The staff profiles below are listed alphabetically within the following groupings Director, Deans, Program Chairs, Faculty and Ancillary staff. They are up to date as at January 16, 2012
Director
HOWARD REED
Position: Director
Nationality: International
Passport:
USA
Howard E Reed, PhD
Senior Director, Higher Colleges of Technology
Director, Dubai Women’s College
Howard
Reed has been Director of Dubai Women's College (DWC) for just over 20
years. During this time Dubai has exploded onto the world scene
and DWC has exploded onto the Dubai scene with over 4000 working
graduates. All of DWC's graduates are UAE Nationals, and many
of them are now in key positions in the most important organizations in
Dubai. This revolution of working local women filled a void which is
still common in many parts of the Arab world and is an essential part of the
sustainable development equation for the UAE.
Howard
received a BSc from the University of South Dakota, an MBA from the University
of California, Berkeley, and a PhD from the University of Washington.
Both of his graduate degrees had an international focus and since then he has
spent 12 years working in France, England, New Zealand, Germany, Sweden and
Italy, before going to the UAE. Most of Howard's career has been as a
professor or academic administrator however, he has also had valuable
experience with the US Army, Ford Motor Corporation, Boeing Corporation,
numerous consulting assignments and travel in most parts of the world.
Howard
is perhaps best known for his relentless focus on improving the quality of
learning through creative use of technology, curriculum revitalization,
faculty professional development, teamwork and industry and government
partnerships.
JAMIE STEWART
Position:
Dean, Business and Technology
Nationality:
Canadian
In
1984, Jamie completed a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in
accounting from the University of Alberta. After a brief sojourn with Price
Waterhouse, he decided that education was his passion, so he returned to the
University of Alberta to complete a Bachelor of Education with a specialization
in business education. In 1996, after a one-year sabbatical leave, he graduated
from Brigham Young University with a Masters in Instructional Science.
Jamie
spent ten years teaching at the community college level in Canada before coming
to Dubai Women’s College. He enjoys the practical nature of college
instruction with its emphasis on authentic learning and hands-on instruction.
Jamie
is the proud father of four lovely children who are all either attending or
graduates of the University of Alberta. Jamie’s wife, Melonee, teaches at the American School of Dubai.
Jamie likes to play all things that involve chasing balls or hockey pucks but,
as he gets older, he is learning the recovery time for such athletic adventures
takes much longer than he ever imagined.
ZAC McLAREN
Position:
Dean, Foundations and Developmental Programs
Nationality:
Canadian
Zak
started off his educational adventure at the
Zak
spent several years teaching EFL outside of his native
In
his personal time Zak enjoys running with his wonderful wife, Lidija, swimming with their children, and playing hockey
for the Dubai Mighty Camels.
Program Chairs/Supervisors
HANAN HAIRAB
Position:
Program Chair, Applied Communications
Nationality:
Syrian
Hanan
graduated from
Hanan
taught at
Hanan
has written two poetry books, the first in 1991 and the second in 1995. Hanan
participated in Syrian broadcasting - a weekly children’s programme in 1991 and in 1995-1996 a daily poetry programme.
Hanan
has published a number of statement essays in Arabic newspapers and magazines
and is a member of United Arab Writers in
Hanan
enjoys listening to classical music (Beethoven); she likes reading, traveling,
yoga and sports.
Position:
Program Chair, Bachelor of Education
Nationality:
Australian
Ian
grew up in the South of
Ian
has taught at primary, secondary and tertiary levels with a specialisation
in English and, in addition to his teaching
qualification, holds qualifications in educational administration, curriculum
development and TEFL. He completed his M Ed in 1997 in the field of
teacher development.
He
enjoys travel, walking, reading, the cinema and music as well as the company of
his wife and other friends.
Position:
Program Chair, Higher Foundations
Nationality:
New Zealander
Jeannette
started life as a primary school teacher, then did a
BA (Hons) in Anthropology at Victoria University of
Wellington. This was later followed by a postgraduate Diploma in Teaching
English as a Second Language, and more recently by a MA in Applied Linguistics.
Her academic interests include test development and vocabulary teaching.
She
has taught English to Speakers of Other Languages in
She
is married to Niall Flanigan and has two teenage
children, Catherine and Ronan. She’s been in
Position:
Program Chair , Educational Technology Department
Nationality:
American
Jonathan
holds a Masters of Arts in Digital Media from the University of Denver and as a
third year Doctoral student in the prestigious ENG, Saas-Fee
program, he is working towards the completion of Ph. D in Digital Media
Philosophy.
Prior
to his work with the HCT, he was the Director of Educational Technology at the
Daniels College of Business in Denver, Colorado. There he was awarded the GSBA Staff
Member of the Year and the Daniels Award for Excellence. Before his five years at Daniels,
he had the privilege to work as a key member of the leadership team at the
Sihanouk Hospital and global non-profit HOPEworldwide
in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Here, he
had the opportunity to help implement one of the first
‘telemedicine’ projects in a third-world country.
Jonathan’s
wife Dawn is a Project Lead who directs the development of International
subscription based web-sites for venture capitalists and they have a beautiful
son and daughter, Nathan and Makayla .
KAY DAHYA
Position:
Program Chair, Health Sciences
Nationality:
New Zealander
Kay
graduated from schools and universities in New Zealand having a triple
qualification in Nursing, a Bachelor of Social Sciences majoring in education,
a Diploma of Corporate Management and a Masters in Business Administration
(International Management).
Her career has spanned Nursing, Midwifery,
Health Education and Management. She has been employed at various private and
public health systems. Kay has been a Charge Nurse of the Coronary Care Unit
and set up and managed the Paediatric Cardiothoracic
& Vascular Surgical Unit at
Kay left her last position as Chair and Head of Health Sciences at the Manukau Institute of Technology to join the HCT as Supervisor of Health Sciences at DWC in July 1995.
Her
hobbies are reading; fishing; photography and art. Kay speaks English and
Gujarati. Her extended family are all in
LEIGH BUTLER
Position:
Supervisor Finance and Administration
Nationality:
Australian
Leigh
completed his Business course at Swinburne University of Technology in
Leigh
worked as an accountant in the Australian money markets before entering the
education field. He has taught in the secondary and tertiary areas spending the
last twelve years before joining DWC in the Australian Technical and Further
Education (TAFE) sector. Leigh left his position as Head of Business at South
West TAFE in
Leigh
enjoys swimming, reading and most sports though now definitely more as a
spectator rather than as a participant! He has traveled extensively and has
lived in Brasil, though much of this was done "pre-children". He and
his wife, Trish White, have two absolutely gorgeous and wonderful daughters,
Sally and Rose.
Position:
Program Chair,
Business
Nationality:
Canadian
Dr. Monica
Gallant originally qualified as a Chartered Accountant in Canada before
embarking on a career in education. After teaching for 8 years at a college in
Canada, Monica decided to search for a more international experience by coming
to Dubai. She joined Dubai Women’s College in 1996, first as a Business
professor and then as Chair of the Business Department. While in Dubai, Monica
developed a great interest in local culture and completed a Doctorate in
Education based on a study of the issues facing UAE national women in the work
place. This research has been published as a book entitled “Emirati Women
in Dubai: Navigating Cultural Change”.
In order to
overcome cultural stereotypes, Monica founded the annual Insight Dubai
conference at the college on the topic of Women’s Empowerment in the Arab
World. This conference which unites 130 female students from over 35 countries
in an intensive, participative format has shown how strong cultural
misconceptions can be exploded by stimulating interactions over only 5-6 days.
Monica
contributes regularly to the Emerald Journal, “Education, Business and
Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues” for which she is also a
member of the editorial board. Monica is also a member of the newly created
Women for Sustainable Growth initiative which seeks to form partnerships
between Emirati women and Swedish women to promote sustainable business
development.
