UAE's Leading Reggio Emilia Nurseries

As a mother of 2, I found myself being attracted to the field of education, especially in nurseries, because it is a world were not only do the children learn, but we, as educators learn from the children as well. It is a reciprocal interaction. I have been working in this field for 11 years and my favorite part of my experience is to see the children grow and nourish from the seeds of education that we plant together.

I have a good experience in schools with 6 years of expertise in education and teaching of children, also with a diversity of educative language French, Spanish, Arabic and English.

I always adopt a flexible method with the children that allows them to adapt, to integrate and actively participate in activities and programs prepared in advance.

I am always listening to children I take care of them and my goal is to help them to develop and improve their skills and be more creative and responsible, share a good time with all children and teach them with a simple method of education.

I transmit my motivation and my positive energy to the children, and I create a trusting and comfortable environment that they can be happy, play and learn at the same time and enjoy all time in the nursery.

I have enjoyed working with young children for as long as I can remember. Over the years I have found my passion working in collaboration with children to experience the wonders of the world around us. Engaging in meaningful and integrated projects, thinking deeper about what makes a worm wiggle, taking a second look at a favorite book and experiencing a wild game of tag on a windy sunny day brings me joy. I look forward to the many adventures that teaching Kindergarten will bring over this year!

My name is Fella DAHMAN, I am 48 years old, ALGERIAN. I am a mother of 4 children.

I studied in Algeria computer science in 1994. I have CACHE Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (England) (QCF) on 2015.

I have a Training Course Name: Diploma Montessori. I have a Training Course Name: Vocational Diploma in Child Care & Education of Young Children.

I have Cache level 3 of early years education from theKIDZ INC institute of Dubai.

Before joining Odyssey nursery, I have worked as a French teacher in (PETIT BOUT DE CHOUX Nursery), and POTENTIEL nursery.

The time I spend for my children’s education lead me to find my reason for teaching.

And now teaching is a pleasure. Sharing information and helping children to have a holistic development is my goal.

An enthusiastic and passionate teacher with a unique blend of visionary teaching for children from varying backgrounds and races across Asia, the Middle East and Africa. My teaching encompasses learning through play, stimulation and hands-on experience. I am organised and driven with innate ability to stay focused while identifying individual needs of each student. I have expertise in different curriculums, approaches and philosophies in the early years setting. As an experienced early years teacher, I believe that all children are unique and learn differently. This makes my teaching outstanding and enjoyable hence creating lifetime learners and well-rounded students. Ov I am a proud mother of two lovely children a boy aged 7 and a girl 11years old.

My name is Souhila Mezaguer, I’m 52 years old, and I’m a French language teacher. I’m a mother of 2 daughters. I Graduated from University as a Civil-Engineer and got a British Diploma CACHE Level 3 of Early Years Education from Kidz inc.

I have more than 14 years of experience in Children education, since March 2017, I joined Odyssey Nursery Umm Suqeim.

I do believe that teachers are not only required to teach their students, but they are also expected to be motivators, leaders, life coachers, planners, performers, and negotiators.

Hi there, my name is Yamina Hamdi. I am 39 years old, from Algeria. I am married, I have three children.

I studied in the UAE, I am a qualified early year’s teacher and have completed a CACHE Level 3.

I have also completed an Early Childhood Education and Child Care Certificate and many more courses related to Early Childhood education. I have an experience of 14 years.

My desire and passion for children and their development is visible in my day-to-day interaction and planning, it’s my mission to install a love for learning in my students. I attempt to teach with a passion so that my students develop a desire to become life-long learners.

With a business trade background and loving nature, I decide that negotiating with kids is more fun! Becoming a mum of two made me passionate about learning through play and search what is best for kids, it brings me back to think and create a small world for kids that must consider their interest and rhythm to make them most confident and cherish their uniqueness! I'm that person that will impact their future and making the best of it is my role. This is an important base in their early years to set up the tone to reach their goals, you make sure the roots of the tree is well take care of to allow it to grow well. Communicating with the parents allow a balance collaboration that will bring happiness for everyone.

