HEADS OF THE DEPARTMENTS
Ms. MARGARET CLARENCE
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – ENGLISH (SENIOR)
MA (ENGLISH) B. ED
Margaret has a Post Graduate degree in English along with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. A facilitator for more than twenty-one years, she has completed eight years at PIES. As head of the department of English senior secondary, the learning experiences over the years have shaped, whetted and enriched her skills as an individual and professional. She believes that the dynamic nature of today’s educational atmosphere necessitates a progressive mind. A desire to learn as you grow is an additional qualification. An avid reader of all genres, literature and otherwise, her first love is in the field of sports where she represented her school in basketball and athletics at the district level. She started her career in an established ICSE residential school St. Helens, Kurseong, in the northern limits of West Bengal, India. Thereafter, it was a varied experience in CBSE and Undergraduate courses in Kerala and the Middle East that broadened her teaching acumen.
It is most appropriate to summarise our thoughts with the belief that, ‘teaching is an act of faith in the promise of the future.’
Mr. Nuwan Theekshana Liyanage is a committed and enthusiastic educator who believes in the power of “Happiness in Education” as essential for meaningful learning. With a solid academic background in English and a visionary teaching approach, he inspires learners to communicate confidently, think critically, and act empathetically.
Known for his dynamic classroom presence, Mr. Theekshana skillfully makes English language learning engaging and relevant. His expertise blends curriculum with creativity, and his international teaching experience has shaped a broad, inclusive perspective on student development.
With a strong foundation in leadership, Mr. Theekshana joined Bhavans Abu Dhabi as an English teacher in 2023 and was promoted to Head of the Department of English – Middle Wing in 2025. A firm believer that a teacher’s influence extends beyond textbooks, he leads with empathy, clarity, and purpose.
Mr. Nuwan Theekshana Liyanage
Cambridge CELTA, MA (Education), MA (TESL), MA (Performing Arts), Bachelor of Arts, Diploma (English)
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – ENGLISH (MIDDLE)
Ms. GEETHA CHANDRAN
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – ENGLISH
(PRIMARY)
MA English; M.Sc. Psychology
She Plants No Trees For Immediate Shade Today, But Years From Now, The Shade Will Give Solace To Many Who Will Speak Her Name, Even In Her Absence.
The teaching of English is surely more than grammar and vocabulary- it is the art of building imagination and communication. It is not just the shaping of skilled readers and writers, but empathetic individuals.
Ms. Geetha Chandran has been actively associated with the teaching of English for the past 15 years. Completing her graduation from one of the well-known colleges in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, she went on to pursue her post-graduation in English Literature and later on, in Psychology.
Ms. Geetha was recognised and honoured by the British Council for supporting the integration of international learning in the curriculum. Prior to teaching, she has a rich experience of working in media, where she was also a soft skills trainer.
Joining Team Bhavans Abu Dhabi in 2014, Ms. Geetha continues to be a part of the Department of English, heading the team that forms the Primary wing.
However busy her day stays, she ensures to find time to write her mind.
Mr. Ravi Shukla is a passionate Hindi educator, accomplished playwright, and award-winning public speaker with over 12 years of teaching experience. A native of Nagpur, he holds a Postgraduate degree in Hindi and a Bachelor’s in Education. Known for his creative energy and dynamic presence, Mr. Shukla has authored two published works—“Kudedan Mein Bachpan” and “Role No. 18”—and has won over 700 accolades in debate, elocution, and dramatics at national, state, and local levels. He has been honoured as Best Speaker by the Governor and Home Minister of Maharashtra and recognized for his drama writing and direction at the All India Children’s Festival. Having taught at reputed institutions like Delhi Public School Nashik, Ecole Globale and Kasiga School in Dehradun, and Saraswat Central Public School Nagpur, he has mentored students to excel as speakers, writers, actors, and achievers. Deeply respectful of the Hindi language and its cultural value, Mr. Shukla believes that “शिक्षा समाज निर्माण का सशक्त साधन है” (Education is a powerful tool for nation-building).
Mr. RAVI SHUKLA
MA Hindi,B.Ed
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – HINDI (SENIOR)
Ms. INDU
MA Hindi,B.Ed
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – HINDI (PRIMARY)
Ms. Indu is a dedicated and passionate educator with thirteen years of experience in teaching Hindi at reputed CBSE schools in India & UAE. She holds a B.A. in Hindi from the University of Delhi, a B.Ed. from Indraprastha University, and an M.A. in Hindi from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.
