Jaimie completed her Master's degree at the University of Falmouth and holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Gloucestershire. She was educated in Malta and the UK, where she developed a strong foundation in education and student guidance. With over three years of experience supporting students with university applications, Jaimie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work.

Molly is an avid advocate for education and lifelong learning. After graduating from the UK in 2021, with a degree in Politics and Sociology, Molly relocated to Dubai to be part of the vibrant education sector. Her passion lies in empowering students and encouraging them to unlock their full potential. Throughout her career, she has worked in schools, colleges, and some of the UK’s leading organisations and is excited to join Forward Thinking!

Ms. Katrina Spartalis is a CDA licensed social counselor with a profound commitment to championing the well-being of young people. Over the past six years, she has had the privilege of working as a counselor in the vibrant multicultural landscape of Dubai. During this time, her scope of practice has encompassed a diverse range of students, including children aged 4-18, adults, families, and esteemed school staff members. She prides herself on being an enthusiastic, positive and compassionate counsellor who cares deeply about those in her care.

CDA Licensed Counselling Psychologist & Play Therapist PTUK Play Therapist | Parent Coach | Trauma-Focused Practitioner | Person-Centred Therapist

Greetings! I am a dedicated and empathetic counselling psychologist specialising in play therapy. With a profound belief in creating collaborative and non-judgmental spaces, I am passionate about supporting children, young people, adults, and families on their unique journeys.

I pursued my bachelor's and master's degrees in counselling psychology, setting the foundation for my enriching career. Additionally, I am a certified Play Therapist from PTUK, using an integrative and holistic model of therapeutic play. I am adept at parent coaching, trauma-focused approaches, and person-centred therapy, tailoring my interventions to meet individual needs.

My journey has taken me to the dynamic educational landscape of the UAE, where I have over a decade of experience in counselling, play therapy and special education. Holding a CDA licence and ABA certification, I combine my diverse skill set to create a holistic support system for my students.

Within the realm of therapeutic models, I am proficient in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and specialise in child centred play therapy. Furthermore, I excel at implementing well-being initiatives, utilising positive learning strategies to foster team building, communication, and conflict resolution.

One of my areas of expertise is parent coaching. I work closely with parents to establish effective boundaries, taking into consideration the cultural context and tailoring strategies to meet their unique needs.I am dedicated to making home environments more harmonious by fostering open communication, understanding, and cooperation.

Beyond work, I'm passionate about board games, boxing, and reading. I find joy in organising, whether it's spaces or ideas.

I am thrilled to be a part of Arcadia School, contributing to the growth and well-being of our school community. Together, we embark on a journey of discovery, healing, and empowerment. Let's make this journey a memorable one, together.

Miss Salima Musa joins Arcadia with a background in Psychology and Social Work. With experience as a School Counsellor in Dubai, Salima has also worked within the Canadian child protection and public school systems as an Educator and Social Worker. As a reflexive and empathetic practitioner, she operates from a trauma-informed, strength-based perspective, respecting the diverse cultures of students and families.

Committed to proactive, responsive, and evidence-informed practice, Salima promotes a positive approach, affirming the lived experiences and mental health journeys of young people, while supporting values of hope, self-determination, and well-being.

We would like to welcome Salima to the Counselling Department. She holds a degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, as well as a Master of Education from the University of Ottawa. More recently, Salima pursued her Master of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada. She has worked in schools across Canada, Kenya, and the UAE in various roles, including Elementary School Educator, School Counsellor, and School Social Worker. Beyond her professional work, Salima enjoys exploring new places and participating in short courses. She will be supporting students in Years 5, 6, and 7.