My name is May Abou Ayache, I am 39 years old, French Lebanese. I am a mother of 2 girls 12 and 14 years old. I have a Bachelor of Science in Business from the Lebanese American University LAU of Beirut in 2004. I have a diploma in French language studies from Poitiers University, France in 2006 and a British diploma Cache level 3 of early years education from the Arabian Child institute of Dubai.

Before joining Odyssey nursery, I have worked at the French school of “Lycée Français International de L’AFLEC” for 6 years, 3 years in education and 3 years in the administration.

Teaching is my passion and my philosophy is that every child is unique and can learn at his own pace through playing. Children are curious about their world and have the powerful potential to learn from all that surrounds them.

I am Ranim Kabbas and I come from Syria.

I am 35 years old and a proud mother of two lovely children a girl aged 11 and a boy 5 years old. I have a Bachelor degree of Education. I have been working as a teacher for the last 13 years, 11 years of this was in the United Arab Emirates.

My passion for teaching stems from my internal drive for sharing knowledge and witnessing the success of my students.

My philosophy for learning is that each child is unique and each child learns in a different way. I believe in hands on experiences, learning creatively and learning through play.

My name is Ola Kimmins, I am a mother of two amazing children my daughter Layla who is four years old and my son Leo who turned two in June this year. I have been working in Early Education Since 2012 in different countries as I was lucky to have the opportunity to travel the world with my husband. This experiences to work in different countries with mixed cultures enriched my knowledge and understanding of child development and teaching strategies. I worked in different teaching curriculums like the British, American, Canadian and the Montessori. All these curriculums enhanced my teaching techniques and strategies to make learning for children more fun and creative, my role is to facilities all models and resources to be child friendly and fun to use to make the learning journey of a child enjoyable and play based.

I learned that we must respect every child identity and choice of what he wants to do and make. Give children the freedom of choice and respect their sensitive areas.

Language in the early childhood is a key to open a lot of opportunity for a child to discover the world around him. Nature is the real teacher for each child. I learned to let the children explore the world around them and through their interest they will lead me to what they are interested to do.

Je m’appelle Souria Bireche , j’ai 35 ans , je suis maman de jumeaux une fille et un garçon qui ont cinq ans ,je suis Algérienne , je suis Technicienne Supérieure en Architecture , j’ai fais mes études primaires et collège en arabe et français comme langue secondaire, et j’ai fais le lycée et études supérieures en français, donc je parles français et arabe literature parfaitement , j’ai le cache level 2 diploma de l’école “Ques eye Dubai”.

Avant de travailler autant que maîtresses de français chez “Odyssey” j’ai travaillé 8 ans autant que chargée des études d’architecture , j’ai décidé de me convertir depuis que je suis maman car j’ai découvert en moi une patient en vers les enfants de bas âge ,j’adore m’amuser avec eux, leurs donner de l’amour et de la tendresse et les initier à faire leurs premier pas vers le cursus scolaire et à développer leurs capacités d’apprendre et être autonomes.

Comme j’ai étudié de l’architecture, qui est en quelques sorte un mixe d’art et de technicité je suis très confortable et inspiré par l’approche “Reggio Emilia” j’ai les capacités de mettre l’enfant dans un environment d’inspiration et d’enthousiasme en quelque gestes simples et efficaces.

My name is Mary Kinyagia, I am from Nairobi, Kenya. I spent 12 years in England where I fell in love with teaching.

I have more than 5 years of experience working with children from the ages of 6 months to 5 years old and have enjoyed every single bit of it. I hold a CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce.

I am very patient, full of energy, driven and focused person with a passion for providing rich experiences to children. I’m also a very positive person and this helps me maintain a friendly and cheerful learning environment that promotes the development and wellbeing of children.

In my spare time, I enjoy exploring new places, reading, fitness, travelling, cooking and cycling.

But teaching is my greatest passion.

My name is Petro. I proudly bring with me a wealth of experience both as a mother of 3 grown up sons as well as professional and experienced teacher. Education lies close to my heart and I have gained many years of valuable experience in the British system. I am a highly motivated and enthusiastic teacher. After teaching many years in South Africa, the International arena afforded me the opportunity to excel and live my passion for teaching in a cultural diverse environment. I was committed to ongoing professional development by obtaining the highest Level 5 TEFL Certificate for Business English. My high level of fluency in English stands me in good stead with a proven ability to achieve learning outcomes successfully.

