Meet the Team
IPCD grew out of the Dubai Psychology email network in 2013. We realised that while there is ongoing growth in the number of psychologists working in various sectors within the UAE, there are few professional development opportunities specifically catering to our field.
And the picture was even less clear when looking at psychology practice in our neighbouring countries. Something needed to be done to bring the psychology community together, to promote best practice discussions, and to provide high quality and focused learning opportunities from international experts.
Applying three unique perspectives, we formed the team that still sits at the heart of IPCD today.
Dr. Annie Crookes
Annie currently works as Psychology Leader for the School of Social Sciences at Heriot-Watt University’s Dubai campus. She has been in the UAE for 13 years working for UK Higher Education Institutions helping to set up and run their psychology programmes (both UG and PG).
Prior to this, she was employed as a lecturer at the University of Middlesex in Dubai and the University of Leicester, UK. She holds both a PhD in cognitive psychology and an MSc in International Addiction Studies from UK institutions. She has taught extensively across a broad range of applied and core psychology subject areas and worked closely with industry professionals.
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Dr. Alia Al Serkal
Alia Al Serkal has over 10 years of experience in Applied Psychology, having worked in various organisations related to telecommunication and aviation. Her specialty includes identifying talent in the organisation, setting up talent pool programmes, as well as succession planning. She is a firm believer in utilising psychometric testing and assessment centers to assist in selection and development as well as focusing on Emiratisation.
Her interests lie in personality, stress and coping, emotional labour, well-being, work engagement, psychometric testing and norm creation just to name a few. She obtained her PhD in Psychology from the University of Leeds (UK). She is a member of the EPA, APA and a Chartered Member of the BPS.
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Nanette Fairley
Nanette has been in the region for over 20 years in various roles in the Occupational Psychology field. Her major interest lies in the identification and development of potential and leadership talent. Post her studies in occupational psychology she completed an MBA and since then has qualified both to use, and train others, on a myriad of diagnostic and developmental tools. She is currently responsible for the delivery of a broad business and clinical psychological service for an international airline.
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Amanda White
Amanda White is the Managing Director, PSI Innovative HR Solutions (IHS). IHS has the largest group of Chartered Occupational Psychologists in the region for the past 20 years. Amanda is also a frequent guest speaker on Dubai Eye Radio 103.8FM discussing HR/Talent-related issues.
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