Staff | About Us | DIA Al Barsha | Dubai, U.A.E

Poonam Bhojani 

CEO, Innoventures Education 

Michael Stephen 

Director Finance and Administrator, Innoventures Education  

James Roberts

Director of Standards and Head of School Development Unit, Innoventures Education

Ian Thurston, Principal 

Ian moved from the UK to Dubai in 2007 and has been in school leadership since 2013, holding positions such as Head of DP, Deputy Head Pastoral and Head of Secondary before becoming Principal. He holds a BA Economics from the University of Sheffield, a PGCE in Secondary Mathematics and most recently the NPQH from UCL. Ian joined Innoventures Education in 2021 as Principal at DIA Emirates Hills before transferring to DIA Al Barsha, his fourth school in Dubai. He loves sport, participating in triathlons, and nature, enjoying camping and hiking. 

Tom Dymond, Head of Primary 

Tom graduated from the University of Wales Aberystwyth with a degree in Education and Spanish. After completing his PGCE, he began his teaching career in London, UK, where he progressed into a range of leadership and responsibility roles. In 2021, he joined DIA Al Barsha as Deputy Head and has since played a key role in the school’s development. Alongside his passion for education, Tom enjoys keeping fit, participating in sport and following Wolverhampton Wanderers. 

Andrea Allmark, Deputy Head 

Andrea is an experienced educator with 14 years of experience, she began her career after graduating from the National University of Galway in Ireland with a BA in Geography and Irish. After completing a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at the University of Stratford in London, Andrea specialized in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) teaching for four years. She later became the Head of English at DIA Emirates Hills before joining Dubai International Academy Al Barsha as a founding teacher when it first opened. In her free time, she enjoys family moments, coffee, and Dubai shopping. 

Peter White, Deputy Head 

Peter completed his Bachelor of Education in Ireland before going on to earn a Master’s degree from the University of Wollongong, Dubai. With almost 20 years of experience in education, Peter is deeply passionate about pastoral care and building positive relationships across the school community. Peter believes that students learn best when they feel known, supported and valued, and he places great importance on developing strong connections with both students and families. A keen advocate for school sport, Peter also values the role it plays in developing teamwork, resilience and confidence. Outside of school, he enjoys staying active and has a background in team sports.

Sonali Gupta, PYP Coordinator 

Sonali boasts a vibrant teaching background beginning her international experience in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she began teaching in a PYP setting. Sonali holds a BA Honors in History and distinctions in Economics and Political Science with a Master of Science in Childhood Studies from Walden University, USA. A committed lifelong learner, she is presently pursuing a Leadership Program, NPQSL from LLSE. Her ongoing professional development includes numerous IB workshops, a TCWRP workshop from Columbia University, and an inquiry-based Maths program from the University of Texas. She has been an integral part of DIA Al Barsha since its inception. She is passionate about developing inquiry-based curriculum by providing students with agency. Her personal interests include yoga, dance, and managing her golden retriever's social media account. 

Andrew Johnson, Head of Secondary 

Andy Johnson earned a BSc in Psychology and Biochemistry from The University of Sheffield, which was followed by a career in accountancy before he found his vocation in the world of education. He is an experienced teacher and leader, with 15 years of teaching expertise and 8 years as a senior leader. His career spans roles in outstanding and very good schools across the North of England, inner-city London where his senior leadership journey began, and here in Dubai. He is a lifelong learner, who completed his NPQH (Headship) in 2024. Beyond academics, Andy enjoys a fulfilling family life with his wife and young son. A passionate sports enthusiast, he devotes his free time to cricket, squash, and boxing training. 

Abigail Ferrari, Deputy Head (DP-CP) 

Abigail graduated from the University of Kent with a BA Honours in English and American Literature and later pursued an MSc in Psychology from Birkbeck, University of London, and an MA in Education from Sheffield Hallam University. Her commitment to professional growth is ongoing completing her NPQSL in 2024. Abigail has been a member of Innoventures Education since 2015, originally joining Raffles World Academy and then moving to Dubai International Academy Al Barsha in 2019. She has been the MYP, DP and CP Coordinator at DIA Barsha and is now currently serving as Deputy Head of Secondary.  

