Teach Middle East Magazine May 2014 issue 1 vol. 1 | Page 8

OUR CONTRIBUTORS...
Barika Bettis

Barika has enjoyed an extensive
career conducting Biomedical
research in the United States in the
areas of Medicine, Pathology and
Neuroscience. During this time,
she published several abstracts in
various journals which contributed
to the research community. She
currently teaches MS/HS Science
and Biology. She enjoys a student-centered approach
to education. Ms Bettis is currently pursuing her Master
of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.

Aaron Crotty
Aaron is a certified Senior Financial
Planner with over seven (7)
years experience in the financial
industry. Originally based in the UK,
Aaron has enjoyed an illustrious
career in which he has functioned
in a number of senior advisory and
managerial roles…including that
of Financial Advisor with leading
UK bank NatWest. Mr Crotty is based in Dubai where
he utilises his expertise representing Guardian Life
Management. In his current role, Aaron advises fellow
professional expats on every aspect of their financial
planning needs. He is perfectly placed to ensure his
clients’ financial plans become a reality.

Richie Chin
Richie Chin is an avid traveller
who enjoys cooking and sharing
his exploits with close friends. He
has been an educator for over
sixteen years. Mr Chin currently
teaches in the UAE.

Shakti Hakim
Shakti is an educator who has also
worked as a Licensed Healthcare
Practitioner of various healing
modalities. Originally a native of
Brooklyn, New York, Shakti now
lives & works in Al Ain, UAE. She
is the author of “The Busy Babe’s
Guide to Wellness: 8 Steps to
a Healthier You Now!” which is
available online on amazon.com.

Maryann Reid
Maryann, an educator from New
York, has a passion for writing stories
that address the lifestyle concerns
of busy, successful women.

Dr Jan L. Jones
Jan L. Jones (Associate Professor)
is currently the Travel and Tourism
Management
Advisor
and
Undergraduate Coordinator in
the Department of Recreation
and Leisure Studies at Southern
Connecticut State University in
New Haven, Connecticut. Born
in Halifax, Canada, she earned
both a Bachelors and Masters of
Arts in Sociology from Acadia University. She also holds
a PhD in Sport, Leisure and Exercise Science from the
University of Connecticut with a particular focus on the
impacts of tourism development. Her research has taken
her abroad to Cuba, Ireland, Jordan, Jamaica, Cyprus,
and Crete conducting studies about communitybased tourism development, responsible tourism and
VolunTourism.

Leisa Simapili
Leisa is an educator with over
seventeen (17) years experience
both
as
a
teacher
and
administrator. She is a trained
Linguist who speaks fluent Spanish.
Leisa is currently an Academic
Vice Principal at a Cycle One
School in Al Ain. She is passionate
about teaching and learning.

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May 2014

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