Speakers | SOAR 2027 Early Childhood Conference, Jeddah

Meet the SOAR 2027 speakers — early childhood educators, school leaders and researchers presenting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Browse presenters and their sessions.

SOAR 2027 — AISJ Early Childhood Education Conference takes place on Saturday, April 17, 2027 at the American International School of Jeddah (AISJ), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 600+ early childhood educators, 40+ practitioner-led sessions. Previously planned for April 16–17, 2026.

Speakers

• Basma Serafi , Kindergarden Teacher — AISJ

  With over fifteen years of experience in early childhood education, Basma is a dedicated kindergarten teacher known for her warm, relationship-centred approach to teaching. She believes that meaningful learning begins with positive relationships and environments. With twelve years of teaching exper

• Carine Husseinovitch, PK4 teacher — AISJ

  I am an early childhood educator with a background in speech-language pathology, teaching, and special education, bringing over 17 years of experience. I support teachers through instructional coaching and UDL strategies and design hands-on, inquiry-based learning that builds language, cognitive, an

• Nancy Nasser, EdTech Consultant — Edge Services

  Nancy Nasser serves as an EdTech and AI strategist and is the founder of Edge Services. She is committed to empowering educators, leaders, students, and parents to enhance learning outcomes, foster innovation, and ensure measurable impact. Nancy holds a Masters in Educational Technology from Michiga

• Afia Khalaf Almkhzome, Certified Parent Coach, Master degree of Developmental psychology for children and adolescents, CACHE 3 assessor — Self-employed

  My name is Afia’ Almkhzome, a Jordanian mother of four living in Saudi Arabia for over 15 years. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences and shifted my career in 2014 toward early childhood development and parenting. I have worked as an elementary school teacher and parent coach,

• Stephanie Olmore, ECE Policy Analyst — CU Denver

  Dr. Stephanie Olmore is Director of Early Learning and Global Partner Engagement at the National P-3 Center, CU Denver. She brings experience in early childhood education systems, including leading the development of the Saudi Early Learning Standards, early learning standards for the State of New M

• Ghada Assaad , University Professor — Lebanese University

  Dr. Ghada Assaad is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the Lebanese University with over 25 years of experience in higher education and K–12 leadership. Her expertise includes guidance and counseling, school wellbeing, career development, and teacher professional development. Her research focu

• samia kazi, COO — Arabian Child

  Dr. Samia Kazi is an early childhood systems leader and AI strategist. She is Co-Founder of Global Childhood Academy, serving 35,000+ educators globally, and Arabian Child, a regional training and quality organization. With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a programming background, she advi

• Nawal Kabbani, Speech language pathologist — American International School of Jeddah

  Nawal Kabbani is a Senior Speech-Language Pathologist with seven years of experience in clinical and school settings. She holds degrees from Dar Al-Hekma University and Miami, Florida, USA, is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and licensed by the Saudi Health Commission.

• Toluwalogo Daramola, ECE Teacher — KAUST

  Toluwalogo Daramola is a doctoral researcher in data privacy and an Early Years educator. specialist with classroom. Her work focuses on the intersection of cybersecurity, data privacy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and governance in educational environments. Grounded in daily teaching practice, sh

• Matthew Day, Occupational Therapist — AISJ

  Matthew Day is an Occupational Therapist with 23 years of international experience supporting neurodivergent children and young adults. He specialises in meaningful, functional activities and believes the best outcomes happen when therapy is engaging, relevant, and fun.

• Ejalal Kmik Jalal, Director — Arabian Child

  A visionary leader with over 17 years of experience in strategic consulting, organizational development, and early childhood education. Demonstrated expertise in leading cross-functional teams, executing large-scale initiatives, and driving policy development with a focus on child protection and edu

• Sinae VanHaastert , Director — Kuwait Bilingual School 2

  Sinae VanHaastert is the School Director of Kuwait Bilingual School 2. She is an experienced international leader who has previously served as Early Years Principal, Assistant Principal, PYP Coordinator, and Early Years team leader. Her work is grounded in strengthening instructional leadership, adv

• Sihui Qian, ECC Principal — NEOM Oxagon School

  Sihui Qian is the Early Childhood Center (ECC) Principal at NEOM Oxagon School. With over ten years of experience across public, private, and international schools in the U.S., Singapore, and China, she brings expertise in early childhood education, bilingual education, teacher coaching, and curricu

• Allison Fuller-Mulloy, PK-5 Coordinator/ Instructional Coach — AISJ

  Allison Fuller-Mulloy, Ed.S., is an instructional coach and teacher who is excited by innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Her blending of artistic, technological, and Reggio approaches contributes to her specialty in reframing digital tools as "natural materials." Allison empowers educators t

• Bushra Mourad, Preschool Teacher and Team leader — American International school of Jeddah

  An Early Childhood Educator with a BA in Early Childhood Education and over 17 years of teaching experience. Passionate about developmentally appropriate, play-based learning that supports the whole child and fosters curiosity, connection, and growth.

