Heath Monk
CEO/Principal
Heath has joined GEMS World Academy Dubai from The British School in the Netherlands, one of the largest and oldest international schools in Europe, where he has been CEO since 2020. 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 1563, which now consists of 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.
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Robert Jennings
Secondary Principal
Robert Jennings has over twenty successive years of education experience in Dubai in results-driven international education settings. Robert is very conscious of the wonderful opportunities available to our students to succeed at GWA, and works closely with the Senior Leadership Assistant Principals, middle management and teachers to ensure that wellbeing and academic performance stand at the centre of school life for our students.
With extensive MYP and IBDP background 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 strongly that schools are essentially learning communities and that students benefit most when parents share our common purpose. Robert keenly believes that developing entrepreneurial and leadership opportunities for students, as well as enhancing international understanding, are crucial for young people in this current context.
Robert Jennings holds a BSc. (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of Manchester, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Sunderland, and an MBA from the University of Melbourne.
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Peter Bonner
Primary Principal
Peter initially joined GEMS World Academy in August 2017 and he has gained a wealth of experience as Form Tutor, Grade Leader, PYP Coordinator, and Primary Assistant Principal since then. He has completed a Bachelor of Science degree in City Planning, a Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Education, a Master of Education degree in Professional Practice, and a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership and Management.
Peter is committed to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive, and he works tirelessly to ensure that all students have access to high-quality education. As the primary school principal, Peter is excited to continue his work in support of young learners.
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Karen Nyborg
AP Secondary - Curriculum, Progress & Assessment
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, as well as a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education, and she is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership at University of New Brunswick.
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Awhina Houpapa
AP Primary - Teaching and Learning
Awhina is an experienced educator and school leader who is dedicated to enhancing teaching and learning standards in the international education sector. She earned her Bachelor of Education in 2003, laying a strong foundation for her career. Awhina's passion for education has taken her on a journey across different continents, starting from New Zealand and the United Kingdom before settling at GEMS World Academy, Dubai in 2012. Throughout her career, Awhina has assumed various roles that have enriched her professional expertise. As a Grade 3 and 4 teacher, she ensured that her students received a high-quality education, filled with a broad and enriching IB experience. Additionally, Awhina demonstrated early leadership skills as a PYP Mathematics Coordinator and Grade Leader, effectively guiding and supporting her colleagues in their instructional practices.
In her current position, Awhina is involved in implementing comprehensive school-wide initiatives aimed at school improvement. As a Professional Development Leader, she collaborates closely with consultants and school leaders, working together to improve the educational outcomes for all students. Awhina is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to school reviews, as she believes they provide an invaluable platform for growth and leadership development. Awhina's dedication to developing individuals and teams is evident in her commitment to continuing her studies as a school leader through various avenues. She recognizes the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest educational research and practices to ensure that she provides the best guidance and support to her colleagues and students.
With her experience, passion for education, and ongoing professional development, Awhina strives to make a positive impact by empowering educators, fostering growth in schools, and ultimately shaping the educational landscape for the better.
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Kendra Cantrell
AP Primary - Curriculum, Progress & Assessment
Kendra rejoined GEMS World Academy Dubai in August, 2023. She is an educator with a diverse background in education, having spent sixteen years in a variety of school settings and grade levels across primary. She previously taught at GWA Dubai from 2012 to 2017 as a part of the PYP team. Additionally, during her time at the school she was a team leader and Science and Innovation Coordinator. Since then, she taught at Gems World Academy - Chicago and a small private school in West Palm Beach, Florida. She taught at the elementary level at both schools and during her time in Florida held the positions of Assessment Coordinator and Ed Tech Specialist for the PK-8 school. Additionally she led initiatives to increase robotics and STEM electives for primary students.
Kendra has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University and she obtained her Master of Arts Degree in Educational Technology from the University of Michigan. She is passionate about building relationships with all stakeholders in a child’s education including the educators, parents and students.
In her spare time she enjoys reading and spending time outdoors, especially at the beach. She is very excited to return to Dubai with her husband and daughter to rejoin the GWA Dubai team.
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Robin Montgomery
AP Primary - Personal Development, Welfare & Behaviour
Robin joined GEMS World Academy - Dubai in 2021, relinquishing his Senior Leadership Team position at King's College School in Chengdu, China. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from St Mary's University, UK. Driven by his passion for education, Robin embarked on his professional journey in a UK inner-city school in Cheam, where he quickly became Head of Year. Subsequently, he assumed the roles of Director of Sport and Head House at Rivers Academy West London. Continuing his pursuit of leadership and growth, Robin transitioned to Wetherby, a prominent Central London school. Here, he assumed dual responsibilities as Assistant Headteacher for Operations and Head of Middle School while completing his National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership. This experience provided him with invaluable opportunities to collaborate with diverse age groups and cater to varying educational needs, while simultaneously leading whole-school initiatives and supporting early-career teachers.
Drawn to the international community and International Baccalaureate curriculum offered by GEMS World Academy – Dubai, Robin moved over initially as Director of Sport and enrichment. He considers himself fortunate to be part of the exceptional leadership team at GEMS World Academy - Dubai, where he receives unwavering support for his professional growth. Having spent two years in the UAE, Robin now considers it his home and eagerly anticipates working alongside the senior leadership team to propel GEMS World Academy - Dubai towards an "Outstanding" rating.
