Saman Shams

Mehairba Director

Saman has been part of the Bright Beginnings Nursery family for more than ten years. Since 2012, she has worked with children of all age groups, further enhancing her deep enthusiasm for early childhood development.

Saman has a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Economics. She embarked on her early years journey in 2010 with a Montessori Diploma.

She earned a CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Development in 2015. In 2019, driven by her strong passion for continuous learning, Saman pursued and successfully obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCEI) from the University of Nottingham.

Lina Haj Ahmad

Mushrif Director

Lina Haj Ahmad joined Bright Beginnings in 2014 as an Arabic teacher and had the opportunity to meet and teach most of the children in the Nursery. Lina was the Office Manager at our Mushrif Bright Beginnings for many years and was promoted to Nursery Director in 2022.

Lina has a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, a CACHE LEVEL 3 Diploma in Early Years Development, and a CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Early Years Leadership and Education. She has attended many courses, and workshops and has participated in International conferences in relation to Early Childhood Development and education.

Lina is married with two boys, Yousef and Omar who both attended Bright Beginnings Nursery and created the best early years memories.

Lina Haj Ahmad
Gillian

Gillian Bowie

Saadiyat Director

Gillian started working at Bright Beginnings Nursery in 2011 and has taught at all three of our branches in Abu Dhabi. She qualified in the UK as an Early Years Educator and has had the opportunity to work in private and public settings.
Gillian holds a National Certificate of Education and Training in Nursery Nursing and a Cache Level 5 Early Years Management Diploma, and has completed training in paediatric first aid, child protection and health and safety.
Gillian is married and has two daughters who have now flown the nest and attend university in Scotland.

Joud Zuriekat

Group Director

Joud Zuriekat joined Bright Beginnings Nursery in 2008 as one of the teaching staff and then took over the role of Director in 2010.

Joud has been working in the field of Early Childhood Education since 1995. She has had the opportunity to work in different settings in Jordan, Canada and the UAE, and has taught children from 18 months up to five years old.   Joud holds a Bachelor Degree in Teaching and has attended numerous training courses in Early Childhood Education around the world.

Joud is married with two children, Nour and Nosha, and they both attended Bright Beginnings Nursery.

Jo Shaban

Managing Director

Jo has been working in the field of Early Childhood education since 1991. Jo is married with two children, Isobel and Aden. She has had the wonderful opportunity to work and live in many countries around the world, further consolidating her knowledge of children and education in differing environments.

Jo has taught children from two years old through to 12 years old and has also taught, assessed and supervised beginning teachers and childcare students training to move into early childhood education. This invaluable experience has assisted her in operating and managing Bright Beginnings Nursery on a student, parent and staff level.

Jo holds a Bachelor of Teaching degree and a Bachelor of Education degree with a major in Early Childhood Education, both through Australian universities. She is also an active member of the Early Childhood Association of Australia and is a registered teacher with the Queensland Education Department.

Jo has completed training in the areas of Occupational Health and Safety and First Aid Training. In support of the three full time Directors (one at each Nursery), Jo divides her time between each of the Nurseries, to offer further assistance and to undertake staff development and training.