About Us

Welcome

Dear Parents,
We understand that choosing the right care and educational setting for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. At Bright Beginnings, we believe that every child deserves to thrive in an environment that is safe, nurturing, and full of opportunities to grow. Our goal is to create a space where your child feels valued, respected, and inspired to explore the world around them.

We are passionate about supporting your child’s individual development during these early, formative years. From the moment they walk through our doors, they will be treated with kindness, encouragement and care. We take great pride in fostering a sense of trust, confidence and high self-esteem in each child, helping them build a strong foundation for their future learning and success.

The early years, at nursery, are an exciting time of discovery, and we are honored to be part of that journey. At Bright Beginnings, we offer a warm and vibrant environment where your child can grow, explore and begin their educational adventure.

We would love the opportunity to meet you and your child in person and show you around our nurturing nursery. Please feel free to get in touch to arrange a visit – we can’t wait to welcome you into our Bright Beginnings family!

Warmest Regards,
Jo Shaban
Managing Director
Bright Beginnings Nurseries

Our Team

Bright Beginnings’ dedicated staff reflect our commitment to excellence and consistency. We invest in our team, value their input and support them professionally and personally, with many employees being with us for over ten years. Our experienced, ADEK-approved teaching staff are highly qualified in early childhood education, and our culture of listening to children, families and staff fosters a respectful, collaborative environment that positively impacts every child in our care.

Saman Shams

Mehairba Director

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Saman has been part of the Bright Beginnings Nursery family for more than ten years. Since 2012, she has worked with children of all age groups, further enhancing her deep enthusiasm for early childhood development.

Saman has a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Economics. She embarked on her early years journey in 2010 with a Montessori Diploma.

She earned a CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Development in 2015. In 2019, driven by her strong passion for continuous learning, Saman pursued and successfully obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCEI) from the University of Nottingham.

Lina Haj Ahmad

Mushrif Director

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Lina Haj Ahmad joined Bright Beginnings in 2014 as an Arabic teacher and had the opportunity to meet and teach most of the children in the Nursery. Lina was the Office Manager at our Mushrif Bright Beginnings for many years and was promoted to Nursery Director in 2022.

Lina has a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, a CACHE LEVEL 3 Diploma in Early Years Development, and a CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Early Years Leadership and Education. She has attended many courses, and workshops and has participated in International conferences in relation to Early Childhood Development and education.

Lina is married with two boys, Yousef and Omar who both attended Bright Beginnings Nursery and created the best early years memories.

Gillian Bowie

Saadiyat Director

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Gillian started working at Bright Beginnings Nursery in 2011 and has taught at all three of our branches in Abu Dhabi. She qualified in the UK as an Early Years Educator and has had the opportunity to work in private and public settings.

Gillian holds a National Certificate of Education and Training in Nursery Nursing and a Cache Level 5 Early Years Management Diploma, and has completed training in paediatric first aid, child protection and health and safety.

Gillian is married and has two daughters who have now flown the nest and attend university in Scotland.

Joud Zuriekat

Group Director

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Joud Zuriekat joined Bright Beginnings Nursery in 2008 as one of the teaching staff and then took over the role of Director in 2010.
Joud has been working in the field of Early Childhood Education since 1995. She has had the opportunity to work in different settings in Jordan, Canada and the UAE, and has taught children from 18 months up to five years old. Joud holds a Bachelor Degree in Teaching and has attended numerous training courses in Early Childhood Education around the world.
oud is married with two children, Nour and Nosha, and they both attended Bright Beginnings Nursery.

Jo Shaban

Managing Director

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Jo has been working in the field of Early Childhood education since 1991. Jo is married with two children, Isobel and Aden. She has had the wonderful opportunity to work and live in many countries around the world, further consolidating her knowledge of children and education in differing environments.
Jo has taught children from two years old through to 12 years old and has also taught, assessed and supervised beginning teachers and childcare students training to move into early childhood education. This invaluable experience has assisted her in operating and managing Bright Beginnings Nursery on a student, parent and staff level.

Jo holds a Bachelor of Teaching degree and a Bachelor of Education degree with a major in Early Childhood Education, both through Australian universities. She is also an active member of the Early Childhood Association of Australia and is a registered teacher with the Queensland Education Department.

Jo has completed training in the areas of Occupational Health and Safety and First Aid Training. In support of the three full time Directors (one at each Nursery), Jo divides her time between each of the Nurseries, to offer further assistance and to undertake staff development and training.

Ingrid Bittar

Director, ADEO Branch

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Ingrid Bittar joined Bright Beginnings in 2014 as an Arabic Teacher, where she led the nursery’s first bilingual classroom. She remained in this role for ten years, playing a key role in supporting children’s language development and creating a rich, nurturing bilingual learning environment.

In 2024, Ingrid progressed into the role of Director at our Abu Dhabi Executive Office (ADEO) branch, where she continues to lead with passion, dedication and a deep understanding of Early Childhood Education.

Ingrid holds a BSc in Civil Engineering (2003) and a Postgraduate Qualification in Civil Engineering (2004). She later pursued her passion for early years education, earning a CACHE Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Early Years Development, as well as a CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Early Years Leadership and Management. She continues to expand her expertise through ongoing professional development and training in Early Childhood Education.

Ingrid is married and a proud mother of two children, Christopher and Christina, both of whom attended Bright Beginnings. During their time with us, they built joyful memories, formed their first friendships and began their own beautiful learning journeys, an experience that further deepened Ingrid’s connection to the Bright Beginnings community.