I love to encourage children and help them realise their full potential and equip them with the necessary skills to excel in their future endeavours. Teachers with passion inspire children and passionate children’s’ study more.

My name is Zahra. I am 32 years old. I have a GNVQ Early Years Child Care (2006-2008) Early Years Education Diploma Level 4. I am a sociable, positive individual with excellent people skills, and have a diverse work experience range. My role is to encourage children to believe in themselves in an environment where they feel secure and loved and where, most importantly, they have fun. Providing a holistic environment, where young children can learn to develop through hands on activities. My role was to appreciate the fast pace of change that characterizes our world, and we understand the importance of teaching children’s skills that will enable them to engage actively within our increasingly diverse and exciting society.

My name is Rakotoarimanana Sitrakiniaina. I am 22 years old from Madagascar. I am mother of one daughter who’s 4years old. I have a Bachelor of French Literature from Madagascar in 2017. As a child growing up in family of educators, I knew at a young age that teaching was my passion, Children are curious about their world and have the powerful potential to learn from all that surrounds them.

I am so excited to be part of your child's learning journey adventure.

I am from Syria, my passion for art, books, history, and music started when I was so young and impacted all the aspects of my life.

I studied the Economy, financial markets in Syria after that I discovered my passion for teaching, so I studied in the European Institute for early years education and I worked as KG1, KG2 classroom teacher for 3 years in a Syrian school in my city Aleppo.

I came to UAE in 2008 and I spend more time as a mother for lovely two kids.

I returned to work again as a teacher in 2014 with the EYFS curriculum.

Then I joined my lovely family in Odyssey Nursery in 2015 till now.

In 2018 I finished my Cache level 3 in early years education from the UK.

My name is Karin Smith, 28-year-old and the lead teacher of Willows classroom in Odyssey nursery Khalifa city. I have my own family with one 6-year-old daughter.

I hold a CACHE Level 3 diploma in early years education, as well as a diploma in Psychology, currently furthering studies pursuing my BS in Health Science.

After working in Early years for more than 4 years now and raising a pre-schooler of my own, seeing children grow, develop, and learn with my assistance motivated me to try again every day. I believe that children are very capable human beings and that we can learn just as much from them as they do from us, remembering to always be the best role model while children are looking.

My name is Catherine Youssef and this is my fourth year as an Early Years Educator; my second year here in Abu Dhabi. Previously, I have worked in my home country, Canada, as a French teacher for 2 years and happy to be continuing to do so with the Odyssey family. Also, I have done advanced studies to be a greater practitioner with Direct Quest in Abu Dhabi, and graduated December 2019. I also attended several courses to expand my knowledge and professional skills in education, such as Supporting Children with Additional Needs. Being a mother of one myself, I know the importance of teaching our children and transmit our knowledge, but to always support them with love and happiness! I am passionate in seeing a child’s development and specially to see how their brain works; amazed on how much their imagination can expand! Being a teacher means I have the honour to be part of their growth and just this, makes me love my too! My son motivates me every day and reminds me how much I love to teach and be around children, around positivity and love.

My name is Adaobi Jennifer Onakpovhie. I am the classroom teacher in the Seashells bubble 1 class, Odyssey nursery, Khalifa city A, Abu Dhabi. I am a Nigerian, married to a wonderful husband and we have a lovely daughter. I have a degree in Microbiology from Igbinedion University, Nigeria, and I am also in the process of completing Cache Level 3 Diploma in early years education. I am Cpr/Aed and first aid certified.

I have been teaching for 5 years and this is my 4th year at Odyssey Nursery. It has been an amazing experience and I have loved every bit of it. I provide activities and projects based on the interest of the children, watch, and observe children to know their strengths and areas of improvement. My goal is ensuring the children learn and develop skills that provide a strong base for lifelong learning. I believe that the first five years of a child’s life are the most important years as they are the foundation that shapes the child’s future.