Position:
Program Chair, IT
Nationality:
Lebanese
Nasser
completed his BSc in Math at the
In
Position:
Library Supervisor
Nationality:
Canadian
Robin
has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of New Brunswick and a
Masters in Library & Information Studies from the University of Alberta.
Prior
to arriving in Dubai, Robin held a variety of library related
positions; Innovative Interfaces Training Consultant (San
Francisco), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Project Coordinator &
Traveling Trainer (Seattle), University of Virginia Reference Librarian
(Charlottesville). While paying her way through university, Robin worked
in variety of a library related positions. Robin has also taught English
in Nishinasuno, Japan.
Robin
enjoys reading, music, swimming, spin class and has a
newfound fondness for golf (who woulda thought
whacking a little white ball around would be so much fun/challenging).
She also has been known to dabble in gardening, yes even in Dubai. Her
favorite things to do in Dubai are taking long walks along the beach or driving
out to be in the desert. Believe it or not (she can’t either)
of all the things to miss about her home country, she misses snow the most!
ALQUN LI
Position:
Faculty, English
Nationality:
New Zealander
Aiqun
has an MA in Second Language Teaching, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business
Studies from Massey University, New Zealand; a BA Honours
in English and a Diploma in Teaching English as a Second Language from Victoria
University of Wellington, New Zealand. However, her first degree was from
Harbin Teachers’ University, China.
Prior
to taking up the position at DWC, Aiqun had taught at tertiary institutions in
New Zealand for 19 years. She was involved in teaching ESOL, Business English, English for Academic Purposes, and Academic Writing in
English for Speakers of Other Languages. She also developed and taught Mandarin
Chinese courses. Apart from teaching, she had been in the positions of the
Acting Head of Department, Programme Leader, and
Course Coordinator.
Aiqun
is married and has one grown up daughter who after having worked for 2 years
following her completion of tertiary education, is now
travelling and studying in Europe. Aiqun enjoys walking, reading and travelling
with her husband, Keshan.
ALEYA JAMES
Position:
Faculty, English
Nationality:
British
Aleya
has a degree in History from Goldsmith's College,
For
two years after graduating she spent time traveling the Indian Subcontinent and
working in
Aleya
enjoys keeping fit by running and swimming. She spends her free time reading
history and novels. She still enjoys traveling and has recently visited
Faculty -
English
Nationality:
Irish
Andrew graduated
from University College Dublin with BA (Hons) in 1982 and later obtained his
Higher Diploma in Education from the same institution. He completed his M.Ed.
in 1992 at Marjons-University of
Andrew
started work as a secondary school teacher in
Andrew is
married to Radhika (also a teacher) and they have two children - Arjun and Akshara. Andrew was a
keen soccer player before a knee injury ended his playing days. Swimming is now
his main form of exercise. He enjoys reading, cinema, being with his family and
is a keen student of history. Andrew speaks Bahasa
ANDY O’GORMAN
Position:
Faculty, English
Nationality:
Irish/British
Andy has a
BA in Politics from Queen's University, a Post-Graduate Diploma in TEFL from
the
In his free time (free time?),
Andy likes doing cryptic crosswords, surfing the web and spending
time with his gorgeous daughter, Erin, and hooligan son, Sean.
ANDY STEELE
Position:
Faculty, English
Nationality: Kiwi
Andy
has a BA in Social Anthropology from
He
started his teaching career at
After
3 years, Andy moved to
Early
most mornings you can find him swimming out to the breakwaters with Manon gamely hanging onto his neck while she sticks her
fingers in his eyes and ears to make the whole thing more challenging. He also
loves trout fishing back home in NZ and snowboarding anywhere.
BOULOS CHALITA
Position:
Faculty, IT
Nationality:
Lebanese
Boulos
graduated from Northeastern University (US) in Computer Engineering. He went on
to complete a Master degree in Computer Engineering and another Master in
Engineering Management.
When
he was studying for his Masters, he held the position of assistant lecturer. He
then went on to work as an Industrial Engineer in the
Boulos
speaks French. He loves outdoors sports like swimming, jogging. He likes to
spend a lot of time with his family and socializing.
CANDY McLEOD
Position: Faculty, English
Nationality: Australian
Candy
completed a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and History in 1989, later going on
to do a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (in TESOL and Social Sciences) in
1992 after spending some time traveling and working in Africa and
Candy
began her teaching career in
In her spare time, Candy enjoys reading, swimming, entertaining and practicing her Russian language skills whenever she can. She also paints (occasionally) and plays the piano.
CARLA KROEZE
Position:
Faculty, Business
Nationality:
American
Carla
has earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting Major from
the University of Washington, a certificate of Professional Hospitality
Management from Washington State University, an MBA from the University of
Washington, and a PhD in Hospitality Management from the University Of Nevada,
Las Vegas.
She
has worked as an accountant, a management consultant, and
a college teacher. Her claim to fame is that she has lived
and/or worked in 8 countries: the US, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia,
England, Germany, The Netherlands, and finally, the UAE.
She
can be found at flea markets and second-hand shops. She has two local
cats, Max and Harry, in the UAE, a German cat, Bob, and two American cats,
Harvey and Gilley. All were strays or shelter cats. She
is surprised to have become a single, middle-class, middle-aged teacher
who lives with cats instead of becoming the next Ethel Merman.
CAROL WEIDNER
Position: English Faculty
Nationality: American (USA)
Carol received her BA in French and Education from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and her MA TESOL from American University in Washington, DC.
Carol taught French and Spanish in high school in Cincinnati, Ohio for seventeen years before receiving her degree in TESOL which gave her the opportunity to teach English as a second language to adults in both a Junior college and business setting.
She received an English Language Fellowship in 2010 through the US State Department to work in Malatya, Turkey for a scholastic year before she accepted a position at DWC.
Carol enjoys reading, yoga, meditation, and the arts and music. She has traveled extensively through the years largely due to her role as a foreign language teacher. She has three children and one adorable granddaughter
Cynthia
Ogilvy
Position:
Faculty, English
Nationality:
New Zealand/Canadian
Cynthia
holds a BA in English and Spanish from the University of Auckland, New Zealand
and a post graduate Certificate in Language Teaching to Adults. She then went
on to gain a MA (Hons) in Language Teaching and Learning from the
Cynthia
began her career teaching on a voluntary basis for six months at an
organization called 'Shakti Asian Women's Support Group'. Following this she
taught English to immigrants and overseas students at the Auckland University
of Technology for five years.
Cynthia
arrived in
DAWN MURRAY
Position:
Faculty, English
Nationality:
Scottish
Dawn
graduated from
Dawn
began her teaching career in
Dawn
is married with a son and enjoys water sports, traveling and photography.
EMAN ABDEL-AAL
Position:
Faculty, Math
Nationality
American
Eman
completed her undergraduate studies from the
Eman
held teaching positions in
Eman,
her husband, and two children Yasmine and Omar enjoy
traveling, and sightseeing. Eman likes to collect antiques and souvenirs from
different countries.
FATMA AL-THANI
Position:
Counsellor
Nationality:
Emirati
Fatma
graduated from
Fatma
enjoys reading, listening to music, cooking, and traveling.
GHASSOUB MUSTAFA
Position:
Faculty, English
Nationality:
Palestinian
Ghassoub
is a graduate of the English Department at
Ghassoub
has held teaching positions in
Ghassoub
enjoys reading, and playing sports.
Ghassoub
was the Dubai Women’s College recipient of the Chancellor’s Award
for Outstanding Faculty 1996/97.
GLENYS HENRY
Position: Faculty Bachelor of Education
Nationality: New Zealander
Glenys
completed her Bachelor of Education and Masters in Applied Linguistics at the
Glenys
completed her post graduate qualifications in the area of English as a Second
Language and coordinated an academic English Language Programme for
international students preparing for university study in
Glenys enjoys outdoor activities including sailing and skiing. She has two children who have both completed their schooling and are now studying and working.
