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. 6 May 2014 Class Time