Meryl Fossey
Meryl Fossey
Head of Early Years
Meryl Fossey

Meryl Fossey

Head of Early Years

Qualifications:

BA Joint Hons English Language and Community Studies, University of Leeds
PGCE Primary, University of Exeter

12 years' experience

I have progressed from Class Teacher to Founding Head of an international Early Years Centre. I have been on a learning journey to discover how, as educators, we can ensure that each child meets their full potential. I now know there are three key elements to success; high quality interactions, engaging and inviting environments and strong relationships with both the child and their family. Children come to school every day filled with a natural curiosity, creativity and eagerness to learn. It is our job to listen, interact and establish environments that interest and motivate all learners. I am so excited to meet our new children and to work with them to establish an Early Years setting that inspires a love of learning for all.

Simone Dean New
Simone Dean
FS1 Teacher & Year Group Lead
Simone Dean New

Simone Dean

FS1 Teacher & Year Group Lead

Qualifications

BA Early Childhood Studies
Currently studying MA Early Childhood Studies

9 years' experience

I was born in Manchester, UK and have lived in Qatar for 5 years. During my eight years teaching experience, I have had the pleasure of teaching children in the UK, as well as overseas in Kuwait and Qatar. I love supporting my students as they discover and explore new ideas in a safe and welcoming classroom, as well as having lots of fun together!

Caitlyn Chalmers
Caitlyn Chalmers
FS1 Teacher
Caitlyn Chalmers

Caitlyn Chalmers

FS1 Teacher

Qualifications

BA Education and Social Services, Strathclyde University
Currently studying Master’s Degree in Education

8 years' experience

I am from a small town outside Glasgow, Scotland. I have worked as an Early Years teacher in Qatar for 6 years, however during which time I left to travel around Europe and had the opportunity to teach in an international school on the beautiful island of Koh Samui, Thailand. I love working at USI and was excited to be one of the school's founding teachers.

Tasmin Khan
Tasmin Khan
FS1 Teacher
Tasmin Khan

Tasmin Khan

FS1 Teacher

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Psychology, University of West London
PGCE with Early Years specialism, University of East London

5 years' experience

I am a passionate and energetic teacher from London, who is very excited to utilise my knowledge and skills internationally. I am confident that my eight years of experience in education, four of which were spent as an Early Year’s teacher, have given me the foundation I need to thrive at USI. I strongly believe that no child should be limited by their circumstances, and instead should be challenged and nurtured to develop a love of learning. I strive to create a safe and stimulating environment for my pupils which provides them with enriched learning experiences while developing their inquisitive minds.

Ashleigh Innis
Ashleigh Inniss
FS1 Teacher
Ashleigh Innis

Ashleigh Inniss

FS1 Teacher

Qualifications

BA Hons Primary Education (specialising in Early Years)

9 years' experience

I am from London and have previously taught in Qatar for 4 years and also in London for 5 years. Most recently I have been an Early Years Lecturer, teaching 16-20 year olds on how to become effective Early Years Practitioners. I believe the ability to learn is present in every pupil. It is through passionate teachers like myself, that pupils progress and thrive to reach their full potential and develop their thirst for knowledge. I am extremely excited to teach at USI and to meet my new class where we will learn, play and develop our love of learning together.

Paula Anderson
Paula Anderson
FS1 Teacher
Paula Anderson

Paula Anderson

FS1 Teacher

Qualifications

BA Childhood Practice

10 years' experience

I have been an EYFS teacher in Qatar for the past 8 years and have experience in both FS1 and FS2. I completed my BA in Early Years through Aberdeen University in Scotland and will start my Masters in September 2023.

Amy Morris 2023
Amy Morris
FS2 Teacher & Year Group Lead
Amy Morris 2023

Amy Morris

FS2 Teacher & Year Group Lead

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Primary Education with Qualified Teaching Status at Leeds Beckett University.

8 years' experience

Before coming to Qatar 3 years ago, I was teaching in the UK for 5 years. I have taught in Year 1, Year 2, Year 4 and Reception. I have 4 year's teaching experience in Reception. Alongside teaching, I have also led the subjects of Computing, Design Technology, Geography and History. My favourite subjects to teach are Phonics and Maths and I have been commended for my creative Continuous Provision.

Rebecca Shea
Rebecca Shea
FS2 Teacher
Rebecca Shea

Rebecca Shea

FS2 Teacher

Qualifications

MA Youth and Community Studies.
PGDip Youth and Community Studies (JNC).
BA (Hons) Sports Development.
PGCE Primary Education with a specialism in Early Years.

4 years' experience

I am originally from Manchester, in the UK. I was living in Leeds, West Yorkshire, before moving to Doha 3 years ago. I have been teaching for 4 years, and I have a PGCE in Primary Education with a specialism in Early Years. I really enjoy living in Doha and experiencing everything that this lovely city has to offer including the culture, sights, the weather and the different cuisines.

Eleanor Fryett
Eleanor Fryett
FS2 Teacher
Eleanor Fryett

Eleanor Fryett

FS2 Teacher

Qualifications

2:1 BA Hons Primary English Education with QTS
Early Years Foundation Stage trained

6 years' experience

I taught in the UK for the first 2 years of my teaching career across Nursery, Reception and Year 1. After teaching in the UK for 2 years I made the decision to move to Qatar where I have now been living and teaching for 4 years. The thing I love most about working at USI is the opportunity to work within a building with outstanding facilities and staff in a prime location in Qatar!

