From the UK to Dubai: The Journey of Principal Lisa, Dubai’s Godmother

The Playground Podcast

In this warm episode of The Playground Podcast, our host Shamim Kassibawi sits down with Principal Lisa, a beloved figure known as the "godmother" to countless children in Dubai. With a huge following on social media and a reputation for being a beacon of support to families, Principal Lisa shares her inspiring story.
Growing up, she always knew she wanted to support families and work with children. From juggling her training as a teacher while raising three kids of her own, to dedicating herself to working with children that others often excluded—those with special needs—Principal Lisa's journey has been one of compassion and resilience. She also shares her experience working in a high school with older children who faced challenges like hunger and neglect, which led her to set up a community group to provide much-needed support.
Principal Lisa opens up about her relationship with her husband, how their life was entwined with her demanding job, and how this eventually led to their move to Dubai. She tells the incredible story of how a phone call from Dubai changed their lives, leading them from a 300-year-old house in the UK to a modern apartment on the 70th floor in Dubai Marina. In a twist of fate, two years before their move, Lisa had written in her journal about wanting to move to Dubai and had even taken a picture in front of the building they ended up calling home.
Today, Principal Lisa continues her mission by supporting families in Dubai and around the world. She shares insights into common parenting challenges, such as knowing when to seek help, the importance of not getting stuck in the infant stage, tips on toilet training by 18 months, and feeding practices that aid in speech development.
Whether you’re a parent of young children or someone looking for wisdom from a seasoned educator, this episode with Principal Lisa is a must-listen. Her story and advice are not just valuable for those in Dubai but resonate with families globally. Tune in to learn from the experiences of Dubai's very own godmother!