Senior Leadership Team
Principal
Horizon Private School - American Branch
Christopher R. Tompkins is a seasoned educational leader now in his 36th year of service to schools. His career has spanned independent, boarding, and international schools across the United States, South America, Central America, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. He is currently Principal of Horizon Private School – American Branch in Abu Dhabi, UAE, part of the Alephya Group of Schools.
Before joining Horizon, Mr. Tompkins served as the Founding Executive Director of EC-12 Education at NEOM in Saudi Arabia. In that role, he was responsible for designing, building, opening, and operating the first two NEOM schools—NEOM Community School and NEOM Oxagon School. While both schools implemented the International Baccalaureate Programme, NEOM Community School became the first and only school in Saudi Arabia to achieve full authorization in all four IB programmes (PYP–MYP–DP–CP). Both schools also secured NEASC candidacy status and an MSA-accredited early childhood center, establishing NEOM as a global model for innovative and future-focused education.
Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at leading American and international schools, including designing a boarding school in Saudi Arabia, directing college counseling programs, and teaching AP history and government since the age of 22. Beyond his school leadership roles, he has advised and consulted with schools and organizations in China, Vietnam, South Korea, South Africa, Germany, and Rwanda, further expanding his global educational impact. He also brings extensive experience working with boards and establishing clear standards and practices for good governance and school operations. His service includes leadership roles with Montgomery School, the Cloud Forest School Foundation (including President), the Association of Independent School Admissions Professionals (as a founding trustee and officer), and the Chambersburg Montessori Academy.
Mr. Tompkins has served as a NEASC Accreditation Visitor and pursued advanced professional study with certificates from Harvard University, the University of Richmond, and Cornell University. He is also a Fellow of the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University’s Teachers College. A graduate of Colby College, he earned his Master of Social Science from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.
Guided by the belief that “Every Child Known, Every Child Valued, Every Child Prepared,” Mr. Tompkins continues to build schools and communities that prepare young people to thrive in a complex global society.
Executive Vice Principal
Nicolas Jreije is a passionate and experienced educator who believes that our primary role is to equip students to understand and navigate the modern world. With over 14 years dedicated to academic leadership, Nicolas’s journey began in the classroom as an English teacher, a foundation that has guided his career with the core philosophy that respect is the foundation of all education. He is deeply committed to fostering an environment where every student is empowered with the skills and tools they need to reach their full potential, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Holding a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Language and an MBA in Educational Leadership, Nicolas’s background allows him to merge a profound love for learning with a strategic vision for institutional excellence. His leadership is characterized by a collaborative and innovative approach aimed at building a community where students, faculty, and families are all partners in the educational journey.
Head of Kindergarten Department
Mrs. Bushra Barsik is a seasoned early childhood educator with over 30 years of experience, having worked in the field since 1994. She has been leading the Kindergarten Department at Horizon Private School – American Branch since 2009, where she is known for her deep commitment to creating a nurturing, engaging, and inclusive environment for young learners.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Bushra has focused on fostering the holistic development of children—supporting not only their academic growth but also their social, emotional, and physical well-being. She believes strongly in the importance of helping children develop essential life skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity, resilience, and problem-solving from an early age.
As a dedicated leader, she works closely with her team to design and deliver purposeful, play-based learning experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage exploration. She values strong, trusting relationships with families and views them as essential partners in every child’s educational journey.
Mrs. Bushra holds the view that childhood is not simply preparation for adulthood—it is a unique and meaningful chapter of life. “It should be a joyful journey full of discovery, skill-building, and memorable experiences that help shape the foundations for lifelong learning and character.”
Head of Elementary
With nearly 30 years of experience in education, Ms. Mary brings both passion and purpose to her role as Head of Lower Elementary. Since beginning her teaching career in 1996—and proudly joining HPS in 2010—she has remained deeply committed to nurturing young learners with care, compassion, and high expectations.
In her leadership role, Ms. Mary goes beyond overseeing curriculum. She fosters strong, supportive connections among students, teachers, and families to ensure every child thrives academically, emotionally, and socially. Her approach to leadership is grounded in the belief that each child deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. Within her section, students are encouraged to express themselves confidently, build resilience, and develop a lifelong love for learning.
Ms. Mary places a strong emphasis on student well-being and integrates social-emotional development into the daily learning experience. Her nurturing, inclusive environment allows students to grow both intellectually and personally, while embracing healthy habits and respectful behavior.
