Ashleigh MacKissack

My name is Ashleigh Mackissack, and I am originally from Scotland, United Kingdom. Over the past decade, I have worked in the United Arab Emirates within the field of Inclusive Education, supporting students with a range of additional needs across Key Stages 1 through 5.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Social Services, as well as a Master’sdegree in Education with a specialisation in Inclusion and Special Educational Needs, both awarded in Scotland, UK. I am currently serving as the Key Stage 3 Inclusion Specialist at GEMS Metropole School, a position I have held for the past two years.

Alongside my inclusion role, I also serve as the Student Well-being Coordinator for the Secondary School. In this capacity, I lead a variety of initiatives grounded in the PERMAH model, enabling a holistic and research-informed approach to student well-being. My work focuses on fostering a strong sense of belonging, community, and positive mental health among learners.

To further support my professional development and deepen my understanding of student needs, I have completed a range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses in counselling, child protection, and mental health. I am deeply committed to nurturing both the academic progress and emotional well-being of young people.