Inclusion & Wellbeing - MENA 2019 - Speakers

Wednesday 13 Feb 2019 - Thursday 14 Feb 2019
Crowne Plaza Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)

Dr. Abdulla Al Karam is responsible for the quality and growth of Dubai’s private education sector, including early learning centres, schools, universities and training institutes. He is a board member of the Social Sector, Government of Dubai and is a member of the Higher Committee for Protection of the Rights of People with Disabilities.


Dr. Amy Bailey, Department Head, KidsFirst 

The 2015 winner of the Princess Haya Award for Outstanding Clinical Psychologist, Amy has been with kidsFIRST Medical Center since 2011. She qualified with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Birmingham, UK in 2004 and worked in the UK until she moved to Dubai in 2011. Amy works across a wide range of psychological difficulties and offers an eclectic approach drawing on diverse psychological theories and practices. 


David Bott, Associate Director, Institute of Positive Education

David helps lead one of the world’s leading teams dedicated to research, development and training in the field of Positive Education. He has been involved in training thousands of teachers from hundreds of schools around the world in designing, implementing and sustaining individual and whole-school approaches to wellbeing.


Emma Dibden, Head of Inclusion, JESS

Following her move to Dubai in 2012, Emma completed the National Award for SEN Coordination and in 2014 became Head of Learning Support at Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS).  In September of this year she was given the responsibility to lead inclusive education provision across the JESS schools (3-18) as their Inclusion Champion.


Rola Ghadban, Positive Education Coodinator, Greenfield Community School

Rola opened the first mindfulness room in the region last year and won innovative teacher of the year by Education Journal Middle East for her work promoting wellbeing and mindfulness.


Sharon Goldstone, Deputy Safeguarding Lead and Mental Health & Wellbeing Officer, Chingford Foundation School

With mental health needs increasing and over-stretched medical services, Sharon set up a First Stage Wellbeing Triage Service in school. Here, in collaboration with other multi-disciplines, she provides preventative interventions, early identification of risk, rapid assessment of presenting concerns and early stage remedial interventions for students and families. Sharon is leading a whole-school approach to wellbeing and is excited to share and partner with others doing the same.


Ashley Green, Wellbeing Coordinator, JESS

Ashley has found a way to amalgamate her passions for both education and for the wellbeing of children with a particular focus on mindfulness. She has recently launched a website, mindfulteachinguae.com, as a platform for educators and parents alike to share mindfulness and wellbeing activities and ideas, all to help young children develop an awareness that prepares them for life's occurrences.


Dr Pooky Knightsmith, Mental Health Advisor, Educator, Speaker & Author

An internationally respected face of child and adolescent mental health, Pooky works tirelessly to ‘be the change she wants to see’. A prolific keynote speaker, lecturer, trainer and author, she develops and shares practical, evidence-informed approaches to promoting mental health – arming health and education staff with the skills, information and knowledge they need to support the children in their care.


Gareth D Morewood, Director of Curriculum Support, Priestnall School

Over the last twenty years Gareth has helped shape provision in a number of schools, MATs and Local Authorities across the UK, Ireland & Chile. Gareth continues to regularly support parents/carers with SEND legislation and provision, as part of his wider interests in equality and opportunity for all. Gareth is an Honorary Research Fellow in Education at the University of Manchester; Education Advisor to Studio III and Vice Chair of the ‘senco-forum’.


Christopher O'Shaughnessy, International Speaker and Author

Christopher is a passionate and versatile author and speaker who uses a unique blend of story-telling, humor, and provocative insight to engage a wide array of people on topics ranging from Third Culture Kids and the effects of globalization, to building community and increasing empathy.


Dr Sarah Rasmi, CDA-Licensed Psychologist & Manager Director, Thrive Wellbeing Centre 

Sarah runs the Thrive Wellbeing Centre professional practice, whilst teaching and conducting research at the American University of Sharjah. In addition, she is a government consultant.


Melissa Skiles, Head of Inclusion, Dubai British School Jumeirah Park

Melissa spent six years teaching within the city of Chicago before working as a SENCO in Qatar and Head of Inclusion in Dubai. She is certified both in English and Special Education and has taught all content areas during her tenure and has founded and led four special education departments. Melissa is currently Head of Inclusion for Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, which earned Very Good for SEND provision on its first inspection.


Dr. Ruba Tabari, Clinic Director & Educational Psychologist

Dr Ruba Tabari obtained her doctoral degree from University College London in 2012 with a focus on school development and reform.  She has close to 25 years’ experience in the field and has worked with a vast array of schools and institutions in the UK and the Gulf region.