Meet the Team
Metropolitan School will provide an exceptional international education while ensuring that Egyptian values remain at the heart of school life, challenging and expanding our students' minds to prepare them for the future.
Met the team
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Board of Trustees
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Director
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Chief Operations Officer
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Early Childhood Assistant Principal
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Elementary School Principal / Assistant Principal
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Middle and High School Principal / Assistant Principal
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Teaching and Professional Development
Dr. Sameh Fouad Habib
President of Metropolitan School
Dr. Habib is a second-generation educator in a family spanning three generations of educational leadership in Egypt. As a lifelong educator and philanthropist, he has made a profound impact on education in Egypt and beyond, empowering students to transform their careers and lives while fostering prosperity for many along the way.
He has owned and operated several K-12 schools and institutes across Egypt, demonstrating his dedication to shaping the future of education. In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Habib was awarded the Pioneers of Private Education Badge of Honor by the Minister of Education. He was also elected as the private school representative for the Governorate of Cairo and serves as a Member of the Supreme Advisory Committee for Education Development in Cairo.
Dr. Habib earned his Ph.D. in Management in 1998 and continues to be a driving force in advancing education and student success.
Mr. Seif Sameh Fouad
Chairman of Metropolitan School
Mr. Fouad founded and launched Metropolitan School in New Cairo with the vision of providing an exceptional international education while preserving the Egyptian values he deeply cherishes. Recognizing the importance of preparing students for the global market, he introduced a specialized entrepreneurship program to equip graduates with essential skills for future success.
As Chairman, Mr. Fouad brings extensive experience in education. He is the owner of the long-established St. Fatima Schools in Cairo, known for over a decade of delivering high-quality, affordable education. Additionally, he serves as the CEO of the Higher Futures Institute and is a Board Member of a charitable senior housing project, reflecting his commitment to both education and social responsibility.
Mr. Fouad holds a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Nantes, France, and is a graduate of the French University of Egypt. As a passionate educator and entrepreneur, he is dedicated to positioning Metropolitan School as the leading U.S. curriculum school in Egypt.
Ms. Marina Henein
Member of the Board of Governors
Ms. Henein has a strong passion for education strategy, curriculum development, and the professional growth of teachers. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Arts (MA) from the University of Nantes, France, and is a graduate of the French University of Egypt. As an investor and board member at St. Fatima Schools in Cairo for the past seven years, she continues to play a key role in shaping the future of education.
Ernest Espino Jr.
School director and Member of the Board of Governors
Mr. Ernie Espino Jr. earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Jamestown (formerly Jamestown College) in North Dakota, his master’s degree from Concordia University Texas, and is currently pursuing his doctorate at Southwestern College in Kansas.
With a strong commitment to fostering a sense of community, Mr. Espino ensures that parents are actively engaged in the academic environment. He leads by example, serving as a role model for both his staff and students.
His favorite quote is:
"When you surround yourself with great people, great things happen!"
Ernest Espino Jr.
School Director
Mr. Ernest Espino Jr. is celebrating 20 years in education and his third year as the School Director of Metropolitan School.
His journey began in 2005 as a 4th/5th-grade bilingual teacher in Garland ISD, Texas, marking the start of a diverse and impactful career.
After six years in the classroom, Mr. Espino transitioned into administrative roles, serving as an instructional specialist in 2011. His leadership experience includes roles such as Bilingual/ESL Coordinator for Tyler ISD (Texas), assistant principal at both the elementary and high school levels in Garland ISD, and principal of Weaver Elementary ~ Mandarin Chinese and Leadership Magnet School. Before joining Metropolitan, he was the principal of the Universal American School in Kuwait.
With expertise in strategic planning, budget administration, and instructional program development, Mr. Espino is dedicated to driving academic excellence while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and 21st-century learning. He is known for restoring campus cultures, fostering educational innovation, and establishing high academic outcomes for all students.
A strong advocate for community building, Mr. Espino prioritizes an atmosphere of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. He leads by example, serving as a role model for both staff and students. His leadership philosophy is best captured by his favorite quote:
"When you surround yourself with great people, great things happen!"
Mr. Espino holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Jamestown (formerly Jamestown College) in North Dakota and a master’s degree from Concordia University Texas. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Education in Administration and Supervision at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
As Metropolitan School celebrates its 10th anniversary in the 2024-2025 school year, marking a decade of excellence, Mr. Espino is proud to lead under the theme:
“Basics to Breakthroughs: 10 Years of Educational Excellence.”
This reflects the school’s commitment to strong foundational learning while pushing the boundaries of innovation in education.
