Teen Leadership Summit 2023-24

Audrey Hametner is a global leader in Career Coaching in Education. Audrey is the CEO of The Bedrock Program specializing in career coaching for teens and young adults. She also serves as COO for a wellbeing system to measure and powerfully impact student and staff wellbeing. An Adjunct Professor at Middlesex University Dubai, Audrey is also a regular keynote speaker and panelist on education platforms. As a professional speaker, she has been a guest speaker and panelist for Arabian Business, Cigna, Accor Hotels and is a frequent guest on Dubai Eye 103.8, speaking on issues relating to UAE youth wellbeing, engagement, and career development. Her thought leadership has been featured in Forbes magazine, Thrive Global, as well as local publications such as The Gaggler and Entrepreneur Magazine. In addition to being a certified ICF coach, Audrey has achieved a Hons. BA in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Toronto, an executive MBA in Innovation Management and Strategy from Imperial College London, she also holds a Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy, certification in Business Analytics from The Wharton School, and is a certified DEI professional from The University of South Florida.

Carmen is a licensed professional counsellor with experience in both clinical and educational settings. With over 15 years of experience, she currently works as Head of University Guidance and social emotional Counselling at Raha International School KCC in Abu Dhabi. Her passion lies in advocating for students and supporting student mental health and wellness on their university and career development journey. Carmen has developed guidance programmes within schools starting in middle school to help students prepare for higher education. She specializes in profile building, creativity, and innovation in student University applications. Her support in student university applications has guided students to gain admission to multiple top 25 ranking universities including the Ivy League. As a previous counsellor trainer for government organisations, Carmen is passionate about counsellor education and support. She facilitates counsellor groups for AP curriculum counsellors and local national counsellors in UAE. With an undergraduate degree in education and psychology and a master's degree in counselling and non-profit organisational leadership, Carmen has a holistic approach to education, understanding the need for career guidance and support for students and families.

Kevin Dupont is at the forefront of Career and University Counselling in both the UAE and GCC, having been based in Dubai for the past eight years and advising students to pursue their best-fit pathway after secondary school. Mr. Dupont's mission as a counselor is to empower all individuals to be able to access the educational or vocational pathway that best caters to their abilities, regardless of destination. A veteran in the university guidance sector, from the United States Mr. Dupont brings a wealth of experience in university admissions offices at eight renowned institutions of higher education such as Cornell University, the University of California - Berkeley, Tufts University, and the University of Virginia, accessing applications from candidates all over the world. Mr. Dupont brings this knowledge and practice to GuideU to best guide our students as they craft their applications and narratives for university acceptance to some of the world's top higher education institutions through a bespoke, carefully tailored approach that is unique to each student. In addition to his counselling work, Kevin is an avid racket sports player - tennis, padel, pickleball, and beach tennis! Kevin also enjoys traveling and spending time with his dog.

Keisha McCray is a K-12 certified, professional school counselor with 19 years of educational experience. Ms. Keisha enjoys being an advocate for students, helping students realize their potential, and helping young people resolve problems by using healthy coping skills. Keisha’s area of specialization include social emotional learning, multi-tiered systems of support, positive behavior and intervention systems, college and career development and team building. Ms. Keisha is originally from Atlanta, Ga in the United States of America and when she is not helping students, you can find her shopping, traveling, listening to music, watching American football or reading. Her friends and family describe her as a hard worker, dependable and loyal. This is Ms. Keisha’s 2nd year at North American International School where last year she established a “college knowledge” week for students in grades KG-12 and she also worked with secondary administrative team to establish a “senior week” with activities for Grade 12 students and also a “college signing day” that recognized students that were accepted to universities, going into the workforce or going to the military. She is excited about creating continued programs for secondary students.

Originally from the United States of America, Sherri has lived in Dubai since 2013. As a licensed KHDA teacher, she has had extensive special educator experience in private schools and Medical Clinics in Dubai. She has a Masters of Arts in Teaching Special Education from North Carolina State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in CJ Social Behaviors from Old Dominion University. Sherri teaches skills and strategies to help individuals manage issues and improve the learning process. Specific strategies vary depending on the individual’s needs, but examples include: educational cognitive behavioral therapy, executive functioning skills, anxiety, ACT (acceptance & commitment therapy), therapeutics in ADHD/ADD, behavioral analysis, individual educational plan, Interactive Metronome®, Irene syndrome, accommodations, and modification. Sherri is the CEO and Owner of EdFluential Therapeutic Consultancy.

Katrina Watson is the Founder of a U.S. based consulting company - Well Rounded Admissions and proud High School Counselor at GEMS Dubai American Academy. She is a motivating college counselor who empowers high school students to find their best fit university around the world. Katrina has over 16 years of experience in the fields of: college & university admissions, high school counseling, and independent college advising.  ​ Originally from Los Angeles, California. Katrina graduated with her Master's Degree in Counseling; Student Development in Higher Education from California State University, Long Beach. Katrina quickly took her professional college counseling career abroad in 2013 where she has worked with hundreds of students from over 100 different nationalities. Katrina is an International Application Admissions Reader for the University of Los Angeles, California (UCLA). She is a professional member with the Council of International Schools (CIS), International Association for College Admissions & Counseling (IACAC), and the International School Counselor Association (ISCA). Katrina has visited a myriad of colleges & universities around the world which have been invaluable when helping students matriculate into top 100 ranked universities globally.  Katrina is the creator of a short Udemy course “Simplifying The College Application Process from A-Z”. In Katrina’s free time, you can find her publishing a new podcast episode for “The Well Rounded Counselor Podcast” or an informative video on her YouTube Channel- Well Rounded Admissions sharing her expert advice. And lastly,  Katrina recently published the book “The Well Rounded Counselor - Considerations for International College Counselors”. With Katrina, you will receive collaboration with transparency in today's competitive college application process. Her goal is to remove the fear of applying to college and truly help you be the BEST possible applicant before you click “submit”.