governors
Guiding the Path to Excellence
At Citizens School, the role of our Governors is pivotal in steering the institution toward excellence. Our dedicated Board of Governors comprises accomplished professionals and visionaries committed to shaping the future of education.
They actively engage in strategic decision-making, ensuring that Citizens School remains at the forefront of educational innovation.
Dr. Adil Alzarooni
Chairman and Founder
Dr. Adil Alzarooni, a prominent Emirati leader with over 22 years of executive management experience, holds key directorship positions in diverse sectors, including healthcare, education, finance, logistics, media, technology, FMCG, and real estate.
Operating two family offices and a venture studio, he is not only a seasoned entrepreneur but also a passionate educator and compelling public speaker.
With degrees from the Etisalat College of Engineering, the American University of Sharjah, and the British University in Dubai, Dr. Alzarooni is a co-author and author of “Economic Zones: The Essentials” and “Sustaining Family Businesses: The Essentials,” respectively.
Dr Amani Batakji Chazy
Academic Governor
Dr. Amani Batakji Chazy is a distinguished Education Policy Expert, Researcher, and Advisor with over 20 years of experience in educational leadership, policy formulation, quality assurance, and curriculum development. Currently, she serves as the Education Policies Expert and Advisor to Her Excellency the Secretary General of the Education and Human Resources Council, Federal Government of the UAE.
Previously, Dr. Chazy was an Education Expert and Senior Bilingual Inspector at Dubai Knowledge, Government of Dubai, where she oversaw quality assurance, research for development and regulation, policy implementation, and educational project management.
Academically, she holds a doctoral degree in education policies and research, achieved while working full-time. Post-graduation, she has continued her research endeavors, publishing three manuscripts in double-blind international reviewed journals.
Her areas of expertise include educational policy development, strategic planning, leadership and management in educational settings, quality assurance, curriculum design, and educational research. Dr. Chazy is also skilled in higher education teaching, teacher preparation, language-policy planning, school leadership, and literacy curriculum review.
With a strong commitment to driving educational excellence and innovation globally, Dr. Amani Batakji Chazy leverages her extensive experience to foster progressive transformation in education.
Kabeen Khadar
Parent Governor
Kabeen Khadar, an Executive Director at Euroblast Middle East, holds over two decades of experience managing businesses and projects.
A second-generation entrepreneur with a robust background in oil & gas, hospitality, and IT-visual technology, he has been the driving force behind Euroblast Middle East, specialising in surface preparation and coating for prestigious projects in oil & gas, shipbuilding, repairs, and construction.
Kabeen’s strategic vision and professionalism have not only expanded the group’s portfolio through acquisitions in the UK but also made a lasting impact in the hospitality industry with The Poovar Island Resort alongside his father, Kabeer Khader.
Emily Konstansas
Safeguarding Governor
Emily Konstantas, the Global Founder and CEO of The Safeguarding Alliance, is dedicated to ensuring the safety of children and adults at risk worldwide.
With a focus on raising standards and professionalising the safeguarding sector, Emily passionately advocates for a global culture of safeguarding excellence.
Her academic background includes a Bachelor’s, Master’s in Law, and ongoing pursuit of a PhD in International Child Protection Law, and her impactful contributions to safeguarding legislation in the UK, including the advocacy for Della’s Law, have made her a recognised figure on national and international platforms.
Cheryl Christina Pavitt
Inclusion Governor
Cheryl Pavitt, the Inclusion Governor at Citizens School and an Inclusion Governor for a school in the UK, is deeply committed to creating an educational environment where every student is supported and valued. With over 25 years of experience as a behaviour analyst, school leader, education advisor, and early intervention practitioner, Cheryl has worked with countless schools, hundreds of families, and thousands of children across the UAE and UK.
Her extensive experience and powerful collaborations have established best-practice benchmarks across various inclusive education provisions and intervention models. Cheryl’s work reflects her dedication to ensuring that every child receives the support they need to succeed.
Cheryl’s deep understanding of parenthood challenges, combined with her insight into children’s lives and her expertise, continues to in spire meaningful change, leaving a lasting impact on the communities she serves.
Kim Popratnjak
Education Standards Governor
A highly focused and motivated educational practitioner, Kim Popratnjak has dedicated her career to the development and growth of students, regardless of background. With a passion for teaching cultivated from a young age, she earned a degree with honours and a Master’s degree, progressing through various leadership roles, including Head of Department, Head of Faculty, and Deputy Head.
Recognised for transforming a school from low-ranking to top 6%, Kim was awarded an MBE for services to education, showcasing her dedication, hard work, and success.
Described as a positive, driven, and student-centered leader, Kim brings a wealth of experience to her role, embracing new challenges with a clear vision for creative and future-thinking
education.
Ismail Zorob
Operations/Finance Governor
Ismail Zorob, a Palestinian born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, now calls Dubai home after nearly two decades of residence. Passionate about making a meaningful impact, especially in the education sector, he is known for leading by example and embracing challenges.
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with distinction and a CFA holder, Ismail co-founded a successful education group, contributing to elevating K-12 education standards in the UAE. Recently, he co-founded an edtech startup aiming to revolutionise school bookings in the region.
His involvement in the education sector includes crucial roles in public-private partnerships and a commitment to shaping a dynamic, project-based education model-aligning with the vision of Citizens, where he plays an integral role.
Hind El Aoufi
Innovation Governor
Hind El Aoufi, an innovation and digital culture leader, has over 17 years of experience in strategy and management consulting, spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.
As the leader of GHD’s D-Lab practice in EMEA, she drives innovation strategy, applied innovation, and cultural change, particularly focusing on digital transformation for the C-suite.
Hind is also a Co-Founder and co-CEO of youforher, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering women and protecting the planet, showcasing her commitment to holistic impact across people, planet, and profit.
Dr Terence McAdams
Innovation Governor
Dr Terence McAdams is an experienced educational leader with a background in technology integration, curriculum development, and school innovation. Most recently, he has served as Vice Principal at Citizens School, focusing on digital literacy, problem-based learning, and enhancing teaching standards through interdisciplinary programmes.
In a prior senior leadership role, he led the development of award-winning programmes, including a machine learning initiative shortlisted for the 2022 ISC Digital Technology in Learning Award, and was instrumental in his school winning the ISC International School of the Year 2021. Additionally, he is an International Baccalaureate consultant, curriculum developer, and examination paper author, specialising in Computer Science.
With a Doctorate in Education, his research and publications emphasise the intersection of technology and pedagogy. Dr McAdams is also an accomplished presenter at international educational conferences and has authored several technical and educational texts.
