Learning · American Curriculum · Pre-K–Grade 12

The people behind every Learning journey

The leadership, faculty and staff of VIS guide our students through their learning journey with care, compassion, and respect for their diverse learning styles, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and individual needs.

7

Leadership team members

95

Classroom teachers from around the world

3

School counselors

1

Library & media specialist

WE Teach

One team One Purpose

We inspire our teachers and give them the tools they need to make a difference in their students' achievement. This collaboration ensures rich and high quality learning experiences for students, and significant professional growth and renewal for teachers.

“Together we seek to develop the curiosity, skills, knowledge and courage needed to imagine a better world and work toward realizing it.”

Governing board​

Strong roots, clear direction.

Vision International School is owned by the Almuftah Group who owns the English Modern Schools, amongst other noted projects, in Qatar. Almuftah believes strongly in, and is proud of, its commitment to excellent education in Qatar.

Currently Almuftah and VIS school leadership, founded by ISS, a Member of the Council for International Schools (CIS), have developed an outstanding, best-practice governance model that ensures the vision and mission of VIS is realized.

01

Almuftah Group ownership

VIS is owned by the Almuftah Group, who also owns the English Modern Schools amongst other noted projects in Qatar.

02

Founded with ISS

School leadership was founded by ISS, a Member of the Council for International Schools (CIS).

03

Best-practice governance

Almuftah and VIS school leadership have developed an outstanding, best-practice governance model.

School leadership

Experienced leaders, familiar faces.

The team setting the direction of the school day to day — from divisions and curriculum to operations. Select anyone to read their full story.

Head of School Ms. Sarah Griffiths

Welcome to Vision International School. It is an honour to welcome you to our learning community. As Head of School, I am proud to lead a school where academic excellence, personal growth, and strong values come together to create a place where every learner can flourish.

Ms. Sarah Griffiths Head of School

Welcome to Vision International School. It is an honour to welcome you to our learning community. As Head of School, I am proud to lead a school where academic excellence, personal growth, and strong values come together to create a place where every learner can flourish.

At Vision International School, we believe that education is about far more than achieving outstanding academic results. It is about developing compassionate, confident and resilient young people who possess the knowledge, skills and character to make meaningful contributions to an ever-changing world. Through our American curriculum, enriched by the culture, traditions and values of the State of Qatar, we provide students with the foundations to succeed both locally and internationally.

One of our greatest strengths is the diversity of our school. Students and families from many nationalities, cultures and backgrounds come together with a shared commitment to learning, respect and excellence. We celebrate this diversity because it broadens perspectives, enriches understanding and prepares our students to thrive in a global society while remaining deeply connected to the values of their own heritage.

At the heart of Vision International School is a simple but powerful belief: every child should be known, valued and inspired to achieve their very best. We are committed to fostering a culture where every learner feels safe, respected and challenged; where curiosity is encouraged, kindness is expected, and high expectations are matched with unwavering support.

Education is most successful when schools and families work in partnership. We deeply value the trust our parents place in us and believe that open communication, mutual respect and shared aspirations are essential to every child's success. Together, we nurture confident learners, responsible citizens and future leaders who demonstrate integrity, empathy and a lifelong love of learning.

Our dedicated staff are passionate educators who continually strive for excellence in teaching and learning. They inspire students to think critically, solve problems creatively and embrace challenges with confidence. Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to discover and develop their talents through leadership opportunities, sports, the arts, technology, community service and a wide range of extracurricular experiences that enrich their educational journey.

Vision International School is more than a place of learning; it is a place where every individual belongs, every voice is valued and every achievement is celebrated. Here, ambition is encouraged, character is nurtured and lifelong friendships are formed.

I warmly welcome you to Vision International School and look forward to working alongside our students, families and staff as we continue to build a culture of excellence, innovation and opportunity. Together, we will empower every learner to realise their full potential, embrace future opportunities with confidence and make a positive difference in the world.

Ms. Samar Yassin

Boys' Division Principal
Ms. Samar Yassin Boys' Division Principal

Dear Vision Community,

Samar Yassin is honored to serve as the Vision International School Boys Division Principal. Born in Brazil and of Lebanese heritage, she holds a bachelor’s degree in general physics from the Lebanese University, a Teaching Diploma in High School Science from the Modern University of Business and Science (MUBS), and a master’s degree in Multidisciplinary Sciences from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

With more than 17 years of experience in education, Samar’s professional interests include curriculum development, inclusive education, and project-based learning. Her educational philosophy is inspired by Aristotle’s words: “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” She believes that true education goes beyond academic success and must also nurture students’ emotional, social, and ethical development.

