I was born in Amman, Jordan, and raised in Dubai, UAE. Being raised in a melting pot of a city has allowed me to appreciate the importance of diversity, culture, and inclusion. This has truly shaped me as an international educator in my career. Growing up, I enjoyed playing competitive sports like basketball, soccer, and tennis. I enjoy playing sports recreationally and love to bake during my free time. 

In 2018, I graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a dual bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. While completing my degree, I had the opportunity to shadow multiple teachers and their classrooms, from special educators to nursery, first, and second-grade teachers. After graduating, I went on to teach second grade in Montgomery County, Maryland and then continued my teaching journey back at my old stomping grounds in Dubai. I taught first grade for 3 years at Dubai American Academy, where I was heavily involved in the school and community. Part of my roles included building a social-emotional learning curriculum for my school, involvement in the sunshine committee, and being nominated as team leader for my grade.