High School Leadership Team

Scott Schaffner, Head of High School

Scott Schaffner holds a Post-Master's Certificate in Educational Administration and Leadership, a Juris Doctor, and a Bachelor's in History. Throughout his career, he has led high schools in Dubai, Hanoi, and Amsterdam, while also teaching in New York City and Warsaw.

Scott is thrilled to take on the role of Head of High School at ISL Qatar, especially given the school's ambitious Strategic Plan that prioritizes student-centered learning. With both Irish and American citizenship, he is eager to bring his diverse experiences to ISL Qatar. His wife, Aga, who is a PYP teacher, will be joining him along with their two children, aged 14 and 11. In his leisure time, Scott enjoys quality moments with his family, as well as fishing and swimming.

 

Stephanie Gomaa, HS Dean of Students & Pastoral Care

With over twenty years of experience in education, leadership, enrichment and professional development, Stephanie Gomaa is a passionate and innovative practitioner who strives to create a positive and inclusive learning environment for students and staff.

Stephanie holds a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership, alongside a Level 7 Diploma in Executive Coaching & Mentoring with the Institue of Leadership & Management. She is current pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), with the Institute of Education at the University of Central London.  Stephanie enjoys scuba diving, hiking, reading and music - particularly choral work, following many years as a Director of Music. 

 

Moneeb Minhas, MYP Coordinator (Grades 9-10)

Moneeb holds a BA Honors degree in Architecture from Leeds Beckett University and a PGCE in Design and Technology from the University of Manchester. He has taught a wide variety of creative subjects such as Design, ICT, Media, Robotics and Computer Science.

Moneeb has worked in both private and state schools in the United Kingdom, and has remained as a Managing Trustee and Creative Curriculum Coordinator of a private academy in Sheffield, UK. When not teaching, Moneeb enjoys spending his time with his family, reading, watching movies and travelling the world. 

Sereen Saadi, Interim DP Coordinator

Sereen Saadi is a science educator and leader with over a decade of teaching and administrative experience. During the past six years, Sereen has focused primarily on International Baccalaureate (IB) education, serving as an IBDP Biology teacher, MYP Integrated Science teacher, and IBDP Biology Examiner. She has also served in various leadership positions, including Grade Team Leader for Grades 11 and 12 and IB Diploma Program (DP) and Career-related Program (CP) Coordinator.


Sereen holds an M.S. in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University and a B.S. in Medical and Research Technology from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She is currently pursuing an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Administration at The George Washington University.

 

Abena Baiden, Grade 12 Level Leader

Abena is from Northern Ireland in the UK and holds a BA Honours in English and Philosophy from the University of Liverpool. She also has a Masters in Education and she is currently working toward her doctorate with the University of Bath, UK. Added to this, she is a member of the British Psychological Society and working toward Chartered Psychologist status. She has taught in the UK, Poland, Spain, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

In her free time, Abena loves water sports, Capoeira, cycling, and reading. She joined the warm and welcoming ISL community with her 3 children (Kojo, Fynn, and Aoife) and her husband, Chris.

Abena is a Fanti (Ghanaian) name meaning 'born on Tuesday'.

Lynette Brink, G11 Level Leader

Lynette is a Physics teacher with 30 years' experience.  She has taught for 26 years in South Africa (which is also her home country) and joined the ISL Qatar team in 2016.  Currently she teaches DP Physics and MYP Science.  Lynette was Head of the Science department in South Africa, which included pastoral responsibilities. 

Thirty years on she still has a passion for teaching and enjoys the challenges and fulfilment of teaching students from a diverse background. 

Lynette holds a Bachelor of Science and a Higher Education Diploma from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. 

Vanessa Zilio, G10 Level Leader

Vanessa holds a bachelor's degree at Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais in Social Communication. She also has a diploma in education and training. Vanessa is currently working as a MYP/DP Portuguese teacher and Grade 10 Level Leader.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing volleyball and board games with her family.

Thoms Robertson, G9 Level Leader

Thomas holds a Bachelor of Arts degree as well as a Post-graduate Certificate in Education from the University of the Free State, South Africa. He also holds a Bachelor of Honours in Education from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. He has taught in various countries, including South Africa, South Korea, and China.

A highly active person, he enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, trail running, and camping. He also loves playing sports, with a particular interest in rugby, which he continues to play and coach.