Meet Our Team

Magen Alexander

Pre KG Teacher

With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a PGCEi, and specialist training in ABA therapy, Magen brings a thoughtful, nurturing, and deeply child-centered approach to everything she does. Her nine years of experience living and teaching in the UAE have given her a rich understanding of how to support children from a wide range of backgrounds, always with compassion and care.

Magen believes every child is wonderfully unique and deserves to feel safe, valued, and inspired in their learning environment. Her classroom is a place where children feel at home, where meaningful connections are built, and where the emotional and academic growth of every student is celebrated. She places great importance on working closely with families to ensure that each child’s journey is filled with confidence, joy, and purpose.

Sinead Gayson

KG1 Teacher

Sinéad is an experienced Early Years educator with five years of teaching across American, IB, and British curriculum schools. She holds both a PGCE and QTS, and brings with her a holistic approach to learning that supports children not only academically, but also socially and emotionally.

In her classroom, children will find a safe and welcoming environment where they are encouraged to learn, explore, and grow in confidence. Her teaching is hands-on and child-led, filled with opportunities for curiosity, creativity, and fun.

Jenniffer McAuliffe

KG1 Teacher

Originally from Ireland, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience in early childhood education, both in her home country and here in the UAE. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education. Jennifer began her career in Ireland as a preschool leader and special needs assistant, before moving to the UAE in 2019. Over the past six years, she has taught in Sharjah across both British and American IB school settings, bringing deep knowledge of international curricula and a strong commitment to inclusive, student-centered learning.

Jennifer takes great pride in her work and is passionate about helping each child reach their full potential in a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment. She is dedicated to creating an inclusive classroom where every child is valued, supported, and inspired to grow.

Rain Makiano

KG2 Teacher

Rain holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Years & Childhood Studies from University College Cork and brings with her over six years of teaching experience in the UAE, working across a variety of international curricula including the British, American, and IB frameworks.

Her teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that young children thrive through exploration, creativity, and meaningful connections with their world. Rain is dedicated to creating nurturing and engaging learning environments where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. By fostering curiosity, independence, and a strong sense of self, Rain helps build a foundation for lifelong learning, one joyful and meaningful moment at a time.

Julie Walsh

Grade 1 Teacher

Originally from Ireland, Ms. Julie brings a wealth of experience and a strong passion for early childhood education. With over six years of teaching experience, she has worked with young children in a variety of educational and extracurricular settings. Her teaching journey includes Pre-K in Ireland and homeroom roles for Grades 1 and 2 in the UAE. Since 2022, she has been teaching KG1, further deepening her understanding of how to build strong foundations for lifelong learning.

Ms. Julie holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Years Care and Education from Ireland, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from the University of Sunderland in the UK. Her background also includes experience as a gymnastics coach and camp leader, which brings a dynamic, energetic and well-rounded approach to her classroom.

Ratana Nayeck

Grade 2 Teacher

As a founding member of our school, Ms. Ratana Nayeck brings a deep passion for education and a vibrant spirit to our learning community. Since 2014, she has been shaping young minds across the GCC, creating inclusive and dynamic classroom environments where curiosity is celebrated and students feel empowered to grow.

Ms. Ratana holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Human Resource Management from Middlesex University, as well as a Professional Teaching Diploma (iPgCPP) from Liverpool Hope University. Her educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that learning should be engaging, meaningful, and accessible to all. With a strong commitment to building genuine connections, she continues to inspire learners and colleagues alike.

Shanice Whitney

Grade 3 Teacher

Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Shanice brings with her a wealth of experience, warmth, and a deep commitment to student-centered learning. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Simpson College in Iowa.

Shanice’s teaching journey has taken her across the globe from supporting underserved communities in the United States, to four enriching years in Kuwait, and more recently, to inspiring young learners here in the UAE.

She is passionate about creating classrooms where every voice is valued and every student feels seen, heard, and empowered to thrive both academically and personally.

Rahala Alam

Grade 4 Teacher

With over a decade of teaching experience and a Master’s degree in Education from Murdoch University, Ms. Rahala brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and global perspective to our team. Originally from Boston, USA, she has spent the last ten years calling the UAE home, blending her American roots with rich international experience to create engaging, inclusive, and learner-centered classrooms.

What drew Ms. Rahala to Rushmore was our shared passion for innovation, character-building, and outstanding education. She believes in celebrating every small win, nurturing meaningful relationships, and continually learning alongside her students.

Nichole Figarola

PE Teacher

Nichole Figarola is a passionate and experienced educator who brings over a decade of teaching Physical Education and English across early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school levels. Nichole is deeply committed to creating active and globally minded learning environments that support the physical, emotional, and social development of every student.

