Mona Abdelnaby
@monaabdelnaby
Student wellbeing specialist and art-based counselor supporting children.
What I'm looking for
I am a Student Wellbeing Specialist and Art-Based Counselor with over 13 years of experience supporting children in international school settings, blending counseling, creative expression, and education to foster emotional regulation, behavior change, and self-awareness. I design and facilitate art-based, sensorimotor, and reflective-play interventions, collaborate closely with teachers and parents, and document student progress through observation and reporting.
My background includes roles as an art therapist, Montessori and early-years teacher, school social worker, and program facilitator across international and alternative education spaces; notable achievements include designing therapeutic art programs, delivering individual and group art therapy, leading workshops, and integrating trauma-informed, child-centered practices into classroom and school-wide supports.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Montessori Kindergarten Teacher
Palm International School
Sep 2025 - Present (4 months)
Implemented Montessori sensorial and practical life activities, guided children’s independence, and collaborated with teachers to apply Montessori principles in class.
Art Therapist & Program Facilitator
IVY STEM International Schools
Aug 2024 - Jun 2025 (10 months)
Organized and facilitated therapeutic art sessions in KG, supported children’s emotional and behavioral development using expressive art and positive discipline, and documented progress with parents and teachers.
School Social Worker
Manchester International School
Mar 2024 - Apr 2024 (1 month)
Provided psychological and social support for students, conducted assessments, and wrote behavioral and emotional reports to inform interventions.
Art Therapist
International Schools of Kenana - American Division
Nov 2023 - Feb 2024 (3 months)
Delivered individual and group art therapy sessions for emotional wellness and collaborated with school counselors to support student wellbeing across the school.
Art Therapist
Terre des Hommes
Oct 2023 - Nov 2023 (1 month)
Facilitated creative art therapy workshops for refugee children to support emotional healing and resilience through targeted art-based activities.
Art Therapist
Alexandria International School (IGCSE)
Sep 2019 - Jun 2023 (3 years 9 months)
Designed and led therapeutic art programs across the school, helping students explore emotions and self-expression through art and improving emotional regulation and social skills.
Montessori Kindergarten Teacher
Grand Language School
Aug 2017 - Aug 2018 (1 year)
Applied Montessori principles in early childhood education, trained and supported teachers in Montessori activities alongside Jolly Phonics to promote independence and joyful learning.
Montessori Teacher
Hayat Nursery
Sep 2014 - Aug 2015 (11 months)
Guided children’s learning using the Montessori approach under supervision of a certified trainer, facilitating child-led activities that encouraged independence and developmental growth.
Kindergarten Teacher
Generations Language Nursery
Sep 2012 - Aug 2014 (1 year 11 months)
Led early childhood bilingual classes, supporting children’s emotional, cognitive, and social development through structured play, storytelling, and hands-on activities.
Creative & Holistic Educator
Freelance
Designed and facilitated art-based and sensorimotor activities for children to explore senses, imagination, and inner awareness, integrating movement, color, and storytelling for holistic development.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Alexandria University
Bachelor of Social Work, Social Work
Completed a Bachelor of Social Work at Alexandria University, focusing on social work practice relevant to children and educational settings.
Faculty of Education for Early Childhood, Alexandria University
Certificate, Art Therapy for Children
Completed an Art Therapy for Children course focused on therapeutic art techniques for early childhood emotional development.
ELM Institute
Diploma, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Completed a CBT Diploma covering principles and techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy applicable to children and school settings.
Dr. Murad Darwish (Fine Arts Diploma)
Diploma, Fine Arts
Completed a Fine Arts Diploma covering foundational skills and practices in fine arts.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Online
Certificate, Art Education
Completed the 'Teaching with Art' online course focused on integrating art into educational practice.
Thom Bond / Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
Certificate, Nonviolent Communication
Completed Nonviolent Communication (NVC) training with instructor Thom Bond, focusing on empathetic communication skills.
Omneya Askar / Positive Discipline in the Classroom
Certificate, Positive Discipline
Completed the Positive Discipline in the Classroom course focused on classroom management and positive behavioral strategies.
University of Florida (online)
Certificate, Arts and Wellbeing
Completed the 'Healing with the Arts' online course exploring arts-based approaches to wellbeing and healing.
SETI (Caritas) Montessori Education
Certificate, Montessori Education
Completed Montessori Education training through SETI (Caritas) focusing on Montessori methods for early childhood education.
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
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