About

MEET OUR TEAM

Darren Smith
CEO / Director
BA, MA TESOL, CELTA

“I completed my CELTA whilst I was living in Turkey. Since then, I have worked in several different schools mostly in the UK and I completed my MA TESOL at King’s College, London. I also have a Master’s in Law.”

Michael Smith
Finance Officer
BA in ELT, CELTA

Once I completed my CELTA I worked in 2 schools in the UK and Turkey. I have worked in education since 2018 helping students not only improve speaking fluency but help build confidence. My unique teaching style aims at improving students’ social skills and methodical skills in addition to their English.

Ali Smith
Business Development Manager
BA in Computer Science

"I have been in business all my life. I also own a nursery in my hometown, Hull. MDA College is special because everyone who comes here becomes part of our family, to learn and improve together."

Antonia Tsiakiri
EFL Teacher
BA, MA TESOL, CELTA

"Since 2014, I had the pleasure of teaching students of different backgrounds and levels, mainly in Greece, Spain and the UK. I like making my classes fun, interactive and the students get to explore the language themselves."

Freya Lynn Drew
EFL Teacher
BA, MA Tesol

“I have over 6 years ESL teaching experience and have taught students from all over the world. I studied Chinese and International Development at the University of Leeds and completed my MA in TESOL at the same university."

Naomi Holland
EFL Teacher
BA,MA, CELTA

 

“I have been teaching English since leaving University and have had the opportunity to travel the world because of it. My love for English and languages must have come from being brought up by an English Teacher and in a home where we spoke English and Korea. I enjoy teaching and seeing the growth and progress of my students and being a part of it.”

Niall Currien
EFL Teacher
BA,MA,CELTA, DELTA
"I did a BA in TESOL and Japanese at UCLan. When I was a student I lived, studied and worked in Japan and I graduated in 2015. Since then I have worked in Spain, Australia and South Korea. I've also worked at a university here in the UK and developed courses for them. I did my MA in English Language Teaching and I did a DELTA at the same time at Leeds Beckett University. 

 

Ahmed El-Turabi
Welfare and Accommodation Officer
BA,MA

"Hello students! My name is Ahmed and I’m responsible for inviting you to choose the wonderful city of Leeds to live and MDA College to study. I was born in Leeds and I can tell you that I love my city! It has everything you need from a UK study location. I have worked with the College since 2014 and have seen it grow and grow! When you join MDA you join a vibrant forward-facing international family."

 

Philip Clark
Director of Studies
BA, MA, CELTA, DELTA

"I have over 10 years experience, developing, assessing and preparing candidates for various proficiency English exams. I hold a BA in English Language Teaching and an MA in Linguistics from the University of Leeds. I am also the author of several titles on the English language."

Amber Jackson
Administrator
BA

"I was born in Leeds and I can tell you that I love my city! It has everything you need from a UK study location."