked library in my opinion!

My home life is usually busy; a travelling husband, three teenagers, four cats and hundreds of guppies keep me occupied after hours. When I am not reading, I can usually be found propagating various and assorted plants and succulents. Alternatively I will be planning our next family travel adventure. I do enjoy exploring new countries and cultures during the school holidays.

I am extremely excited to embark on the next chapter of my “Life in Dubai” as the new librarian for DBS Jumeira.

Hello! I’m Malaika Dorai, the Treehouse Manager. I believe that a library should be more than just a place to read, it should be a space where students feel safe to explore, create, challenge ideas, and grow together. My hope is for the Treehouse to become just that – a vibrant, nurturing environment that inspires curiosity, collaboration, and leadership.

I started my professional journey in Marketing, but a powerful teaching experience showed me just how meaningful and rewarding working in education can be. That moment changed the direction of my career, and I haven’t looked back since.

I truly believe in the power that reading holds, it truly can transform how we think, feel, and connect with ourselves and those around us. In today’s fast-paced, digital world, I’m committed to fostering a strong reading culture and a genuine love for books within our school community.

I’m truly excited to be part of each student’s learning journey and equally grateful for the ways they’ll shape mine.

My name is Aidan Quinn, and I am delighted to be joining the Secondary team at Dubai British School Jumeira as a Design & Technology teacher.

Originally from Ireland, I graduated from the University of Limerick with a degree in Graphics, Engineering and Technology Education. I have five years of teaching experience in Dubai, working with students across a range of Design & Technology, Engineering and Product Design courses.

I am passionate about giving students the opportunity to be creative, develop practical skills and solve real-world problems through designing and making. I believe Design & Technology provides a unique opportunity for students to take an idea from an initial sketch through to a finished product, developing confidence, resilience and technical skills along the way.

I am excited to contribute to the continued growth of Secondary at DBSJ and to help develop a Design & Technology department where students are encouraged to experiment, innovate and take pride in what they create.

My name is Ms. Smith and I am the Secondary Art and Design teacher. I’m originally from England and have lived in the UAE for the past 17 years. I’m really passionate about teaching Art and Design and love helping students explore their creativity and discover new ways of seeing the world. Outside of school, I enjoy travelling, visiting galleries, exploring architecture and history, and discovering new places through sightseeing.

My name is María Espinosa Martín, and I am truly delighted to welcome you and introduce myself for this school year! Holding a Degree in Primary Education from the University of Zaragoza, my journey as an educator has allowed me to gain valuable teaching experience across different countries and cultures, including Spain, Ireland, and the UAE.

I am very excited to serve as a Primary Cover Teacher across all year groups. Covering classes in different primary levels gives me the wonderful opportunity to get to know many of your children, bringing energy, structure, and consistency to their learning environment whenever their main teacher is away.

I describe myself as an open, caring, transparent, and approachable teacher. I strongly believe that children thrive best in a positive, structured, and cheerful environment where they feel safe, respected, and listened to, regardless of which classroom or grade they are in.

For me, education is a partnership built on trust. Clear and open communication with parents is essential to me, and I look forward to working together to ensure a smooth, joyful, and enriching learning experience for your children across the school.

My name is Mr. Andrew McCracken, and I am delighted to be joining your family in this exciting journey as founding members of DBSJ!

Education has always been a huge part of my life. My mother, one of my biggest role models, was a Primary School Principal. As I am sure you are aware, teaching preparation does not stop in the classroom. At home, my sister, father and I were often tasked with cutting and laminating displays and resources! My mother instilled a passion for education in me and because of this, I studied an Education Degree, and completed my PGCE in Liverpool Hope University. Now, after teaching for 10 years (8 of these in Dubai) I strive to instil this love for learning onto your children.

My teaching philosophy includes a passion for inquiry based learning. I believe in creating an environment where children take ownership of their learning and develop their unique ways to delve deeper into concepts. Creating a love for learning and an eagerness to explore is very important to me. I have a huge passion for the arts. From a young age, the stage has been my second home. I love getting involved in productions and choirs here in Dubai and I am so excited to bring this passion to DBSJ. When I am not performing, I love to go to the Dubai Opera House or delve into a good book!