Hedi Tawfik-Maldonado
Chief Operations Officer/Deputy Director
With a degree in Political Science and Business Administration, Hedi’s strategic planning skills come naturally. She has vast, hands-on experience of 22+ years in the field of Education, and is one of the leading forces and regional experts in planning and executing all schools’ operational, strategic and academic functions, with the aim of guiding school boards to successful data driven decisions and outcomes. Launching and managing international educational franchises and ensuring successful integration in the local market is Hedi’s strength. In her previous role as Business Development Manager at GEMS Education Solutions in North Africa, Hedi co-launched a few successful international schools/brands (Windrose Academy-Cairo, GEMS Academy of Alexandria, and our very own Metropolitan School). Currently the Deputy Director and Chief Operations Officer of Metropolitan School, starting with the initial business development phase to overseeing the school’s operations. Maldonado has launched Met Pre-School, Makadi Heights Campus, In partnership with ‘Metropolitan Schools brand’ chairman of the board, and Orascom Developments. Hedi’s side gig is in the F&B business, where she co-owns and co-manages tabla LUNA Latin American Cuisine restaurant. Planning and managing catering menus, events, and hosts pop-up dinners, and managing the branding, look and feel of her restaurant is her other passion.
Benjamin Sosa
Assistant Principal
Benjamin earned his BBA in Management from the University of Texas at Austin. After gaining experience in various aspects of business and retail, he discovered his true passion in bilingual education. With extensive experience in Early Childhood Education, Benjamin has taught Pre-K and Kindergarten in both rural and urban schools, specializing in bilingual instruction (English and Spanish). Additionally, he has a strong background in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), speaking and listening skills, and early literacy to K-12 students from around the world. Outside of education, Benjamin enjoys playing and watching soccer (and most sports), discovering great TV dramas, meeting new people, and traveling. He also has a passion for writing and exploring ancient or abandoned buildings.
Matt Novak
Elementary School Principal
Mr. Matt Novak is proud to serve as the Elementary School Principal at Metropolitan School, continuing his journey of leadership and educational excellence into the 2024-2025 school year.
Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, USA, Mr. Novak has made Cairo his home alongside his wife, Sherry, who is from Egypt. Together, they enjoy raising their energetic golden retriever, Bella, cooking, baking, game nights, beach trips, and traveling. Mr. Novak also has a passion for reading and running.
With over 17 years of experience in elementary education, Mr. Novak began his career teaching Grade 2 in the United States before transitioning to international education. He has taught Grades 1-5 in three different countries, including three years as a Grade 4 teacher in Cairo. Prior to joining Metropolitan, he served as an Elementary School Assistant Principal at the American International School for five years. With expertise in both the American and IB curriculums, he is dedicated to helping students, teachers, and families reach their full potential.
A lifelong learner, Mr. Novak holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degrees in elementary education and international education administration. He has also completed a graduate certificate in school management and leadership and continuously seeks opportunities to grow and share his knowledge.
Mr. Novak is excited to continue leading the Metropolitan School community, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment that prepares students for success in an ever-changing world.
Lina Anwar
Elementary School Assistant Principal
Lina earned her BA in Business Administration from the British University in Egypt before pursuing her MA in Education at Liverpool John Moores University, UK. With six years of teaching experience, Lina has taught Math across different elementary grade levels and ELA to lower elementary students. Her journey in education has taken her through various schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, before bringing her expertise to Metropolitan School in Egypt, where she has been for the past two years. Lina has extensive experience in elementary curricula and syllabi, specializing in Math, ELA, and Science. She is also well-versed in STEM education, learning centers, guided reading, and intervention strategies, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded and engaging learning experience.
Helen Somerville
Middle and High School Principal
Helen Somerville has dedicated over 20 years to education, specializing in Middle and High School teaching and leadership.
A graduate of Otago University in Dunedin, New Zealand, Helen holds a joint degree in English Literature and Linguistics. Her career has taken her across the globe, having lived and worked in the UK and Italy while traveling extensively throughout Europe.
Since moving to Egypt in 2000, Helen has taught at Port Said American School, Misr Language School, and El Alsson American International School, where she served as a Middle and High School English and Social Studies teacher, Department Chair, and later an administrator. While at El Alsson, she earned her M.Ed in Educational Administration and transitioned into leadership as the High School Assistant Principal. When El Alsson relocated to New Giza, she took on the role of Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning.
Helen brings extensive experience in curriculum development, teacher professional development, and academic and career guidance for high school students. Passionate about education beyond the classroom, she is committed to fostering engaging learning experiences that prepare students for the future.