Originally from the United States, Nichole has lived in Uruguay for nearly 16 years, where she built a strong career in international education. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, Sports, and Recreation, as well as a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Educational Management. In addition, her Cambridge English teaching certifications reflect her strength in bilingual and multicultural settings.

An athlete throughout her life, Nichole has played soccer and field hockey from a young age and continues to stay active. She brings this lifelong passion for sport into her teaching, believing strongly in the power of physical activity to develop confidence, teamwork, and character in students.

Jenaysha Chetty

Mathematics Specialist

Jenaysha holds a Bachelor of Education, majoring in both Mathematics and Geography from Johannesburg, South Africa. With experience in both public and private school settings, she brings a well-rounded and compassionate approach to her teaching.

Dedicated to supporting the holistic development of every child, Jenaysha is committed not only to academic progress, but to nurturing students into confident, respectful, and compassionate individuals. Her approach blends critical thinking, real-world problem solving, and student-led activities, creating an inclusive classroom where all learners are inspired to reach their full potential.

Nada Safwat

Science Specialist

Ms. Safwat holds a Bachelor’s Degree in  Medicine and a TQUK  Diploma in Education and Training (RQF), providing her with a strong academic and teaching background. With 7 years of teaching experience across Egypt, and the UAE, she brings a passion for delivering hands-on, inquiry-based lessons that spark curiosity and make science an exciting journey for students.

Hamdi Dandash

Islamic Teacher

Mr. Hamdi brings over eight years of teaching experience in UAE schools and holds a degree from Dar Al-Uloom College, Cairo University. With expertise across the British and American curriculum. Hamdi designs engaging lessons that help students develop a deep understanding of Islamic values while making meaningful connections to real-life experiences. Passionate about nurturing knowledge, respect, and responsibility, Mr. Hamdi inspires students to grow as thoughtful global citizens.

Noura Saleh

Arabic Teacher

Originally from Syria and now based in Dubai,Ms. Noura has been teaching Arabic for more than nine years. She holds a degree in Arabic Language and Literature, and is a licensed MOE teacher. Throughout her career, she focused on creating engaging and culturally rich lessons that not only build strong language skills but also help students connect with the beauty and depth of the Arabic language. 

She is especially passionate about the MOE curriculum, as she believes it gives students a solid foundation in both language development and heritage appreciation. At Rushmore, her goal is to create interactive and inclusive learning experiences where every student feels supported and inspired.

Noha Abdel

Arabic Teacher

With over 15 years of experience teaching at both primary and middle school levels, Ms. Noha brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. A proud graduate of Al-Azhar University with a degree in Arabic Language, she is known for her dynamic and engaging teaching style that helps students connect deeply with the Arabic language.

Ms. Noha believes that language is more than just grammar and vocabulary, it is culture, identity, and beauty. She is also a dedicated lifelong learner and avid reader, always seeking to grow and inspire others through education.

Ahmed Elsayed Shaaban

Arabic Teacher

With over 11 years of teaching experience, Mr Ahmed brings a deep passion for helping non-native speakers connect with the Arabic language and Islamic values in engaging, meaningful ways.

Holding a Bachelor's degree in Arabic Language and Islamic Studies from Alexandria University, he has completed various certifications in education, social leadership, and personal development. 

Ahmed’s teaching philosophy is rooted in connection, cultural appreciation, and student-centered learning. We’re proud to have him share the richness of the Arabic language and the essence of Islamic principles with our students here at Rushmore.

Michael Foege

English & Social Studies Specialist

Mr. Michael, originally from the USA, has over 20 years of international teaching experience, Michael brings a global outlook and a strong commitment to holistic, human-centered education. Having lived and worked in India, Mexico, Nigeria, Qatar, and Uruguay, he offers a rich perspective shaped by diverse cultural and educational contexts.

Michael’s teaching philosophy is grounded in humanistic psychology and a belief in nurturing the whole student, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically. He is dedicated to creating inclusive learning environments that foster critical thinking, personal growth, and cultural sensitivity. In addition to a strong foundation in American education, Michael has extensive experience with the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework. He also brings a passion for educational innovation, incorporating AI literacy and foresight skills into the curriculum. His goal is to help students navigate an evolving technological landscape with thoughtfulness and ethical responsibility, empowering them to become informed and adaptive global citizens.

Ayman Elkot

Arabic Teacher

Mr. Ayman holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Arabic Language and Islamic Sciences from Cairo University, along with a High Diploma in Education from Tanta University. Over the past ten years, he has gained extensive experience teaching in both the UAE and Egypt, supporting students across a wide range of grade levels.

In addition to his classroom expertise, Mr. Ayman brings strong skills in student support, classroom management, and differentiated learning, as well as experience in curriculum development and extracurricular activities. His philosophy is that teaching should be built on patience, energy, and positivity, ensuring every student feels engaged and supported.