Position: Business
Faculty, Insurance Program
Nationality: English
Graham
graduated from the Open University with an MBA in 2002. He is a Fellow of the Chartered
Insurance, a qualification granted by the Chartered Insurance Institute in
2001. In recent times he has been a Senior Examiner with the Chartered Insurance
Institute.
Graham
has worked for 26 years in the insurance industry in the field of broking and
risk management in various organizations. Most recently he spent 16 years at
Aon Limited. During this time he
was an Associate Director and had responsibility for employee learning and
development, client service and Financial Services Authority (FSA)
regulation. A relative newcomer to
Graham
enjoys running and generally keeping fit and spending time relaxing by playing
golf. He and his wife, Mandy, have
two children, Becky and Michael (who also is a keen golfer). Both Mandy and Michael have joined
Graham in
INDRANI HAZARIKA
Position:Business Faculty
Nationality:
Indian
Indrani completed her Master Degree in Commerce with
specialization in Accounting and Finance from Gauhati
University and was the University topper.SheI
was awarded the prestigious Junior Research Fellowship by University Grants
Commission of India for carrying out my research in the area of Finance
and Tax. She is also a qualified Chartered Accountant of the Institute of
Chartered Accountants of India. She holds the following qualificationsa
M.Com- Gold Medalist, PhD, UGC JRF NET, ACA
Indrani served as a permanent faculty at both undergraduate
and post graduate level in Gauhati Commerce College.
She joined JVIMS in 1999 before relocating to Dubai and was a permanent faculty
for under graduate and post graduate Business
Programs. She was also a visiting faculty for Executive MBA program of All
India Management Association and a Financial
Advisor and Tax Consultant of Atika Group of
Companies. Prior to joining HCT she was the Manager Training and Research of
Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange. Where she conducted workshops on Value at
Risk for bank employees in Emirates Institute of Banking and Financial Studies
and had a few national and international publications on Contemporary and
Emerging Issues in Accounting and Finance.
Indrani likes listening to music and reading and spending
time in fundamental analysis on Commodities and FOREX. Learning is her passion.
She
is married to R.K. Das an engineer by profession was with Reliance group of
companies in India. R.K joined the procurement division of Dubai Dry docks in
2006. They are blessed with a daughter Rushika who is
a student of DPS, Dubai.
Position:
Faculty, IT
Nationality:
Irish
Jean
graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 1997 with a B. Ed degree. She started
working in an all
Before
joining the H.C.T. Jean worked as a primary teacher in her hometown in
In
her free time, Jean’s favorite hobby has always been reading but she also
enjoys trying to play the keyboard, art and craft and going to the cinema. She is also keep fit enthusiast and is a
familiar face in the D.W.C. gym.
JIHAD ELKADI
Position:
Faculty, Math
Nationality:
Palestinian
Jihad
completed his BSc in Math at the
Jihad
began his career as teacher. He has taught mathematics in both
Jihad
enjoys sports (soccer, swimming and jogging), music (plays the flute-Nai), reading, cooking and traveling.
JOHAN DE KLERK
Position:
Faculty, Business
Nationality:
South African
Johan
graduated from the
He
worked mainly for ESKOM (SA's electricity distributor), but in various
capacities namely Human Resources Manager, Management Services Manager and
Marketing Manager. At the same time he was doing part-time lecturing in
Management Development Programmes. Since 1994 he started working in his own
private practice as Industrial Psychologist doing training, recruiting,
entrepreneurship development and small business development. He also did
training at pre-graduate and MBA level.
He
is married to Annette, and they have three children. Interests include all
kinds of sport, but especially cricket, and family related activities.
Position:
Faculty, IT
Nationality:
British
Judith
completed her Masters in HRM and Training with the
Judith
started her computing career as an Assistant Data Processing Manager within a
manufacturing company based in the
Before joining the HCT she worked for six
years, employed by a FE college in the
In her free
time, Judith enjoys exploring the U.A.E. and
.
JYOTHI GANGLANI
Position:
Faculty, IT
Nationality:
Indian
Jyothi
started her career as a corporate trainer and systems analyst in the vibrant
software industry in
Jyothi’s husband Pishu
is a senior manager at Emirates Bank and they have a young son Aman. Her hobbies include running, camping, yoga and
reading books. She also enjoys classical music and theatre
KARL HOWARD
Position:
Faculty, English
Nationality: British
Karl
has an MA in French and Linguistics from the
He
started his teaching career in a French ‘lycee’
in Salon-de-Provence before moving to Germany to deliver Business English
in-house training sessions for
Honda and Deutsche Bank. He went on to work in
After 3 years, Karl returned briefly to France (Paris) followed by a stint as Head of Modern Languages at Thames Valley University (Reading, UK) before returning to DWC again in October, 2004.
In
his free time he likes to go running and has been known to pick up a tennis
racket every now and again. His main interests however are music, travel and
languages.
KHALID ANSARI
Position: Faculty, IT and ICDL Coordinator
Nationality: Canadian
Khalid completed his Engineering degree from the Middle East Technical University in Ankara Turkey, and a Masters in Information Technology from University of Liverpool, UK in 2007. He joined Dubai Aluminum Company in 1978 as a trainee engineer in the production area. He moved to the Training department in 1981 and moved up to Head of Training and Development in 1995. He migrated to Canada in 1997. Khalid has numerous IT Certifications such as MCSE, CCNA, CCNP, CCAI, CCDA, CCDP, ICDL and MCT. He held a position of Professor/Coordinator of Data Communication at Seneca College in Toronto for three years before joining DWC in 2003.
Khalid also worked as an IT consultant in Toronto for corporate sector and community colleges. He has also facilitated training in many others areas such as Quality Assurance, Management and Personal Effectiveness.
Khalid loves Dubai, he enjoys playing Golf, Cricket, and Table Tennis; he also loves watching cricket games. Since he left Pakistan when he was 20; he has traveled extensively. He has lived in the UAE, Canada, Germany, USA, and Turkey for most of his life. He and wife Farhana have seven children (5 boys and 2 girls), and they love to go out together and enjoy nature as a family especially in the mountains, and have all kinds of fun. Their three sons and a daughter are studying in Toronto. If you need Table Tennis coaching you may contact him
.
KHATIJA SULEMAN
Position:
Faculty Health Sciences Pharmacy
Nationality:
South African
Khatija
completed her Bachelor of Pharmacy and Masters in Clinical Pharmacology in
She
has had varied work exposure from retail and hospital pharmacy before venturing
into the academic field. After a few years in education, Khatija joined the
pharmaceutical and blood banking industry for 4 years before taking up the
position at DWC to continue her career in education.
She
finds
Although
she has two active boys which demand most of her leisure time as well, Khatija
enjoys reading, movies and good company.
LAURA McNABB
Position: Faculty, English
Nationality: Canadian
Laura first
completed her BA degree in English and French in 1993 at
1996 marked
the beginning of EFL teaching for Laura when she took a position at an
after-school language institute in
Laura’s first love is curling, but her countries of residence in recent years have meant a change. She enjoys taekwondo, basketball, and running, but wants to put her main focus on developing her golf game beyond sporadic beginner. At a less energetic level, Laura likes to relax with reading or music.
LINDA DUNCAN
Position: Program Quality Assurance Coordinator
Nationality: British
Linda
has a Masters in Quality Management from the
She
started her career in
Linda
lives in
MASOOD ABDULWAHAB
Position:
Faculty, English
Nationality:
Pakistani
Masood
graduated from the
He
has taught English at the
Masood
enjoys reading, playing chess, surfing the net and is interested in cricket. He
has three daughters and one son. One of his daughters got married and has
completed her BcCom from
Position:
Faculty, English
Nationality:
British
Maureen
graduated from
Maureen
has worked at DWC for nine years. She joined DWC as a part-time English
language instructor in Feb 1992 and became a full time member of faculty in
August 1992.She has worked in the
CD, Foundations and HD programmes and is currently teaching English on the OTEC
programme in CD2. She is a qualified PET and IELTS examiner, an ISW facilitator
and a certified 7 Habits facilitator. She is currently following a Counselling Skills course and studying for an M.Ed.