Before joining Bhavans Abu Dhabi in 2016, Ms. Indu served at St. Lawrence Convent, New Delhi. Her expertise extends beyond the classroom – she has played a key role as a Hindi Wing Coordinator, actively organizing and mentoring students in a variety of cultural and literary events. Under her guidance, students have excelled in zonal-level competitions including essay writing, debates, dramatics, poetry recitation, and extempore speaking.
Felicitated by former President of India, Dr. K.R. Narayanan, in 1996 for her participation in the Delhi State Scouts & Guides.Participant in the Republic Day Parade, New Delhi, 1996.
Recognized by the Sports Authority of India for her participation in the World Population Day Race, 1999, New Delhi.
Ms. Indu believes that teaching is the art of shaping not just knowledge, but character, values, and dreams. She strives every day to leave a lasting impact on her students’ lives guided by the vision once shared by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam:
“If I am remembered by my students as someone who made a difference in their lives, that would be the greatest reward”
Mr. Fidele Furtado is an experienced French language educator with over 20 years of teaching in India and the UAE. Apassionate mentor and former law lecturer, he’s known for guiding students to exceptional results in both internal and international French exams.
Outside the classroom, he’s an avid reader and former motocross and 4×4 racing champion, having represented his state in numerous competitions. He brings the same energy and dedication to teaching, always inspiring students to aim high and excel.
Mr.FIDELE FURTADO
Degree in French Language Studies
(Ministry of France)
B.Sc, LL.B, D. Pharm, B.Ed.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – FRENCH
SABIRA ABDUL RAHMAN
B.A.(AFZAL UL- ULAMA)
BEd (ARABIC)
HEAD OF DEPRTMENT – ARABIC
(SENIOR)
Ms. Sabira Abdul Rahman is a dedicated Arabic teacher who joined the Bhavans family in 2012. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and a B.Ed. in Arabic. She has a deep love for the Qur’an and finds great joy in teaching the language of the Holy Book. She is also passionate about Islamic values and traditions, and she takes pride in wearing Islamic attire as a reflection of her identity and faith.
Ms. Sabira is an inspiring educator, committed to helping students appreciate the richness of the Arabic language and connect more deeply with their cultural and spiritual roots. She believes that teaching is not merely a profession, but a noble form of service and a path to personal growth.
Muhammed Shihab is a dedicated and passionate Arabic language educator with over 13 years of teaching experience, including 9 years in the UAE’s multicultural and academically vibrant environment. Known for his dynamic teaching methods and deep understanding of both classical and modern Arabic, he strives to make the language accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful for students of all levels.
Mr. Shihab holds a Master’s degree in Arabic from Thunchan Memorial Government College, Tirur, and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calicut. His academic background is complemented by a strong practical approach that connects students to real-life applications of the language through stories, culture, and communication.
Driven by a deep love for the Arabic language and its cultural richness, Mr. Shihab continues to inspire students to explore, appreciate, and master the language with confidence and curiosity.
Mr. MUHAMMED SHIHAB
MA Arabic; B.Ed Arabic
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – ARABIC (PRIMARY)
Mr. ABDUL VADOOD
B.A Arabic & Islamic History M.A
History B.Ed (Social Science) SET (History)
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – ISLAMIC EDUCATION
“The best among you is the one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it.” – Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Abdul Vadood is a dedicated and passionate educator with a rich academic background and a deep commitment to Islamic values. He holds a Postgraduate degree in History with a specialization in Islamic Civilization, along with a B.A. in Arabic and Islamic History (Double Major), and a B.Ed. in Social Science. He has also successfully completed the State Eligibility Test (SET) for Higher Secondary Teachers conducted by the Kerala Higher Secondary Board.
With over 20 years of teaching experience in the U.A.E and a decade of service in India, Mr. Vadood has played a vital role in nurturing young minds. He has previously worked at Al-Ain Juniors School and Oasis School in Al-Ain and joined Private International English School (PIES) in 2017. Since then, he has introduced innovative and effective methods to instill Islamic teachings and values among students.
Mr. Vadood firmly believes that teaching is a noble and divine profession—one that brings rewards to this world and the hereafter. He emphasizes that a teacher must be a living example of the values and morals they wish to impart, serving as a role model for their students in all aspects of life.
“A good teacher is like a candle — it consumes itself to light the way for others.” Ms. Jolly T. A is a passionate and dedicated mathematics educator with over 22 years of experience at the secondary level. She holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics and a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Beginning her career at a reputed CBSE school in New Delhi, she joined Team Bhavans Abu Dhabi in 2011 and has since been a cornerstone of the Mathematics Department. Over the years, she has held several leadership roles, including Head of Grade and Head of Department, and currently serves as the Head of Secondary Mathematics.
