ABOUT

Massrat Shaikh, PhD – Educational Psychologist |Founder of Kawakib Solutions| Advocate for Inclusive Education

Member of American Psychological Association. (APA)
Member of the Middle East Psychological Association. (MEPA)

For over 15 years, my work has been guided by one simple belief: every child deserves the chance to learn, thrive, and belong.

Across Oman and the Middle East, I have walked alongside children, families, and educators who face the challenges of learning difficulties, behavioral struggles, and systemic barriers. Too often, I have met students who were overlooked, parents who felt helpless, and teachers who lacked the tools to support them. These encounters became my calling to ensure that no learner is left behind and that education becomes a source of hope, dignity, and empowerment.

My Mission

I see education not as a service, but as a responsibility to society. Through my work as an Educational Psychologist, Founder of Kawakib Solutions, Career Guidance Counselor, Mindfulness Educator, Researcher, Author, and Speaker, I am committed to creating opportunities where children and young people especially the most vulnerable can find their voice, realize their potential, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Championing Inclusive Education

As one of the leading educational psychologists in the Middle East, I specialize in cognitive, neurological and psychoeducational evaluations that uncover not just challenges but strengths. My goal is never to label, but to provide pathways of support that empower families and schools to respond with compassion and effectiveness.

Founder of Kawakib Solutions

Kawakib Solutions is more than an EdTech start-up; it is a movement for equity. By bringing evidence-based tools such as Cogmed, Fast ForWord, Unifrog, and Pearson resources to the region, I aim to bridge learning gaps for students with special educational needs. My mission is simple: to give every child, regardless of circumstance, the resources to succeed.

Guiding Futures with Compassion

Career guidance is particularly crucial for students with learning difficulties, who often face uncertainty about their future. Through psychometric assessments and personalized support, I help students discover their strengths and align their aspirations with real opportunities. This is notjust about careers but it is about restoring confidence and independence.

Promoting Mindfulness & Well-being

I believe that wellbeing is the foundation of learning. That is why I teach mindfulness not only to students but also to parents and educators. Many of these courses are offered free of charge as part of my outreach efforts, because mental health and emotional balance are rights, not luxuries. By helping adults nurture calm and presence, I create ripple effects that sustain children’s growth.

Advancing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Through my doctoral research, I have contributed one of the major studies in SEL in the region which is on its way to guide policies in schools on inclusion, helping institutions embed compassion and resilience into their culture. SEL is not just an educational framework but it is a human framework, giving children the skills to navigate life’s challenges with empathy, self-awareness, and courage.

Writing for Change

Through my articles in GESS Education, SEN Magazine UK, Outstanding Schools, Oman Observer, and other platforms, I share insights that amplify awareness around mental health, inclusion, and education reform. My upcoming series of handbooks for teachers is designed as practical tools to support classrooms everywhere, especially where resources are limited.

Speaking to Inspire Action

From GESS Dubai, GESS Turkey to the World Education Summit, I have had the privilege of raising the voice of learners with special needs on some of the world’s most recognized platforms. My message remains constant: inclusive education is the future of education. Each talk is not just a presentation, but an invitation to educators and leaders to join a collective mission for change.

Recognition

I have been honored to be recognized not just for my work, but for the values behind it.

• Finalist, GESS Awards 2021 & 2022 (Inclusion and Wellbeing)
• Nominated by The Female Factor as the Voice of a New Era of Leaders (Leadership Redefined, Vienna 2024)
• Invited speaker at World Empathy Week 2022, representing Oman among 35 global educators as an Education Influencer

These recognitions affirm a truth I carry with me: when we work for the betterment of others, we create legacies that last beyond ourselves.

My Commitment

This journey has never been about titles, awards, or platforms, but it has always been about the children in the classroom who feels unseen, the parent searching for hope, and the teacher needing tools to make a difference.

Through Kawakib Solutions, community initiatives, and my daily work with schools and families, I remain deeply committed to building a future in Oman and Middle East where education is inclusive, well-being is prioritized, and every learner has the chance to shine. Because when a child is given the opportunity to succeed, an entire community rises.