Leadership

I am Amal Al-Minawi, Superintendent here at American Baccalaureate School. I have been working at ABS since 2006. I remember when the advertisement for a principal was in the newspaper and, without hesitation, I sent my CV (Curriculum Vitae) to the “brand new” American school opening in Kuwait. I had an interview with the school Director and that was my first step in the journey that I have taken with ABS.

The accomplishments, achievements, and successes that I have been able to witness while working here at ABS have been completely amazing. It has been an honor to be able to work for this well-regarded educational institution. I have always believed that ABS is the best place for students, teachers, and administrators.

Each day in ABS adds a new challenge for me. The school has built a strong organization from the very beginning, and this has helped them create a community where the staff can meet goals and reach the targets that they have set for themselves. I have been able to develop my leadership skills and cultivate a positive learning environment among the staff, as well as with parents.

Here at ABS, we believe in teamwork. Innovative learning is encouraged in the classroom, as well as professional development and collaborative thinking at the teacher level. This is part of the teaching process and has helped many teachers succeed and grow. We partner with and include various school programs such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and UNESCO where students can participate in various activities. ABS has shaped the right conditions, policies, and procedures for all the stakeholders to learn, work and succeed.

Finally, as we all look forward to the continued impact that American Baccalaureate School will have, I hope that ABS will keep glowing and growing as they continue to be a positive and constant progress in the school culture and community here in Kuwait.

Amal Al-Minawi - Superintendent

Greetings! It is an honor to join you for a tenth year, including the second year as Senior Principal. We share an educational partnership with new and returning students and families, reflected in our ABS motto, “Learners today, Leaders tomorrow.” 2023-2024 Academic Year

As a result of the school's commitment to a safe environment, purposeful facilities, innovative classroom technology, many updates can be observed on campus. We have a robust teaching and administrative faculty, working under the guidance of our school superintendent.

Our schoolwide goals from K-12 continue with consistency and continuity: Training is our hallmark; our teachers and support teams have started their important work with students.

2022–2025 Plans for Cognia STEM Accreditation

Each department will further impart STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) into our students’ learning experience. We will continue PBLs, or Project Based Learning activities. Our plans are in progress towards a schoolwide STEM program.

Communication
We welcome your feedback by survey, email or in person.

Thank you for being who you are and being here with us. It is a pleasure to be with you.

Alicia Szydlowski - Senior Principal

I am honored to serve as principal of the Kindergarten Department and very fortunate to be part of the American Baccalaureate School team going on eight years now. My experience in the field of education, specifically with kindergarten students, spans over twenty years. Educating students to be lifelong learners, critical thinkers and independent global citizens is the foundation upon which our school resides. I am proud to work with an outstanding team of educators who are passionate and committed to the ABS vision. I believe that school success is a team effort at all levels and is the reason ABS excels in the education community. Together with the community, staff, and teachers, we can provide students with a supportive, challenging, and fun environment. To achieve this, I believe communication is a key element which is one of the many strong suits of our school. Lastly, my philosophy as an educator is best summed up by Benjamin Franklin’s quote, “tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn”. 

Jennifer Naser - KG Principal

I joined the American Baccalaureate School in the Summer of 2015 as a homeroom Kindergarten English teacher. Those years I spent with our youngest learners, having just arrived in Kuwait for my first time, remains such a fond memory to this day. The Kindergarten Department is a wonderful and bright environment to be a part of for staff and students alike. It is full of engaging and lively programs and activities all year-round. I joined the KG Administrator Team in 2017 and can honestly say that my skillset in Education and Leadership has grown more than I could have imagined, thanks to the training and resources made available to us by the school. ABS places great value on communication and continuous improvement, which ultimately pushes us towards significant growth and success on both an individual and school-wide level. I love being a part of this team and working collectively for the success of our students.

