Parent Council (ECPC)

Christina Thomas

Chairperson

A Marketing Manager by profession, Christina originally hails from India and has been residing in the UAE since birth. She has three daughters studying in EC in Years 13 (Illana), 8 (Aleigha) and 4 (Eviah) and is an ardent ambassador for the school. With a deep-rooted passion for organisation, communication, strategic planning and events, Christina is keen to bring some of her professional experience in these fields to benefit the school and is constantly striving to enhance the holistic environment at school.

Redza Jamil

Member

Redza is from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He and his family have been with EC for more than 12 years. His son Walif is in Year 10, while his two older children, Nabil & Rayhana are EC alumni. Redza is a pilot with Emirates Airlines and, when not flying, spends a lot of time karting with his team at Dubai Kartdrome.

Lakna Godahena

Member

Lakna works as a Principal in a consulting firm, specialising in talent management, reorganisation, work analysis and reward management and helping organisations develop and create optimum human capital solutions. Her children are Dinethya, in Year 11 and Thevanya in Year 13. When not working, she loves contributing to developing talent and personalities in the next generation.

Vernon Nicholls

Member

Vernon and his family are from South Africa and have been in Dubai since 2018. He has two boys, Shane in Year 12 and Jaired an EC alumni. Vernon works as a Programme Manager in an IT data centre enterprise space. His hobbies include dune bashing, camping and pretty much all sports, and he was chairman of his sons’ previous school, assisting with governance and running operations.

Suzy Salman Alkhouli

Member

A pharmacist by profession and a mum of three boys in Years 10 and 11 and one who is alumni. Suzy has worked at UNICEF Syria as a volunteer and also used to work as a writer for an Arabic magazine. She is passionate about sports, reading and cooking and is always ready to help and volunteer for all school-related activities.

Dareen Amer

Member

A dedicated mother of a Year 11 son, originally from Syria but was born in the UAE. Despite being a qualified dentist, her professional journey extends beyond dental practice, leading her to establish a medical education company. Currently engaged in remote work with UCLH in London, supporting overseas dental examinations. Dareen's passions encompass music, travel, and the cherished family movie night. Eager to contribute to her child's school, she has actively participated in the Parent Council since joining the EC in 2020, reflecting commitment to both education and community involvement.

Iveta Vectrane

Member

Iveta is from Latvia and has been in Dubai since 2009. She graduated as an economist and is currently a full-time mom to son Daniel who is in Year 7 and has been with EC since FS2. She is a very hands-on parent and is always seen around school volunteering at ECPC events and school initiatives. In her free time Iveta loves participating in sports and is also an active member of a local competitive dragon-boating team. She also loves to read and loves to curl up with a good book.

Zak Marar

Member

Originally from London, Zak has called Dubai home since 2014 and is a father of three young children, the eldest of whom has just joined FS1 at The English College and twins who will join in the future. Zak runs a regional office for a global executive search firm and has been advising companies on talent strategies and leadership effectiveness since 2005. As a fairly new parent at The English College, Zak is keen to be an active member of the school community.

Katarina Ballinger

Katarina is mum of two, with the oldest Lily in Year 8 in EC. Slovakia is her home country and she has lived in Dubai for 25 years. Katarina has a background in travel, tourism, hospitality, and personal concierge industries. She especially enjoys the creative aspects of being involved in school events and community activities, always helping and volunteering when she can. She loves to scrapbook, enjoys traveling, exploring outdoors, hiking and camping.

Zin Wael

Member

Zin is a technology consultant by profession and a proud father of Zineldin, who is in year 9, and Asiya, who is in year 4. Zin and his family moved from Australia two years ago and have happily embraced their life in Dubai. In his free time, Zin is a dedicated yoga and dance instructor, bringing vibrant energy to his life. He is also a talented actor with appearances in Hollywood movies such as "The Invisible Man" and "3000 Years of Longing." He is looking forward to collaborating with the school community to brighten and enrich student experience.

Sasha McLeod

Member

Sasha has lived in the UK from birth and moved with her family to Dubai in 2020. Her cultural background is from the Caribbean, Jamaica and St. Lucia. She has three children, two of whom are at EC in Year 4 and Year 7. Sasha is a trained Neurologic Music Therapist and has worked with a variety of neurodiverse patients, clients and students with acquired brain injury, emotional, sensory, cognitive and behavioural difficulties. Her previous career was in Business Information Technology focused in Financial software testing. Sasha loves the outdoors, walking, wall climbing, singing, with a splash of creative arts and painting. She is a firm believer in investing in our school and taking care of our community, environment, and each other.