High School Leadership Team

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.

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 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. 

As an educator, Smita enjoys balancing creativity and science. She has been an educator in her home country, India, for both Drama and Biology. She has worked across the spectrum of the International Baccalaureate Programmes as a PYP Drama Specialist, MYP Science and Biology teacher, DP Biology, DP Sports, Exercise and Heath Science as well as a Theory of Knowledge facilitator. 

Smita was educated in Mumbai, India and holds a M.Sc. in Biochemistry, B.Sc. Life Sciences and Biochemistry and Bachelors in Education (B.Ed.). She has a LTCL Diploma (UK - Level 6 on the RQF; Undergraduate Degree), Trinity College London for Speech and Drama and is a certified yoga teacher.

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 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 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.

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.