Kevin Loft 
School Director

As School Director of Universal American School, I have the privilege of leading a diverse and vibrant community of students, families and educators. Having worked as a school leader in Dubai for nearly 20 years, I have seen how powerful a school can be when people feel genuinely connected to it and proud to belong.

My role is to provide strategic direction for the school, support the continued development of our staff and leadership teams, and ensure that every student has access to a high-quality education within a safe, positive and inspiring environment. School improvement, for me, goes well beyond academic outcomes. It means creating a place where students want to learn, staff want to work, and families feel welcomed, valued and connected.

Community sits at the heart of my leadership approach. The strongest schools are built through shared ownership, where students, parents and staff all understand they have an important part to play in shaping the culture of the school. When people feel heard, respected and invested in their community, they contribute, take responsibility and help others to succeed.

What makes UAS special is the richness of its community and the sense of connection that runs across the school. Our responsibility is to keep building an environment where every person feels safe, known and proud to belong.
 

“Good is the enemy of great.” (Jim Collins)

Philip Berry
Principal, Secondary

I grew up and attended school in Dubai myself, so I understand firsthand the role schools play in shaping young people's futures. Today, as Principal of Secondary at Universal American School, I have the privilege of leading a diverse and ambitious community of students, staff and families across Grades 6 to 12.

Great schools are built on strong relationships, high expectations and a commitment to continuous improvement. As a parent, I understand the trust families place in schools and the responsibility we have to ensure every student feels supported, challenged and proud of what they can achieve.

What makes UAS special is its people. Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, yet share a common ambition to learn, grow and make a difference. My goal is that every student leaves UAS with excellent opportunities ahead of them and a genuine sense of pride in the school they call their own.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two sons, and training for marathons and ultra-distance running events, which continually reinforce the value of resilience, consistency and personal growth.

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” (Robert Collier)
 

Lauren Malin
Principal, Elementary
 

With 11 years of experience in the UAE, I have had the privilege of serving in a range of leadership roles, including Head of Curriculum, K–5 Principal, Elementary Assistant Principal, and now Elementary Principal at UAS. Throughout my career, I have remained grounded in the belief that outstanding schools are built through strong relationships, continuous learning, and a culture where every child is known, valued, and inspired to succeed.

I want our school to be a place where children are excited to walk through the doors each morning; where they know they belong, understand that they are capable of achieving great things, and feel empowered to take on new challenges. I believe that school culture is created through the small moments that happen every day—in the way we greet one another, celebrate successes, navigate setbacks, and show up for each other as a community.

 I often talk about the importance of "magic moments" and "small victories." They are the moments that remind us why this work matters: the child who finally finds the confidence to contribute in class, the student who perseveres through a challenge and experiences the pride of success, the act of kindness between classmates, or the excitement of discovering a new passion or talent. These moments shape how children see themselves. They build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging, and they help create a school experience that children carry with them long after they leave our classrooms.

 I also believe that great schools never stand still. As educators, we have a responsibility to remain curious, reflective, and committed to our own growth. Through collaboration, professional learning, and a shared pursuit of excellence, we model the lifelong learning we hope to inspire in our students.

"Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them." — Lady Bird Johnson

Matthew David Lowe 
Vice Principal, Learning & Teaching Pastoral

More than 20 years in education, with over a decade in senior leadership roles across the UK and the UAE, has deepened one conviction above all others: the best outcomes for young people are achieved when they feel genuinely known and cared for. At Universal American School, I have the privilege of being part of a school whose history and connection to its wider community is rare and genuinely special.

My responsibilities span Teaching and Learning and Pastoral Care, two areas I see as inseparable. Strong academic progress and genuine personal support grow from the same commitment: knowing each student well and believing in what they are capable of. My approach to leadership is collaborative, rooted in the belief that when staff, students and families work together with shared purpose, students achieve more, develop greater confidence and leave school better prepared for the world ahead.

What I am most passionate about is simple: making sure that every student feels seen, challenged and supported. UAS is a school built on core community values and a legacy that extends far beyond the classroom, and I consider it a privilege to contribute to something that has shaped, and continues to shape, so many lives.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” (Maya Angelou)

Emily Bevington 
Vice Principal, Learning & Teaching, MS Curriculum
 

Investing in people is the centre of my leadership philosophy. Students, teachers and leaders achieve their greatest success when their strengths are recognised, nurtured and supported through meaningful opportunities for growth, and helping to create those opportunities is the most rewarding part of my work.