Outside DWC Maureen is an active member of the Dubai Stillbirth & Neo-Natal Death Society and has presented for the Society at a number of hospitals throughout the U.A.E. Maureen is an avid reader and has participated in a book review panel for Emirates Radio and has been guest storyteller for a local bookshop. Maureen enjoys sailing, windsurfing, long walks on the beach, hiking, biking, and traveling extensively -in her dreams. In reality Maureen spends her "free" time ferrying her children to their various social engagements. At weekends she enjoys dining out with her husband and friends and Friday family days at the beach, parks or pool.
MELISSA JONES
Position: Physical Education Teacher, Fitness Center
Nationality: Australian
Melissa has completed a double Bachelor Degree in Applied Science (Human Movement and Education at Deakin University in Melbourne and is currently undertaking a Masters in Sports Marketing and Management from the same University. She also has many other sport education qualifications such as her Austswim, swim teacher award, St John’s First Aid Trainers Certificate, Royal Lifesaving award and a Certificate VI in workplace training and assessment.
Melissa has worked in a number of education environments in both Australia and the United Kingdom before taking up her present position at DWC. She has worked in both the Secondary and Primary educational areas and with a variety of students to develop Fundamental Motor Skills.
Melissa enjoys running, netball and being active. She has travelled extensively over the last few years and is looking forward to continuing her travels from her home in Dubai. She is married to Matthew, a Brit, who has a love for Manchester United. Her goal in life is to convert Matthew to Australian Rules Football, and the Richmond Tigers, as his preferred sport and club, but she thinks it may be just a dream!
MICHELLE HOUSLEY
Position: Faculty, IT/Business
Nationality: Canadian
Michelle graduated from the University of Calgary in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She then taught English in Japan for one year and then worked in the advertising field for another two years in Japan. She decided education was her true passion and returned to the University of Calgary to earn her Master of Teaching degree with a specialization in Educational Technology. After graduation she taught IT to middle school, high school and adult education students. In 2006 she earned her Master of Arts Degree in Instructional Design and was awarded the Canadian Graduate Scholarship Award for her innovative research on virtual environments in education. In 2006 she was presented the Technology Instructor of the Year Award and the Innovative Computer Project Award. In the summer of 2006 Michelle and her husband decided to leave Canada for warmer weather and new challenges.
Michelle enjoys playing golf and water sports.
NANCY MALONEY
Position:
Faculty, Business
Nationality:
Canadian
She
has lived in the U.A.E. since 1987.
NARJES AHMED
Position: Faculty, English
Nationality: Bahraini
Narjes
completed her first degree in English Literature, Translation and Education from
the University of Bahrain in 2003. Two years later, she was lucky to gain a
scholarship to pursue her higher education abroad. Narjes has chosen the field
of Masters in Applied Linguistics, as she has always been fond of Linguistics.
She completed her MA from the University of Reading,
UK in September 2006.
Before
graduation, Narjes had voluntarily participated in teaching English to blind
students at the University of Bahrain and to needy students at her
village’s charity fund. Soon after graduation, Narjes worked as an
English language teacher in a couple of small institutes before joining Bahrain
Training Institute in September 2003, which is considered one of the largest
vocational training institutes in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Narjes moved to
the U.A.E and joined DWC in August, 2007.
Narjes finds
great pleasure in travelling, swimming, aerobics and reading. However, most of
her time is spent in finding opportunities to develop her career prospects and
widen her experience. Her slogan in life is “No pain, No gain!”. Narjes is happily married since 2004 to a Marine
Engineer.
Position:
Faculty, English
Nationality:
Iranian
Nayereh
received a BA in English Translation from the
She
taught EFL/ESP at the former Iran-America Society,
Nayereh
is in
NICK FALLOWS
Position: Faculty, English
Nationality: British
Nick
is a British EFL teacher who graduated from Plymouth Polytechnic with a B.Sc.
in Environmental Science. He began teaching in
Next,
he moved onto
In
his free time Nick enjoys playing sport, especially tennis. He completed his
Masters degree in Educational technology from the
NICOLE SHAMMAS
Position:
Faculty, English
Nationality:
New Zealander
Nicole
graduated in English Literature from the
Nicole
started teaching English 'by accident' while traveling in the
Nicole
enjoys spending her time reading, traveling and watching movies and now looking
after her two boys.
Position:
Faculty, Mathematics
Nationality:
Canadian
Nuzhat
has a BSc in Science and a Post graduate Certificate in Education from
Nuzhat
started her teaching career in
Ten
years ago she moved to UAE. She worked at Sharjah Women’s College where
she taught Health Science and Math courses as well as set up the Health
Sciences Laboratories. She then moved to Abu Dhabi Women’s College and
taught Maths and Computing to HD Foundations and Diploma Foundations.
In
her free time, Nuzhat likes to do gardening, reading a good book, and going for
coffee with her family and friends.
PAMELA HAWKSWELL
Position:
Faculty, English
Nationality:
Australian
Pamela had
her first taste of living overseas in 1987 - 88 when she worked in
Knightsbridge London in Personnel Recruitment. She returned to
In 1993 she moved to
Pamela has a
Masters in Applied Linguistics and completed a second Masters in Training
& Performance Management from
She enjoys fashion, travel, tennis, swimming, gym work, reading and movies.
PAT HLEIHEL
Position:
Faculty, Business
Nationality:
American
Pat Hleihel
is from greater
She holds a
Masters Degrees in Middle East Studies (
Her latest
experience was as a Project Manager for the Amiri Flight in
Pat is
married with one grown daughter Danielle who is a junior in Biology-Chemistry
at the
PATRICK DEVITT
Position:
Faculty, English
Nationality:
British
Patrick
received his BA in Modern English Studies from UWIST, his MA in Applied
Linguistics (AELS/TEFL) from UWCC and his PGCE/FE from UWIC, all colleges of
the University of Wales, Cardiff.
Prior
to joining DWC Patrick spent three years as the EFL supervisor of the Military
School of Languages in Kuwait. He has also taught in
Patrick is
married to Clare and they have two children, John and Anna. Much of his free
time is taken up with his family, but in what is left over he likes to play the
guitar, draw and keep fit.
PATRICK GREEN
Position:
Faculty, English
Nationality:
American
At home
Patrick enjoys reading, photography watching baseball games and serving an
ungrateful cat he rescued in Al Ain.
He also enjoys most outdoor sports, including camping, running, sailing,
backpacking, and hiking, but really excels in softball in which he has twice
been on championship teams at the Dubai Middle East Softball Championships.
PENNY ARCHER
Position: Business Faculty
Nationality: NZ and Australian (depending on the sport!)
Penny was born in New Zealand, has spent many years in Australia and worked in England, Germany, Australia, Indonesia, Greece and the UAE.She has spent most of her pre-teaching life in Public Relations and Marketing in Australia before joining the HCT in 1994 at RKW. She holds an MBA in Educational Management (Leicester University), a Grad. Certificate of Adult Education and Training (University of New England) and a TESOL Diploma.
She was previously responsible for marketing her city through its Free Zones to Asian businesses and travelled extensively through SE Asia on promotional tours arranging Government to Government and Business to Business meetings and seminars. She has also been the Managing Editor of a Business magazine, the Director of an interactive Marketing Suite and has been on the personal staff of two politicians.
