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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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.

Ashleigh Thompson - Head of Elementary
Ashleigh Thompson joins AAG with ten years experience teaching and leading in Elementary schools. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language and Literature, has a PGCE in Primary Education and a MA in Creative Writing in the Classroom. Ashleigh has been a leader in Dubai for five years and during this time has led several workshops on effective international leadership and creativity in the classroom. She delivered the founding workshop for Which School Advisor's Best Practice in Early Years Forum and has presented at the Middle East and North Africa's Teacher Summit. Ashleigh brings a wealth of experience in curriculum design and adaptation.

Ashleigh Thompson - Head of Elementary

Ashleigh Thompson joins AAG with ten years experience teaching and leading in Elementary schools. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language and Literature, has a PGCE in Primary Education and a MA in Creative Writing in the Classroom.

Ashleigh has been a leader in Dubai for five years and during this time has led several workshops on effective international leadership and creativity in the classroom. She delivered the founding workshop for Which School Advisor's Best Practice in Early Years Forum and has presented at the Middle East and North Africa's Teacher Summit. Ashleigh brings a wealth of experience in curriculum design and adaptation.

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