Leadership

What distinguishes ABS is its unwavering commitment to communication and continuous improvement, These values are woven into our daily operations, guiding our collective mission: ensuring the success and well-being of our students. Our school emphasizes innovative classroom practices, integrating the latest technology and fostering STEM and project-based learning. ABS students benefit from engaging, hands-on experiences that equip them for the future.

Joining ABS in 2015 marked the beginning of an impactful journey in my professional career. My experiences here have fundamentally shaped my growth as an educator and a leader. This growth has been enabled by ongoing professional development opportunities and the high-quality resources available at ABS. As part of the leadership team, I am dedicated to fostering collaboration across departments and reinforcing the structures that support exceptional teaching and learning.

I am proud to be part of ABS’s ongoing story and look forward to the journey ahead.

Rachelle Parsons - Director of Schoolwide Administration & Compliance, Kindergarten Vice Principal

I am delighted to have joined ABS as Director of Curriculum, Training, and Enrollment and to be part of such a professional and welcoming team. I am proud to be part of a school where every child truly counts, and where each student is valued, supported, and encouraged to succeed. ABS is a community that believes in growth and continuous improvement across all aspects of teaching, learning, and school life.

With over 30 years of experience in education, including extensive work in multinational and international settings, I am a passionate educator who firmly believes that every child is unique and capable of success. I am confident that my experience and international perspective will contribute to building even more success stories at ABS, as we continue to ensure that all students are supported, challenged, and given the opportunity to thrive—leaving no child behind.

Lina Samadi - Senior Director of Curriculum & Enrollment

I am thrilled to step into the role of Accreditation Support Specialist at ABS, where I now lead all accreditation-related activities with confidence and expertise. Having served as an MSHS administrator for over a decade, I bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of operational excellence to this position. My time at ABS has equipped me with invaluable insights and skills, which I am excited to apply in ensuring seamless accreditation processes and driving success in this new chapter.

Mian Sadiq - Senior Administrator, Accreditation Support Specialist

Since 2017, I have had the privilege of serving the ABS community in a variety of roles, each of which has strengthened my commitment to the school’s mission and values. I am honored to now serve as the Administrative Coordinator for the Arabic Department, where I continue to support the department’s growth and contribute to the school’s pursuit of academic excellence. 

Throughout my years at ABS, I have witnessed the dedication of our staff and the achievements of our students, which continue to inspire my work. In my current role, I remain focused on fostering an organized and supportive environment that enables both teachers and students to excel. 

It is a privilege to be part of such a dynamic community, and I look forward to further contributing to the success and advancement of our school. 

Heba Gamal - Schoolwide Administrative Coordinator

I joined the American Baccalaureate School in the academic year 2009/2010 and progressed in my career from being a teacher in the elementary stage to the middle and secondary stages. Then, I became the Head of the Arabic Language Department until I assumed the position of Educational Coordinator at the present time, which is a great honor in a place like the American Baccalaureate School. 

16 years witnessed in this institution a pivotal phase in my professional life where I gained many skills and lived alongside many inspiring cadres who left a good impact on me professionally and personally. 

Being part of this entity made me a contributor to achieving its lofty goals, which lie in creating aware, educated generations that keep pace with the latest developments of the era while adhering to their identity at the same time. 

My presence here drives me to continually strive to develop my skills and enhance my experiences to achieve the highest levels of quality in education. I believe in the importance of creativity and innovation in the educational process, and I work to instill these values in our students so that they become able to excel and distinguish themselves in all areas of their lives. 

Eman Sobhi - Educational Coordinator

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the Principal of the Kindergarten Department at the American Baccalaureate School. For ten years, I have had the pleasure of being part of this exceptional community, bringing with me over twenty years of experience in early childhood education. My passion lies in nurturing young learners and creating an environment that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. At ABS, our mission is deeply rooted in these values, and I am proud to work alongside a dedicated team of educators who share this vision. Together, we strive to cultivate global citizens who are prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world. We believe that student success is a shared responsibility—one that flourishes through strong partnerships between families, staff, and the broader community. At the heart of our approach is a commitment to open, effective communication, which we recognize as one of our greatest strengths. I am continually inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s words: “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn.” This philosophy resonates deeply with my own approach to education and reflects our goal of making learning a meaningful and engaging experience for every child. 

Jennifer Naser - KG Principal

As Early Years Vice Principal, I am happy to be part of a school community that is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment for all students to learn and grow.