Samar is eager to collaborate with the talented VIS staff and engaged families to cultivate an environment in which every student thrives academically and develops into a well-rounded individual prepared to make meaningful contributions to society. She is fully committed to supporting the continued growth and sustained excellence of Vision International School.

Ms. Mona Shosha

Girls' Division Principal
Ms. Mona Shosha Girls' Division Principal

Ms. Mona Shosha, the Girls’ Division Principal, is a Swiss-Egyptian educator who has grown up in Doha, Qatar. As a proud alumna of Doha College, she pursued a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, which she has completed with Honours.

However, she discovered her deep passion for education earlier on in her life and has since dedicated herself to professional development and educational leadership. She holds a Post Graduate Certificate for Education (PGCE) from the University of Nottingham, completed Middle Leadership training with the British Council and most recently, achieved the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) for the UK Department for Education.

With over 16 years of experience in education, a decade of which in leadership roles across two different counties, Ms. Mona has supported her students and staff in achieving their academic and personal development goals and has fostered positive, lasting relationships within the school community.

Whether cheering students on in competitions, celebrating their success and achievements, collaborating with staff, or working closely with parents to provide enriching opportunities that extend beyond academics, Ms. Mona’s enthusiasm and commitment to a student-centered, holistic approach are ever-present.

Beyond her professional life, Ms. Mona enjoys reading, travelling, and expressing creativity through art. She treasures quality time with her family and two daughters and finds joy in exploring the world alongside them.

She is excited to join the visionary team at VIS and looks forward to working in partnership with staff, students, and parents to contribute to the continued growth and success of the students and the school.

Ms. Charlotte Verrell

EC/ES Division Principal
Ms. Charlotte Verrell EC/ES Division Principal

Charlie is honored to serve as the Early Childhood/Elementary School (EC/ES) Principal at Vision International School for the 2025 – 2026 academic year. She has been working in education for the last 18 years, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to educational excellence. Charlie is a passionate and child-focused educational leader who believes that every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and inspired every day at school.

With a Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Education from the University of Auckland, and a Master of Education from Curtin University in Australia; Charlie leads with the belief that strong relationships are the foundation for meaningful learning, and that every child has unique strengths worth celebrating. Charlie is deeply passionate about designing meaningful, student-centered learning experiences that promote inquiry, critical thinking, and a love of learning. She believes in fostering strong parent partnerships, working collaboratively and engaging with the community, and most importantly spending time with the students.

Outside of school, Charlie enjoys unwinding at the beach, getting lost in a good book, and sipping Karak! She has a deep interest in the Middle Eastern region, drawn to its rich cultural diversity and warm, welcoming communities.

Charlie feels proud to be a member of the VIS community and with a strong foundation in child-centered leadership, she will continue to work in close partnership with the elementary and early childhood team to create a safe, inclusive, and dynamic environment where every child can flourish both academically and socially.

Ms. Stephen Jamal Leeper

EC/ES Assistant Principal
Ms. Stephen Jamal Leeper EC/ES Assistant Principal

With a deep passion for education and student success, Arwa Mohammed brings over 20 years of rich experience to her role as Assistant Principal for Early Childhood and Elementary School at Vision International School. Known for her warmth, professionalism, and commitment to excellence, Arwa has dedicated her career to nurturing young learners and supporting teachers in creating dynamic and inclusive classrooms.

She brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as a Teacher, AP and SAT Coordinator, Head of Department, Instructional Coach, Discipline Lead, and Vice Principal. Her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication led to her well-deserved promotion to Assistant Principal.

Arwa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Pharmaceutical Studies and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration and Planning from Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria. Her academic background, combined with extensive hands-on leadership experience, allows her to approach her role with both academic rigor and a compassionate understanding of student and staff needs.

Born into a mixed heritage family, Arwa brings a rich multicultural perspective that helps foster an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds. She is passionate about empowering every child to reach their full academic, emotional, and social potential while building strong partnerships with families and the school community.

Arwa is honored to serve as part of the Vision International School leadership team and looks forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the VIS community.