Misbah Ahmad
Misbah Ahmad
FS2 Teacher
Misbah Ahmad

Misbah Ahmad

FS2 Teacher

Qualifications

BA Hons in English Language and Literature at Coventry University
Post Graduate Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status at The University of Birmingham

5 years’ experience

After completing my English degree in the UK, I decided to pursue my dream to become a teacher. I then completed my PGCE with QTS at The University of Birmingham. In the first 2 years of my teaching journey I taught Year 3. After teaching in the UK, I moved to Doha for an exciting opportunity to teach in such a beautiful country. I really enjoy forming relationships with the USI community. I am excited to bring my experiences from both the UK and Qatar and implement them into my teaching to inspire the young people in my care.

Aoibhinn Hume New
Aoibhinn Hume
FS2 Teacher
Aoibhinn Hume New

Aoibhinn Hume

FS2 Teacher

Qualifications:

BA Hons in Liberal Arts with Irish and PGCE in General Primary
PGCE General Primary

I am from IreIand and have been working in Qatar for 3 years. I have worked in both FS1 and FS2 as well as Y1, Y2 and Y6. I have held middle management roles as Team leader of Early years and was also appointed as head of Year 3. I have thoroughly enjoyed working across all year groups.

Sorcha Nolan
Sorcha Nolan
FS2 Teacher
Sorcha Nolan

Sorcha Nolan

FS2 Teacher

9 years' teaching experience

Qualifications

  • BA Primary Education with QTS- specializing in Literacy and humanities.

Since qualifying with a degree in Primary Education, in England, I have taught in schools in the UK and here in Doha. I have nine years' classroom experience, which includes whole school literacy lead and KS1 co-ordinator.

Stephanie Hopkinson
Stephanie Hopkinson
Assistant Head of Teaching & Learning for Primary
Stephanie Hopkinson

Stephanie Hopkinson

Assistant Head of Teaching & Learning for Primary

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Social and Cultural Studies with Film Studies, University of Nottingham
PGCE (Primary) Oxford Brookes University

11 years' experience

I am originally from Manchester, but began my teaching career in London where I taught years 6, 5 and 4 for three years. Before moving to Qatar, I was working in Shanghai teaching Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. I love travelling, scuba diving and exercise classes with friends such as barre and Pilates. I have loved working at USI and building a new school community.

Niamh Kuncaitis
Niamh Kuncaitis
Assistant Head of Primary, Pastoral
Niamh Kuncaitis

Niamh Kuncaitis

Assistant Head of Primary, Pastoral

Qualifications

BA Honors Degree in Education from Trinity College Dublin.

6 years' experience

I attended the Marino Institute of Education (sister school of Trinity College Dublin) for 4 years to obtain my Bachelors in Education degree. After some years teaching at home, I decided that I wanted to teach overseas, so in 2019 I moved to Doha. I have worked in Qatar for 4 years and have worked recently as a year group leader. I believe in creating a child-centered classroom where all activities and learning are based on the needs of the student, and in a new school we can implement these ideas and have endless opportunities to develop them. I am excited to create a positive learning environment for students, and have students inspired and ready to learn.

Noelle Meenagh
Noelle Meenagh
Year 1 Teacher and Head of Year
Noelle Meenagh

Noelle Meenagh

Year 1 Teacher and Head of Year

Qualifications

Bachelor of Education - Primary Education with Geography

7 years' experience

In 2012, I studied Primary Education with Geography at St Mary’s University, Belfast. After I graduated in 2016, I moved to Qatar and worked in Newton British Academy for five years as an EYFS Teacher, Team Leader and whole school NQT Mentor. In 2021, I moved to Nord Anglia as a Primary Teacher and whole school RWI support lead.

Kathleen Serrano
Kathleen Serrano
Year 1 Teacher
Kathleen Serrano

Kathleen Serrano

Year 1 Teacher

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies, University of Portsmouth
Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Education (PGCE), University of Sunderland
Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA), Cambridge English, UK

14 years' experience

I am British/Venezuelan and bilingual in both English and Spanish. I have taught in international schools, in countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, and China. My range of teaching experience in different roles and year groups has exposed me to different learning opportunities, and I have enjoyed teaching in a multicultural environment, which has enhanced my growth on a personal and professional level. I am delighted to be joining USI and being part of its inspiring ethos, which reflects the highest standards of British international education.

Rebecca Etchels
Rebecca Etchels
Year 1 Teacher
Rebecca Etchels

Rebecca Etchels

Year 1 Teacher

Qualifications

BA( Hons) Bachelor of Arts and Postgraduate diploma in Primary Education with Qualified teacher status at the University of Dundee.

4 years' experience

I have previously taught in the UK for 2 years as an early years primary teacher working with children from multicultural backgrounds. Before moving to Qatar I taught in Shanghai for a year as a kindergarten teacher. This provided me with a great opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture and create a learning environment that relates to the real world. I am extremely excited to be joining USI to collaborate and learn alongside other skilled practitioners within a fantastic school. I have a passion for fostering a love for learning within my classroom. 

Aoife Quigley
Aoife Quigley
Year 1 Teacher
Aoife Quigley

Aoife Quigley

Year 1 Teacher

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Primary Education with Qualified Teaching Status at Liverpool Hope University

3 years' experience

I am from Ireland and l obtained my Primary Education degree in Liverpool, England. I have been living in Qatar for 3 years and during this time I have taught in KS1 and KS2. This has enabled me to gain valuable experience in an international environment whilst working with children from a range of ages.