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Senior Leadership Team
Michelle is currently fulfilling the role of the acting principal at the Multinational School Dhahran. She is an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and experienced educationalist with a history of successful leadership. She has been in education for more than 28 years, of which 20 years was spent serving in senior leadership capacity in international schools in South Africa, Sweden, Poland, China and now in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Michelle is currently fulfilling the role of the acting principal at the Multinational School Dhahran. She is an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and experienced educationalist with a history of successful leadership. She has been in education for more than 28 years, of which 20 years was spent serving in senior leadership capacity in international schools in South Africa, Sweden, Poland, China and now in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Michelle comes from Cape Town, South Africa but having worked across the world in such diverse cultures and countries she completely embraces the school motto, ‘Distinction in Diversity’. She strongly believes that teachers who love teaching, teach children to love learning.
Michelle was awarded the Nord Anglia Education Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education in 2010. The same passion and energy she exhibited then is what drives her to deliver outstanding learning opportunities for the students at MNS Dhahran. Michelle believes that no child should be left behind and together with our fantastic staff, she intends working hard to ensure student success by building strong relationships with parents and all our partners in education.
Dr Wafa strongly believes that her mission in life is to empower disadvantaged children globally and improve their quality of life and wellbeing in all aspects of education, behaviour, and health through focusing on providing updated, high-quality education that is built on evidence-based research and best practices in order for these children to become independent and productive members in their societies. During her journey, she worked in different countries such as the US, Jordan, India, and Saudi Arabia, and held different positions including but not limited to:
Working with typical children and children with special needs, ages 18 months - 15 years old, in countries mentioned above.
Working on one of the biggest projects in Jordan called “Strengthening Early Childhood Education in Jordan” which was funded by the USAID.
Developing the Brighter Future Program, implementing it, and evaluating its effectiveness for children aged 3-11 years in the United States. Participating in the Bassi Pathana Community Collaborative Development Project in India to identify the health-related and educational needs of young children in the nine villages of the District of Punjab and also designed and implemented developmentally appropriate health and educational activities to help these communities on a regional basis.
Working as the Supervisor of Development and Training of Special Education in Hayat Center/Al-Ahsaa, as the Supervisor for the Administration of Child and Family Care and Development in Al-Ahsaa Girl Benevolent Society and as The Director of International Empowerment Office for Educational Consulting in Dammam. Being awarded the title of “Consultant of Education” by the government. Her philosophy is to work together as parents and school, hand-in-hand, to craft the first stone in the children’s brighter future.
Dr Kadoura enjoys meeting with her family and close friends on a regular basis. She believes that reading develops knowledge beyond the limits of time and space, so it is a core element in her routine as she spends 4-8 hours a day reading. She encourages the use of technology but not to the extent that it controls people’s life. She acknowledges the beautiful scenery, including the trees and the sea as she gets a sense of peace and happiness from them. The world is her home and all the good people, regardless of differences, are her big family.
Ashwaq Saeed Badgaish is our new Saudi leader originally from Saudi Arabia. Ashwaq holds a Master’s degree in Education of Instructional Media and Tech, from Eastern Washington University, she had her Bachelor’s degree in the Arabic literature, from the University of Dammam. Ashwaq is a dedicated, compassionate, and intuitive educator. She had a vast experience in one of the reputable schools in Khobar where she had worked as an Arabic coordinator and a vice principal.
Ashwaq Saeed Badgaish is our new Saudi leader originally from Saudi Arabia.
Ashwaq holds a Master's degree in Education of Instructional Media and Tech, from Eastern Washington University, she had her Bachelor's degree in the Arabic literature, from the University of Dammam. Ashwaq is a dedicated, compassionate, and intuitive educator. She had a vast experience in one of the reputable schools in Khobar where she had worked as an Arabic coordinator and a vice principal, during her dominion she strived to offer the staff the best possible leadership by creating a conducive and enabling environment for them to grow as individuals. She believes in the importance and value of honesty, integrity, patience, fairness, inclusivity, and credibility in leadership. These qualities of hers foster and cultivate trust among members of the team and therefore increase the level of group togetherness. Above all, she values most the concept of motivation, negotiation, and teamwork.