After leaving the HCT in 2002, Penny spent a couple of years in Europe before heading back to Dubai to open an internet marketing business in Dubai Media City. She rejoined the HCT (DWC) in September2007.
PHILIP BREAR
Position:
Faculty, Business
Nationality:
British
Philip
was born in Yorkshire in
After
eight years at the
Age
wise, one of the older members of staff, Philip is married with FOUR children.
His interests and hobbies have changed over the years from Tennis and Chess in
the
He has written 3 course tests for HCT’s Financial Services and Banking HD Programme and is well known for creating and running the Bazaar Bank every year since 1997. Philip is currently involved with the MeBank/MeUniversity development in the FSRV Program.
P.J. MOORE
Position:
English Faculty
Nationality:
American
P.J.
came to the DWC via FWC where he started in 2009. Before that, P.J.
taught EFL in the Czech Republic, at Chungnam
National University in Daejeon, South Korea as well
as ESL in San Francisco and Chicago. He has been an administrator in
Thailand as well as running an international language schools in
California. Teacher Training is his real focus and he has taught graduate
courses at San Francisco State University as well at Sookmyung
University in Seoul, Korea including SLA Theory and Intercultural
Communication.
P.J.
is a bit of a sports nut following his beloved baseball and college
football. He plays various sports through DUPLAYS in Dubai and also enjoy running marathons. He and his wife Min Kyung can
never be found in Dubai during the breaks as travelling is their primary
passion. His interests also include reading, writing, theatre, guitar, jazz and punk music.
He
has a BA from Millikin University in English
Literature, an RSA/CELTA, an M.A. in Applied
Linguistics from the University of New England (Australia) and is currently
working on his Doctorate of Education (TESOL) at the University of Exeter,
Dubai.
PUSHPA SADHWANI (PAM)
Position: English Faculty
Nationality: Malaysian
Pushpa earned her BA from the University of North Texas in Communication and Public Address with a minor in English. She completed her MA in English Language Teaching from the British University in Dubai. Pushpa is CELTA qualified and also holds a certificate in jewelry design from the Gemological Institute of America.
Pushpa has worked in Qatar, Thailand and in the UAE (for 10 years). In Dubai, Pushpa worked at the Al Ittihad Private School, the Dubai Men’s College and later joined the Institute of Applied Technology where she taught and worked as an English Coordinator.
Pushpa enjoys fashion designing, shopping and health resorts. Her husband Raj is in the jewelry business. They have a charming daughter, Bianca.
RAO KVN
Position:
Faculty, Business
Nationality:
Indian
Rao
has a degree in Management studies from Birla Institute of Technology &
Science, Pilani, India and went on to complete his
MBA from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh.
He
spent his first few years after graduation as a Systems executive in different
companies in
He
is a very keen cricketer and an avid soccer fan. He also loves to spend most of
his free time with his wife and two daughters.
RICHARD PEEL
Position: English
Faculty
Nationality: British
Richard
graduated from the University of Birmingham, England with a
BA (Hons) in 1990. He entered the field of TEFL in 1992, embarking on an
RSA CELTA course at
Richard
completed the RSA DELTA course in 1999 and his MSc TESOL at
In
his free time, Richard enjoys martial arts, weight-training and diving. His
wife is Italian and works in a media monitoring company in
RITA AL ROUADY
Position:
Faculty, Math
Nationality:
Lebanese
Rita received
her Masters in mathematics from the Faculty of Science at the
In 1993, Rita
moved with her husband to the UAE where she taught math and science for eight
years to intermediate and secondary levels at private international schools in
Rita enjoys
music, reading, swimming, traveling and cooking. At university, she was the vice
president of the student council and a member of an amateur theatre company
with whom she acted in two stage productions.
Rita enjoys
living in the UAE with her husband Alexander, their two children Noor and Tarek
both born in the Emirates.
ROBERT (BOB)
O’BERT
Position:
English Teacher, Foundations
Nationality:
American
Bob has two graduate-level
degrees; one in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, the other in English.
His undergraduate work was in Business Administration.
Bob started
his career in Real Estate, selling homes and barren plots of land to eager
families willing to make a go in the
Bob is a
newlywed with two small children. He has become quite boring because he has no
time for anything but work and family.
ROSALIND RICE
Position:
Faculty, Business
Nationality:
(Scottish) British
Rosalind
graduated from Glasgow College of Technology in Commerce. After graduation she
moved to
Rosalind
has taught in various Secondary Schools and Further Education Colleges in
Central and
This
is Rosalind’s first experience of life in the UAE. She joined HCT in
March 1997 and is enjoying life in
Hobbies
include, traveling, reading and music.
ROSENDO ANGELES
Position:
Faculty, Maths
Nationality:
Australian
Prior
to his appointment at HCT- Dubai Women’s College, Rosendo has been
teaching for the last three years in the USA as a Visiting International
Faculty in Greenville, South Carolina. While in the US, he has travelled to the
magnificent places of New York, Georgia, North Carolina, Washington DC,
Florida, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Las Vegas.
Rosendo
has also lived in and taught Maths across parts of Australia, namely Perth, Kargorlie, Karratha, Canberra and
Sydney.
Rosendo
completed his Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Teaching- Secondary
Mathematics at Curtin University and Western Australia College of Advanced
Education (WACAE), now Edith Cowan University at Perth, Western Australia.
Rosendo
originally came from Manila, the Philippines where he completed his Master
degree in Mathematics at the University of the Philippines, Diliman
and his Bachelor degree, major in Mathematics, as a scholar at Pamantasan ng Lungsod
ng Maynila ( University of the City of Manila).
Married
to Trinidad Santos and blessed with two smart boys named Ram and Tim.
RUSSELL IFFLAND
Position:
Faculty, Business
Nationality:
Australian
Russell
graduated with his teaching qualification in 1972 and a Bachelor of Business in
1985 from the now named Queensland University of Technology.
Russell
initially taught for 16 years in
Russell
and his wife Maggie came to the UAE in 1998 and are very much enjoying living
and working in the
Position:
Faculty, Business & IT
Nationality: Lebanese
Married with
three children,
Position: Faculty, Math
Nationality: Palestinian
Sana’a completed her Bachelor degree in Mathematics at University of Sindh in Pakistan as well as a Master degree in Mathematics (University of Sindh) and a Master degree in Computing and Information Systems from University of Hull in United Kingdom. Sana’a also has a Diploma in Graphic Design from Derby Computer Training Centre in UK and a Diploma in Fine Arts from The Sharjah Institute for Fine Arts. Currently, Sana’a is registered for CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) through the Information Systems Audit and Control Association – ISACA in USA.
Sana’a worked for many organizations within United Arab Emirates before entering the education and then the teaching field. She started as a banker for Mashreq Bank for six years and left the banking to join Dubai University College as an Admission Officer for three years and then moved to The American University of Sharjah as a registration officer for two years. Sana’a then joined the HCT in 2004 and worked for CERT as Part Time ICDL lecturer for one year and then as an Adjunct Math and IT Instructor for the Engineering Department at DMC for two years.
Sana’a enjoys paintings, graphic designing, decorating, reading and listening to music. She also enjoys hanging out with friends and watching movies. (not forgetting the shopping especially in DUBAI). She has traveled extensively but has not ever been in Palestine (her homeland). Sana’a was raised in the UAE with her family and loves this country a lot. She is waiting one day to see her own country; the holy land Palestine.
SATYA KLEVER
Position:
Faculty, English
Nationality:
New Zealander
Satya
graduated in English Literature and Education from the
Satya
started her teaching career as a high school English teacher and moved into
language teaching 'by accident' after being offered a language teaching job at
a party.
Satya
is married to Mark, an architect, and they have two gorgeous daughters Maia and
Delaney. When she’s not working, studying or hanging out with her
kids, Satya enjoys reading, traveling and watching movies.
