Creators and Guests

Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of The Wishing Tree Early Learning Group

Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of The Wishing Tree Early Learning Group

Aisling is a Paediatric Dietitian, with over 12 years of experience working in some of the world's leading children's hospitals. She is passionate about helping families navigate challenging feeding issues, and has supported hundreds of families throughout the UAE on their child's journey with food. As a mum to two young kids, Aisling is very familiar with the challenges that each mealtime can pose. She brings practical advice, support and tips to parents, helping them to turn mealtimes into occasions of joy and connection.

Amadu Jorge is a seasoned professor of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a 3rd dan black belt under the guidance of Mamute Ferreira. He owns and leads Nest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Abu Dhabi, where he is dedicated to teaching and cultivating talent within the BJJ community. Born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Amadu began his journey in Jiu-Jitsu at 14 years of age. Throughout his career, Amadu has traveled extensively, sharing his expertise through seminars in places such as the Seychelles and Sweden. A formidable competitor, he has claimed numerous IBJJF medals, including two recent golds at the Asian Open IBJJF World Championships. As a coach, Amadu has guided multiple champions, including 7 World Pro Champions, 6 Asian Open IBJJF Champions, and 3 European IBJJF Champions.Known for his passionate approach to teaching, Amadu describes himself as “living the dream” by imparting his knowledge and love for Jiu-Jitsu to practitioners worldwide.

Inventor of MY CARRY POTTY and Founder of Toilet Training Academy

Ben, co-founder of Squirrel Education, has over a decade of wealth management experience. Recognising the impact that a lack of financial understanding has on people's lives, Ben is passionate about reshaping early financial education to help children build positive money habits through engaging experiences. He is a Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Wealth Manager, and Executive MBA holder, committed to making Squirrel Education the leading financial literacy resource for students and schools.

Chris Buswell has a BSc. Env. Science Grad Dip Ed. Grad Cert in Physics Teaching. He is a highly acclaimed EdTech and STEM education leader, and has been instrumental in establishing international learning cultures and educational partnerships across Australia, the UK, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. As Head of Education at STEM Punks, he drives global STEM initiatives. He was previously the foundation Director of STEM at the Australian International School in Dubai, U.A.E. Honored as the Showcase Queensland Teacher of the Year in 2019 and recipient of the Commonwealth Bank Australia Teaching Fellowship in 2020, Chris's expertise spans strategic STEM education and pedagogical design and delivery, earning him recognition as a global Keynote Speaker.

Dr. Claudine Habak is a cognitive neuroscientist (Ph.D. Neuropsychology & Cognitive Science), working on perception, cognition, and wellbeing across the developmental lifespan (Child to Aging). She focuses on how context and experience interact with emotional-cognitive function to facilitate learning, creativity, and wellbeing, along with the role of empathy in student and educator relationships and wellness. She is Associate Professor of Counseling, Special Education, and Neuroscience at ECAE, where she co-founded the program in Educational Neuroscience and the Cognitive Neuroimaging Unit. She also works with educational organizations, such as the UNESCO regional center for educational planning (RCEP) and Educators without Borders.

Dr. Dalal Elsori is a Consultant Developmental and Behavioral pediatrician with extensive training and expertise. She completed her pediatric fellowship training in the United States receiving her American Board of Pediatrics Subspeciality certification in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. In 2022, Dr.Dalal moved to Abu Dhabi from the United States to practice Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and bring her expertise back to the Middle East where her journey initially started. Over the past years, she has been working closely with families and the community to help raise awareness on developmental disorders and help bridge the gap in the care for children with a variety of neurodisabilities. Her focus lies in addressing developmental disorders, with a particular interest in early childhood development. Her main areas of expertise include diagnosing and managing conditions such as autism spectrum disorders, speech and language delays, learning difficulties, behavioral challenges, cognitive delays, and ADHD.