As a Saudi School Leader Ashwaq ensures that the school follows all of the Saudi Ministry of Education
Regulations and supervises the student registration ministry approval. She also plays a great role in leading the school to perform efficiently and enables the outgrowth of the school.
Her achievements are many, She has attended meetings + training to discuss curriculum + new teaching methods, at Western Washington University USA.
Besides these, she likes to drive, spend time with her family, surf the internet, read books, and do research.
Daphné van Huyssteen is Upper Primary Coordinator and the Year 5 Girls’ Home Room Teacher 7. She has been working at the Multinational School Dhahran since 2019. Her passion and dedication towards learning started at home; following in the footsteps of her parents who were both educators. She understands and values the importance of a supportive and nurturing educational environment since she had attended several different schools in her childhood.
Daphné van Huyssteen is Upper Primary Coordinator and the Year 5 Girls' Home Room Teacher 7. She has been working at the Multinational School Dhahran since 2019.
Her passion and dedication towards learning started at home; following in the footsteps of her parents who were both educators. She understands and values the importance of a supportive and nurturing educational environment since she had attended several different schools in her childhood. To her, it is essential that all learners feel that they belong and know they are valued.
She completed her Bachelor of Education (Intermediate and Senior phase Education) in 2016 with Cum Laude, ever since then Daphné has been doing what she loves most- teaching. She has taught many different year groups in the Upper Primary. Throughout her years of teaching, she has also attended many workshops, courses, and seminars to provide her students with the ultimate learning experience.
If not planning the next adventure in class, Daphné enjoys setting off on her adventures in nature.
Sahla Shanavas is the IT Head and Data and Assessment Coordinator at MNSD, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing technology integration and managing data-driven decision-making processes. With over 10 years of teaching experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Sahla holds a master’s degree in Information Technology and is deeply …
Sahla Shanavas is the IT Head and Data and Assessment Coordinator at MNSD, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing technology integration and managing data-driven decision-making processes. With over 10 years of teaching experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Sahla holds a master's degree in Information Technology and is deeply passionate about educating students, constantly striving to enhance their learning experiences through innovative tools and approaches. Her dedication to both teaching and technology drives her mission to improve educational outcomes.
Rehab is the Stage 1 Coordinator with over 15 years of teaching experience. She began her career in early years education and gradually transitioned to lower primary. Throughout her journey, Rehab has dedicated herself to enhancing her skills and finding the best strategies for her students. She has actively pursued professional development, taking courses in various areas to create a positive and engaging learning environment. With over five years of experience as a team leader, she has shared her expertise to help her team grow and implement effective teaching practices.
Rehab is the Stage 1 Coordinator with over 15 years of teaching experience. She began her career in early years education and gradually transitioned to lower primary. Throughout her journey, Rehab has dedicated herself to enhancing her skills and finding the best strategies for her students. She has actively pursued professional development, taking courses in various areas to create a positive and engaging learning environment. With over five years of experience as a team leader, she has shared her expertise to help her team grow and implement effective teaching practices.
Rehab enjoys teaching all subjects, with a special passion for science. She believes that every student has a budding scientist within them, eager to explore. By engaging with experiments, visiting the science lab, and discovering the world around them, she helps students express their natural curiosity and love for learning.
Rehab cherishes spending quality time with her family. She takes great pride in having raised two sons, one who pursued a career in engineering and the other in science.
Iram Mahmood is the Early Years Coordinator and the Early Years 3 Homeroom Teacher. Iram is born and brought up in London, UK. She graduated with a BSc Honours from the University of Hertfordshire in the UK and moved to Saudi Arabia in 2013.
Iram Mahmood is the Early Years Coordinator and the Early Years 3 Homeroom Teacher.
Iram is born and brought up in London, UK. She graduated with a BSc Honours from the University of Hertfordshire in the UK and moved to Saudi Arabia in 2013.
She has over 11 years of experience in the education sector teaching classes from Early Years through to Lower Primary. She has been working in Multinational School since 2023.
She thrives on ensuring on developing a safe and fun environment through play-based learning. She believes play is the natural way children learn about the world around them. It allows them to explore, create, problem-solve, and develop important skills such as communication, social interaction, and creativity.
She is truly passionate about creating an enriching environment developing young minds and driving their creativity.
In her spare time she loves to travel the world, play the piano and stay active.