I am Izabella Modis Elsalhatne born and raised in Hungary in the late 70s. In 2005 I moved to the Arab Emirates with my husband and lived in Al-Ain. As a mother of four children, in 2010 I have decided to move to Canada where my children can complete their education and begin their lives as Canadian graduates. In those 7 years of living in Canada, I have earned a degree in social community services. As all my four children are in various stages of their lives, I have decided to move back and begin working with children in Abu Dhabi. As a teacher here I want to make sure I go above and beyond in making sure that I do everything in my power to guarantee that every child that I encounter has a better fighting chance of succeeding in the modern world.

Having completed a degree in social services, I studied the different disabilities and difficulties that children face in the modern world. Throughout my years of working, I have been told that I show various traits such as compassion and love. My personal philosophy in life is “education is what gives a person purpose” staying true to my words I have just completed my EYFS \Chace level 2 and EYFS\Chace level 3 where are taught about the different developmental stages of the children. In this class, I not only hope to entertain but to teach kids and I am hoping to help show the kids that learning things, is a beneficially part of life, that learning is not a chore that you have to do but is a beautiful thing that helps us evolve and become better people.

My name is Chizoma Gina Agbaje and I am an early year teacher for the Willows bubble 2, Odyssey Nursery Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi. I have been working for Odyssey Nursery for the past 2 years 3 months. I have 5 years of experience in Early Years Education and with the Washington States Benchmark curriculum.  I am a well devoted early year practitioner with a passion for always delivering high-quality childcare and learning opportunities to children aged 3 - 5 by improving their skills, social-emotional abilities, cognitive skill, and their all-round development.  

I hold a Cache level 3 diploma in early years for the work-based learner, a degree in banking and ongoing master’s in education.

It is important to me and am passionate about providing a caring and safe environment where children can grow and develop at their own pace.

My name is Uma Joel, and I am the lead teacher for Twiglets Class, Odyssey Khalifa city A Branch. I have been in Abu Dhabi for 15 years, and I live with my husband and two children, who are also studying in Abu Dhabi. I have six years of experience in Early years Education and with the Reggio Emilia Approach.

I started my career as a banker way back in 2005. Holding a graduation degree in Bachelor of Commerce and an MBA in finance just seemed the right choice. I worked in a bank and an exchange house in Abu Dhabi before taking a break in the year 2011 to raise my children, who are now 13 and 8. During this break and motherhood stage, I became interested and passionate about early years development and decided to pursue it. I started training in the nursery, gained my CACHE 2 and 3 in childhood studies, and developed into a lead teacher's role. This was such a fantastic experience, and I loved every minute of it. I came to Odyssey in 2017, and this has been the best move I have made.

As an early year's childhood educator, I believe I am responsible for providing young children with a positive learning experience that will encourage them to be lifelong learners. I firmly believe that every child is unique and different, so one size does not fit all; I will always be willing to cater to the child's needs.

My name is Alueshima Jennifer Shaapera, and I am the curriculum coordinator at Odyssey Nursery Khalifa city A. I have been in Abu Dhabi for the past six years, and I live with my husband, my eight-year daughter and my six-year-old son. I have close to 8 years of experience working in the early years and with the Reggio Emilia Approach and Washington state Benchmarks.

After I had my daughter and did a career change from retail banking to early years education, I started my journey childcare industry. I fell in love with the Reggio Emilia approach when I started working as a teaching assistant in Odyssey Khalifa in 2016, and I have not looked back ever since. I gained my Cache level 3 Diploma in early years and a Cache level 5 diploma in leadership for health and social care and children and young people’s services. I developed to the role of the curriculum coordinator. It has been such a fantastic experience for me.

It is important to me that Odyssey Khalifa provides a rich learning environment where the children’s interests are respected to explore, grow, and blossom. As the curriculum coordinator, I aim to partner with the teachers to implement a curriculum that creates an environment that provides learning opportunities where educators can collaborate with children to make learning happen.

I finished a Management and Marketing Diploma from the University of Monash and went on to complete a Teaching diploma through AIMS Middle East in Early Childhood Education and completed a, Teaching children with Special Needs and disabilities course through Centre of Excellence UK. I have taught in early years for just less than six years, though I have worked with grade 1-4 earlier in my life.