Dr Nitin Verma finished his medical graduate training in India then moved to the North East of England where he completed his Paediatric Specialty Training. He later obtained his Allergy degree from Southampton University (UK) and has been a member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) since 2005.​ ​ Prior to joining King’s College Hospital London in Dubai, UAE, he worked as a Consultant Paediatrician at Darlington Memorial Hospital, UK. He ran an efficient General Paediatric, Paediatric Respiratory and Allergy service in the hospital for which he received a Clinical Excellence Award in 2016. In addition, he served as RCPCH College tutor and lead for Simulation based training for Paediatrics.

Dr Rajeev Tomar is a senior consultant of Pediatric and Clinical director of Women and children institute at Kings college hospital Dubai. He is also the director of pediatric liver transplant program at Kings college Dubai. He trained at two of the world premiere institutes – Great Ormond Street hospital for children and Kings college hospital in London. His area of special interest is pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology.

PhD in Early Childhood Education and Director of Early Learning at the Australian International School Dubai

Dr. Tovah Klein holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from Duke University. She completed a clinical fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard University, and was a visiting research scholar at UCLA. With over three decades of experience working with families, Dr. Klein has been dubbed the 'toddler whisperer' by Good Morning America. Her research focuses on parenting influences and challenges, including work-life balance, play and emotional development, parents' affective impacts on children's learning, and child trauma. Dr. Klein is the author of two acclaimed books: How Toddlers Thrive and Raising Resilience: How to Help Our Children Thrive in Times of Uncertainty.

Joanna King is the Founder of Strategy Kings and is passionate about facilitating the launch and growth of businesses in the UAE across multiple sectors, using the extensive experience she gained working in Australia and the Middle East. Joanna is the Chairperson of the Australian Business Group in Abu Dhabi and is an active member of Business Network International, a global business networking group, as Director Consultant for North Dubai.

Karen McCord, Executive Principal of the Australian International School Dubai, commenced her role in May 2021. Karen is an Education Queensland Principal whose previous school, Bundaberg State High School (2014-2021) was the recipient of several Education Showcase Awards during her time there, including 2018 State Winner- Innovation Award for International Students Experience, and the Multicultural Award. During her more than 20 years in leadership positions, Karen has led several schools across two regions of Queensland, Australia. Between 2016 - 2021 Karen worked as a Regional Representative for various areas in Education Queensland, including Wellbeing and Safety, in addition to New Pedagogies for Deep Learning. She was also Inaugural Independent Chair for Bundaberg Headspace, Australia's national leader in mental health and medical support for young people between 2017- 2019. Commencing 2015 Karen was also nominated as Lead Principal as the Bundaberg Regional Youth Hub, consisting of leading business and school leaders across the region. An initiative that was recognised by the State through two State Education awards for its work with connecting communities and ensuring seamless transitions for youth into work and study. Karen's leadership experience and commitment to P-12 schools, large and complex in relation to curriculum, pedagogy, learning, and pastoral care is further evidenced by her invitation to join in 2015, the North Coast Region - Early School Leavers Group, and then in 2016, requested to be the Educational Representative for the University of Queensland-Rural Medical School.

Kirsty Van Rooyen is currently the Assistant Principal of an International School in China.  She is a highly experienced educational leader with a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Development and a National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL). Kirsty is currently advancing her expertise at the CBCI Institute with Rachel French, who is considered an authority in international conceptual learning.

Layal Idriss is a Saudi Visual Storyteller, Entrepreneur, and Educator with over 100 books and products. She is a leader in children’s publishing in the MENA region and the co-founder and creative director of Dar Waraqa and Radish House.   Layal earned her MFA from California State University and recently completed a  Georgetown University Women in Innovation Fellowship program, followed by an Art Residency in Illustration at the School of Visual Arts New York. She aims to continue nurturing her creative knowledge base as she supports others in the storytelling world.   Driven by passion and with more than a decade of experience practicing, teaching, and consulting, she is working towards elevating the kidlit market in Saudi Arabia and sharing her knowledge through workshops, lectures, and talks.