I serve as Vice Principal of Middle School at Universal American School, bringing over 15 years of experience in K–12 education and 9 years in school leadership. I hold a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and a Principal License through the State of Colorado. In my role, I oversee teaching and learning and support school-wide instructional initiatives across K–12, with a significant focus on leading curriculum development and working alongside leaders to strengthen instructional practices that improve student outcomes.

Mentoring others sits close to my heart: helping colleagues develop confidence in their abilities and creating pathways for them to take on new challenges and leadership opportunities. I am passionate about the impact that great teaching can have on a child’s life. Supportive, skilled educators unlock individual potential and inspire students to achieve more than they thought possible.

What makes UAS special to me is the incredible community of staff, students and families. There is a genuine sense of care and support that drives our commitment to helping every student reach their potential, whether in the classroom, on the stage, on the athletic field, or through leadership and service opportunities.

“In the bigger scheme of things, the universe is not asking us to do something; the universe is asking us to be something.” (L. Clifton)

Tracey Cummins 
Assistant Principal, HS Curriculum

Nearly 20 years at UAS means this community is woven into who I am. I have had the privilege of teaching, supporting and watching many students grow, while building lasting relationships with families across the school. These connections are central to who I am as a leader.

My career in education has grown from a deep love of teaching and learning. I began as a classroom teacher and have since held a range of leadership roles, including Curriculum Leader, IB Coordinator, Leader of Learning and now Assistant Principal. Each role has shaped the way I lead: with curiosity, care and a strong belief that schools improve when people learn together.

My work centres on curriculum, programme pathways and college readiness. I oversee the IB, AP and US pathways at UAS, ensuring that students experience a clear, connected and meaningful journey through school. I am passionate about helping young people feel known, challenged and confident as they prepare for their futures.

As a leader, I try to balance high expectations with kindness, clarity and trust. What I value most about UAS is its sense of community and its shared commitment to helping every learner thrive.

“Legacy matters to me because the work we do in schools lives on through the people we support, the relationships we build and the belief we help create.” 

Michael Morgan
Assistant Principal, Data & Systems

Every student deserves access to a broad, engaging and enriching educational experience that enables them to discover their interests, develop their talents and achieve their full potential. As Assistant Principal for Middle School at UAS, I have the privilege of supporting students, staff and families through some of the most important stages of their educational journey. My role focuses on student wellbeing, pastoral care and ensuring a smooth transition from Elementary School while preparing students for success in High School. I also oversee our Creative departments and support their continued growth and development.

I have been fortunate to spend 14 years working in education. My career began as a Head of Music before progressing to Head of Faculty and, subsequently, Assistant Principal for Middle School. Throughout my career, I have remained passionate about creating opportunities for students to thrive both academically and personally.

My approach to leadership is collaborative, supportive and grounded in leading by example. I believe in empowering staff to innovate, develop their expertise and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. By fostering strong relationships and a culture of continuous improvement, I strive to create an environment where students and educators can flourish.

What makes UAS particularly special is its strong sense of community. The positive partnerships between students, staff and families, together with the traditions and experiences that bring us together, create a school environment where everyone feels connected, supported and inspired to succeed.

Emma Docherty 
Assistant Principal, Elementary

The elementary years are where a child’s relationship with learning takes root, and leading this phase of the school is a responsibility I treasure. I am passionate about creating high-quality learning experiences that enable every student to achieve success academically, socially and emotionally, built on strong relationships, high expectations and a positive school culture.

My own journey began in Newcastle in the UK, though after 14 years working in education in Dubai, 9 of them in leadership roles, I now proudly call this city home. I hold a degree in Primary Education with an Early Years Specialism and have dedicated my career to supporting children through the most important stages of their educational journey.

A key focus of my leadership is developing and empowering staff. I am committed to supporting teachers to continuously refine their practice, build their confidence and develop the skills needed to inspire and engage young learners. Great teaching has a lasting impact, helping children become curious, resilient and independent lifelong learners.

Above all, I want every child at UAS to thrive, in a school community where high-quality learning, student wellbeing and positive relationships work together to make that possible.
 

Mohammad Nasif 
Dean of Students, DSL

Every day at UAS, I work with students across all phases of the school, from Early Years to Grade 12. Since joining in 2020, I have been inspired by the warmth, ambition and strong sense of community that define our school.
That work rests on more than 25 years in education. I have been a PE teacher, swimming coach, Activities Coordinator, Head of Section and Vice Principal before stepping into my current role as Dean of Students. I also serve as the Whole School Safeguarding Lead, ensuring that student safety, wellbeing and care remain at the heart of everything we do

My focus is helping students grow into confident, responsible and compassionate individuals. Strong relationships with students, parents and staff matter deeply to me, because every child deserves to feel valued, supported and heard. Communication is a key life skill, one that builds trust, strengthens relationships and empowers students to succeed both academically and personally.