SENAN GIBSON
Position:
Faculty, IT
Nationality:
Australian\Irish
Senan
completed a Diploma in Hotel Management from Shannon College of Hotel
Management in 1980 before undertaking a Diploma of Teaching in Brisbane in
1990. Following on from this, Senan then completed his Bachelor of Education in
1993 from the University of Southern Queensland and then his Masters’ of
Science (Education) in December 2000 from Curtin University in Western
Australia.
Senan
worked in hotel management for ten years before a complete career change in
1988 when he embarked on a career in education by teaching in an Australian
Technical and Further Education Institution (TAFE). In 1996 and 1997 Senan
worked in Indonesia training staff for the Sheraton Hotel company on short term
secondments from TAFE. Then in 1998 Senan came to
work for HCT in Dubai Women’s College until 2001 when he returned to TAFE
Australia. In 2007 Senan returned to HCT Dubai Women’s College to his
present position as an IT teacher.
Senan
enjoys travelling and spending time with his family. He has lived in a variety
of countries from Venezuela to the Virgin Islands, but now calls Australia
home. Senan and his wife Catherine have 4 children, 3 of whom are living with
him here in Dubai whilst the eldest undertakes university studies back in
Australia. Senan considers his greatest ongoing achievement in life to be
raising his children.
SHANKAR SUBRAMANI
Position:
Faculty, Business
Nationality:
Indian
Shankar
holds an MBA from
Shankar
has over 10 years of experience in the Accountancy world. Four of those years
have been spent in Accountancy and Management Consultancy firms. He possesses a
good knowledge of computers specifically computerised
accounting packages.
Shankar
first came to the Emirates in 1988 as Accountant for a local company. He then moved
to work for Philips International and left his position of Executive - Finance
and Administration to join the HCT in February 1991.
Shankar
was the Dubai Women’s College recipient of the Chancellor’s Award
for Outstanding Faculty 2003/04.
Shankar’s
current area of professional interest is Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
solutions such as Oracle Financials and SAP in which he has been trained for
implementation.
Shankar
would be glad to have company to play chess and likes to explore the esoteric
aspects of Yoga. Shankar and Shanthi have a daughter Shravanthi and a son Pranav.
STEVE TERNEY
Position:
Faculty, English
Nationality:
American
Steve
joined DWC in 1993 and since then has taught HD English in the Business,
Communications Technology and Health Sciences programs. He enjoys working with
students and has been an advisor to the Student Council for the past six years.
He chairs the College Publications Committee and in 2000 won the
Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Faculty of the Year.
Steve
and his wife previously lived in
Steve’s
wife is Turkish and works for Emirates Airlines. They have a twelve-year-old
daughter, who attends the
STEVEN ZAY
Position:
Faculty, Health Sciences
Nationality:
Canadian/Hungarian
Steven’s
credentials include a PhD. in Chemistry, a Doctor of Pharmacy degree & a
BSc (Hons) in pharmaceutical sciences. He holds
certificates in Drug Analysis, Environmental Analytical Chemistry &
Municipal Wastewater Treatment. He is also a registered pharmacist.
Steven
has 28 years of academic experience in Higher Education. While holding various
professorships with reputable universities Steven had opportunities to work as
a scientific consultant on innovative research projects for European &
North-American pharmaceutical, chemical & cosmetic companies. His research
pursuits have loud the foundation for the development of novel drug delivery
systems, new cosmetics and international patents. His portfolio of published
papers in reputable international scientific journals & conference
activities are a reflection of his research interest.
Steven
is proud of being a part of the HCT team. He is excited about the HCT mission,
the progressive approach to student centered teaching & learning,
e-learning activities & the
implementation of the New HCT Learning Model to the Health Science curriculum.
As the Curriculum Leader of the Pharmacy program he has made a significant
contribution to the development of the Pharmacy HD & the B.Pharm.
degree programs at DWC.
Steven
leads a healthy life style. On a regular basis he exercises in the gym, rides
on bike
& swims in the sea. Steven does not smoke. He prefers eating
vegetarian foods. Steven cannot live without music, arts & reading. He
loves nature, people
& believes that every place has its own charm.
SUDIPA MAJUMDAR
Position:
Faculty, Business
Nationality:
Indian
Sudipa
completed her B.Sc in Economics at Presidency
College, Kolkata and went on to complete her Masters in Economics from JNU, New
Delhi and then her PhD in Economics at IGIDR, Mumbai.
Sudipa
began her career as Economist at the Confederation of Indian Industry, the apex
industrial organization in India. Later, she was the Economist at the Research
division of ICRA Ltd, one of the largest credit rating agencies in India. In
1999, Sudipa went on to start her own Consultancy firm – Newel
Consultants proved to be a huge success through business partnerships with
leading firms all across the globe. By 2001, Newel Consultants was a leading
data analyst companies boasting clientele from USA, Europe and Asia.
Since
2001, Sudipa became an integral part of the University of
Wales College in India and was then involved with the Symbiosis Institute in
Pune. In 2007, Sudipa travelled to South Korea and joined the Solbridge International School of Business under the Woosong University and became a part of an international
faculty and was the curriculum advisor for Business. During all these years,
Newel Consultants reached greater heights.
Sudipa’s husband, Jaydeep,
spent many years with Allianz Life Insurance and finally joined Reliance Capital,
as the Regional Head for Middle East. He shifted to Dubai in 2008 and this
prompted Sudipa’s move from South Korea to
Dubai with her son. She joined the DWC in 2008.
Sudipa
enjoys music – she holds a Diploma in piano from the Royal School of Music,
London, and tries to keep in touch with music in her spare time.
SUNA NAKHARE
Position:
Faculty, IT
Nationality:
Indian
Suna
graduated in 1990 from
She
worked at the Alliance Francaise as a translator and
a librarian before coming to
Suna
is interested in reading, tennis, languages, traveling and music.
SUSAN TAYLOR
Position:
Faculty, English
Nationality:
Canadian
Sue
completed her undergraduate degree in Geography and Anthropology at the
After
several years teaching in
Sue
is here with her husband, Scott a daughter and son, and is lucky to have her
father living “down the road” in Abu Dhabi. She enjoys traveling,
swimming, and reading, and can also be found scuba diving as long as the water
isn’t too cold!
TAMIR MOHAMED
Position:
Faculty, Business
Nationality:
Australian
During
his Masters program,
Tamir
has 3 boys and 2 daughters, and enjoy discovering the UAE deserts, and the surrounding
areas.
Dr. WALID A. ZGALLAI
Position: Biomedical Engineering Faculty
Nationality: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Dr. Zgallai obtained a PhD Degree in Electrical Engineering (Major: Biomedical) from City University London, MSc in Communications and Signal Processing from the University of London, a postgraduate Diploma from Imperial College of Science, Medicine, and Technology, London, a Post Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching from Thames Valley University, London, a BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Kuwait University, and a BSc in Electrical Engineering from Tripoli University.
Before joining DWC in 2011, he worked as a Senior Lecturer, Enterprise Fellow, and a Programme Leader in Electrical Engineering at West London University, UK. He has also lectured at Halifax College, UK. He worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Research Associate, Research Assistant, and Teaching Assistant at City University London, UK. He also worked within the NHS, UK, and the IT industry. He has been a member of professional bodies including the IEEE, IET, and IKT. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK. He published 31 refereed papers in international journals and conferences. He obtained grants circa 840,000 AED. He has been an External Examiner for Electrical Engineering programmes at the University of East London, UK, Aston University, UK, Legenda Linton College, Malaysia, and Stamford College, Malaysia. He has been invited to chair sessions at international conferences, referee IEEE, IET publications, and EPSRC, UK grants proposals. He supervised PhD, MSc, and BEng thesis and dissertations. He trained engineers from the Ministry of Electricity and Water, Kuwait, Scottish and Southern Energy, UK, EON, UK, National Grid, UK, Vodafone, UK, O2, and Ericsson, UK. He collaborated with industry (including Huntleigh Healthcare and Huntleigh Diagnostics) and hospitals (the Royal Free and University College Medical School, Royal Brompton Hospital, North Middlesex Hospital, and St George’s Hospital, Bristol Hospital, all in the UK).