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Gareth Morgan
AP Secondary - Teaching & Learning
Driven to support all students to achieve their personal best, Gareth has built a portfolio of skills which encompasses successful curriculum, enrichment, safeguarding, pastoral and operational leadership. He has 25 years experience in education, including nine years of senior leadership experience in prestigious schools in Hong Kong and Egypt. Most recently during his three years as Vice Principal - Head of Secondary, in Cairo, Gareth led the school through the many challenges of the pandemic. He also worked with teachers and subject leads to innovate the curriculum and enhance student experience through the implementation of the MYP, placing a strong focus on innovating approaches to assessment throughout the school. In six years in Hong Kong, he led over time on a number of projects, working with teams of teachers, students and parents to innovate approaches to promoting student wellbeing, community engagement, curriculum development enrichment and student leadership.
Gareth is also an experienced Evaluation Team Lead for the Council of International Schools, skilled at evaluating school development and advising on change improvement processes. An accomplished performance coach, he also supports cohorts of school leaders to achieve their National Professional Qualifications in school leadership, developing talent in a range of contexts.
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Dean Winders
AP Secondary – Behaviour & Wellbeing
Dean has been an integral part of the GEMS World Academy community since 2015, having served in various roles, including in his current role as the Primary Assistant Principal for Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare. Dean brings a wealth of experience in pastoral care, student welfare, and wellbeing, gained from his current and previous middle and senior leadership positions. His established relationships with students, staff, and parents make him the perfect fit for this role as he moves into the role of Assistant Principal for Culture and Wellbeing within the Secondary school. Dean has long lasting relationships with the secondary students and families which will be embraced to ensure that all students will have the opportunity to excel on their educational journey making them feel safe, secure, courageous and successful.
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David Ince
AP Whole School - Culture & Wellbeing
David is an experienced teacher of 16 years, predominantly in his native Wales, where he developed a wealth of expertise serving as a teacher, pastoral leader and Health and wellbeing faculty leader. He is extremely proud of the positive impact that he has had on students, staff and parents through this time and is delighted to be joining the Senior Leadership Team here at GEMS World Academy - Dubai. David joined GWA in February 2022 as a member of the Physical Education department before taking on the responsibility of the Enrichment programme in September 2022. David has a passion for nurturing a sense of community and providing opportunities for all members of the school to engage in the decision-making process and is committed to creating a school culture that is positive, warm and compassionate from the first moment people walk through our doors.
As a new role here at GWA, David feels extremely fortunate and excited to be afforded the opportunity to play a significant role in the development of Culture and Wellbeing, which will allow our students and staff to flourish and excel and be proud to be part of the GWA community.
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Sahar Taheri
Director of Marketing and External Relations
Sahar is an experienced professional with a passion for education and a deep understanding of the power of effective communication and engagement in shaping the reputation and success of educational institutions. With over a decade of experience, Sahar brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, interpersonal skills, and a genuine passion for making a positive impact. Sahar holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and regularly invests in professional development to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.
As the Corporate and Community Engagement Manager at GEMS World Academy, Sahar leads a team of dedicated professionals, directing comprehensive strategies that reflect the Academy's values, mission, and educational philosophy. Sahar's commitment to educational excellence is reflected in her unwavering dedication to supporting the staff, students, alumni and parent community of GEMS World Academy - Dubai.
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Siva Prasad
Manager School Operations
Sivaprasad has close to 12 years experience managing premium education facilities, having overseen departments such as Facility Management, Health and Safety, Fleet Operations and Catering. He joined GEMS Education in 2012 as an Assistant Facility Manager, progressing to Manager School Operations at schools including Jumeirah College, GEMS United School and GEMS Wellington Academy. Sivaprasad holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and is an IOSH-qualified Health and Safety Manager as well as a CIPS-qualified Procurement and Contract Manager. He oversees all non-educational aspects of the building management at GEMS World Academy – Dubai.
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Felicity Gunn
Executive PA to Dr. Rana
Felicity joined the team at GEMS World Academy - Dubai in July 2024. Having lived in the Middle East since 2012, Felicity has developed a deep understanding of the region with over a decade of experience established in both Doha, Qatar and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Felicity holds a Bachelor of Business degree from Munster Technological University. Throughout her time in Dubai, Felicity has cultivated a strong knowledge of International Education. Particularly, the International Baccalaureate having successfully completed the IB Diploma Programme herself.
Felicity's attention to detail, organizational skills, and proactive approach make her an invaluable asset to GEMS World Academy - Dubai. She excels in providing support to school leadership, maintaining a positive work environment, and supporting the overall mission of the school.
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Lilian Duncan
HR Manager
Lilian is a highly experienced Human Resources professional with over 10 years of expertise in the field working in the UAE. She holds a prestigious qualification in Human Resources from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, which demonstrates her genuine commitment to continuous professional development.
In 2019, Lilian joined the Human Resources department in GWA. She collaborates seamlessly with other departments, working closely with senior management to align HR initiatives with overall organizational goals. Her excellent communication skills enable her to build strong relationships with employees at all levels, ensuring that their needs are met while aligning them with the company's vision.
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Sapana Roy
Finance Manager
A Chartered Accountant by profession and a law graduate from Delhi University, India. C.A. Sapana has extensive experience of over 12 years in the field of Accounting and Finance. Demonstrating analytical thinking and problem solving abilities, she is a result oriented and focussed professional with vast exposure in managing finances for various international organisations.
Highly collaborative individual with a track record of effectively managing the budget across all departments and ensuring effective utilisation of school funds towards school benefit, she has exhibited a high level of professionalism in the last one year of her tenure with GWA .She has greatly improved the accuracy of financial reporting, minimized process time while ensuring trust and cultivating school- parent partnership based on financial accountability and transparency.