Staff

As an American school, our highly qualified faculty at American Academy For Girls (AAG) is mainly recruited from North America.

At AAG, the strength of our family of teachers and staff is one of the key advantages that sets us apart. Our team of highly professional, North American and internationally trained staff is passionate about teaching and dedicated to children. They believe that the learning process should emphasize the education of the whole child and recognize that students learn in different ways. Therefore, our teachers design and deliver lessons that target a range of learning abilities and styles. Equally important, they serve as strong role models for our students. Our teachers have multiple degrees, including advanced qualifications such as Masters and Doctorates.

Our staff also takes part in regular professional development programs, to ensure they are at the forefront of the latest educational methodology.

Our teaching team is ably assisted by an equally enthusiastic administrative and support team. With this we ensure stability and consistency; vital factors in teacher-pupil relationships and successful learning.

Senior Leadership Team

Lisa Johnson - School Principal [email protected]
Lisa has been a Head of School in Bangkok, Thailand for 5 years. Prior to that, she had assignments in China as a classroom teacher and a head of school post in Vietnam. Her career began in America where she spent 8 years as a classroom teacher and 14 years as a head of school in an urban secondary school. Lisa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Northeastern University, a Master's in School Administration from the University of Oklahoma, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Northcentral University where she examined the acculturation rates of Third Culture Kids. Her findings supported her belief that diverse schools have the potential to unite people and cultures in a way that can dramatically shape the future. While leading Taft in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Lisa was responsible for initiating programs that dramatically increased student academic attainment and attendance resulting in the school being recognized as runner up Urban School of the Year. During this tenure, Lisa was recognized as District Principal of the Year and recognised for significant contributions to the Asian and Latino communities in Oklahoma City. Prior to joining American Academy for Girls, Lisa was the Head of School at Berkeley International School in Bangkok. In this role, she was responsible for solidifying a standards-based grading system, initiating a new mathematics program, and streamlining the SEND program to better meet the needs of the diverse learning population. While at Berkeley, Lisa also oversaw the completion of a multi-million dollar capital improvement project and doubled school membership. Lisa is passionate about the evolving role of education and the potential it has to empower students to be change agents in the world. As the leader at AAG, she looks forward to preparing the next generation of Emirati women to be leaders in the United Arab Emirates and the larger global community!

Lisa Johnson - School Principal

[email protected]

Lisa has been a Head of School in Bangkok, Thailand for 5 years. Prior to that, she had assignments in China as a classroom teacher and a head of school post in Vietnam. Her career began in America where she spent 8 years as a classroom teacher and 14 years as a head of school in an urban secondary school.

Lisa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Northeastern University, a Master's in School Administration from the University of Oklahoma, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Northcentral University where she examined the acculturation rates of Third Culture Kids. Her findings supported her belief that diverse schools have the potential to unite people and cultures in a way that can dramatically shape the future.

While leading Taft in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Lisa was responsible for initiating programs that dramatically increased student academic attainment and attendance resulting in the school being recognized as runner up Urban School of the Year. During this tenure, Lisa was recognized as District Principal of the Year and recognised for significant contributions to the Asian and Latino communities in Oklahoma City.

Prior to joining American Academy for Girls, Lisa was the Head of School at Berkeley International School in Bangkok. In this role, she was responsible for solidifying a standards-based grading system, initiating a new mathematics program, and streamlining the SEND program to better meet the needs of the diverse learning population. While at Berkeley, Lisa also oversaw the completion of a multi-million dollar capital improvement project and doubled school membership.

Lisa is passionate about the evolving role of education and the potential it has to empower students to be change agents in the world. As the leader at AAG, she looks forward to preparing the next generation of Emirati women to be leaders in the United Arab Emirates and the larger global community!

Zeinab Rammal – Vice Principal [email protected]
Zeinab Rammal joined AAG in August 2021. Holding a BSc. with Honors from Lebanese International University and an MSc. in Mathematics from American University of Sharjah, she embodies a commitment to educational excellence. Before becoming a part of AAG, Zeinab worked for ten years in US Curriculum schools in Dubai. Her roles included serving as a Mathematics teacher and Head of Department. Additionally, she assumed the position of an assessment coordinator, effectively harnessing her mathematical background to craft data-informed conclusions grounded in assessment data. Zeinab's extensive expertise in Assessment and Data Analysis underpins the school's data-driven approach. Her skill in analyzing educational data ensures informed decision-making to enhance student learning outcomes. Her proficiency in Curriculum Planning guarantees a relevant and engaging learning journey for every student, preparing them for success in an evolving world.