This is my third year at ABS and eighth year in the Gulf.  Our team of dedicated teachers and staff work together to inspire a love of learning, nurture creativity, and encourage personal growth. We believe that middle school is a time of exploration, discovery, and personal growth. Our dedicated staff works hard to support each student academically, socially, and emotionally, helping them reach their full potential and prepare for future success.

We value strong partnerships with families and the broader community, and we encourage open communication and collaboration throughout the school year. Together, we can create an enriching and supportive experience for every student.

Cheryl Bedenbaugh - Early Years Vice Principal

After being part of this exceptional school community since 2010 in various roles, it is a true honor to now serve as Acting Principal. Over the years, I have witnessed the remarkable growth and achievements of our students and staff, and I am deeply committed to leading our school with dedication, vision, and care. I believe wholeheartedly in the power of education to inspire, challenge, and unlock the potential within every child.

As Acting Principal, my priority is to nurture a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their highest aspirations. Together with our dedicated teachers and staff, I am committed to ensuring that our school continues to provide meaningful, innovative, and enriching learning experiences that prepare our students for success in an ever-changing world.

I look forward with excitement to the continued growth of our school community and to the many opportunities ahead for our students, staff, and families as we build on our tradition of excellence.

Marian Sami – Elementary Principal

As Vice Principal of the Elementary School, it is a privilege to be part of a learning community that places students at the heart of everything we do. Our elementary years are foundational, and we take great care in ensuring that students feel supported, challenged, and valued from the moment they walk through our doors. Equally important is our partnership with families. We value open communication and believe that education is most successful when schools and families work together. Parents are an integral part of our community, and their involvement and support play a vital role in student success. I am proud of the positive, inclusive culture we have built and continue to strengthen each year. It is truly rewarding to see our students grow into confident, capable learners, and I am honored to support them on their educational journey.

Luke Maynard – Elementary Vice Principal

I am excited to join the American Baccalaureate School as the Vice-Principal of Curriculum. With 35 years of experience in elementary education, including 13 years as a principal, I am passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that support student success. My work in schools across the United States, China, and Saudi Arabia has given me a broad perspective on education and a deep appreciation for diverse school communities. I look forward to bringing that experience to ABS and working closely with students, parents, and teachers to foster a positive and enriching learning environment.

Charlotte May – Elementary Vice Principal of Curriculum

I've been working at ABS since 2008 This is my fifth year in Elementary Dean’s role, and I had experience in teaching and leading the Science Department earlier at the school. I have had considerable experience of working at ABS. Each year brings up new exciting, 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 am thrilled to return to the American Baccalaureate School community as the Elementary Counselor. Having spent seven wonderful years at ABS as an Elementary Homeroom Teacher and Head of the Science Department, I am grateful to once again be part of this vibrant and caring community. My focus is on supporting the social, emotional, and academic well-being of every student while fostering strong connections with families and teachers alike. I strive to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where children and educators can thrive with confidence and curiosity.

I am deeply committed to developing initiatives that encourage mindfulness, creativity, and student leadership while also promoting teacher well-being. By nurturing both students and educators, we strengthen the heart of our school community. I’m eager to reconnect with colleagues, students, and families, and to contribute to the continued growth and excellence that make ABS such a special place to learn and belong.

Malika Benjamin – Elementary Counselor

I am immensely pleased to join ABS as Principal of Middle School for the forthcoming academic year. 

I have researched the school, and feel excited to be joining an already well- established educational setting, that prioritizes continuous improvement for both teachers, staff and students. 

I am confident that my leadership experience and educational philosophy will compliment the school’s vision, aims and priorities. 

Through constant and never-ending improvement, strong work ethic and teamwork, together we can all strive to do better than yesterday, and succeed. 

Lee Hessey - Middle School Principal

Well done on finishing the first half of the year so strongly. Your hard work, resilience, and commitment have helped you build an excellent foundation for success. We are already halfway through the academic year, and it is important that we continue building on the strong progress made so far. Keep pushing yourself, stay focused, and aim to improve even further throughout the rest of the year.

As we move into the coming weeks, please ensure you are well‑prepared for the MAP test, as it is a valuable opportunity to show your growth and identify new goals. We also look forward to celebrating National Day together, a moment of pride and unity for our community. And soon after, we will embrace the beautiful and meaningful time of Ramadan which is a period for reflection, kindness, and togetherness.

Let’s carry this positive momentum into the next semester and make the rest of the year even more successful.

Gregory Dunlop - Middle School Vice Principal

As the High School Principal at the American Baccalaureate School, I am committed to creating a learning environment where students are challenged academically, supported personally, and encouraged to grow as responsible global citizens. Our focus on high-quality instruction, strong relationships, and purposeful use of technology ensures that every student is prepared for success beyond the classroom. I am proud of our students, staff, and community, and the culture of excellence we continue to build together.

