Administration Team
Mr. Andy Smyllie, Principal
Dr. Stephen Appea, Vice-Principal
Administration Team
Mr. Andrew James Smyllie
Principal
With over 25 years of leadership in both the UK and UAE, Andy brings a wealth of experience to Summit International. In whichever school he has led, he has helped create a warm, welcoming, family-oriented environment focused on supporting the students to reach their full potential.
His experiences have supported moving schools in improving their inspection ratings, whilst developing a strong community based on mutual respect and support, benefiting those students that are entrusted into his care.
Andy is keen to help shape the next chapter in the evolution of Summit International and build upon the successes of the past. Summit is a special place to work and already has a wonderful community; he is keen to build on the strong foundations built with the families and make the school one of the best in the UAE.
Dr. Stephen Appea
Vice Principal and Head of Secondary
Dr. Stephen Appea is an experienced international K-12 School Leader with a passion for fostering innovative learning environments. He is a visionary leader who excels in strategic planning and building strong relationships with students, staff, and parents. Dr. Stephen’s commitment to academic excellence and student well-being is evident in his collaborative approach to problem-solving and his ability to inspire and empower others. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team, making him an invaluable asset to the Summit International School’s community.
Dr. Stephen Appea is a distinguished American educator with 25 years of experience in the USA and 10 years in the UAE. He holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Fordham University, A Master’s Degree in Education from Long Island University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from McGill University.
Dr. Stephen is an educational technology advocate, emotional intelligence coach and in his spare time, a passionate chess player and lover of the great outdoors!
Ms. Kimberly Barker, Elementary Coordonator has worked in Early Childhood Education for 11 years and is passionate about offering young students a strong foundation that promotes independence, confidence and exploration. She has a BA in Social Studies, completed a study program for ECE teacher certification and holds a MS in Education with a focus on inclusion.
She has worked in both the USA and UAE and has loved her experience meeting colleagues and families from all over the world.
She loves to read, write, sing and dance and is an advocate for healthy living, we only get one body, we must treasure it.