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.

Maeve Donaghy
Maeve Donaghy
Year 1 Teacher
Maeve Donaghy

Maeve Donaghy

Year 1 Teacher

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Language and Linguistics. Classification: First class Honours. University of Ulster
PGCE Primary with QTS. Liverpool Hope University

3 years' experience

I have taught in Qatar for two years, teaching Year 4 and Year 1 as well as being an EAL teacher. Prior to this, I taught in the UK, where I experienced teaching a range of all primary school year groups.

Tara Mc Kinley
Tara McKay
Year 1 Teacher
Tara Mc Kinley

Tara McKay

Year 1 Teacher

Qualifications

BEd Primary Science
Bachelor of Education (Hons), Queens University, Belfast

4 years' experience

I studied at St. Mary's University College, Belfast, for 4 years and obtained a Bachelor of Education degree in 2018. I worked in a school in Northern Ireland for 4 years and in the Republic of Ireland for over 1 year. I decided to move to Doha to broaden my knowledge and understanding of teaching and to gain experience of teaching in another country.

Harvey Sheperdson New
Harvey Shepherdson
Year 2 Teacher and Head of Year
Harvey Sheperdson New

Harvey Shepherdson

Year 2 Teacher and Head of Year

Qualifications:

BA (Hons) in Theatre Practice from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
Primary PGCE, St Mary's University

3 years' teaching experience

Originally from the North East of England, I studied and lived in London for seven years. Formerly, I was a Production Manager for several, large-scale international festivals and theatre productions. Alongside academic subjects, I have an enormous desire to introduce children to the arts.

Jenifer Watson
Jenifer Watson
Year 2 Teacher
Jenifer Watson

Jenifer Watson

Year 2 Teacher

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Psychology and Sports Studies at The University of Stirling
Post Graduate Diploma (Primary Education) at The University of Dundee

10 Years’ Experience

From the beginnings of teacher training in Scotland to bustling Beijing for 2 years and then onto magical Malaysia, teaching has provided me with some amazing opportunities to enhance my professional practice by sharing my knowledge and collaborating with some of the best teachers around the world. My passions include advocating student voice, growth mindset and imbedding environmental awareness into the curriculum.

Luke Coveney
Luke Coveney
Year 2 Teacher
Luke Coveney

Luke Coveney

Year 2 Teacher

Qualifications

Bachelors Degree in Journalism - University of Lincoln
PGCE Primary Education University of East London

7 years' experience

I am from Essex in the UK but have been living in Qatar for 6 years now. I have taught in 2 schools in Qatar so far working in Years 1, 2 and 3 during my time here.

Joseph Jones
Joe Jones
Year 2 Teacher
Joseph Jones

Joe Jones

Year 2 Teacher

Qualifications

Ba-Ed Primary Education (3-11) with QTS at University of Wales Trinity Saint Davids

I studied Primary Education with QTS at University of Wales before relocating to Doha in 2019. Since then, I have taught in Key Stage 1 and 2 within British curriculum schools in Qatar. I am really looking forward to using my experience to create positive relationships with the USI community and provide the best possible education for my pupils.

Emma Thompson
Emma Thompson
Year 2 Teacher
Emma Thompson

Emma Thompson

Year 2 Teacher

Qualifications

BA (HONS) Primary Education degree with QTS from Northumbria University
Level 3 in Childcare
BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts

5 years' teaching experience

I was born in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK and have lived in Qatar for 3.5 years. I have worked with children for 15 years, starting my career as a children's party organiser, before becoming a nursery nurse then a class teacher. I am so excited to begin working with such an amazing team at USI and helping each child progress and flourish.

Heena Majevadia
Heena Majevadia
Year 2 Teacher
Heena Majevadia

Heena Majevadia

Year 2 Teacher

Qualifications

BA Hons Primary Education with QTS from Middlesex University

8 years' experience

With eight years of experience as a qualified teacher working in the UK, I continue to be passionate about sharing my knowledge and skills to develop the minds of the next generation. I always strive to do the best for my students and pride myself in creating an environment that has a love of learning. I am thoroughly excited to continue my teaching journey with USI and develop myself professionally and personally in Qatar.

Emma O Brien
Emma O'Brien
Year 3 Teacher and Head of Year
Emma O Brien

Emma O'Brien

Year 3 Teacher and Head of Year

Qualifications

BA Hons Education Studies and Post Graduate PGCE Primary from The Manchester Metropolitan University

4 years' experience

Originally from Ireland, I have studied and lived in Manchester during the first few years of my teaching career. I have experience in EYFS, KS1 and LKS2 and also have an Early Years specialism.

Kevin Ratcliffe
Kevin Ratcliffe
Year 3 Teacher
Kevin Ratcliffe

Kevin Ratcliffe

Year 3 Teacher

Qualifications

Law Degree
Post-graduate Diploma in Law
PGCE Primary with QTS

10 Years' Experience in Teaching

I am from the North-West of England and have 10 years experience of teaching in the UK, South East Asia and the Middle East. I am excited to be part of a new, modern school which is based in a remarkable part of Qatar. A school that possesses excellent resources to engage the children in a holistic, fun and meaningful learning experience.

Johanna Wright
Johanna Wright
Year 3 Teacher
Johanna Wright

Johanna Wright

Year 3 Teacher

Qualifications

BEd Primary Degree, from Stranmillis University College, Queen's University Belfast

4 years' experience

I'm from a village called Gracehill in Northern Ireland, and I spent my teacher training in rural, inner city and private schools as well as a bilingual school. I have lived and taught in Qatar for the last 4 years since qualifying. My philosophy for education is: a child who feels happy, safe and valued is a child most able to reach their full potential.

Katy Jones
Katy Jones
Year 3 Teacher
Katy Jones

Katy Jones

Year 3 Teacher

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Classical Studies (2.1)
QTS / NPQML

9 years' experience

I moved to Qatar as a newly qualified teacher 9 years ago, and worked in the same British international school for 9 years. During my time in my previous school, I worked in Year 1 for 3 years, then Year 2 for 3 years and finally Year 3 for 3 years. I was the Key Stage 1 Literacy Coordinator for 6 years.

Kathryn Mc Fadden
Kathryn McFadden
Year 3 Teacher
Kathryn Mc Fadden

Kathryn McFadden

Year 3 Teacher

Qualifications

BA Honors Degree in Early Childhood Studies
PGCE in Primary with QTS
NQT certificate
Higher National Diploma in Health and Social Care

3 years' teaching experience

I am a teacher from Northern Ireland, UK and I have lived in Qatar for the past 3 years. I have worked with children for 8 years, starting as an SEN Teaching Assistant in a primary school in my home country, before becoming a Class Teacher in Qatar. I am so excited to start my new journey at USI.