I have lived in the UAE for 12 years on and off. I completed my schooling in Al Ain, moved to Dubai after coming back after studies and worked as cabin crew for a year. I had my daughter after a year of flying and decided to go back to teaching and specialize in early years while she was still so small. I moved to Abu Dhabi about 5 years ago and really enjoy it here more so than the other Emirates. I am interested in reading and always looking to take on a new challenge. In my class, I believe in creating learning opportunities and for children to be independent, self-sufficient, resilient, kind, mannered and critical thinkers. I have lots of love and care and passion for this job. I believe in constant improvement on self to create the best learning opportunities for all my little ones!

My names are Noela Kandzuh and I am an Early years Educator at Odyssey Nursery Khalifa City. I have been leaving and working in the UAE for the past six years with my husband and three daughters. I have eight years of teaching experience, five of those years in the EYFS British curriculum and two in Reggio Emilia inspired setting.

I began my journey after I left college and spent three years at the University where I obtained a Bachelor of Education in curriculum studies and Teaching. I moved to the UK where I took a bachelor’s in business administration, while I was studying, I did an NVQ level 2 so I could qualify to work at a nursery as an assistant. I moved to the UAE in 2015, I got a job 3months after in an EYFS setting as a preschool teacher and while I worked, I decided to get certified as an Early Year Practitioner, so I enrolled to study the Level 3 International Preschool Curriculum course which is equivalent to CACHE Level 3. I joint Odyssey in 2019, it was a new terrain for me, but I have since understood the principles of the Reggio philosophy and it has been a journey of learning and teaching which am loving every moment of it.

It is very important to me now than before, that when I plan my lessons, I view children as being capable, competent, creative, curious, ambitious, researchers, passionate and much more. As a teacher I am enjoying learning alongside the children and immersing myself in the experiences as a guide and resource while observing and tracking the growth of children and the classroom community in collaboration with their parents.

My name is Jenel Sanchez and I am currently working as a Teacher in Odyssey Nursery Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi.I first came to this amazing country 10 years ago working as music performer as I hold a Gold Bachelor in Art since 2004 from my home country Cuba .Abu Dhabi is now my second home as I created my family with my beautiful daughter and sweet husband.

By the time I decided in 2016 to retake my teaching passion here in Abu Dhabi I had almost 11 years experience teaching music to primary and secondary students back home in Cuba. The last 5 years working In Early Years education has opened up a magic and unique opportunity in my professional life and I am enjoying every second of it. I started training and gained Cache level 3 in childhood studies to deliver a high standard of care and education to each of the amazing little minds that I have the pleasure to teach and learn from.

I am a passionate teacher with a challenge to develop and enhance skills to offer children the best possible learning experience and opportunities to support their bright and success future.

Ciao! My name is Federica  and I am a teacher at Odyssey Nursery in  Mushrif.

I am 24 years old and I come from Italy. I have experiences as a teacher with children from 6 months to 12 years  old and as an educator with children with special needs. When I'm not at Odyssey Nursery, I enjoy my time with my family or  practicing Swing dance.

I am Charleine and I am teacher at Odyssey Nursery Mushrif. I  have 20 years of experience as French Teacher and I am enjoying my  career every day! I always like helping kids learn and grow in a  wonderful environment like what we have at Odyssey.

I am Saira and I am the teacher at Odyssey Nursery in Mushrif. I  encourage children to learn by connecting with them and giving them a  high quality education. I am creative and passionate about helping  children learn, have fun and be the best they can be. I am glad to be a  part of this wonderful nursery Odyssey!!

Hello, I am Francesca and I am a teacher at Odyssey Nursery in Mushrif.  I love kids and it fills my heart with joy to watch them grow. My  philosophy is that each child is unique with strong potential for  development and growth. I look forward to continuing to have a positive  impact on the children's lives. I am  excited and glad to be a part of  this wonderful team of teachers of Reggio Emilia Approach.

I’m a teacher at Odyssey Nursery in Mushrif. I love supporting my children’s learning journey through innovative lesson planning and one on one teaching. I love opening a new world to the children as we explore and discover through play. Promoting verbal expression, developing socially, emotionally, and physically, and encouraging creative skills like drama, art and music of the children are also part of my daily routine. I’m happy to be one of the team at our wonderful nursery Odyssey!