Brendan May - High School Principal

Joining the American Baccalaureate School in 2024, I immediately felt at home in its vibrant, forward-thinking community. My journey into education has been guided by a passion for innovation, growth, and meaningful impact. Before joining ABS, I spent five years teaching in Kuwait, then served as Head of the Math Department. This shaped my belief in the power of collaboration, innovation, and student-centered learning. With a BEng in Software and Hardware Engineering, a Certification in Teaching, and a qualification in Educational Leadership from Cambridge, I’m passionate about bridging technical knowledge with meaningful educational leadership. As Vice Principal of High School for the year 2025/2026, I look forward to collaborating with our exceptional team of educators, students, and families, where we can nurture lifelong learners who are ethical, independent, and globally minded. Together, we will work to support our students as they grow into compassionate, critical thinkers and future leaders. It is an honor to step into this new leadership role at the American Baccalaureate School, and to continue building a learning environment where every student is empowered to thrive as learners today and leaders tomorrow.

Roaa Almajed - High School Vice Principal

During my first weeks at ABS, the thing that has stood out to me the most is the sense of community. My fellow teachers and administrators are friendly and are always willing to help answer questions. Likewise, I also feel a strong sense of community among ABS students and parents. I'm currently organizing a school event, and many parents and students have offered to help volunteer. Even though I have only been at ABS for a short time, I already feel as though I am a part of its community, and I look forward to working with ABS staff, students, and parents each day.

Joelle Bohringer – High School Vice Principal, Head of Counseling

Joining ABS in 2024 marked the beginning of a truly meaningful professional journey for me and it has been a privilege to work for the success of our students alongside a diverse team of highly qualified professionals from around the world. In my role as a college counselor, it has been especially rewarding to work closely with students, guiding them through important academic decisions, supporting their aspirations, and helping them plan confidently for their future pathways. I am always committed to student-centered support, and I feel honored to be part of the community, where counselors and educators work collectively to make a lasting impact on students’ academic journeys. 

Natia Gaprindashvili – College Counselor

I am honored to serve as a part of the College Counselor team for the 2025–2026 academic year. With over 10 years of experience supporting students in schools and community centers across the United States, the Caribbean and Samoa, I have a deep commitment to student success and plan to bring a global perspective to our counseling team. I am most passionate about guiding students through their college journey, and I'm excited to be part of a community that values scholarship, community, and faith. 

Cinthea Sterling – College Counselor

It is a genuine pleasure to be in the role of College Counselor at ABS. My greatest professional joy comes from one-on-one mentorship, getting to know students' unique stories and helping them turn their aspirations into actionable plans. Having guided students to universities worldwide on the undergraduate and graduate level, I am committed to providing that same dedicated, personalized advocacy here. The sense of community at ABS is palpable, and I enjoy collaborating with our students, parents, and staff to make the college application process a confident and successful journey for every student.  I am proud to be part of a community so dedicated to empowering students to thrive at universities across the globe.

Shalaika Lewis - College Counselor

I’m happy to join the American Baccalaureate School team as the newest counselor. I can’t wait to support students’ growth and success. I have been working with all sorts of learners for the past 8 years, helping them develop in their academic abilities and as people. 

Jose Cano - Counselor

I am thankful for the opportunity to work with such a great group of people. I feel encouraged that my time here will be meaningful and will push me to further develop my skillset. 

Andrea Henry Baker – MSHS Dean of Students

As our school prepares to celebrate 20 years of excellence, I feel truly honored to have recently joined ABS as the Dean of Students – Girls. 

From the very first moment I set foot on this campus, it was clear how organized the school is and how deeply the students are valued. You can feel that students are at the heart of everything, and that sense of care, structure, and community is shared by all. I am proud to be part of a school with such a strong foundation and inspiring spirit as it marks this important milestone.

Maria Almeida - Dean of Students (Girls)

I am honored to join ABS as the new Dean of Students for Middle and High School Boys. With over eight years of experience in school counselling across Canada, Europe, and the UAE, I am committed to implementing effective strategies that foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Working collaboratively with the dedicated team at ABS, I am confident in continuing the school’s 20 year legacy of success while also contributing to new initiatives that support student growth and wellbeing. I strongly believe that every student deserves equal opportunities throughout their educational journey, and I look forward to being a positive and supportive presence during their time at ABS.

Riley Paxton - Dean of Students (Boys)