Our special school community

Originally from Texas in the United States of America, Tiffany has contributed to innovative teaching. Learning, and leadership since Tiffany first earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2000 and her Master's Degree in Educational Technology in 2010. She later earned her Certificate of Advanced Educational Leadership from Harvard Graduate School in 2018.

Tiffany's passion for supporting the needs of learners socially, emotionally, and academically is the driving force in her career. She started teaching elementary school in the United States of America. She has also been a partner in education in Mumbai, India, at the American School of Bombay and Wuxi, and in China as a classroom teacher, coach, curriculum coordinator, and team leader. Tiffany strives to build positive relationships by providing support, guidance, and assistance to students, parents, and colleagues at all times.

Tiffany has been a TKS Leadership team member as a Kindergarten Principal since 2019. Her husband is Savio Dmello, who is TKS's Director of Technology.

Tiffany enjoys reading and frolicking under the Red Sea as a scuba diver. She enjoys traveling with her husband and family and discovering new and exciting things during the summers.

Michelle is from the United States, and she earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Spanish with minors in Economics and Political Science and her Master’s degree in teaching from Willamette University in Oregon. She later earned her Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Michelle has been an overseas educator since 1996, when she and her husband, Jesse, first moved to Saipan to work for the public school system in the Marianas Islands. In 1998, they moved to Venezuela, where they worked in two different international schools. Michelle began her career as an administrator, and they remained there until 2006. They moved to the Middle East, spending 13 years in the UAE working at both the American Community School of Abu Dhabi and the American School of Dubai over that period. Michelle worked as a High School Principal, Deputy Head of School, and Interim Head of School.

In 2019 Michelle became the Director for The KAUST School, and she continues to enjoy the amazing school and community here.

Michelle is married with three children. Her husband is an IB Design Teacher in secondary school. Their oldest child is attending UC Berkeley after graduating from TKS in 2021. Their other two children currently attend TKS secondary school.

Michelle enjoys traveling, reading, playing piano, and participating in almost all sports, including volleyball, tennis, basketball, and yoga. The family home is in Bigfork, Montana, where they enjoy camping, waterskiing, and hiking each summer.

Originally from Kingston, Ontario in Canada, Jeff comes from a family of educators, with his parents both teachers, as well as his sister and brother-in-law, as well. His wife, Melissa McQuaid teaches in the Elementary School at TKS.

After working in the field of criminal justice following degrees in Criminology and Sociology. Jeff retured to university to complete his Bachelor of Education degree. He later earned his Master's of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, a program designed for international school administrators.

Jeff began his teaching career in Germany at Bonn International School before moving to TKS in 2011, as a homeroom teacher and team leader in the Elementary School. He was later Associate Principal in 2014, before being promoted to his current role of Principal of the Elementary School in 2017.

During Jeff's time at TKS, he has seen the Elementary School grow from 250 to more than 700 students. He has witnessed the school's development from a start-up school to an institution with an outstanding reputation in the international school community. Jeff has sought to foster a culture dedicated to every member of the community getting better every day, collaboration and creating an engaging learning environment for all students.

Dr. Robert Blanchard joined The KAUST School in August 2023 as the High School Principal and brings a wealth of experience as an international educator at the high school level. He has taught high school English, including the American, IB Diploma, and A Level systems. He has served as IB Diploma Program Coordinator, holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, and has been a school leader in the role of High School Principal for over a decade.

Dr. Blanchard is from Connecticut, United States of America. Prior to TKS, he lived and worked in Kenya for 29 years. He moved to Saudi Arabia with his wife, Alice. His three adult children attended international school in Kenya, graduated from university in the UK, and currently live overseas.

Dr. Blanchard believes in the importance of shared values, relationships, and a culture of excellence. He builds teams and student-centered approaches to education, promoting dignity, agency, and empowerment for teenagers as learners on their journey.