Ms. Jolly believes that mathematics, when taught with clarity, creativity, and conceptual depth, becomes not just understandable—but enjoyable. She is deeply committed to nurturing a genuine love for the subject while equipping students with the skills necessary for academic excellence and lifelong learning. Viewing mathematics as a powerful language for understanding the world, she strives to ignite curiosity and inspire confidence in every learner.
Her personalized teaching approach ensures that each student feels supported, confident, and motivated to reach their full potential—reflected in their consistently strong academic performance. Her dedication to effective teaching is reflected in her students’ consistently strong performances in board examinations, a testament to her impactful and student-centered approach. Beyond academics, Ms. Jolly has a love for music and dance and actively participates in cultural programs at Bhavans, adding vibrancy and creativity to the school community.
Ms. JOLLY T.A
M.Sc (Mathematics), B.Ed (Mathematics)
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – MATHEMATICS (MIDDLE & SENIOR)
Ms. SRUTHI V NAIR
M.Tech (Power Electronics
& Power Systems)
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – MATHEMATICS
(PRIMARY)
Sruthi V Nair, a passionate and dedicated educator, hails from the culturally rich state of Kerala. Her academic journey began at the age of four with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, where she spent 14 formative years building a strong foundation in values and learning. She later pursued her undergraduate degree in Engineering from Anna University, Trichy, and completed her post-graduation in Power Electronics & Power systems from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kochi. Her career in education began mentoring AMIE students in Engineering Mathematics, Computer Science, and Management Studies. Over time, she has presented and published research papers at various academic symposiums and conferences across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, reflecting her commitment to continuous professional development. With over 7 years of experience at Private International English School (PIES), Abu Dhabi, Sruthi has grown through multiple roles—starting as a subject teacher, then becoming Head of Grade, and currently serving as Head of Subject since September 2022. Known for her collaborative spirit and innovative approach, she consistently emphasizes teamwork and creative thinking in her teaching practices. Sruthi’s love for her students goes beyond the classroom. She is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure their success and well-being. Her diverse talents also include formal training in classical dance and a deep passion for art and craft.
She lives by the empowering belief, “The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don’t tell you what to see.”
Bindu Raghunath is an experienced Physics educator with over 32 years of teaching in senior secondary classes. She holds a B.Sc. from St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam, and an M.Sc. Ed in Physics from the Regional College of Education, Mysore—an institution under NCERT known for its rigorous teacher training. She began her career in the 1990s, focusing on building a strong foundation in core physics concepts. Her early years sharpened her classroom management and delivery skills, shaping her structured and disciplined approach. She could slowly transcend into interactive, student-centred methods, integrating lab work, real-life applications, and inquiry-based learning. Her shift to Private International English School in Abu Dhabi in 2017 brought further growth, as she adapted to international curricula, embraced digital tools, leant more tech-savvy, became more responsive to diverse learner needs, and kept her mind open to collaborative and cross-cultural educational practices, responded to diverse and multicultural classrooms. In addition to her teaching, Bindu served as Subject Head of Physics for 8 years and Head of the Secondary Department for 3 years, demonstrating her leadership, academic planning skills, commitment to curriculum development and teacher mentoring. Her transformation is marked by her ability to stay current, stay consistent, and stay connected with each generation of learners, all while preserving her passion for Physics and her high standards as an educator.
Ms. BINDU RAGHUNATH
MSc. Ed Physics
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – SCIENCE
(SENIOR)
Ms.DEEPA DINESH
M.Sc Chemistry, B.Ed Physical Science
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – SCIENCE
(MIDDLE)
Deepa Dinesh has 21 years of teaching experience in Science and Chemistry. She completed her graduation and post-graduation in Chemistry and a B.Ed in Physical Science from reputed institutions in Kerala. She was an athlete during her school and college years and won several prizes. She also actively participates in cultural programs, reflecting her well-rounded personality.
From 2004 to 2014, she served as the Head of the Science Department in a reputed CBSE school in India. In 2014, she joined Bhavans Abu Dhabi, where she is currently working as the Subject Incharge of Chemistry and the Science HOD for the middle section.
“A good teacher is not the one who gives the answers, but the one who inspires students to ask the right questions.”
This quote reflects her deep commitment to inspiring young minds and making learning a meaningful journey.
Ms. Sreelakshmi Sreeraj is a dynamic Biology educator with a passion for holistic student development and over five years of experience in UAE schools.
With a strong foundation in biology and a commitment to nurturing scientific curiosity, she aims to foster academic excellence, critical thinking, and environmental awareness in her students. Her objective as a teacher is to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the institution while guiding students toward their personal and academic best. She uses a range of modern, student-centered teaching techniques—including practical demonstrations, experiments, and real-life biological applications—to make learning both meaningful and engaging.
