Ms. Elsie Maria

Ms. Elsie Maria is a dedicated and experienced Secondary Mathematics teacher from South Africa, with over 20 years of teaching experience in both South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

She strongly believes that students should not only understand mathematics but also enjoy it and develop a genuine love for the subject. She is passionate about helping students build confidence and achieve success in mathematics.

She also has a passion for sports, especially Formula 1, and often uses these as examples in her lessons to explain concepts and highlight the importance of practice and perseverance.

Guided by the school’s vision of “Empowering Learners, Building Leaders,” Elsie strives to nurture independence, resilience, and a love for learning in every student.

Beyond the classroom, she values well-being and enjoys outdoor activities and staying active, reflecting her positive and energetic approach to both teaching and life. She is committed to going the extra mile to support her students and colleagues, helping them grow into confident learners and future leaders.

Ms. Lizahn Geyser

Ms. Lizahn Geyser is a dedicated and passionate educator from South Africa, currently serving as a Homeroom Teacher at Manthena American School, Sharjah. She brings over 15 years of teaching experience, with the past 10 years based in the UAE.

Throughout her career, Ms. Lizahn has worked across South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the UAE, gaining extensive experience in diverse educational settings. She is well-versed in multiple curricula and frameworks, including American, Montessori, EYFS, Reggio Emilia, and CAPS.

In addition to her classroom teaching experience, she has held several leadership roles such as Grade Level Leader, Curriculum Coordinator, and Nursery Manager.

Ms. Lizahn is deeply committed to nurturing the academic, social, and emotional development of young learners. She believes that every child has the potential to succeed when provided with a supportive, engaging, and inclusive learning environment.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and staying active outdoors. She looks forward to working closely with students and parents to support each child’s unique learning journey.

Mr. Darien Charles

Mr. Darien Charles is a dedicated and experienced English Teacher from London, United Kingdom, with over ten years of teaching experience across secondary and alternative education settings.

He is committed to maintaining high academic standards while fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. His teaching is rooted in a deep appreciation for literature and language, helping students develop strong communication skills, critical thinking, and a genuine love for reading and writing.

He builds strong relationships with students and promotes confidence, independence, and a lifelong appreciation for learning.

Mr. Jermaine Lattimore

Mr. Jermaine Lattimore is an experienced educator from the United States with over eight years of teaching experience in international American curriculum schools. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Central Washington University and a Master of Education, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Emerging Technologies in Education. He is also a Florida State licensed K–12 educator.

In addition to teaching English, Mr. Lattimore supports athletics as a coach and mentor. He is passionate about student well-being, building strong relationships, and creating engaging learning experiences.

Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his family, participating in sports, traveling, and exploring photography and videography.

Ms. Darlene Sanele

Ms. Darlene Sanele is a dedicated and passionate educator from South Africa who serves as the Homeroom Teacher at Manthena American School, Sharjah. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of the Witwatersrand and brings over a decade of rich teaching experience across South Africa, China, and the UAE. She is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Education Leadership and Management through the University of Johannesburg.

Ms. Darlene believes that every child has the ability to succeed and is committed to ensuring that no student is left behind. Her classroom is a vibrant and engaging space where learning comes to life through creative teaching methods, including storytelling, humor, and interactive activities. She strives to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a genuine love for learning in each of her students.

She values building strong relationships within the school community and believes that collaboration with families and colleagues plays a vital role in a child’s educational journey. Outside the classroom, she enjoys cooking, writing, and spending quality time with her family.

Mr. Mekyl

Mr. Mekyl is a dynamic and enthusiastic educator from Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, serving as a Homeroom and ICT Teacher at Manthena American School, Sharjah. He holds a degree in Education from IIE Varsity College and brings a strong passion for integrating technology into the learning environment.

Mekyl is deeply committed to creating a safe and responsible digital space for students, ensuring they develop the skills needed to navigate the online world with confidence and awareness. His approach blends innovation with care, encouraging students to explore, engage, and grow in a supportive environment.

This marks his first international teaching experience. Outside the classroom, he enjoys fishing, spending time outdoors, and connecting with others.

Ms. Terisha

Ms. Terisha is a passionate and dedicated educator from Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, serving as a Grade 2 Homeroom Teacher at Manthena American School, Sharjah. She is a graduate of IIE Varsity College and brings valuable teaching experience along with a strong commitment to nurturing young learners.

Terisha focuses on creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment where students grow both academically and emotionally. She emphasizes confidence-building, fostering creativity, and ensuring each child feels valued and inspired in their learning journey.

She enjoys knitting, creative activities, and working closely with children, bringing warmth and enthusiasm into her teaching practice.

Ms. Daminee Black

Ms. Daminee Black is an experienced education professional with over 22 years of practice across the UAE and UK education sectors. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Studies and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. She is a certified Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and a BSO-trained school inspector.

In her leadership role at Manthena American School, she focuses on safeguarding and child protection, quality assurance, staff development, and driving whole-school improvement in line with curriculum standards.

Her expertise spans Early Years and Lower Primary education, with strong experience in curriculum development and improving teaching and learning outcomes. She is also a certified Phonics Trainer with extensive experience in Systematic Synthetic Phonics programmes and early literacy development.

She has supported and led schools through various inspection frameworks, including SPEA, KHDA, RAKDOK, and BSO, ensuring consistently high standards of education and compliance.

In addition, she is trained as a Fire Marshal and First Aid responder (Dubai Police Academy certified), reflecting her strong commitment to health, safety, and student wellbeing.

Ms. Natalia Vince

Ms. Natalia Vince is a dedicated Early Years educator who will be serving as a Pre-Kindergarten Teacher at Manthena American School, Sharjah. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from York University, Toronto, Canada, and a second degree in Education.

She has gained valuable teaching experience through practicum placements in the Toronto public school system and through her work in France at a language center and a bilingual Montessori school. Her teaching approach emphasizes play-based and child-centered learning to support the holistic development of young learners.

Ms. Natalia is also interested in integrating educational technology and innovative practices into the classroom. Originally from Toronto, Canada, she is committed to creating a nurturing and engaging learning environment for her students.

Ms. Sharon

Ms. Sharon is a highly experienced Early Years educator currently serving in the Kindergarten Department at Manthena American School, Sharjah.

She brings over 30 years of teaching experience in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), specializing in working with children aged 3–9 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and is deeply committed to fostering child-centered learning environments that support holistic development.

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in creating engaging, nurturing, and inclusive classroom experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love for learning.

Ms. Sharon strongly values collaboration and believes that effective teamwork among educators, parents, and leadership plays a vital role in enhancing student outcomes and driving continuous improvement within the school community.

Ms. Kimera Phillip

Ms. Kimera Phillip is a dedicated Early Childhood educator who joins Manthena American School, Sharjah as a Kindergarten Teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and brings years of teaching experience in early childhood education.

She has previously worked with reputable institutions including Emirates National School and SABIS International School, where she developed a strong foundation in both learner-centered and teacher-guided instructional approaches.

Ms. Kimera is committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating classroom environment where children feel supported, confident, and motivated to learn.

Originally from Durban, South Africa, she brings a creative and dynamic perspective to her teaching practice. Her interests in digital gaming (eSports), art, and drawing enhance her ability to incorporate creativity into the learning process.