Maree Knock has an undergraduate degree in Human Movement with a specialism in Health Promotion from Deacon University, Australia and a Graduate Diploma in Education P-12 from La Trobe University, Australia. Maree combines her life-long love of the outdoors, gardening and a particular passion for kitchen gardening, with her background in education where she worked in Australia for almost 15 years. Various roles have seen her work to promote edible gardening in educational settings in the UAE, volunteering and working with community groups and delivering workshops on composting and a variety of gardening topics to adults and children. She loves to promote the benefits of gardening on health and wellbeing and has experienced how incredible it is to introduce edible gardens in early learning settings.

Matt O’Bryan, Founder and COO of Squirrel Education, brings 22 years of education experience across three countries and multiple curriculums. With a background as Head of Subject and Assistant Principal, Matt has also successfully launched three businesses—one in Australia and two in the UAE. Outside of work, he’s a passionate surfer, ocean enthusiast, traveler, and proud father of two inspiring daughters.

Melissa O'Donnell is a Behavior Analyst, Neurodiversity Advocate, Childhood Development & Family Support Specialist. Melissa’s mission is to empower neurodiverse individuals and their families with compassionate care that enhances their quality of life, as well as to help create a world community that provides access to support and inclusion for everyone. She provides high-quality training and consultation to health facilities, clinics, government agencies, families, schools, and support organizations that serve individuals with developmental disabilities. She has her Master's of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, is DOH licensed, and is internationally certified. With over fifteen years of experience in the field, she has worked with diverse clients and cultures across the world, including the UAE, USA, Turkey, Qatar, Saudia Arabia, and India, as well as presented at multiple international conferences.

Natalie is a qualified Early Childhood Educator with over 25 years of experience in Early Years Education. She is also a Certified Circle of Security® Parent Educator and COSP Classroom Tier 1 Facilitator. With Post Graduate qualifications in Pre and Postnatal Family Care and Support, Natalie has been supporting families with sleep and settling for more than 15 years. Her passion lies in helping new families navigate the precious early days and beyond with their children by offering a better understanding of children's needs, cues, and capabilities. Natalie collaborates closely with Early Years Educators to provide workable strategies for creating an emotional and physically safe sleep space in their Early Years Services.

Co-Founder of the Institute of Child Psychology, Leduc, Canada. She was born in South Africa, where she received an Honours degree in psychology. Tania earned her Master’ s degree in Counselling from City University of Seattle. She and her husband were foster parents to four First Nations children for five years and have two biological children of their own. Tania works primarily from the perspective of attachment theory, which focuses on bonds between parents and children. Her gift, both in the therapy room and when writing, is to translate the latest research into concrete strategies that parents can implement in everyday life with their children.

Tara worked in Sales and Marketing roles in Australia for many years before moving to the UAE for her husbands work in 2018. Tara is currently a stay at home Mum to two beautiful girls and plans to return to work when an opportunity arises that peaks her interest!

Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Teresa Novak earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with a minor in Theatre from Elmhurst University before moving to the UAE, first to Dubai in 2017, then relocating to Abu Dhabi in 2021. As a Music Teacher, Teresa has directed, music-directed, and choreographed school shows enjoyed by students and their local communities alike, both in the USA and UAE. Teresa’s specialty as a music educator is with Early Years students ages 4-8 in the General Music classroom, having received post-graduate training from the American Orff-Schulwerk Association with the Orff Level 1 course, as well as training from The Feierabend Association for Music Education including Conversational Solfege with Dr. Missy Strong, and First Steps in Music with Dr. John Feierabend himself. Teresa has also worked as a voice teacher for students ages 5-55, with a focus on vocal health while performing. Although her background is in Music Education, Teresa also has an extensive background performing onstage and behind-the-scenes work in numerous shows in her spare time.

Zahra is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and a registered Midwife with master's degree in business administration (Health Administration) from Canada. She currently works at Kings College Hospital London, Dubai. She has over 20 years of clinical experience in labour rooms, antenatal, and postnatal care. Since 2003, she has been helping mothers and babies. Zahra writes articles on breastfeeding and parenting and speaks on breastfeeding topics to both parents and professionals. She also lectures at national and international conferences. Zahra is passionate about making hospitals Baby-friendly.