Rachelle Parsons - KG Vice Principal

As the Acting Principal of Elementary, I welcome you all to the new school year and wish you and your families every success throughout the year. It is my honor and pleasure to serve and support all the Elementary students, families, and teachers. It is the ABS vision and mission to develop learners who will grow their leadership skills, readied for international universities, and are able to contribute to the global community. That process takes flight with us in Elementary as the delivery of our rich curriculum lays the foundation for the development of such skills within our safe and inclusive learning environment. Through the embedding of initiatives such as STEM and growth mindset, we are able to further ready our students for the uncharted challenges that the future holds. The ever heightening aims and student outcomes of ABS are what initially drew me to the school back in 2018 when I was first welcomed into the school as a grade four English teacher. At the time I was unaware of what lay ahead, yet through the positive leadership and guidance I was able to grow as an educator, develop my leadership skills, qualifications, and progress within the school. I look forward to working with you all throughout the year, and witnessing the growth of all our Elementary students.

David Holmes - Acting Elementary Principal

I extend a warm welcome back to both our new and returning students and families. I joined the ABS (American Baccalaureate School) community as a Vice Principal in 2019. Who would have guessed how many challenges we would journey through together and how much stronger we would all become? I am so excited to have been a part of ABS for the past four years and look forward to another year supporting both our students and teachers. The ABS community creates an environment for growth for both students and teachers. This is a learning environment you cannot miss! Moreover, as we navigate and explore the unknown, our team upholds a positive outlook as we work together for the success of all our students.

Shereen Kroutz - Elementary Vice Principal

Welcome to the new academic school year. I am happy to be here with you at ABS as Elementary Vice Principal. We are excited to have students on campus engaged in learning and working together. I want to help provide a safe, caring, and nurturing environment to implement a program of excellence. As an educator, it is my passion to help students achieve and envision life as an opportunity to do all things when you have the willingness to try. Without a doubt, what differentiates success from failure is never giving up, and our school team will not give up on our commitment to educating and supporting today's youth. It is exciting to see student progress and the results of hard work. Enabling each other to gain an appreciation and respect for learning and culture, helps in understanding one’s identity and purpose. We aim to continue to build on this theme, and to work towards assisting students in achieving a complete platform, so they can become productive and accomplished citizens in our community.

Cheryl Bedenbaugh - Elementary Vice Principal

ABS is an exemplary place to work where school management encourages everyone to do their best. Here at ABS, teachers, administrators and students are destined for a great future. ABS is a true reflection of Kuwait in terms of cultural ethics, religious norms and moral values. We educate our students not only to be successful professionals, but also to be future leaders. We provide every opportunity and facilitate our students to face the challenges of 21st century education. We also understand the importance of the digital world, so to meet future requirements, we have introduced multiple technology-aided programs at ABS. Our students compete in every field of education whether it be related to Science, Technology or Arts. ABS provides countless opportunities to all staff members to grow professionally and contribute to communities after they move on to other parts of the world. I highly value my stay at ABS for multiple reasons. For instance, the knowledge and skills I am gaining over the years, supports my long-term leadership career. Fifteen years ago, my journey started at ABS as a middle school math teacher, and now I am honored to be entrusted the role of Interim MSHS Principal. I’m glad to share that ABS has always appreciated my work and provided me with ample opportunities, from local or international conferences to professional development workshops. I feel honored and proud to be part of an institution that considers every employee to be an integral part.

Mian Sadiq - Interim Middle High School Principal

I am truly honored to serve as the Senior Vice Principal of the Middle School and High School Department at the esteemed American Baccalaureate School. The privilege of being a part of this remarkable educational institution is a source of immense pride and fulfillment. As I reflect on my journey at the American Baccalaureate School, I am constantly reminded of the dedication and passion that permeate every aspect of our academic community. The commitment of our students, the diligence of our educators, and the support of our parents have collectively contributed to an environment where excellence is not just a goal, but a standard that we continuously strive to achieve.

Kayla Johnson - Senior VP of Middle High School

I joined American Baccalaureate School in January 2023 as Vice principal. I have worked in education in the UK for over 10 years and was very fortunate to be welcomed into the ABS community. I am excited to start my first full academic year at ABS, I have found the staff and students to be extraordinary people and I look forward to developing and inspiring our young people to their future pathways and helping them forge new friendships, opportunities, and most importantly educational excellence. ABS is a community and climate of trust, openness and cooperation that enables students to learn self-respect, independence, and initiative. I look forward to welcoming back all our families and students to the new academic year.