Her educational philosophy centers on holistic, identity-driven learning. She believes that education is most powerful when it connects students to who they are and where they come from. Ms. Mary thoughtfully incorporates UAE culture, values, and traditions into the classroom through cultural celebrations, hands-on projects, and daily discussions that promote tolerance, empathy, and pride in national identity. In doing so, she helps students become respectful global citizens with a strong sense of belonging.
As a leader, Ms. Mary is equally dedicated to supporting teachers. She encourages collaboration, reflective practice, and professional growth among her team. Her open-door approach fosters a collegial atmosphere where teachers feel heard, supported, and inspired to deliver their best. She also believes that strong school-family partnerships are essential and works closely with parents through regular communication and collaboration to support every child’s journey.
For Ms. Mary, every school year is a fresh opportunity to inspire, guide, and empower children to become kind, curious, and confident individuals—ready to navigate the world with integrity, compassion, and curiosity.
Head of Early Childhood
Julie Power is an experienced and passionate Early Years leader with extensive experience in early childhood education across the UAE. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Years and Childhood Studies from University College Cork and brings a strong blend of classroom practice, curriculum leadership, and pastoral care to her role as Head of Early Childhood at Horizon Private School.
Julie has held a range of teaching and senior leadership roles, including Head of Early Years and Assistant Head of Pastoral Care, where she led large teams and supported the learning and wellbeing of hundreds of children. She has a strong track record of driving school improvement and developing high-quality Early Years provision aligned with the American Curriculum.
She is deeply committed to play-based, child-centred learning and has successfully embedded continuous provision and outdoor learning that support children’s academic, social, and emotional development. Julie believes that young children learn best through meaningful, hands-on experiences that nurture curiosity, independence, and confidence.
Safeguarding, inclusion, and student wellbeing are central to Julie’s work. She is recognised for her collaborative leadership style, commitment to staff development, and strong partnerships with families. Julie believes early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning and is proud to be part of the Horizon Private School community.
Head of Secondary School
Tara Manson is an experienced educational leader with 15 years of service in international education. She currently serves as Head of Secondary School at Horizon Private School, where she is deeply committed to nurturing both academic excellence and student wellbeing.
Tara began her career in the classroom as a senior mathematics teacher, developing a passion for helping students truly understand their learning and believe in their own potential. This classroom foundation continues to shape her leadership today. She has held a range of leadership roles across international schools Abu Dhabi, supporting teachers, students, and families to create strong, caring learning communities.
At Horizon, Tara oversees curriculum, teaching and learning, assessment, and pastoral systems across the secondary school. She is passionate about raising student outcomes through high expectations and high care, ensuring that every student is both challenged and supported. Central to her work is the belief that schools must truly know their students, their strengths, passions, aspirations, and dreams, in order to guide them meaningfully toward future success.
Tara works closely with staff to build a culture where students feel seen, valued, and empowered. She believes that when young people feel understood and supported, they are more confident, motivated, and willing to take ownership of their learning. Her leadership is grounded in strong relationships, clarity of purpose, and a commitment to helping every child thrive.
She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and has completed extensive professional learning in instructional coaching and curriculum design. When she is not working, she enjoys an active lifestyle, playing rugby and competing in triathlons with her five young boys.
Guided by the belief that every child deserves to be known, challenged, and supported, Tara continues to work alongside students, staff, and families to ensure Horizon is a place where young people grow academically, socially, and personally.
Head of Middle School & High School Department
With over 16 years of experience in education, I currently serve as the Head of Middle and High School at Horizon Private School – Branch. My career began in the classroom, where I taught French and quickly became involved in leading the French Department, known for cultural and academic initiatives that enriched the student experience. This early work laid the foundation for my transition into leadership roles within the school.
In response to an institutional need, I stepped into the role of Middle School Coordinator. Over time, my responsibilities expanded, leading to my appointment as Head of Middle and High School. In this role, I remain committed to academic excellence, student well-being, and a school culture that promotes growth, accountability, and resilience.
I hold two degrees—one in Education Sciences and another in French Literature—reflecting both a foundation in pedagogy and a deep appreciation for language and culture. This academic background informs my approach to education: one that values both evidence-based practice and the development of character and identity in students.
Central to my leadership is a deep, student-centered care that emphasizes high standards, honest feedback, and mentorship. I work closely with students, staff, and families to create a learning environment where every individual is supported and challenged to reach their full potential.
Education is both a privilege and a responsibility. In preparing students for an ever-changing world, I believe schools must go beyond academic content and equip learners with the skills, values, and adaptability they need to thrive and lead with purpose. This belief continues to guide my work every day.