Outside of work, Helen enjoys traveling, studying history and global studies, and spending time with her family.
Ereeny Yacoub
High School Assistant Principal-University Counselor
Ereeny Yacoub brings 17 years of experience in development and education, with a strong focus on experiential learning, environmental education, and educational leadership.
Ereeny served as Managing Director and Partner at Wadi Environmental Science Centre (WESC), where she developed and implemented environmental science field trips for school students. Her work extended to projects with international organizations such as the EU, UN Women, GIZ, and EFG Hermes, promoting hands-on, collaborative learning. She also played a key role in training school teachers in curriculum mapping and innovative teaching methods.
In 2019, she took on the co-management of Janaklees, a private school in Alexandria, where she designed teaching strategies and oversaw the performance of over 250 teachers across all grade levels, from KG to High School.
Ereeny also led the Educational Production Department at Madrasty, an ed-tech startup providing affordable online education for the Egyptian National Curriculum. The platform offers educational videos, live sessions, songs, and question banks as an alternative to private tutoring.
Academically, Ereeny holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science (English Section) from Cairo University. She earned her MSc in Environment and Sustainable Development from University College London (UCL) in 2013 and later pursued a PGCEi and a Master’s in Education with a focus on Leadership from the University of Nottingham, UK. She also completed a six-month entrepreneurship program in Sweden through the Swedish Embassy and is a certified Climate Reality Leader from the Al Gore Foundation (2014, South Africa).
Ereeny is passionate about education, sustainability, and leadership, continuously working to create innovative and impactful learning experiences for students.
Dina Ezzat Banoub
Middle School Assistant Principal
Dina Banoub is a dedicated educator and leader with a deep passion for science and education. Her journey began with a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, where her curiosity and love for learning first took root. However, it was her innate talent for teaching that led her to transition into education, shaping the lives of countless students along the way.
Dina started her career teaching science, inspiring young minds to explore the natural world. Her ability to engage students and her commitment to academic excellence quickly earned her recognition, leading to her promotion as Head of Department (HOD). In this role, she not only continued teaching but also mentored fellow educators and played a key role in curriculum development.
Her leadership skills and dedication led her to the role of Vice Principal in the elementary section, where she worked to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. After three years as an elementary assistant principal, Dina took on a new challenge by transitioning to middle school leadership, expanding her expertise and continuing to make a meaningful impact on students' educational journeys.
Dina’s unwavering commitment to education, passion for science, and strong leadership make her a role model for both students and educators alike.
Marian Saad
Head of Teaching and Professional Development
“Education isn’t the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” Albert Einstein; this is the philosophy Ms. Saad tries to instill when working with leaders, teachers, and students. Educators should empower students by training their minds to think, analyze, critique, and create to prepare them for dynamic future challenges. Ms. Saad is an accomplished and enthusiastic educational leader with 17+ years of experience in education. She is dedicated, passionate, student focused and highly regarded in professional development, curriculum and instruction. Ms. Saad is a certified Cognia reviewer; chosen to review schools in Middle East and USA. She possesses a progressive mind set with strong ability to learn, develop and overcome challenges. Ms. Saad holds a Master in Education from the University of South Wales in UK and a Bachelor of Arts in English (BA) from the University of AinShams in Cairo, Egypt. Ms. Saad has been the Vice Principal for Middle/High School sections at Metropolitan School for the past 6 years, and has recently been promoted to the Head of Teaching and Professional Development (K-12). She is also the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Coordinator and the Audit Administrator at Metropolitan School. Having a strong passion for education and leadership, and during her previous experiences, Ms. Saad has led and managed different departments to achieve the school’s academic goals and objectives. She advised and assisted heads of departments and teachers to deliver excellence in the full portfolio of the academic activity. Ms. Saad has also led the planning and implementation of various professional learning/development initiatives. Moreover, Ms. Saad has coached and encouraged teachers to implement positive learning strategies driven by best practice. She started her career in education as a High School English Literature teacher which allows her to lead teachers based on real classroom experience.
Nina Zaki
Head of Teaching, Learning and Innovation
Nina holds a BA and MA in Education from The College of New Jersey, USA. She is certified with teaching credentials from Tennessee, USA, and holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from the UK. With over 22 years of experience in education, Nina has served in various roles including teacher, principal, instructional coach, and academic interventionist. Currently, Nina is the Head of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation PreK-12, where she focuses on improving teacher capacity and enhancing student success. Her international experience spans across Egypt, Dubai, and the USA, enriching her approach to education with diverse perspectives and practices. Nina is passionate about fostering a love for learning and supporting students to achieve their full potential.