Kimberly Vas - MSHS Vice Principal

I am here to wholeheartedly support and foster the unique needs of our wonderful students. My passion lies in guiding and nurturing young minds, and I am dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for each and every one of our students. Whether you’re a student navigating the path of learning, a parent seeking guidance, or a teacher striving to create the best educational experience, know that I am here to listen, advocate, and collaborate. Together, we will embark on a journey of growth, well-being, and success. I am genuinely looking forward to getting to know each of you and working hand in hand to ensure that the Elementary Department continues to flourish. Let’s make this academic year one filled with positivity, growth, and endless possibilities.

Oxana Wiese - Elementary Counselor

I joined ABS in 2022 as Middle School Counselor, bringing over 15 years of teaching and childhood/adolescent development experience with me. I am honored to be part of a dedicated administration team as they lead, advocate and collaborate to promote equity and access for all students. I look forward to another year of growth, helping students develop the academic and social skills they need to succeed in life. ABS is building a safe space where students can access resources and connect with teachers, parents and administrators to make sure needs are being met.

Sally Anderson - Middle School Counselor

Since joining the Elementary Department at ABS in August 2014, I have had numerous opportunities to grow and learn professionally with my team and as an individual. Working here has been utterly amazing thanks to the support of staff, parents, and students. I have been presented with opportunities to advance based on my interests and experience and have been thoroughly supported to excel in new positions. As I begin my position as High School Counselor, I am confident that this will be a smooth transition. I am excited to be able to work with the incredible students who I have taught previously, as well as getting to know our remarkable new students. I look forward to assisting students with learning strategies, self-management, and social skills as well as working with the MSHS department.  

Arika Beverly - High School College Counselor

I became a member of the ABS community in 2010 as part of the Elementary Department, where I proudly served our students as a teacher & Head of Department, then I was promoted to a position as a KG/Elementary Curriculum Coordinator. Being a part of the ABS team has provided me with professional growth and limitless experiences. ABS focuses on education support that runs very well for our students. In ABS, the curriculum with a STEM focus has not only engaged our students but also has had a positive impact on increasing our teacher’s instructional capacity and skill. Our students have become willing to communicate, collaborate, create, and critically think. Students feel safe to analyze, predict, take risks with their learning, and are vested in self-assessment and seeking improvement. We are developing future leaders who will contribute to the global community.

Marian Sami – Elementary Curriculum Coordinator

ABS is a leading institute that consistently develops caring, strong, dynamic leaders through effective teaching and learning, and it is an honor to be a part of the ABS family. At ABS, our curriculum is STEM centered; this curriculum uplifts our students and keeps them engaged across all subject areas. Professional Development days throughout the year ensure all teachers receive the relevant training to implement STEM in our classrooms all year around, thus enabling our teachers to be confident and committed when implementing these practices within the classroom. Our students across Middle School and High School continue to learn and implement effective communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. A characteristic of an ABS student is to investigate; our students analyze, they take chances, they predict, they calculate, they are committed to expansion, and aim high to be the best versions of themselves. Our students truly are the learners of today, leaders of tomorrow.

Shaista Jamil - MSHS Curriculum Coordinator

I've been working at ABS since 2008. I started working as a Science teacher, then head of Science department, and then became the Dean of Sstudents in Elementary. I had considerable experience in working at ABS. Each year brings up new excited challenges and goals for me, and this year, will be also another interesting one. ABS is a valuable place for communication, improvement and enlighten skills that pushes up toward success and growth.  

Sahar Nabtiti – Elementary Dean of Students

I joined ABS (American Baccalaureate School) in 2021 as the Dean of Students. With over 10 years’ experience working in education, I have had the extraordinary opportunity to inspire and nurture the next generation, fostering their holistic growth, resilience, and overall well-being. As Dean of Students, I forge meaningful relationships with the students based on trust and open communication where I endeavor to create a safe, welcoming, and empowering space where they can express their hopes, dreams, and fears. I want every student to feel seen, heard and valued. Through active listening and empathy, I listen to their concerns, celebrate their achievements, and guide them through the challenges they face towards their path to success. I am fortunate to work in an institution that enables me to compassionately help students align their actions with their values while nurturing their emotional intelligence, helping them navigate relationships, build empathy, provide guidance, and support as they navigate the complexities of their educational journey and become compassionate future leaders.

Sanaa Noor - MSHS Dean of Students