Zeinab Rammal – Vice Principal

[email protected]

Zeinab Rammal joined AAG in August 2021. Holding a BSc. with Honors from Lebanese International University and an MSc. in Mathematics from American University of Sharjah, she embodies a commitment to educational excellence.

Before becoming a part of AAG, Zeinab worked for ten years in US Curriculum schools in Dubai. Her roles included serving as a Mathematics teacher and Head of Department. Additionally, she assumed the position of an assessment coordinator, effectively harnessing her mathematical background to craft data-informed conclusions grounded in assessment data.

Zeinab's extensive expertise in Assessment and Data Analysis underpins the school's data-driven approach. Her skill in analyzing educational data ensures informed decision-making to enhance student learning outcomes. Her proficiency in Curriculum Planning guarantees a relevant and engaging learning journey for every student, preparing them for success in an evolving world.

Maha Al Halawani – Head of Arabic & Islamic [email protected]
Maha Al Halawani had the opportunity to spend ten years as an elementary and secondary teacher in different schools across Jordan and Al Ain, followed by 10 years in Uptown school, as a teacher, team leader and Head of the Arabic and Islamic department. Maha obtained her Bachelor’s degree of Arts in Arabic language from University of Jordan. In her current role at AAG as Head of Arabic and Islamic, Maha constantly seeks to incorporate best practices in the Arabic and Islamic education and to monitor the students’ progress and attainment. Believing passionately in the power of education to expand human potential, transform lives, and shape new visions for leading.

Maha Al Halawani – Head of Arabic & Islamic

[email protected]

Maha Al Halawani had the opportunity to spend ten years as an elementary and secondary teacher in different schools across Jordan and Al Ain, followed by 10 years in Uptown school, as a teacher, team leader and Head of the Arabic and Islamic department. Maha obtained her Bachelor’s degree of Arts in Arabic language from University of Jordan.

In her current role at AAG as Head of Arabic and Islamic, Maha constantly seeks to incorporate best practices in the Arabic and Islamic education and to monitor the students’ progress and attainment. Believing passionately in the power of education to expand human potential, transform lives, and shape new visions for leading.

Ashley Jill Huffmon - Head of Secondary [email protected]
Ashley has 16 years of experience in education and has held senior leadership positions for 7 years. She has experience teaching and leading Secondary in schools in the USA, Ecuador, Bhutan and in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Ashley graduated with a BSEd with a focus on Reading and English Literature and in addition has a MAEd in Educational Leadership, with a focus on curriculum and design. She is a global TED Ed innovator, representing the Middle East, where she continues to support and facilitate aspects of innovation and creativity in education across the globe. Ashley is passionate about education and has supported various service projects and has written grants to support the development in education the Kingdom of Bhutan and Ecuador. Ashley has various educational experiences in secondary student development and wellbeing whilst she continues to promote student empowerment and engagement as a leader at American Academy. She is an avid traveller who enjoys learning from new cultures and has travelled solo to 49 different countries thus far. She also has a passion for functional training that keeps her busy and able to join in sports such as baseball and volleyball in the UAE. In addition, Ashley has strong desire for writing and is working on her own book due to come out in a few short years.

Ashley Jill Huffmon - Head of Secondary

[email protected]

Ashley Jill Huffmon-Deputy Head Ashley has 16 years of experience in education and has held senior leadership positions for 7 years. She has experience teaching and leading Secondary in schools in the USA, Ecuador, Bhutan and in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Ashley graduated with a BSEd with a focus on Reading and English Literature and in addition has a MAEd in Educational Leadership, with a focus on curriculum and design. She is a global TED Ed innovator, representing the Middle East, where she continues to support and facilitate aspects of innovation and creativity in education across the globe. Ashley is passionate about education and has supported various service projects and has written grants to support the development in education the Kingdom of Bhutan and Ecuador. Ashley has various educational experiences in secondary student development and wellbeing whilst she continues to promote student empowerment and engagement as a leader at American Academy.