Jameel Arif, Deputy Head (MYP) 

Jameel graduated from the University of Leicester with a BSc Honours in Biochemistry, followed by a PGCE in Secondary Science Education in the same university. He has taught locally in the UK and internationally in both Kuwait and the UAE. Jameel has held a number of leadership positions, including Head of Department, followed by becoming Assistant Head Teacher and then Deputy Head Teacher. As a lifelong learner, he completed his NPQSL in 2021 before joining DIA Barsha in 2022, as Deputy Head of Secondary. Jameel is responsible for teaching at MYP level, student wellbeing and academic progress.  

Caterina Marras, MYP Coordinator 

Caterina graduated summa sum laude in Philology and Italian Literature from the University of Cagliari. After completing her Teaching Training College Qualification in Literature, Humanities and Ancient Latin, Caterina became a Doctor in Philological Studies. Her PhD studies have been published and commended in several international conferences. She is now completing her NPQSL. She has been teaching in Middle and High Schools and Universities in three different continents. She joined Innoventures Education in 2021. She enjoys reading, opera and travelling. 

Jennifer Forde, Assistant Head (MYP) 

Jennifer holds a BA Honours degree in English Language and Literature from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth (2011), followed by a PGCE in English from Brunel University, London (2012). She began her teaching career in London, where she gained five years of experience. In 2016, Jennifer relocated to Dubai to join Innoventures’ Raffles World Academy, where she spent two years. In 2018, she transitioned to Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha, where she initially served as Head of English. Jennifer now serves as Assistant Headteacher for the Middle Years Programme (MYP), where she oversees academic progress, curriculum development, and pastoral care. Jennifer is currently studying her MA in Educational Leadership through the National University of Limerick, Ireland. 

Talar Dirwartanian, DP Coordinator 

Talar graduated from Haigazian University, Lebanon, in 2012 with an Honours degree in Biology and a Teaching Diploma. She began her teaching career in Lebanon, where she taught secondary biology before relocating to Dubai in 2014 to continue her teaching journey. Over the years, she has held both pastoral and academic leadership positions, playing a key role in supporting student development and fostering a culture of academic excellence. In 2024, Talar joined Dubai International Academy Al Barsha as Head of Science. She now serves as Diploma Programme (DP) Coordinator and Assistant Head, contributing to the strategic oversight of the programme and supporting students, parents and staff to excel within the rigor and opportunities of the IB Diploma.

Darrell McEwen, CP Coordinator

Darrell has called Dubai home for 18 years and has professionally excelled in the supportive culture at Dubai International Academy Al Barsha throughout the last 4 years to from PE teaching to, pastoral leadership, and now IBCP Coordinator & Head of Grade 11, BTEC Quality Nominee and Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator. Before education, Darrell worked in business operations and senior leadership in commercial sports, hospitality and fitness, directing large teams and improving performance through data and process discipline. He brings this real-world experience to the CP and pastoral leadership, strengthening employer links and simplifying QA for CP/BTEC. A believer in high-performance culture, he blends academic ambition with character, consistency and care. 

Lisa Moley, Head of Inclusion 

Lisa Moley is a dedicated educator with over 10 years of experience in the education field. Originally from Ireland, she graduated from Liverpool Hope University in England and further advanced her expertise by completing her NASENCO master's degree at Edge Hill University, England. For the past eight years, Lisa has been working in Dubai as a senior leader, where she has been dedicated to fostering inclusive learning environments. Lisa is passionate about supporting all students, ensuring they are happy, successful, and thrive in their learning journeys. Lisa strongly believes and supports the importance of well-being as a foundation for personal and academic success. 

In her free time, Lisa enjoys spending time in nature, staying active in the gym; and practicing yoga and meditation to maintain balance and well-being.