meet the team

I am proud to be part of GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi as the Head of Lower School and Lead IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordinator. Building connections with the WAA community has been incredibly rewarding. My journey in education has taken me across diverse learning environments, where I’ve focused on creating inclusive communities, managing change, and shaping curriculum policy, including bilingual and environmental programming.

My passion lies in place-based learning, encouraging hands-on and minds-on experiences. I love collaborating with faculty, parents, and local businesses to create meaningful opportunities enriching learning. As a published children’s book author of Upside Down, a rhyming tale about nature and perseverance, I believe in the power of storytelling to inspire others to share their voices.

Outside of work, I’m joined by my husband, Reza, our two children, Zahi and Aziz, and our dog, Pasha. I compete in dragon boat racing. I speak French and Urdu, and am expanding my Arabic. I hold a Master of Arts in Teaching from UC Irvine and a School Management and Leadership certificate from Harvard. As a member of the IB Educator Network, I also lead evaluations, workshops, and consult across the Americas, AEM, and Asia Pacific regions.

With a career in education spanning since 2005, Mark hold a Bachelor of Education from Queen's University in Canada and a Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Ottawa. His professional journey has taken him across the globe, working in Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi. A significant highlight of his career was being part of the team that developed a prestigious international IB school in Abu Dhabi to achieve an Outstanding Ranking. Additionally, Mark played a pivotal role in establishing its award-winning fine arts and primary STEAM programs.

As a public speaker, he has had the privilege of speaking at prestigious events such as the IB Global Conference and the BSME conference, where Mark discussed the power of student voice and the development of the PYP exhibition. His passion for holistic education drives his belief in the importance of fostering creativity and innovation alongside core academic skills.

Outside of his professional life, he is an avid runner, having won the Hong Kong Standard Chartered 10km race in both 2009 and 2011. Mark is also a proud parent of two young girls, which further fuels his commitment to nurturing the next generation of learners.

Nora Elkady brings a wealth of educational leadership experience to her role as Deputy Head of Secondary at GEMS World Academy - Abu Dhabi. With a career spanning 14 years, Nora has worked with in various capacities, including serving as the MYP Coordinator for two years. Her dedication to curriculum excellence is evident in her work on MYP Authorization and curriculum design for a new secondary school, where she demonstrated a keen understanding of pedagogical principles and student-centered learning. 

As an IBEN member and an eAssessment and Personal Project IBIS examiner, Nora’s expertise in assessment practices ensures the integrity of assessment within the IB framework and allows her to share best practices globally. Through meticulous evaluation, she enhances assessment quality both within her institution and the broader IB community, fostering academic excellence and supporting student growth.

Currently pursuing NPQSL, Nora is committed to professional growth and is planning to complete a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Curriculum Design, underscoring her commitment to advancing educational innovation and excellence.