meet the team

Heath joined GEMS World Academy Dubai from The British School in the Netherlands, one of the largest and oldest international schools in Europe, where he was CEO. Prior to that, Heath was the Executive Director of the Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham in the UK, an historic organisation dating back to 1553, which comprises fourteen secondary schools and two illustrious independent schools.

Previously, Heath was also Chief Executive of the Future Leaders Trust (London) and Deputy Schools Commissioner at the Department for Education, where he wrote and coordinated the Government White Paper on ‘Higher Standards, Better Schools for All’ and the Education and Inspections Act that followed it. Heath started his career as an English and Drama teacher, working as Assistant Housemaster in Sevenoaks School and as a teacher at Bennett Memorial School. He graduated with a First Class degree in English Language and Literature at Oxford University, before going on train as a teacher at Sheffield University.

Robin Montgomery is the Junior Campus Principal at GEMS World Academy – Dubai, leading the school from Pre-K to Grade 8. Since joining GWA in 2021, Robin has held several leadership roles and brings experience from schools in the UK and China.

He is committed to creating a school culture built on high expectations, strong relationships and a genuine sense of belonging. Robin believes every child should feel known, valued and inspired to achieve their potential. He places equal importance on academic achievement, character, wellbeing and opportunities for students to discover their strengths and interests.

Robin holds a First-Class degree in Education and has completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship. Outside school, he enjoys sport, travelling and spending time with his family.

Robert has over twenty five successive years of education experience in Dubai in results-driven international education settings. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Manchester, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Sunderland, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Melbourne.

With extensive MYP and IBDP backgrounds as well as experience of inspection, authorisation, and accreditation contexts over years of education management, Robert is keen to ensure that best practices and standards are met through cohesive and supportive teamwork. He believes that developing entrepreneurial and leadership opportunities for students, as well as enhancing international understanding, are crucial for young people in this current context.

Kendra is an experienced educational leader with 20 years in education, having taught and led in international schools in Dubai and the United States. With over 10 years in the GEMS network, she brings extensive experience in teaching and learning, curriculum development, assessment, educational technology and innovation.

Throughout her career, Kendra has held a range of leadership positions and championed initiatives that expanded robotics, STEM and innovative learning opportunities for students. She holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from the University of Michigan.

As Vice Principal for Whole School Teaching and Learning, Kendra provides strategic leadership across the school, driving instructional excellence and continuous improvement. She is committed to empowering educators and ensuring high-quality learning experiences for every student.

Karen Nyborg joined GEMS World Academy – Dubai in 2020, as Secondary Assistant Principal for Curriculum, Progress, and Assessment. In her role, she works closely with the MYP and DP teaching staff, administrators, and families to ensure students achieve outstanding success and meet all personal and academic goals. Karen has experience leading and delivering IB, US Common Core and Canadian curricula in schools throughout the UAE, China, South Korea and Canada. She gained a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in International Development Studies and History, a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education, and has now completed a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership at University of New Brunswick. 

Paula leads GWA’s Beyond the Classroom provision, overseeing enrichment, sport, innovation, entrepreneurship, global citizenship, performance, immersive learning, GWALI, and university and career pathways. She brings a practical, future-focused approach to student development, creating meaningful opportunities for students to discover their strengths, pursue their passions and build the skills and confidence needed for future success.

Paula holds a Bachelor of Business Studies and a Higher Diploma in Education from the National University of Ireland. Combining educational expertise with a strong foundation in business and leadership, she is committed to developing confident, adaptable and future-ready learners who are equipped to embrace opportunities, navigate an ever-changing world and make a meaningful contribution beyond school.

Angela is an experienced primary educator and school leader with over 20 years’ experience across the UK and internationally. A University of Glasgow graduate, she holds a PGCE in Primary Education and NPQSL, with expertise in teaching and learning, curriculum development, professional learning and school improvement.

Passionate about education and the International Baccalaureate, Angela has played a key role at GEMS World Academy, Dubai in developing the Primary Years Programme and strengthening curriculum, pedagogy and teaching practices. She is an IBEN Evaluation Leader.

As Vice Principal for Pre-K to Grade 4, Angela leads student wellbeing and safeguarding, promoting a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment. She is committed to developing people, building strong relationships and fostering a culture of care, collaboration and high expectations across our school community.

Aoife Sheahan is an educator and school leader with 17 years of experience in the UAE. She has held academic and pastoral leadership roles, with expertise in school culture, student experience, wellbeing and personal development.

Aoife is passionate about creating an inclusive culture where every student feels known, valued, challenged and inspired to succeed. She believes schools combine high expectations with relationships, enabling young people to develop the confidence, character and skills to thrive.

Aoife holds a Master’s degree in International Education and the National Professional Qualification in Leading Behaviour and Culture. She works collaboratively with students, staff and families to strengthen culture and community, ensuring every young person is supported to thrive.

With over 20 years of experience in international IB education, Lee brings a proven track record in leading student wellbeing, behaviour, and academic success. Having already been part of the GWA community for the past year, he is excited to continue contributing meaningfully to a school that strongly reflects his values of inclusion, innovation, and community.

Lee believes that schools must be safe, inclusive environments where staff and students are supported intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. As a senior leader, Lee has built highly effective middle leadership teams and continues to coach international leaders through the NPQSL programme.

A Chartered Accountant and law graduate from the University of Delhi, India, C.A. Sapana brings over 14 years of experience in Accounting and Finance, including extensive work with international organizations. She is a results-driven professional known for her analytical approach, financial acumen, and commitment to operational excellence.

Since joining GWA in July 2022, she has played a key role in strengthening the school’s financial management by enhancing the accuracy of financial reporting, improving process efficiency, and ensuring the effective utilization of resources. Her collaborative leadership, professionalism, and focus on transparency have helped foster trust and accountability across the school community while supporting the institution’s strategic objectives.

Sivaprasad Gopalakrishnan is an experienced operations leader with over 14 years of expertise in managing premium education facilities in the UAE. He specializes in creating safe, efficient and sustainable learning environments and has led major campus developments, facilities management, sustainability and compliance initiatives. Sivaprasad holds an MBA and professional credentials including PMP® for Project Management, NEBOSH IGC for Health & safety, CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Supply Chain Management, and Certified Facilities Manager (CFM®) from IFMA. His leadership is focused on collaboration, innovation and enabling schools, staff and students to thrive.

Lilian is a highly experienced Human Resources professional with over 10 years of experience in the field, including extensive expertise within the UAE. She holds a prestigious qualification in Human Resources from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, reflecting her strong commitment to professional excellence and continuous development.

Lilian works collaboratively across departments and partners closely with senior leadership to align HR strategies and initiatives with the organisation’s broader objectives. Her strong interpersonal and communication skills enable her to build trusted relationships with employees at all levels, effectively balancing employee needs with organisational priorities and values.