She is an avid traveller who enjoys learning from new cultures and has travelled solo to 49 different countries thus far. She also has a passion for functional training that keeps her busy and able to join in sports such as baseball and volleyball in the UAE. In addition, Ashley has strong desire for writing and is working on her own book due to come out in a few short years.

Hind Alzarouni, Primary Coordinator [email protected]
In 2021, Hind Alzarouni joined the American Academy for Girls as the Dean of Students. During that period, she oversaw student attendance, behavior, and leadership opportunities. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the American University of Sharjah and a Master of Education from the British University in Dubai, she brings a strong blend of academic knowledge and practical leadership skills to the AAG community. Her previous work fostered a culture of responsibility, engagement, and personal growth among students. In addition, her volunteer experience with young children in schools and nurseries — including Uptown International — reflects her passion for nurturing learning from an early age. Hind’s deep cultural roots enrich the AAG environment, strengthening the school’s connection to the local community. Her dedication to student development, coupled with her commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, ensures that every learner is guided toward success in an ever-changing world.

Hind Alzarouni, Primary Coordinator

[email protected]

In 2021, Hind Alzarouni joined the American Academy for Girls as the Dean of Students. During that period, she oversaw student attendance, behavior, and leadership opportunities. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the American University of Sharjah and a Master of Education from the British University in Dubai, she brings a strong blend of academic knowledge and practical leadership skills to the AAG community.

Her previous work fostered a culture of responsibility, engagement, and personal growth among students. In addition, her volunteer experience with young children in schools and nurseries — including Uptown International — reflects her passion for nurturing learning from an early age.

Hind’s deep cultural roots enrich the AAG environment, strengthening the school’s connection to the local community. Her dedication to student development, coupled with her commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, ensures that every learner is guided toward success in an ever-changing world.

Ma. I-li Espedilla, Head of Secondary Inclusion

[email protected]

Ma. I-li Espedilla Bandal has been a dedicated educator since the year 2000 and has been an integral part of the American Academy for Girls community since 2010. With nearly 15 years of service at AAG, she has become a valued leader and advocate for inclusive education. She holds a Bachelor of Secondary Education and a Master of Science in Education with a major in Special Education, which has equipped her with the expertise to support diverse learners effectively.

As the Head of Secondary Inclusion, Ma. I-li plays a vital role in supporting both teachers and students. She collaborates with staff to plan and implement effective accommodations, modifications, and differentiated strategies that ensure all students are able to access the curriculum and achieve success. Passionate about fostering an inclusive environment, she is deeply committed to building a school culture where diversity is embraced, strengths are celebrated, and barriers to learning are broken down. She strongly believes that every student deserves equal opportunities and that “all students matter.”

Alexis James, Head of Inclusion – Primary

[email protected]

Alexis James, is an accomplished special education leader with over a decade of experience advancing inclusive education across diverse academic settings in the United States and the United Arab Emirates. A native of New York, she holds a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Special Education and is a certified educator with a strong foundation in differentiated instruction, individualized learning plans, and inclusive policy development.

Currently serving as the Head of Primary Inclusion, Alexis leads a multidisciplinary team in designing and implementing inclusive practices that support the academic and social-emotional growth of all learners. Her previous roles include Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) at Emirates National School and Learning Specialist at KIPP:STAR College Prep Charter School in New York, where she developed and led initiatives to ensure equitable access to education for students with disabilities.

Beyond the classroom, Alexis is the founder of Mentor Model, a global mentorship initiative that empowers adolescent girls through career readiness, emotional wellness, and leadership development. Her work is driven by a deep belief that every student—regardless of ability, background, or circumstance—deserves a fair and equitable opportunity to succeed."

Lisa Hayhoe, Dean of Students
[email protected]

Lisa Hayhoe holds a BA in Sport and Physical Education, an MA in Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy from the University of Bedfordshire, and a PGCE in Secondary PE from London Metropolitan University. She has also completed National Professional Qualifications in Middle and Senior Leadership at University College London.

When Lisa moved to Dubai in 2017 and joined the American Academy for Girls, she focused on inspiring confidence, resilience, and growth in young women through sports. Since taking on a leadership position at AAG, she has been able to actively advocate for student wellbeing, student leadership, and student voice. Passionate about sport—particularly football—Lisa continues to empower girls to seize opportunities and grow into the leaders of tomorrow, fully aligned with AAG’s mission and vision.

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