Ms. Chenese Manikram

Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Innovation
Ms. Chenese Manikram Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Innovation

Chenese is honored to serve as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Innovation at VIS. She is a dedicated educator who is passionate about curriculum development, teacher training, and student-centered learning. She is skilled in leading teams, implementing effective literacy programs, and fostering a collaborative school culture. With a passion for improving student outcomes, she leverages innovative teaching strategies and professional development initiatives. Her experience in the international school setting has equipped her with the ability to adapt to various curricula and engage meaningfully with multicultural communities of learners, educators, and families.

Chenese Manikram has been working in education for the past nine years. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the Embury Institute for Higher Education in South Africa and is currently completing an Interdisciplinary Master’s Degree in Education through SUNY Buffalo State University. Originally from the sunny city of Durban, South Africa, Chenese has spent her entire teaching career working internationally. She began by teaching the British National Curriculum at a primary school in England before moving to Qatar.

Beyond the classroom, Chenese is passionate about reading and traveling. She enjoys exploring new countries, learning about different cultures, and trying new cuisines. She looks forward to collaborating with the school community to support meaningful learning experiences and inspire excellence across all areas of teaching and learning.

Ms. Laila Abbasi

Director of Operations
Ms. Laila Abbasi Director of Operations

Ms. Laila’s bio will be short and to the point, just like her.

Originally from New Jersey, USA; Ms. Laila’s family relocated to the lovely State of Qatar in 2009. She has a husband and two sons. Previous to becoming Director of Operations at VIS, she had the opportunity to work with the infinitely gracious Al Muftah family at English Modern School in Doha as a Learning Support Coordinator.

She holds degrees in Business Management and Special Education and is fluent in both Arabic and English. She has experience teaching, in licensed realty, and has also managed/co-owned a lucrative embroidery factory with her husband. Ms. Laila has also run her own business: ABA Logic, for special needs and autistic children.

When asked to describe how she feels about VIS, Ms. Laila has stated that VIS is a school which is truly near and dear to her heart. She had the unique experience of witnessing the school’s opening in September of 2014. Even before that time, Ms. Laila can recall when the floors weren’t even installed and she is proud to have been part of the pre-opening operation and founding family of Vision International School.

Ms. Laila’s position as Director of Operations entails most of the operational intricacies of running a school. The enabling factor of her success throughout her tenure at VIS has been her extensive career experiences and challenges which have required creative solutions.

In her personal life she enjoys reading, assembling and solving puzzles and music of all genres. She also enjoys playing darts with family and friends.

Her professional motto is “Stabilize – Systematize – Optimize.”

Ms. Laila is honored to be an integral part of the VIS family and strives for excellence in everything she does. Her aspiration and goal is to contribute in every way possible to make VIS one of the best educational institutions in Qatar’s bright future.

Faculty

Selected from the best teachers around the world.

The faculty of VIS are carefully selected from the best available teachers around the world. Our faculty is of the highest caliber and demonstrates a commitment and a passion for fostering global citizenship.

