HS Counseling TEAM

Ms. JoAnn Porterfield was born and raised by her loving parents in a small town in Ontario. Although she came from a small town, living and teaching abroad has always been a goal of hers and after graduating with a degree in Psychology/Sociology and a Bachelor of Education she began her dream of seeing the world. 

Ms. JoAnn has been living and working at DAA since 2017 and has truly enjoyed the experience. JoAnn has been working as the grade 9 counselor since 2020. She enjoys working with students to help them find success and plan out their dreams for their future.

Ms. Sulakshana Divekar has been a resident of Dubai for 20 years, and has witnessed the city's dynamic growth and evolving educational landscape. Her journey began in Mumbai, India, where she earned a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology.

During her early career, Ms. Sulakshana conducted impactful research on "The Use of Play and Art Forms with Children in Disaster," with a focus on supporting underprivileged children, abuse victims, and those affected by conflict zones. The findings were published in the Indian Journal of Social Science, highlighting her commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable youth.

Committed to holistic well-being, Ms. Sulakshana is trained in diverse therapeutic modalities including Yoga, Mindfulness, Dance Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. She holds certifications as a Global Career Development Facilitator, Mental Health Champion, and Safeguarding. This extensive skill set allows her to provide personalized support tailored to an individual's needs.

Passionate about helping individuals lead purposeful lives, she believes in empowering the next generation to make informed career decisions that contribute to a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Mr. Charles holds a Bachelors in Business Marketing from University of Massachusetts - Boston and a Masters in School Counseling from Salem State University.  He worked for over 11 years providing counseling services to middle and high school students in the US and internationally. 

Mr. Charles strives to encourage students to develop strong academic habits and organizational skills that set the foundation for success.  Supporting students in navigating interpersonal conflicts, encouraging participation in community activities and friendship making is a strength in his work.  

Importantly, Mr. Charles enjoys guiding students in the post-secondary planning and helping them make the right choices along the way.

Ms. Yasmin Gabr is a dedicated and compassionate school counselor with over 20 years of experience in education, 16 of which have been in the UAE. She holds a Master of Education in School Counseling from Lehigh University and is a certified school counselor by the New York State Education Department, as well as a licensed counselor through the Dubai Community Development Authority (CDA).

Throughout her career, Yasmin has worked with students across a wide range of ages and backgrounds, always striving to create a safe space where young people feel empowered. Her approach is rooted in empathy, connection, and deep belief in the power of every student’s potential. She is committed to supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of students and is passionate about helping them discover their strengths, interests, and future possibilities. She is continually inspired by her students and the unique insights they offer.

Ms. Anabia Jamshed have been living and working in the UAE for over 12 years. She have worked across higher education, careers guidance and HR.

Ms. Anabia holds MSc in Business Management from Imperial College London and am a Globally Certified Career Development Facilitator through NCDA-CCE. Before joining DAA, she was a Career Counsellor at GEMS Metropole School MotorCity, alongside my role as a GEMS Excellence Fellow for Careers & Futures, where she had the opportunity to work with and support careers provision across a cluster of GEMS British schools. Before moving into school-based counselling, Ms. Anabia worked as a Career Advisor at the University of Wollongong in Dubai.

An Interior Designer by education as well as a certified Cognitive Trainer. She always have been drawn to creative spaces, art and the stories behind beautiful and meaningful objects; a vintage and antique enthusiast, in her free time, she enjoy travelling, discovering inspiring spaces, and most excitingly,  working towards publishing her book.

Ms. Vanessa Hamilton is a Canadian national from the province of Ontario who has been living and working in schools here in the UAE in Abu Dhabi for the past 12 years.

Ms. Vanessa is a licensed Counselling Psychologist and Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a licensed K-12 teacher with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). She has been teaching and counseling in schools for over 17 years, and has been working in the fields of education, social helping, and health for over 30 years! She is an experienced Social-Emotional and Career & University Guidance counselor.

Ms. Vanessa is a Yoga Alliance 500hr (RYT) registered yoga, meditation and mindfulness teacher, and a Complex Trauma Specialist (CCTP-II), which are passion areas for her. Her approach to health and well-being is integrative and based on whole-person development and mind-body-soul connection! 

In her free time, she have several hobbies including reading, writing, and of course, traveling!

Ms. Fify Kassem is originally from New York City where she graduated with a Bachelor degree in Education from Brooklyn College, New York, and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Alfred University, New York. She continued her education by obtaining an Extension in Special Education Certificate from The College of Saint Rose, New York.

Ms. Fify began her counseling career in 2016 in New York City. Seeking to broaden her horizons and gain international experience, she moved to Egypt, where she worked in an International school with students from diverse backgrounds. In 2023, she relocated to the UAE to continue her career as a school counselor.

Ms. Fify is passionate about promoting the well-being and growth of students of all ages and backgrounds. She takes great joy in helping students learn, develop, and achieve their personal, academic, and career goals. Ms. Fify’s approach is centered on providing support and guidance tailored to each student’s unique needs.

In her free time, she enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures, which enrich her understanding and connection with students from various nationalities. Additionally, she loves reading and taking long walks, activities that provide relaxation and inspire fresh perspectives in her counseling practice.

Ms. Jennifer Da Silva earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology, Master’s in School Counseling, and Education Specialist degree in Professional Counseling from Seton Hall University. She has worked in public schools in New Jersey and is completing her 13th year as a school counselor. 

Over the years, Ms. Jennifer has honed her skills in counseling, career and college advising, and program development. She thrives in roles where she can mentor and support young adults, helping them navigate critical milestones in their academic and personal journeys. Her passion lies in fostering their growth and equipping them with the tools to succeed.  Ms.  Jennifer firmly believes that the best lessons in life are learned through experiences that challenge us to step outside our comfort zones. As a school counselor, she often tells her students to “find comfort in being uncomfortable,” as it’s a surefire way to grow and learn. 

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially being the “fun” aunt. You can always find her dabbling in some DIY projects, enjoying all types of music, and traveling.

Ms. Jennifer Gaffney, is a dedicated professional with more than 23 years of experience working with young people aged 7 to 18. She started her career in therapeutic care in 2000, working with individuals and families from all backgrounds and denominations under the governing body of The Child and Family Agency. Throughout her career, Jennifer has led social and emotional groups, engaging in educational and life-skill-focused activities that help young people navigate the complexities of the modern world, enabling them to reach their full potential and happiness.

Ms. Jennifer's passion for traveling and exploring new places and meeting new people is evident in both her personal and professional life. She actively works on developing her social and emotional skills, which she believes are crucial in her line of work. 

Ms. Jewel Mulvey