QAM Leadership
Director’s Message
Welcome to Qatar Academy Msheireb!
Our mission is to create an effective learning environment, to develop internationally minded and empathetic lifelong learners through a dual-language program emphasizing inquiry-based practices. A mission we strive to accomplish and live by daily!
Our young learners anchor their learning in both local and international contexts. They are empowered to develop Qatari values and traditions while having access to a global education. They develop their academic competencies in both Arabic and English, with an emphasis on “learning how to learn” and developing skills as lifelong learners.
At QAM, learning is not limited to the classroom walls. It permeates all activities and opportunities outside the classroom. Field trips, after school activities, community projects are a few examples of how learning is extended. Academics are consolidated through a rigorous and well-defined curriculum that is complemented by the Arts and Sports. Two curricular areas that are of equal importance as academics. Our students are challenged to act on their learning using multiple mediums and languages of which the language of visual and performing arts. The progress in this digital era also has its impact on developing technology as a language and to embed it in our students’ learning experience.
QAM commits to building a school community with a strong sense of belonging and family-like atmosphere. By choosing QAM, you and your children will become part of our growing family, supported by a team of dedicated and passionate educators and staff, that put your child’s learning and wellbeing at the center of what they do every day!
On behalf of our QAM community, we thank you for your interest and look forward to welcoming you into our family! Check our social media platforms to learn more about our community. Please contact our Public Relations team member Mrs. Zainab Idrissi for further information.
Lina Mouchantaf
Director
Director
Lina F. Mouchantaf became the Director of Qatar Academy Msheireb in August 2024, bringing over 30 years of educational experience to the school. Originally from Lebanon, Lina holds a Master’s degree in Science Education from the Lebanese University, along with a Master’s degree in Educational Management from Balamand University.
As a seasoned international educator, Lina has held several leadership roles across diverse educational institutions. Prior to joining Qatar
Academy Msheireb, she served as Director of Qatar Academy Al Khor from 2021, successfully leading a school that catered to students from
Pre-3 to Grade 12.
Lina has a strong background in International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, with extensive experience as an IB workshop leader, evaluation and
programme leader, and consultant. She has also served as a field representative for the IB and as Chair of synchronized visits between the IB
and the Council of International Schools (CIS).
Her expertise includes curriculum development, professional development, and educational leadership. Lina has played key roles in school accreditation processes, including those of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and CIS. Her leadership philosophy centers on creating dynamic learning environments that foster student growth, academic achievement, and social-emotional well-being. She also considers that teaching and teachers are at the core of a successful learning organization and puts the same emphasis on adult learning including parents’ and the community.
As a strong advocate for continuous learning, Lina believes in the power of education to drive societal change and foster a more empathetic world. She brings to Qatar Academy Msheireb her passion for education, international experience, and a vision for creating joyful and inspiring environments where students are challenged to excel academically and socially, while honoring their local cultural roots.
Assistant Principal
Vanessa Miller is an accomplished educator with over 25 years of experience in New York City and Qatar. As a lead teacher, Vanessa dedicated her career to fostering professional learning communities with her colleagues, focusing on the growth and enhancement of teaching, and learning practices in Math and Science. With a deep passion for education, she ventured into the international teaching community in 2015 by moving to Qatar.
In Qatar, Vanessa continued her educational journey by joining the IB Primary Years Program at Qatar Academy Sidra. Her dedication and expertise in the field of education led her to the Education Development Institute in 2018, where she served as a Curriculum Designer. Vanessa’s areas of interest include education for sustainability, conceptually driven and inquiry-based learning, and cultivating connection between people, the environment, and the world.
Holding a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Hunter College, Vanessa is an avid lifelong learner. She is currently enrolled in the EdD program at the University of Bath. Vanessa joins QAM this academic year in the role of Assistant Principal.
Assistant Principal
Lama Kalash comes from Lebanon and has been in the field of education for more than 27 years. She brings experience from a variety of
international leadership and teaching roles. Lama graduated from the Lebanese American University in 1994 with a Bachelor Degree in Early
Childhood Education and a Diploma in TEFL. She has a master’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from Buffalo State, New York, and a
certified diploma in International Leadership Management from the ECIS, United Kingdom.
Lama is an IB PYP bilingual consultant, school visitor, workshop and programme leader, and certified trainer for concept-based learning. She
started her learning journey as an early years teacher in an IB-authorized school in Lebanon, before becoming the Early Years Principal.
Before moving to Qatar Lama worked in an IB school in Dubai and played an instrumental role in raising the KHDA school standards.
Lama joined QAM as the Assistant Principal in August 2022. She believes that through lifelong learning, one can effect change from within, as well as in the life of others.
Accredited Partners