  • Rossana Garcia Icabales
    Teacher
  • Lamiaa Samir Abdelfatah Barsim
    Teacher
  • Lilia Fortunado Dela Cruz
    Teacher
  • Ma Cecilia Asuncion Opon
    Teacher
  • Christine Mae Basarsa Pilota
    Teacher
  • Sajana Frederick George Simon
    Teacher
  • Sharmen Casim Ibarrientos
    Teacher
  • Fathima Ruzna Abdul Hudha
    Teacher
  • Roshna Robert
    Teacher
  • Kenda Molhem
    Teacher
  • Anna Francina Slatter
    Teacher
  • Monisha Bridgenum
    Teacher
  • Salma Abdelgawad Mohamed Radwan
    Teacher
  • Ahmed Loutfi Abdelbari Ibrahim
    Teacher
  • Razan Ahmad Mahmoud Turani
    Teacher
  • Wevelyn Somejo Selestine
    Teacher
  • Raja Said Hamdan Al Kaldy
    Teacher
  • Abdulmunaim Alshamery
    Teacher
  • Veronica Lee Stevenson
    Library & Media Specialist
  • Hadel Khaled Ahmad Khalaf
    Teacher
  • Qasim Ali
    Teacher
  • Rehab Mohamed Hamed Sengr
    Teacher
  • Samar Qasim Ali
    Teacher
  • Urvi Nishith Anjaria
    Teacher
  • Ilhem Meramria
    Teacher
  • Jenet Yawa Gwaki
    Teacher
  • Thamika Pillay
    Teacher
  • Aadelah Limalia
    Teacher
  • Mary Jane Rueda Matic
    Teacher
  • Natasha Van Rheede Van Oudtshoorn
    Teacher
  • Bilkish Cassim
    Teacher
  • Thirusha Pillay
    Teacher
  • Vanessa Antoine Eid
    Teacher
  • Galina Dmitrievna Shichenko
    Teacher
  • Merjem Salihagic
    School Counselor
  • Imen Mehrez Ep Chouaieb
    Teacher
  • Esraa Husni Ahmad Ahmad
    Teacher
  • Zoe Elsbeth Feraria Nee Clarke
    Teacher
  • Hanen Mathlouthi
    Teacher
  • Fatma Ben Mansour Ep Moalla
    Teacher
  • Baraah Ibrahim Mustafa Algharibeh
    Teacher
  • Abigael Coles Gacula
    Teacher
  • Hajer Kouki Ep Saidi
    Teacher
  • Wellafe Atay Sarol
    Teacher
  • Qendresa Peni
    Teacher
  • Jodi Tonkin Hallam
    Teacher
  • Angela Achieng Arende
    Teacher
  • Nessrine Chelali
    Teacher
  • Ola Mohamed Abdelmoneim Mohamed Abdalla
    Teacher
  • Wael Mohamed Sayed Ahmed Boraik
    Teacher
  • Aly Abelaal Ahmed Hassan
    Teacher
  • Fidel Toumi
    Teacher
  • Dina Mostafa Ali Mostafa Amer
    Teacher
  • Hend Abdelaziz Ibrahim Aly
    Teacher
  • Nour Al Hoda Fouad Farhat
    Teacher
  • Moustafa Abdeldaim
    Teacher
  • Randh Haitham Salem
    Teacher
  • Rina Rrustemi
    Teacher
  • Erenik Dujaka
    Teacher
  • Armine Saghatelyan
    Teacher
  • Manal Chafaa
    Teacher
  • Daniella Mohamad Rabah
    Teacher
  • Muhammad Ameer Howard
    Teacher
  • Rene Cindy Van Niekerk
    Teacher
  • Vasilica Lungu
    Teacher
  • Aurora Ahmetaj
    Teacher
  • Mahmoud Lotfy Abdelafeef Elbardysy
    Teacher
  • Ghazal Wael Mamdouh Al Ja’ouni
    Teacher
  • Jasmin Caroline Markussen Kurz
    Teacher
  • Fathima Rizka Abdul Hudha Razmi
    Teacher
  • Aaisha Ebrahim
    Teacher
  • Olayinka Elizabeth Oke
    Teacher
  • Rayan Youssef
    Teacher
  • Jacobus Cornelius Swanepoel
    Teacher
  • Gabriel Jepthas Crail
    Teacher
  • Ajeng Perrick Jingwa
    Teacher
  • Dania Tatari
    School Counselor
  • Khaled Mohamed Farouq Alsharawi
    School Counselor
  • Ola Mohammad Ahmed Bany Taan
    Teacher
  • Dawood Awad El Zammar
    Teacher
  • Imen El Bedoui
    Teacher
  • Agnesa Rexhaj
    Teacher
  • Maya Iyanna Bythwood
    Teacher
  • Abimbola Oluwakemi Abidogun
    Teacher
  • Bailassan Akl
    Teacher
  • Nadine Ghannam
    Teacher
  • Mostafa Sayed Abdelsattar Mohamed
    Teacher
  • Nour Jaber Shehyeb
    Teacher
  • Naryman Nedi Masloum
    Teacher
  • Aymen Mendili
    Teacher
  • Mehdi Rouba
    Teacher
  • Wissam Emil Abou Hamdan
    Teacher
  • Riham Mahmoud Zwayhed
    Teacher
  • Raghd Omar Elsayed
    Teacher
  • Arianna Olmo Garcia
    Teacher
  • Nasiba Esmaail Mohamad
    Teacher
  • Ranim Termanini
    Teacher
  • Rayan Al Shehimi
    Teacher
  • Hassan Abde Latif Wardeh
    Teacher

Showing 99 of 99 faculty & specialists