We are a group designed for SEND professionals working within the MENA region and offer an opportunity for professionals to share expertise, ideas, and experiences as well as ask questions, knowing that fellow professionals will respond respectfully.

This forum will include discussions on:

DyslexiaDysgraphiaADHDADDAutismInclusionInclusive EducationSpecial NeedsLearning SupportSENCOSpecial Needs CoordinatorSpecial EducationGifted and TalentedLearning DisabilitiesLearning DisorderTeachers TrainingIEP

This group will be operated within the sensibilities of the UAE Cyber Crime Law and would strongly encourage all members to familiarize themselves with the law, particularly Article 20, which references defamation.

We are honored to have 6 expert Chairs for this group:

1) Ginette Moore

Ginette has over 20 years' teaching experience and is a UK qualified SENCo, as well as holding an MEd and a Masters Degree in Special and Inclusive Education. She is Head of Inclusion at one of the most inclusive schools in Dubai, which meets the needs of a wide range of pupils including those with moderate and severe autism.

2) Galemarie Ola

Galemarie became dedicated to the educating SEN students after mentorship from the SENCo at her first placement in Washington, DC, where she was an English teacher for five years. Since then, she has held leadership roles in SEN departments in the United States, Kuwait, and most recently in the UAE.

3) Julie Geissler

Julie is the Primary Section SENCO and Head of Learning Support at the British International School of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Julie originally trained as a Primary teacher in the UK, but has worked most of her life in the Middle East (20 years) and South America (10 years). Julie has held key leadership roles as SENCO (14 years) and English Coordinator (10 years).

4) Nadine Hutchinson

After qualifying as a primary teacher and working in the North East of England, I moved to Dubai in 2012. At the time, Safa was the only school prepared to offer my children (adopted from care and with additional needs) a school place so I have remained loyal to the Safa family and have continued to promote their inclusive ethos.

5) Taruna Khattar

Taruna is renowned for her passionate work with the students of determination. With an experience spanning close to two decades after completing a double masters in psychology. She has been the Head of Inclusion at various schools, starting with JSS Private School, Springdales and currently with Ambassador Group of Schools.

6) Amal Hammad

Amal is the SENCO of Gems AlKhaleej National School, an American curriculum school. With extensive experience and many qualifications in the special needs field, Amal is leading inclusive practices at her school with a majority of native Arabic speaking students.

DISCLAIMER: Views expressed here are of each individual member and do not represent those of the group, administrators or Lexicon Reading Center. Members must abide by all UAE laws & group rules.

Contact Admin by DM or email: [email protected]