Our Staff

Cassidy is a co-founder of Kuwait Reggio Center and currently works as the head director of curriculum. In January 2010 Cassidy graduated from Suffolk University with a BA in English literature. While completing her degree she had the opportunity to volunteer with the Americorps program JumpStart. For two years she worked with preschool students and also worked as a team lead for the program. After graduation she began working at a school in Kuwait as an elementary teacher. In 2013 she graduated with a Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in elementary and early childhood from The College of New Jersey. In 2016, 2019, and 2022 she traveled to Reggio Emilia Italy for a week-long intensive study group to learn more about the Reggio Emilia philosophy and approach. Cassidy completed two certification courses in Principals and Principalship and Jolly Phonics from CPD College in Ireland. In August 2022 she graduated with a Certificate in Early Education Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. This program was approximately 170 hours of educational work and helped her to gain knowledge, skills, and tools to strengthen learning environments and foster quality improvement in all early education settings.

Fatima is a devoted mother of three children. In 2003 she entered the Faculty De Pedagogiste in Beirut, and her interest in early childhood education began. She further specialized in her degree by focusing on the Reggio system, which deepened her interest into a passion. Then, Fatima expanded her education by enrolling in courses for Group Dynamics and Educating through Theater. After completing her studies and moving to Kuwait, Fatima worked as a teacher and curriculum coordinator in several preschools. In 2018 she joined Kuwait Reggio Center as the head manager and head of the Arabic curriculum. Most notably, she worked with her colleagues to develop a fully bilingual program that successfully integrates English and Arabic Curricula holistically, collaboratively, and naturally. Fatima has played an active role in expanding the center's scope as it grew year after year. She believes that Kuwait Reggio Center has proven that it is possible to apply and adapt the Reggio philosophy of education successfully in Kuwait to the highest degree without compromise.

Haya currently works as the curriculum coordinator in the Salmiya branch. In 2017, Haya graduated from the American University of Kuwait with a BA in Mass Communication and Media. During her time at university, she assisted professors in mentoring students and held various leadership positions in study groups. Haya developed a strong passion for education and teaching, which led her to pursue a career in this field. In 2019, she graduated with a Master's degree in Educational Psychology from the University College of London. During her time in London, Haya volunteered at a nursery that focused on implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, working with children up to three years old. While there, she had the opportunity to shadow different teachers and collaborate closely with the head teacher to create effective lesson plans and write weekly reports. In 2019, Haya began working as a teacher at Kuwait Reggio Center. While teaching, she completed a certification course in Jolly Phonics from CPD College in Ireland, further enhancing her teaching skills. In 2022, she traveled to Reggio Emilia, Italy, to participate in a week-long intensive study group to deepen her knowledge and understanding of the Reggio Emilia philosophy and approach.

Anaya Hamad – Branch Manager, Salmiya Anaya is the Branch Manager of the Salmiya Campus at the Kuwait Reggio Center, a dynamic leader with over 15 years of experience in education and management. She combines her passion for teaching with her love for administration. Anaya graduated in 2003 from the University of Jordan in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. Before and during her university years, she was an active and sporty individual, excelling in athletics and team activities. Alongside her athletic pursuits, she actively participated in community service and volunteer work, which helped shape her leadership skills and commitment to supporting individuals and the community. In 2011, Anaya began her professional journey as a PE teacher and head of the sports and arts department at an English school in Kuwait. She worked with children from kindergarten to secondary grades, showcasing exceptional leadership and management abilities that paved the way for her broader professional vision. Driven by her passion for administration, she earned her master’s degree in Business Administration from Eton University in 2023. This academic milestone further enhanced her skills and allowed her to merge her passion for teaching and administration into a unified framework dedicated to serving children and education. In 2024, Anaya joined KRC inspired by her passion for creating an exceptional learning environment for children. She has utilized her extensive experience to support the center’s mission, believing that early childhood education grounded in respect and creativity can make a significant difference in children’s lives. Through her work at the center, she consistently strives to achieve this vision. Believing in the right of every child to education and inclusion in society regardless of individual differences, Anaya is currently pursuing studies in special needs and learning difficulties. She aims to develop innovative and inclusive teaching methods that support children with special needs, reinforcing her steadfast commitment to equality and providing equal opportunities for all.

Fajer currently works as the manager of the Mansouriya branch. In 2015 Fajer graduated from the American University of Kuwait with a BA in Mass Communication and Media. In 2018 she made the decision to shift her career towards education, and worked for two years in a neurodivergent school as a co-teacher. In that time, Fajer was fortunate to gain professional experience in an educational setting tailored to support individuals with diverse learning and behavioral requirements. During the pandemic, she created a pod school hosting eight students throughout the school year of 2020/2021. In the course of that time, Fajer completed her Master’s Degree with a BS in Leadership in Education from Buffalo State University. The program provided a practical focus that exposed Fajer to a variety of topics and responsibilities found in leadership. In 2022 Fajer traveled to Reggio Emilia Italy for a week-long intensive study group to learn more about the Reggio Emilia philosophy and approach. She then worked in a school as academic support for grades 1-5, where she provided individualized support and guidance to students with particular learning needs.

Natalija Efremova is a graduated psychologist from the University of Cyril’s and Methodius in Skopje, North Macedonia. She has more than 17 years of work experience in the British preschool system (at the British Children’s Academy in Skopje and a British preschool in Kuwait), teaching phonics, beginner reading, comprehension, and mathematics. She owns a special license for the performance in psychological activities in the field of Psychology of Education, rewarded by the Chamber of Psychologists of R.N.M. Natalija participated in projects implemented by the Foundation for Education and Cultural Initiatives “Step by Step,” where she completed three certified courses: Cooperation with the parents/family, Quality pedagogical practice, and a certificate for professional development on the topic “pronunciation and correct speech of children in early childhood development for educators, caregivers, and other professionals.” Her active approach and dedication have allowed her to build a creative and stimulating environment for early education and children’s development.