Heads of Departments

 

Claudia Nicoleta Paun: 

High School Learning & Operations Lead - Science and Math

Claudia leads the High School at MLS International, where she is committed to empowering students to become thoughtful, independent, and compassionate visionaries. Building on the strong foundations of MLS, she focuses on ensuring learners excel academically while developing the resilience, innovation, and empathy needed to lead in an ever-changing world.

With over 15 years of experience in teaching and educational leadership, Claudia has guided students across elementary, middle, high school, and university levels. She holds a Master’s degree in Statistics and Applied Mathematics and is currently pursuing doctoral research in Education Management, exploring how schools can best support student potential and long-term success.

As a lifelong learner, Claudia believes education is a continuous journey of growth, one she models daily for both students and staff. At MLS, she is dedicated to fostering an environment where high expectations are balanced with creativity, collaboration, and character development. As the school looks ahead to its first graduating class in 2026, Claudia remains inspired by the promise of each learner and committed to ensuring every student is supported, challenged, and celebrated on their path to becoming a maker of the future.

 


Kiran Naveed:

Head of Admin and Social-Emotional Coach 

With a background in Business and a career in Human Resources, Kiran’s passion for connecting with people naturally led him into the field of education. He holds an MBA and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and brings over 12 years of experience at Makers Learning School, where he has served in a variety of roles.

Currently, Kiran is the Head of Administration and Social-Emotional Coach, a role that reflects his ability to work effectively with both adults and children. He is deeply energized by working with young learners and finds joy in witnessing their growth over time.

A committed lifelong learner, Kiran believes that the combination of education and a nurturing, positive environment is essential for preparing the next generation to thrive in an increasingly complex and ever-changing world. Challenges inspire his creative thinking and problem-solving approach, guided by the belief that “everything is figureoutable.” Through his work, Kiran remains dedicated to building authentic connections and creating meaningful impact through education.

 

 

Fatima Metwelly : 

PYP Coordinator 

Fatima joined Makers Learning School in August 2024 as a PYP Homeroom Teacher, and this year she has taken on the role of PYP Coordinator and Grade 5 Homeroom Teacher. With 21 years of teaching experience across all primary grade levels in seven schools and three countries, she brings a global perspective and a deep passion for learning to support the MLS community.

Fatima has a strong commitment to inquiry-based learning and the IB PYP framework. Her teaching philosophy focuses on creating personalized and inclusive learning experiences where every learner feels empowered, valued, and capable of success. She holds a Master’s degree in Special and Inclusive Education from University College London and a certificate in Universal Design for Learning from the University of Michigan.

She believes every child has unique strengths and the right to an inclusive, engaging, and inspiring education. At MLS, Fatima is dedicated to fostering a community rooted in curiosity, agency, and collaboration, supporting both learners and colleagues in their growth and development.

 


Dalal Hasisho:

Head of Elementary

Dalal is an experienced international educator and school leader with over 14 years of teaching and leadership experience in international schools across Saudi Arabia. She has been part of the MLS community since 2019 and is deeply committed to creating learning communities where every learner feels seen, valued, challenged, and empowered to thrive.

Dalal views leadership not as a position of authority, but as an opportunity to serve, influence, empower, and grow. Her leadership philosophy is shaped by The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and the Leader in Me philosophy, with a strong belief that everyone has the capacity to lead, take ownership, and make a meaningful contribution.

As an SEL Coach and Head of Elementary, Dalal brings together academic excellence, social-emotional learning, and leadership for learning. She is passionate about building leadership capacity in educators and learners through agency, accountability, collaboration, and purpose.

 


Milena :

Head of Nursery & Toddler / Social-Emotional Coach

 Ms. Milena Chen-Apuy Murillo brings a deep passion for early childhood education, innovation, and emotional intelligence to Makers Learning School. Originally from Costa Rica, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Bilingual Preschool Education and a Master’s Degree in School Management, Innovation, and Leadership.

With years of experience guiding young learners, Ms. Milena is dedicated to creating nurturing, developmentally appropriate, and play-based environments where every child feels safe, seen, and valued. As the Head of Nursery and Toddlers, she oversees the youngest division of the school, ensuring that learning experiences are rooted in curiosity, exploration, and connection.

In her additional role as Social-Emotional Learning Coach for the Early Years, she leads the implementation of Conscious Discipline, supporting teachers in integrating social-emotional practices that build empathy, resilience, and strong classroom communities.

Ms. Milena believes that emotional intelligence and academic growth go hand in hand. Her leadership reflects MLS’s mission to develop compassionate, creative, and independent thinkers—our “Makers of the Future.

 


Tania Al Jaroudy :

Director of Innovation 

Tania approaches education as an interconnected system shaped by people, culture, and intentional design. With a foundation in industrial design from Parsons The New School of Design, she brings a human-centered, systems-thinking approach to learning and school development.

Since joining Makers Learning School in 2016, Tania has shaped and created innovative programs that embed creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving into everyday learning. As Director of Innovation, she works closely with school leadership and faculty to design and implement initiatives that strengthen teaching and learning across the school.

A core part of her work is leading professional development that empowers teachers to integrate innovation and technology with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Her work sits at the intersection of people, systems, and innovation, supporting Makers Learning School International as a forward-thinking educational model.

 


Anna Reynolds:

High School Curriculum Coordinator & Student Engagement Lead 

Anna is deeply committed to supporting learners, families, and staff as they continue to grow, thrive, and achieve together. With advanced certifications in English Language Arts and experience working across all high school levels, she brings a thoughtful, student-centered approach to curriculum design.

Anna is passionate about creating learning experiences that challenge students academically while building the skills, confidence, and resilience needed for success beyond the classroom. She believes education should nurture curiosity, inspire leadership, and empower learners to see themselves as capable of making a positive impact in the world. She looks forward to walking alongside students in their educational journey and celebrating their growth and achievements.

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