Walid is married with two little monsters. He enjoys travelling, swimming, walking (in Berkshire), reading (formerly by his own, currently to the two monsters), badminton, squash, football, and chess. However, most of the time he is dragged into playgrounds, parks, and theme parks, if not into watching the X factor, Strictly Dancing etc. He has been to Tunisia (x2), Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, Cyprus (x2), Greece (x4, Athens, Santorini, and Corfu), Austria (Innsbruck, love it), Switzerland (x3), Germany, Denmark, England, Wales, and Scotland.
YASEMIN ALTAS
Position:
Faculty, English
Nationality: Turkish
Yasemin
was born and raised up in Germany, so has always had a big interest in
Languages.
Her
Family returned to Turkey, where she finished school and started university.
She finished Middle East Technical University in Ankara with a major in Foreign
Language Education and a minor in German. She got her DELTA (Diploma of
Teaching English to Adults, Cambridge University) in 2001 and completed her MA
in Management in Education at Bilkent University,
Ankara, where she worked for many years in several positions as an English
instructor, curriculum & materials developer and test writer. She has published articles and online materials and also
has lent her voice to the listening strand of a series of language books and
tests published by Bilkent University, so she is
hoping to become famous one day. Her major interest is testing (item writing)and after she joined HCT in 2007, she also became a
qualified Cambridge (UCLES) Oral Examiner.
In addition, she pursued her other
interest; teacher training, and has recently become a certified CELTA Tutor
(Certificate of English Language teaching to Adults, Cambridge University).
Yasemin
loves outdoors and is mostly happy being under the sky or under the water,
diving. She adores animals and loves travelling & photography. She has also
been actively involved in drama since her student life. She is currently an
active member of the Dubai Drama Club.
Ancillary Staff and Non Teaching Faculty
ALICIA SALAZ
Position:
Librarian
Nationality: Americian
Alicia holds
her B. Arts degree at Portland State University and complete
her Master of Library Science degree from the University of Washington in
2006. As an undergraduate, she spent time teaching English and Spanish to
non-native speakers and travelled to Latin America a few times to teach and
study.
Alicia has
worked in libraries from the tender age of 16. From school onward, she worked
for public and academic libraries in the Northwest, doing everything from
public services to archives development to strategic planning and management.
Prior to joining the HCT, she worked for Concordia University in Portland.
Alicia and
her husband, Dan, enjoy reading, travel, board games, disc golf, hiking, and
watching tennis and American football, particularly with friends and family.
ALISON HARDING
Position:
Executive Assistant to the Director
Nationality:
British
Alison
studied up to O level standard at a girl’s grammar school in Batley,
Alison began
her career in 1978 at the then
Alison has a
passion for cats, has two Russian Blues ‘
ANNE MARIE BAPTISTE
Position: Community & Career Services Officer
Nationality:
British
Anne-Marie studied up to O level in a comprehensive school in London. She went on to gain a secretarial diploma at Kilburn Polytechnic.
Since arriving in the UAE in 1999, she worked for FedEx for a year before Joining Dubai Women’s College in 2001. She took a break in 2007 for 16 months and returned to Dubai Women’s College in February 2009.
Anne-Marie is married and has 2 daughters. She enjoys reading, travelling and spending time with her family.
ANTONIO A. E. D'CUNHA (Tony)
Position:
Housing and Visa Officer
Nationality:
Indian
Tony
first arrived in the UAE in 1974 and has worked in a number of different
positions in
Tony
joined HCT on 25th May 1989 and signed a permanent contract on 1st August 1989.
From
August 1989 to July 1993 Tony worked for Dubai Men's College and was then
transferred to the Women's College. Tony handled visa and housing arrangements
for both campuses from 1989 until June 1995, when Dubai Men's appointed their
own Housing/Visa Officer.
Tony
is the first and last person DWC staff will see. As you arrive, Tony will greet
you at the airport, as you leave Tony will see you off.
Tony
is married with 3 children and resides in Sharjah.
In
his spare time, Tony enjoys fishing, playing table tennis, volleyball,
collecting stamps and watching TV soccer.
BASSIMA AL ALYAH
Position:
Administration Assistant – Academic Services
Nationality:
Lebanese
Bassima
graduated from the
From
1995 till July 1997, Bassima worked for the Interior Ministry of Beirut in the
General Manager’s Office - in Al Diwan and for the Computer Department as
a Data Entry Operator, assistant during the parliamentary elections.
She
got married and came to the UAE in July 1997. She joined the HCT as temp in
August, and became permanent in February 1998.
Bassima
loves swimming, reading, cooking and horse riding.
BINDU FERNANDO
Position:
Executive Assistant
Nationality:
Indian
Bindu
has a Masters in English Literature and currently doing MPhil in the same
subject.
Before
joining DWC, Bindu was working with the Commercial Department of Emirates
Airlines for 4 years.
Bindu
enjoys reading, writing poetry/ articles and travelling. Jude Fernando is her
husband and Sachin is her 4 year old son.
CATHERINE NAMOUR
Position:
Admin. Officer Dept of Educational Technology
Nationality:
American
Catherine
gained a certificate in Medical Assisting/Medical Office Management in 1985.
Since
arriving in the UAE in 1989 she has held various administrative positions,
including five years as Administrator at an aerial photography and mapping
company here in Sharjah. She joined Dubai Women's College in 1996.
Catherine has three charming boys. She enjoys spending time with her family, the cinema, pop and jazz music and outdoor activities.
DEZZIL MENEZES
Position:
Administration
Assistant, Business Programs
Nationality:
Indian
Dezzil
graduated from the Mangalore University, Karnataka, India in 2005 with a degree
in Bachelor of Computer Applications.
She
started her career immediately after the completion of graduation. Before
joining HCT, she was working for Gulf Oil Middle East Ltd as an Administration
Executive.
Dezzil
has recently got married and is busy settling things for her new home and job.
She enjoys singing, gardening and cooking.
DINA HEGAZI
Position:
HD Registration Officer, Academic Services
Nationality:
Egyptian
Dina
completed her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration at the
From
1989 to 1994 Dina worked in
Dina
speaks Arabic, English and a little French. She enjoys spending the rest of her
day after work with her two children Hussain and Sondos.
DOMINIC MONTEIRO
Position:
Administrative Assistant
Nationality:
Indian
Dominic
arrived in the Emirates in 1977 having already had four years of experience in
Dominic
carries out local purchasing for the College, collects and sorts the mail, is
the College ‘bank’ and bill-payment man.
Dominic
is well versed with the roads, streets, highways and traffic regulations of
FRASER MACDONALD
Position:
Audio/Visual Technician (Communication Technology)
Nationality: Scottish
Fraser graduated from
Fraser first worked in the U.A.E. with the Higher Colleges at Academic Services
in
Fraser is married, has a passion for cinema and PS2 and hopes that he will not
adopt any more animals, as the three dogs and a cat he and Jo do have are
eating their CD's faster than he can replace them! Jo and Fraser have two young
daughters. There is never a quiet minute in Fraser’s house!
HOSUN ADEL ALIEF
Position:
Visa/Housing Assistant
Nationality:
Jordanian
Hosun
completed her high school studies in
When
Hosun is not working, she enjoys reading and outdoor activities.
IBRAHIM ATHUGAM
Position:
Office Assistant
Nationality:
Indian
Ibrahim
completed his Higher Secondary Education in 1982
Ibrahim
came to the Emirates in 1987 and joined a maintenance company and was seconded
to a Dubai Petroleum Company as an Office Assistant. Prior to his first experience of Dubai
Women’s College, he as also worked as a maintenance supervisor for an
Import/Export company.
