Our commitment to safeguarding

Amena Saleem is a qualified School Counselor with over 16 years of experience in educational and organizational psychology. As an active member of the Safeguarding Team, she is dedicated to promoting student safety and wellbeing by working closely with families to ensure that concerns are always addressed with care, sensitivity, and respect for privacy.

Darine Abdulkhalek is an Educational psychologist and a student counselor at our school, dedicated to supporting students’ emotional, social, and academic well-being. She holds a Master’s degree and is certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. With specialized training in conflict de-escalation, Darin works closely with students, staff and parents to create a safe and supportive environment.

Erik Rivera has a degree  in Psychology and Philosophy from Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, United States. He then went to study a Master of Education Degree for Secondary Education and Training at The John Hopkins University. Before arriving to Dubai, he worked as a SPED Coordinator and Teacher in the United States. As the Dean of Students at Nibras International School, he provides personalized academic advising to high school students, supporting course selection, academic planning, and career readiness. He is also one of the schook's Designated Safeguarding Lead in charge of leading safeguarding and wellbeing initatives to ensure that Nibras International School is a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

With over 25 years of experience in education—20 of those in the United States—Jason Sanservino is a seasoned and dynamic educational leader. He joined Nibras International School (NIS) in 2020 as the Assistant Head of Secondary and was promoted to Head of Secondary in 2023. In 2025, he assumed an additional leadership role as the Assistant Superintendent of Systems Operations, reflecting his deep commitment to operational excellence and strategic development.

Jason holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration. Prior to relocating to the UAE, he served for two decades in the U.S. as a teacher, grant coordinator, and Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) coordinator at two of the country’s most highly regarded high schools. His work in these roles was marked by a consistent focus on student achievement, well-being, and systemic improvement.

Since arriving in Dubai, Jason has made a significant impact at NIS. As Assistant Head of Secondary and later as Head of Secondary, he has led with a clear vision for academic excellence, student-centered growth, and continuous school improvement. Under his leadership, the secondary division saw notable gains in student progress and attainment across all subject areas, contributing to the school’s overall rating being elevated from ""Acceptable"" to ""Good."" In recognition of his expertise, Jason has also earned the School Inspector Competency Certificate, qualifying him as a certified UAE school inspector.

Jason's leadership philosophy centers on the belief that students must ""earn it""—a mindset that has meaningfully shaped the school's approach to character education and social-emotional learning. His initiatives have fostered resilience, accountability, and self-awareness among students.

With a proven track record of raising standards, cultivating strong school culture, and driving operational systems, Jason continues to be a key leader in shaping the future of education at Nibras International School and beyond.

Dr. Jay B. Teston has led Nibras International School since 2020, first as Head of School and later as the school’s first Superintendent. His appointment to this expanded role came as NIS more than doubled in enrollment, a reflection of the school’s growing reputation for academic excellence confirmed through rigorous inspections and international accreditations.
With a career that spans education systems in the United States, Asia, and the Middle East, Dr. Teston brings a truly global perspective to his leadership. He holds advanced degrees in educational leadership and special education, along with certifications in international school governance. In addition, he is a trained WASC accreditor and a certified UAE school inspector, roles that keep him closely connected to the highest standards of international education.

Throughout his career, Dr. Teston has been dedicated to raising academic standards, supporting teacher growth, and enhancing student achievement. At NIS, he has expanded opportunities for students through programs such as Advanced Placement, inquiry-based learning, and project-based learning. Beyond his work on campus, he has served on accreditation teams across the Asia Pacific region and led professional forums, including a national conference focused on supporting English language learners.

Respected for his vision and collaborative approach, Dr. Teston continues to guide NIS as a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking international school where students are inspired to achieve their best.

Prabu Rajamanickamn has more than 5 years of experience working in schools as a facilities supervisor and officer. As the Health, Safety, and Facilities Manager, he is responsible for ensuring a safe, healthy, and well-maintained school environment for students, staff, and visitors. He oversees our health and safety regulations, manages risk assessments, and supervises the effective maintenance and operation of school facilities.