• Elizabeth DenHartigh, EY Curriculum & Pedagogical Coordinator — the kaust school

  Dr. Elizabeth DenHartigh (Liz) is an international educator with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as the EY Curriculum and Pedagogical Coordinator at The KAUST School. With a doctorate in educational leadership, she focuses on developing teacher agency and empowering future leaders. Ha

• Rafah Alshareef , Oration Director — Arabian child

  A trainer and consultant in the field of childhood with administrative experience in developing the education sector, specializing in continuous excellence for early childhood programs, and empowering staff working with children through specialized dance consultancy programs, in addition to a distin

• Aneeqa Du Toit, English Teacher — Al Andalus

  Aneeqa Du Toit is an Early Childhood Development specialist with over 16 years of experience in leading schools in Jeddah. She holds qualifications in psychology, TEFL, and Early Childhood Education, and has taught across British, American, and IB curricula. Known for inclusive practice and learning

• Sahar Saad Alammar, Regional Manager of Early Childhood Centers — Arabian Child

  Early Childhood Education Leader and Educational Consultant with over 15 years of professional experience in managing nurseries and kindergartens, academic and technical supervision, curriculum development, quality assurance, and educational leadership. Proven expertise in strategic planning, team d

• Emily Alkashkary, ES Learning Support Teacher Assistant — AISJ

  Emily Alkashkary is a Learning Support educator at AISJ, specializing in early childhood and inclusive practices. She is completing her TeachNOW teaching license and IBT certification. As both an educator and a mother of a child with autism, Emily is passionate about early intervention, collaboratio

• Uzma Akser, CEO/Founder — Uzma Akser Coaching and Consulting

  UZMA AKSER is an ACC (ICF) Exec & Leadership Coach, Neurodiversity Consultant, Certified Autism Specialist (IBCCES), Mentor and the founder of UACC Training & Coaching Academy, founder of the “Bridging the Gap” international support group and founder of Motherhood on the Spectrum (MoS). She hos

• Alison Drury , ECE Teacher — AISJ

  Alison Drury is a kindergarten teacher at the American International School of Jeddah (AISJ) and a certified sound healer with over 14 years of experience in education. She has worked as a classroom teacher, special educator, and ELL specialist in both international school settings and the United St

• Michelle Bugby, Director of Curriculm and Professional Development Training — Global Childhood / Arabian Child

  Michelle Bugby is the Curriculum and Professional Development Director at Global Childhood, leading international work in early childhood curriculum innovation and professional learning. A former university academic and published author, she brings over thirty years of leadership and practice experi

• Gewiria Fadl, Physical Therapist — AISJ

  Dr. Gewiria Fadl, PT, DPT is a U.S.-trained physical therapist and the school-based PT at the American International School of Jeddah. She holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Briar Cliff University and has experience across pediatric and outpatient orthopedic settings. At AISJ, she works

• Juliana Sawaya, Early Childhood Center Manager — NEOM Community School

  I am an Early Childhood Center Manager at NEOM Community School with over ten years of experience in early childhood education. I studied Early Childhood Education and Leadership and Management and lead early years teams from babies to kindergarten. My work focuses on educator wellbeing, ethical lea

• Chelle Jones, Grade 1 Teacher — The KAUST School

  Chelle Jones (M.Ed) is an early childhood educator with over 10 years of experience. Passionate about literacy, inquiry-based learning, and social-emotional development, she designs experiences that honor both the human and academic sides of education. She is committed to creating classrooms where e

• Colleen Steigerwald, Assistant Principal — AISJ

  Colleen Steigerwald currently serves as Assistant Principal at AISJ. Colleen has a 29 year history working in International Schools including Carol Morgan School, Singapore American School, and Frankfurt International School. Her roles have spanned from classroom teacher, counselor, Dean of Studen

• Kathryn Peckham, Director of Centers and Training — Global Childhood Academy

  Dr. Kathryn Peckham is Director of the Global Childhood Academy – KSA, leading future-focused early years practice that nurtures children’s strengths, cultural identity and love of learning. An international consultant and author, she works with government bodies, school leaders, educators and curri

• Nancy Gudino, Principal — Al Forsan International School -Qirawan

  Nancy Gudino, graduated from California State University with a BA in Early Childhood Development, I taught for 8 years and been in leadership for the past 8 years. I believe that leadership is a privilege—a privilege that comes with the profound responsibility to inspire others and guide them towar

• Fatima Vohra, Director/founder — Early years Excellence

  I am an Early Years leader and consultant with over 22 years of experience across the UK and UAE. I have founded and led nursery settings, and spent seven years as Operations Director overseeing multiple nurseries across Dubai. I founded Erudio Early Childhood Center, a purpose-built nursery I deve

• Eman Mohammed , KG HOD — Altarbiya Al Islamiya Schools l

  Experienced Educational Leader with 15 years, an HOD at Al-Tarbiya Al-Islamiyah in Riyadh. Focused on innovative leadership in Early Years. Certified School Principal (CSP), Academic Coordinator (Illinois, Chicago)& Certified ELIOT Observer (Cognia).Holds diplomas in Finnish Education, STEM in Early