In addition to her classroom work, she has attended various national seminars and workshops focused on environmental sustainability, plant tissue culture, and science education.
Beyond academics, Ms. Sreelakshmi has a strong inclination for co-curricular involvement and earned accolades in performing arts such as Bharatanatyam—supported by Government of Kerala.
Her teaching philosophy, “To teach is to touch lives forever,” encapsulates her belief in the enduring impact of dedicated educators.
Ms. SREELAKSHMI SREERAJ
M.Sc,B.Ed
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – SCIENCE
(PRIMARY)
Mr. JOJO MARTIN C M
M.A. (History & B.Ed in Social Science
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – SOCIAL SCIENCE
Social science education is not just about understanding society – it’s about shaping it. Our aim is to equip our students with critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and the tools to create lasting impact in their communities and beyond.”
A dedicated, insightful, and inspiring person.With a passion for history, civics, geography, and economics, he guides the department to enable the students think critically, understand the world deeply, and become responsible citizens. Under his leadership, teaching blends academic excellence with real-world relevance, making social science meaningful and engaging. A mentor to teachers and students alike, he fosters a collaborative, inclusive learning environment that values dialogue, empathy, and inquiry. His unwavering commitment to innovation, integrity, and holistic development is reflected in every initiative. Under his dynamic leadership, the department thrives as a hub of academic vigour, civic awareness, and human values, shaping minds and futures with purpose and pride.
Anisha joined the Bhavan’s family in September 2010, after a 9-year work experience in the Gulf. With an experience spanning around 25 years in the field of Information and Technology, it was not difficult for her to take the department under her purview. Maintaining patience at a consistent level, Anisha takes care of computer classes ( Secondary) apart from diligently delivering her duties to keep her team in good humour.
Ms. ANISHA BIJU
BCA. Business Professional Programmer
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – COMPUTER SCIENCE
Mr. HANEESH K
B.PE,M.PE
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Mr. Haneesh Karthikeyan is a passionate and dedicated Physical Education teacher with a master’s degree in physical education and IOSH certification in Health & Safety. A committed sportsman from a young age, he has represented Calicut University in multiple sports and completed a 15 km cross-country race in school and a full marathon in Dubai.
He began his teaching career in 2000 and played a key role in Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kochi, before becoming a founding member and Head of the PE Department at Bhavans Abu Dhabi. Under his leadership, students consistently qualified for the CBSE Nationals in Athletics, Kho – Kho, Tennis, Boxing, Chess, Skating, Swimming , Yoga and Badminton.
A certified Class One National Football referee and State Badminton referee, Mr. Haneesh is known for his coaching excellence, leadership, and inspiring presence. He is the proud father of two daughters, Neha and Nethra.
Dedicated and experienced specialist in inclusive education, Ms Geeta carries extensive experience in the UAE as well as in India. She fosters the inclusive educational needs of students developing individualized education plans.
Developed and conducted over 15 professional development workshops for teachers on Inclusive education and identification and differentiating instructions for Gifted and talented students.
Ms. GEETA PILLAI
B.Ed Spl.Ed (MR),DSE (MR)
HEAD OF INCLUSION
Ms. MARY JOSEPH
CU GUIDANCE COUNSELOR/SCHOOL COUNSELOR
With over 33 years of dedicated service in education and counseling, Ms Mary Joseph brings a unique blend of compassion, experience, and expertise to every role she undertakes. She holds an M.Phil. in Counseling, a Master’s in Psychology, a B.Ed., a Diploma in Proficiency in Counseling, and certifications including Global Career Counselor (Univariety & University of California, Los Angeles) and NCDA Certification (American Counseling Association).
Her professional journey includes diverse roles as a teacher, Head of the Institution, social-emotional counselor, and a committed advocate for underprivileged children through NGO work. In every capacity, she has worked tirelessly out of genuine love for children, believing in their potential and devoting herself to their holistic development.
Currently serving as a College and University Guidance Counselor, she passionately supports students in discovering their strengths and aspirations, guiding them toward academic success and placements in prestigious universities around the world. Her unwavering commitment, warm approach, and deep sense of purpose make her a trusted mentor and a transformative force in the lives of her students.
SUBJECT COORDINATORS
Mr. ROHIT VAIRAKUMAR
SUBJECT COORDINATOR (SECONDARY) MSCS
Mr. GOBINDA CHAKRABORTY
SUBJECT COORDINATOR (SR. SEC) COMMERCE
MS.ASHITHA RAJESH KUMAR
SUBJECT COORDINATOR FINEARTS
Ms. SMITHA BALAN
SUBJECT COORDINATOR. (SR. SEC) ECONOMICS