UAS offers rich and authentic leadership opportunities that help students develop their potential. Through Student Government, the House System, clubs and committees, community initiatives, and events such as Career Day, students are encouraged to lead, contribute and shape school life. Partnerships with organisations such as Al-Futtaim Group also open doors to internships and real-world career experiences.

Students learn best when they feel safe, supported and happy. Creating that environment is both my responsibility and my passion.
 

Lauren Allsopp 
Assistant Principal, Pastoral

Strong relationships, trust and a sense of belonging sit at the heart of every successful school community, and they sit at the heart of my leadership too. Supporting and empowering staff is central to how I work, because it is one of the most important ways we can positively impact students.

As Assistant Principal for Pastoral at Universal American School, I work closely with staff, students and families to promote wellbeing, behaviour, safeguarding and a positive school culture. The strongest schools, and UAS is one of them, are built on meaningful partnerships between home and school, where everyone works together to support each child’s growth and success.

With 14 years of experience in education, 10 of them in leadership roles, I have worked across both curriculum and pastoral leadership. This experience has strengthened my belief that academic success and wellbeing go hand in hand. Pastoral support is more than a job to me; it is a core part of who I am and what I believe in

My goal is to help every student develop academically while growing into an independent, compassionate and confident individual who is ready for the future.

What makes the UAS community so special to me is its genuine sense of connection. It is a place where collaboration, care and continuous development are deeply valued, and where students, staff and parents work together to help every child become the best version of themselves. 

“No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship.” (Dr. James Comer)

Maram Jumah 
Language & Cultural

Having worked in education for many years, including the last fourteen years at Universal American School and five years in senior leadership, I have had the privilege of supporting students, teachers and families from diverse backgrounds. My journey began as an Arabic teacher in Jordan, and that passion for Arabic language, learning and culture continues to shape my work today.

I work alongside teachers and school leaders to strengthen learning experiences, support professional growth, and ensure students receive an education that is both meaningful and engaging. Success is measured by more than academic achievement; it means helping young people develop the confidence, values and outlook needed to thrive in an interconnected world.

Language and culture sit at the heart of my educational philosophy. I am passionate about helping students see Arabic as far more than a school subject. It is a language that connects people, preserves heritage and creates opportunities. Equally important is encouraging students to appreciate different cultures while remaining connected to the values and traditions of the UAE.

What makes UAS special to me is its strong sense of belonging. Our community celebrates diversity, values meaningful connections, and inspires students to become compassionate and responsible global citizens.

“I’ve built my homeland, I’ve even founded my state – in my language.” (Mahmoud Darwish) 
 

Lee Garrett 
Athletics Director

Leadership, to me, is measured by the ability to turn vision into action. As Athletic Director, my approach is shaped by over two decades of experience in education, high-performance sport and endurance athletics, where success is built on consistency, accountability, resilience and continuous improvement.

Those same principles guide how I work with people. I aim to create cultures where everyone is challenged to think differently, embrace feedback and push beyond perceived limits in pursuit of their potential. I am a strong advocate of data-informed decision making, using evidence, reflection and evaluation to drive meaningful improvement.

As a lifelong learner, I continually seek new knowledge, challenge existing practice and embrace innovation. My focus is on developing people, building high-performing teams and creating environments where growth, wellbeing and excellence thrive.

Driven by a passion for growth and high performance, I believe leadership is about knowing your impact, raising standards, and helping others achieve more than they thought possible.

“Know thy impact.” (John Hattie)
 

Laura Ambrose
Student Services Coordinator, Gifted and Talented Coordinator

Every student deserves to feel known, valued, supported and appropriately challenged. As Student Services Coordinator at UAS, I have the privilege of working alongside our Inclusion, English Language Learning, Gifted and Talented, and Counselling teams to help make this possible. My role centres on listening, connecting people, removing barriers, and collaborating with students, colleagues and families to ensure support is thoughtful and coordinated.

I have been fortunate to spend more than 20 years working in education. My experience includes classroom teaching and leadership in curriculum, school improvement and professional learning across the United States, the United Kingdom and the UAE. I hold a BA in Elementary Education, an MEd in Secondary Social Studies, and an EdS in Educational Leadership.

My approach to leadership is collaborative and grounded in continuous learning. I value the experience and perspectives of others and believe the strongest solutions are developed together. I am especially passionate about helping learners recognise their strengths and access the right balance of support and challenge.

Schools are at their best when staff and families work together to help every learner thrive and imagine what is possible.