As a community connector, he understands the importance of belonging, staff development, student well-being, and parent partnership. He is a reflective practitioner who brings optimism and relentless energy to the work of igniting curiosity, inspiring creativity, and empowering all learners to become the best version of themselves as they reach for the stars.

Dr. Leigh Martin joined The KAUST School (TKS) in 2022 as the Director of Admissions and Engagement. With extensive experience in international education, Leigh has served in teaching and leadership roles at international schools in Egypt, Brazil, South Korea, US and Singapore. Before joining TKS, she was the Director of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnership at Singapore American School (SAS). Prior to this, Dr. Martin was a tenured professor at the University of Northern Iowa, where she led international programs and co-founded a graduate program for international educators, a program she continues to teach in today.

At TKS, Dr. Martin oversees admissions, communications, alumni relations, engagement, and advancement. A natural connector, she finds joy in collaborating with talented individuals to celebrate students, while creating and expanding opportunities that bring the school’s mission and vision to life for students, educators and families.

Dr. Martin is joined at TKS by her husband, Jason, a science teacher, while their two adult daughters, graduates of SAS, have pursued undergraduate studies in the United States. Their eldest daughter is now a student at KAUST University. Outside of work, Dr. Martin enjoys spending time outdoors and cherishes family time at their cabin in Ely, Minnesota.

Zachary's passion for learning and supporting students has led him to work with a wide range of schools to help ensure children have access to quality education that allows them to feel valued and respected. This involves being part of a learning community that allows them to access the curriculum in ways that everyone can be successful.

His personal commitment to leading has allowed him to work with The Special Education and Inclusion Association (SENIA) in Asia and is a member of ISLES (International School Leaders of Educational Support). Developing and supporting professional development, Zachary's mission is to work with teams within the school to develop and support teacher development and their ability to understand and create learning environments for all learners.

He believes in the possibilities that exist when learning environments are created that provide all learners with the chance to have success in all aspects of their development. Zachary is dedicated to supporting the establishment of lifelong learning and understanding the makeup of individuals to gain a deeper awareness of our students and enhance our role as educators.

Zachary is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University with a degree in History, a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Trinity Western University, specialist designations in EL and Special Education from the University of Toronto-OISE, and an advanced diploma in Educational Psychology from Notting Hill College.

Ronald D. Lalonde, Ed.D, ACC, NCC, has held numerous posts as a middle school leader in Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.

As the founder of Riverspath Coaching and Consulting (riverspath.com), he has consulted with schools around the globe and coached school leaders on well-being and its relationship to achievement.

As a university educator, Ron has taught at the University of British Columbia, the State University of New York, and Wilfrid Laurier University. He has designed courses for Trent and Queen’s University, and he teaches annually at the Principal’s Training Center.

Dr. Lalonde is passionate about healthy lifelong development for students and teachers and continues to explore the impact of purpose and goal-setting on young people, adults, and institutions.

Julian has been lucky enough to work in roles across most sectors of education including elementary, secondary and special education.

He's worked as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, workshop leader, presenter and school leader.
Julian started his teaching career in England and for over 20 years has held leadership roles in international schools in Tanzania, China, Thailand and Switzerland. He has worked extensively with the International Baccalaureate, leading workshops and involved in developments across the three programs. He holds a master's degree in Education and an MBA in addition to his undergraduate degree in Sports Science and Geography.

Julian also coaches the TKS girls' football team. His wife, Jane, teaches at TKS and his daughter, Molly, attends our High School. Julian's son is attending university in England. When he's not working, Julian loves to travel.

With over 12 years of progressive experience in Recruitment and Human Resources, Megan supports The KAUST School as an HR Business Partner.

Originally from Colorado in the United States, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2005, and has since worked in Talent Acquisition and Human Resources across the United States, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, in a variety of industries.

Megan moved to KAUST with her husband and two children in 2019 and continues to be inspired by our unique and diverse community. 

When she isn’t working, she enjoys exploring new restaurants in Jeddah, traveling, and reading.