In 1989 Ibrahim was seconded to the
College as a Security Officer. He
built up his knowledge of several computer packages and was appointed an Office
Assistant in April 1992.
Ibrahim
is whiz with his keyboard skills and has built up a speed of over 70 wpm.
Ibrahim
Speaks English, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, Urdu and Arabic.
JOAQUIM PEREIRA
Position: Facilities
Assistant
Nationality:
Indian
Prior
to joining Dubai Women's College in October 1989, Joaquim worked for an ice
cream company in Sharjah.
Joaquim
was appointed in August 1989 on a temporary basis and was made permanent in
October of that year. Joaquim was the College’s first driver and he would
ferry up to six students to as far as Umm Al Quwain
twice daily.
Joaquim
is married with two children.
JOHN MONTEIRO
Position:
Facilities Assistant
Nationality:
Indian
John
worked for a pharmaceutical company in
John
enjoys his work at DWC and hopes to give and learn more.
John
enjoys reading, listening to classical music and movies and loves to go fishing
and camping.
LUMINA PINTO
Position: Admin Assistant
Nationality: Indian
Lumina
completed her Bachelor of Commerce from the
She worked with Citibank for a year in the HR Dept & Audit Dept and for over four years with EPPCO as a retail accountant. She joined DWC in January, 2004 in an admin capacity looking forward to working in an academic environment.
Her
interests include reading, gardening, painting, and crosswords. She enjoys
spending time with family especially her children Leanne & Brendan.
NAIDA DAAN
Position:
Library Assistant
Nationality:
Philippino
Naida holds Bachelor Degree of Library and Information Science (Library Science) in University of San Jose Recoletos (Cebu, Philippines). She has been working 8 consecutive years in the library department which experiencing different librarian position.
She likes watching movies, singing, playing guitar and cooking. Now that she’s been here in Dubai since 2006, she enjoying it to the fullest.
PRIYA THOMAS
Position:
Library Technician
Nationality:
Indian
Priya
completed her Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature from the
Mahatma Gandhi University in ‘Gods own country’, Kerala, India.
Thereupon, worked in a non-banking financial institution for two years during
which she clearly learned to appreciate the hard work that her parents must
have gone through to keep the children ‘in style and comfort’
Priya’s love for reading and spending time in
the libraries during her graduation prompted her to do her Bachelors in Library
and Information sciences from the Indira Gandhi National Open University . Like the rest of the universe, Priya too was
under the misconception that working in the library would be the ultimate
Nirvana for anyone who loves to read!! Imagine being surrounded by books and
being accessible to it all the time???!!! Well, like every other person who has
worked in the Library, she too found out that you have time for everything else
but to read!!!.But she wouldn’t change her job
or her field for all the gold in the world!! She loves it!
After
the completion of her Lib. Science Degree Priya worked with St. Albert’s
College, Cochin and then Navanirman Public school,
Cochin before joining her husband here in Dubai where she worked with Emirates
International School before joining HCT.
Oh,
and yes, other than reading (obviously!) Priya loves to glass paint, listen to
music and cook..
Currently
she is doing her Masters in Management of Library & Information Technology
from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. Her
husband Don( who was also her College mate) is a
Travel Manager. They have two boys Tarun and
Aryan and who tend to keep life interesting for their parents at home.
SALEENA RUDRAKUMAR
Position:
Library
Technician
Nationality: Indian
Saleena
graduated from University of Kerala with a B Sc in Mathematics. She joined the
Bachelor degree in Library and Information Science program with the University
of Kerala and was a University topper. Saleena also holds a Masters degree in
Library and Information Science from the University of Kerala and was a Gold
medalist for the same. She was also awarded the Junior Research Fellowship
& Eligibility for Lectureship by the University Grants Commission of
India.
Saleena has
worked in academic and research libraries in India and she has got 12 years
experience in library field. Saleena began her career in libraries with Mahatma
Gandhi University in Kerala. She later joined the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for
Biotechnology (Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala) and was assigned the task of setting
up the library. Saleena moved to the UAE after her marriage. In Dubai, Saleena has worked with the
London School of Economics (Dubai campus) and the British University in
Dubai.
Saleena has
been living in U A E for the last 8 years. She is married to Rudran, a civil engineer working for Cansult Maunsell Consultancy
and they have a lovely daughter Malavika. Saleena's hobbies include listening to music, watching
movies, reading and cooking.
SAJAN THOMAS
Position:
IT Support Specialist
Nationality:
Indian
Sajan
graduated from
Sajan
started his career as a Programmer in
He
is married to Susan and has two daughters Sneha and Mahima. He enjoys playing shuttle badminton, cricket and socialising.
SUNNY SKARIAH
Position:
Admin. Assistant, Educational Technology Dept.
Nationality:
Indian
Sunny
completed certificates qualifying him as an Electrician and Wireman in 1983.
He
worked in
Sunny’s wife and son live in Kerala and he
looks forward to them joining him here soon. He speaks Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu
and Tamil. He enjoys movies and music and spending time with his relatives here
in the UAE.
THOMAS CHERIAN
Position:
Teaching Technician, Health Sciences
Nationality:
Indian
Thomas
completed his Bachelors and Masters degree in Biological Sciences from Kerala University, Post
graduate diploma in Higher Education from Bombay University and M.I.Biol. by research from the
Institute of Biology, London. He had his preliminary computer education at
NIIT, Bombay and trained in various technical and medical education programs at
the Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University..
Thomas
started his career as a senior school science teacher and later taught at
colleges in
Thomas is
currently enrolled in a Doctoral Program in Applied Sciences by published
research work at
the University of Sunderland, UK.
His research
interests are in the field of smooth and cardiac muscle physiology and
pharmacology, neurotransmitters, drug-receptor characterisation,
catecholamines, heat shock proteins (hsps), prostaglandins and medicinal plants.
He loves
sports and games, music, photography & videography.
VAHITHUDEEN
Position: Audio Visual Manager
Nationality: Indian
Vahithudeen
is a B.com., graduate from APSA College of Madurai Kamaraj
University,
Vahithudeen
came to the Emirates in 1990 and joined in a maintenance company and seconded
to Dubai Women's College as a Security Officer. Vahithudeen built up his
computer knowledge and from 1994 Vahithudeen was promoted to computer
technician to assist with Audio Visual equipment booking and basic computer and
AV equipment hardware operation trouble shooting and problem solving.
Vahithudeen was appointed as an Office Assistant in August 1995 and he promoted
as a Audio Visual Assistant in August 2000.
Vahithudeen
enjoys his work at DWC and hopes to give and learn more.
His
hobbies include listening to music and watching cricket and TV program. Vahithudeen speaks English and Tamil and
little Hindi and Arabic.
VANI KUMAR
Position:
Library Assistant
Nationality:
Indian
Vani holds a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics from the University of Calicut,
Kerala, India and a Bachelors and and Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science.
She secured 1st Rank and Gold Medal in
both from the University of Calicut, India and worked in India for 4 years in
an academic library.
She
has been in the UAE for the past five years and worked as Lecturer Librarian at
the University of Bolton, RAK.
Her husband
Santhosh,
is a Chartered Accountant and works in a manufacturing company in Ajman Free
Zone. They have a daughter Gayathri
. Her hobbies
are gardening, cooking, listening to music and reading.
VICTOR RODRIGUES
Position:
Office Assistant
Nationality:
Indian
Victor
is a graduate from the
Prior
to coming to the Emirates, Victor worked for M/s Hinduastan
Agro Chemicals LTD, for 6 years handling the Share Department of 3 companies
independently both manually and computerised.
He
loves reading & playing table tennis and also represented his college in
sports.
Leigh Butler last updated this page on Monday, January 16, 2012