Our Executive Leadership Team:
Samuel Mott
Founder -Director of Lighthouse Academy
Samuel Mott
Founder -Director of Lighthouse Academy
Samuel Mott is the Founder of Lighthouse Academy and serves as the Head of Gifted & Talented and Academic Support. With a background in teaching and educational leadership across international schools, Samuel is dedicated to helping every learner reach their highest potential through challenge, creativity, and personalised guidance.He has led the design and implementation of innovative enrichment programmes that nurture critical thinking, leadership, and curiosity in students—ranging from high-ability pathways and competition coaching to tailored academic mentoring. His approach blends British curriculum rigour with global perspectives, ensuring that each student develops both confidence and character.As the driving force behind Lighthouse Academy, Samuel continues to shape a learning community that celebrates excellence, individuality, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Cynthia Bolton, M.Ed
Director of Lighthouse Global Solutions
Cynthia Bolton, M.Ed
Director of Lighthouse Global Solutions
Cynthia Bolton holds a Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum & Instruction (Teaching & Learning) with a specialisation in Gifted Education from Arizona State University, bringing over two decades of expertise in gifted and talented education, academic leadership, and programme innovation across Qatar’s leading educational institutions. As the former Head of Gifted Support, Pre-University Education (Academic Affairs) at Qatar Foundation, she played a central role in shaping national strategies for identifying, nurturing, and empowering high-ability learners.During her tenure at Qatar Foundation, she led the development of the Gifted Enrichment Programs, created in partnership with the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) — one of the world’s foremost institutions for advanced learners. This collaboration brought world-class enrichment opportunities to students in Qatar and set new benchmarks for talent development in the region. Her leadership focused on creating sustainable models that equip schools, educators, and families with the frameworks needed to recognise and support exceptional ability across disciplines.Cynthia’s work has intersected with leading universities and organisations, including Texas A&M University at Qatar, Qatar National Library, and several Education City schools, where she has contributed to large-scale STEM, creativity, and leadership initiatives. Through these efforts, she has inspired countless students to pursue curiosity-driven learning and develop the confidence to lead with intellect and innovation.In her role as Director of Lighthouse Global Solutions (Advisory Board), Cynthia guides the strategic vision and development of Lighthouse Academy’s global consultancy arm. She supports schools and organisations in designing gifted and talented frameworks, enrichment pathways, and advanced learning models rooted in international best practice and evidence-based research. Her insights help shape Lighthouse’s work with partner schools and educational institutions both within Qatar and internationally.Her deep expertise in differentiated instruction, inquiry-based learning, and educational equity ensures that Lighthouse Global Solutions remains a leader in advancing high-quality, future-focused education for gifted, talented, and high-potential learners.Note: Cynthia Bolton’s advisory role with Lighthouse Academy and Lighthouse Global Solutions is independent and non-operational. Her association does not represent formal endorsement by Qatar Foundation or any affiliated entity.
Mahjabeen Khan, M.Ed
Director of Higher Education & University Guidance
Mahjabeen Khan, M.Ed
Director of Higher Education & University Guidance
Mahjabeen Khan holds a Master of Education (MEd) in Leading Learning & Teaching from the University of Dundee (UK) and leads Lighthouse Academy’s Higher Education & University Guidance Division, supporting students as they navigate the transition from school to university with clarity, purpose, and confidence. Guided by Lighthouse Academy’s vision—to ensure every learner’s brilliance is seen, challenged, and celebrated—she provides personalised mentorship that connects students’ strengths with meaningful university and career opportunities.With extensive experience across UK, US, Canadian, and European admissions systems, Ms. Khan supports families through every stage of the application journey, including course and major selection, university shortlisting, personal statements, essay development, interviews, and scholarship preparation. Her expertise spans highly selective institutions, foundation routes, international pathways, and alternative post-secondary options.Her holistic, student-centred approach empowers young people to explore their passions, articulate their purpose, and pursue pathways that genuinely reflect who they are. Through thoughtful guidance and internationally informed insight, she ensures that every learner receives the support needed to make confident, informed decisions about their future.
Harry White, MPhil, MS
Director of Homeschool Curriculum
Harry White, MPhil, MS
Director of Homeschool Curriculum
Harry White, MPhil, MS, serves as Lighthouse Academy’s Director of Homeschool Curriculum, bringing a strong academic foundation and a research-driven approach to the design of our bespoke British-style learning programmes. With two postgraduate degrees specialising in education, and extensive experience teaching both the British Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB), Harry develops structured, high-quality, and accessible homeschool pathways that support families across early years, primary, and secondary levels.Harry is currently pursuing his PhD in homeschooling, a research focus that directly complements his two education-based master’s degrees and deepens his expertise in personalised, inquiry-based learning models. His leadership ensures that every Lighthouse Academy curriculum is academically rigorous, globally informed, and crafted with clarity, flexibility, and meaningful depth—empowering families to deliver a world-class home-learning experience.
Our Department Leadership Team:
Cyndi Nguyen
Head of Admissions
Cyndi Nguyen
Head of Admissions
Cyndi is the Head of Admissions at Lighthouse Academy, guiding families through every step of the enrolment process with care, clarity, and professionalism. She ensures that each student’s journey into the academy begins smoothly, helping parents make informed choices that best support their child’s learning goals.With a deep understanding of both academic placement and student potential, Cyndi works closely with the academic and gifted teams to match learners with the right pathways and programmes. Her commitment to excellence and her warm, personal approach make her a trusted first point of contact for families joining the Lighthouse community.
- Phone:+97430577136
- Email:info@thelighthouseacademy.org
Zenta Nel
Head of Marketing
Zenta Nel
Head of Marketing
Zenta is the Head of Marketing at Lighthouse Academy, leading the creative direction and digital growth of the academy’s brand across Qatar and beyond. She oversees all marketing campaigns, social media strategy, and community engagement initiatives, ensuring that Lighthouse Academy’s vision of excellence and innovation reaches students, parents, and partner schools.With a strong background in digital media, branding, and education marketing, Zenta is passionate about connecting families with learning opportunities that inspire confidence and curiosity. Her work combines creativity and strategy to showcase the academy’s unique programmes, from gifted education to academic support and enrichment pathways.
Adam
Head of Recruitment (Doha Education Recruitment)
Adam
Head of Recruitment (Doha Education Recruitment)
Adam is the Head of Recruitment at Lighthouse Academy and the Founder of Doha Education Recruitment. He specialises in connecting exceptional educators with outstanding opportunities—supporting Lighthouse Academy in sourcing the very best tutors for its students and partnering with leading schools across Qatar and beyond.With extensive experience in international education recruitment, Adam brings a deep understanding of what makes a great teacher and a great fit. His expertise ensures that every placement upholds the academy’s high standards of excellence, professionalism, and care. Through his work, Adam continues to strengthen the educational network that supports Lighthouse Academy’s growing community.
- Phone:+97430577136
- Email:info@thelighthouseacademy.org
