Our Team

Mr. Harvey Furniss

Mr. Harvey Furniss (M.Ed) joins Manthena American School as Senior Leadership Team, bringing a strong background in Psychology and nearly a decade of leadership experience across schools in the United Arab Emirates. With a proven track record of driving positive educational outcomes, he is committed to creating impactful learning environments that support the growth and success of every learner.

As a holistic and forward-thinking leader, Mr. Harvey is passionate about developing innovative, data-informed, and evidence-based educational practices. He specializes in creating individualised learning pathways and curricula that cater to the diverse needs of students while promoting high standards of teaching and learning.

Mr. Harvey strongly believes in celebrating progress, setting ambitious goals, and empowering all members of the school community to collaborate and exceed their potential. His leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in positive education and wellbeing, with a focus on nurturing both academic excellence and personal development.

Through his commitment to high-performance learning, Mr. Harvey supports students in developing the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to thrive in school and beyond, helping shape the leaders of tomorrow.

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. Naela Nair

Mr. Sunil Kalepu

Dr. Frank Fernandes

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. 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. 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.

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.

Mr. Daniel Olusegun

Ms. Asiyah Ramzan

Ms. Bhawna Vasishth

Ms. Jennifer Iheoma

Ms. Manpreet Kaur

Dr. Shilpa George

Ms. Azza Mohamed

Ms. Danica Van Zyl

Ms. Danica Van Zyl is a dedicated and passionate educator from South Africa with four years of experience in Foundation Phase education. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from Stellenbosch University and an Honours degree in Inclusive Education from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, reflecting her commitment to supporting the diverse needs of all learners.

Throughout her teaching career, Ms. Danica has gained valuable experience in multi-grade classroom environments and has served as a Lead Teacher within the Western Cape Education Department, Cape Winelands Education District. These experiences have strengthened her ability to create engaging learning environments that promote both academic success and personal growth.

Ms. Danica strongly believes that every child has the potential to thrive when nurtured through patience, kindness, consistency, and meaningful relationships. She is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive classroom culture where learners feel valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Her teaching approach focuses on developing confidence, curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning, while supporting the academic and emotional wellbeing of every student. She also values collaboration, continuous professional growth, and cultural diversity, recognizing the importance of building strong partnerships within the school community.

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.

Ms. Sarah Jean

Ms. Sarah is a passionate and dedicated educator from Cape Town, South Africa. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and brings over seven years of teaching experience, along with a strong commitment to supporting young learners.

She is dedicated to creating a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Ms. Sarah focuses on building student confidence, encouraging creativity, and ensuring that each child feels valued, supported, and motivated in their learning journey.

She believes in fostering meaningful relationships with her students and creating a classroom culture that promotes curiosity, participation, and a love for learning.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Sarah enjoys organizing social events and actively engaging in child-focused activities. She brings energy, positivity, and enthusiasm into both her professional practice and personal life, reflecting her passion for working with children and contributing to a vibrant school community.

Ms. Melessa Govender

Ms. Melessa is a passionate and energetic educator with extensive teaching experience across South Africa and the UAE. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree (Cum Laude) from the University of South Africa and is TESOL certified, bringing a strong foundation of knowledge and expertise to her teaching practice.

Known for her warm personality and creative teaching approach, she focuses on building strong relationships with her students and fostering a classroom culture that encourages participation, collaboration, and personal growth.

Mr. Krishnadas Kallupadath

Ms. Dalia Almetwaly Abdulfatah

Ms. Murooj Husam

Ms. Faraha Mualem

Mr. Fadlallah Ghabra

Mr. Muhanned Barakat

Ms. Hiba Dahmoush

Ms. Marina

Ms. Dorcas Geddam

Ms. Asha K Sailan

Ms. Jiya Sebastian

Ms. Yousra Benbouziane

Ms. Natali Ramzi

Mr. Nidhin T K

Mr. Ajay Krishnan