Primary Leadership Team

Roula Haj-Ismail, an accomplished IB educator, holds a BA in Philosophy and Psychology from the University of Sydney and an MA in Philosophy from the American University of Beirut. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) with Bath University. With 30 years of experience across Lebanon, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, Roula has served as an IB PYP Coordinator, workshop leader, and evaluator for over 15 years.

She also develops IB curriculum, webinars, and documentation. Roula has presented at the IB Global Conference and NESA and has a background in visual and performance art, having showcased her work at festivals in Europe, the USA, and locally. Her interests include art, media literacy, music, and cross-country skiing.

Hala Sweilem holds a master’s degree in International Education from the University of Bath, UK and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). With over 14 years of experience in international education, she is an experienced IB Workshop Leader and IBEN member, as well as a Global School Advocate and mentor as part of the UN SDG initiative. Hala has worked in Jordan and the UAE in leadership roles, including PYP Coordinator and Assistant Principal, where she has led programme development, driven school improvement, and fostered international-mindedness. She has also presented at the IB Global Conference in The Hague and facilitated IB workshops in Qatar, Oman, Dubai, and Jordan.

Bilingual in English and Arabic, Hala is passionate about creating inclusive, engaging, and globally minded learning environments. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys music, cooking, and reading, and has a love for travelling, exploring cultures, and discovering new perspectives with her family.

Erika holds a Bachelor's degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications from Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano in Colombia, as well as from the International Advertising Association in the USA. Furthermore, she specialized in Art, Culture, and Citizenship Education at Universidad de Valladolid, Spain. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Globalization in Education, broadening her horizons in this field. Cooking and pastry have always been her passions, and she took it a step further by becoming a professional in this field.

Her dedication led her to obtain a postgraduate degree in Haute Cuisine and Gastronomic Management, further refining her skills. As an educator, she has had the privilege of teaching in both Colombia and Thailand. Beyond her professional pursuits, she enjoys a variety of hobbies and interests.

She absolutely loves cooking—it's one of her greatest passions. She also enjoys bouldering, capoeira, and music. Travelling fuels her desire to explore diverse cultures and cuisines, enriching her understanding of the world. On a personal note, she is happily married to Ricardo Zamora, and together, they have a wonderful son named Dali.