I am a UK qualified counsellor/ psychotherapist and have been working as a Safeguarding Lead and Head of Wellbeing for the last four years in a Dubai school.  I initially worked as an Islamic Coordinator, helping the teachers in effective lesson planning, assessment and teaching, contributing to the school acquiring ‘good’ in the high school part of the KHDA inspection. I  also set up the wellbeing and safeguarding departments in 2021 introducing wellbeing initiatives such as a wellbeing curriculum and whole school vision and the setting up of student, parent and staff wellbeing teams to represent student, parent and staff voice. This democratic approach to whole school wellbeing was recognised and played a significant part in the school improving its wellbeing provision and attaining a ”good” rating in the last school inspection, deemed ‘acceptable’ overall.

I am also a qualified teacher, a current NPHQ candidate and have worked as Head of Religious Studies in a UK secondary school and  as pastoral deputy head for almost a decade and was responsible for the pastoral day-to-day running of the school and played a leading role in the school’s educational and pastoral development. I also have experience mentoring teachers, supporting early‑career staff, and leading structured CPDs focused on wellbeing, safeguarding, pastoral care and professional practice.

I was responsible for safeguarding/ child protection and managing positive student behaviour and helping to create and foster a safe, positive and nurturing school environment that was conducive to student safety and learning through staff training, school policies and effective teaching and learning.

Being a counsellor complements effectiveness by deepening my understanding of mental health, trauma‑informed approaches and safeguarding risk. I draw on this expertise to support staff, parents and students compassionately while maintaining professional boundaries and robust procedures.

I bring a calm, committed and principled leadership style, strong organisational skills and a clear commitment to ethical, empathetic student‑centred practice. With extensive DSL experience, NPQH training and a proven ability to lead people and systems, I am well placed to support school improvement, school safeguarding and wellbeing practices and staff development and positive outcomes for all learners.