Leadership
Ms. Tabitha De Silva (M.Ed)
Principal & Director
Ms. Tabitha strongly believes that “every child has a right to education and to live a meaningful and purposeful life”. She returned from the middle east after more than a decade in the special needs industry. She established Sapphire Academy to help meet the needs of many families in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Her experience both locally and internationally has allowed her to create a space that welcomes diversity not only with her kids but with her teachers. Her passion and love to see all children thrive in life drive her leadership and direction for Sapphire Academy.
Chief Consultant
Dr. Susan O'Rourke
Doctorate in Instructional Design & Technology and a master's degree in Special Education, University of Pittsburgh, USA.
Dr. specializes in the teaching and learning of children with autism spectrum disorders, multiple disabilities, and children with social, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Her current research focuses on the power of the Arts to transform learning environments for children with special needs.
Business Head
Sanjay Sachdeva (MBA, HRM)
Mr. Sanjay looks after support functions ensuring that daily operations run smoothly and educators get the necessary support to perform their best. At the same time, he strives to provide a safe and stimulating environment, where children feel respected, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
He comes from a very diverse background, he has gained experience & knowledge over the past 20 years, working in different industries and with organizations based in various countries.
He believes that having responsibility for growing a business, and creating jobs while making a difference in society can be incredibly satisfying. He enjoys his role and looks forward to contributing to the lives of Special Needs Children & their families. He is the Director and also the Co-Founder of Sapphire Academy.
Our Team
Gheethaanjali a/p Ramamoothie
Gheethaanjali a/p Ramamoothie
Gheethaanjali a/p Ramamoothie
Ms. Anjali – Vice Principal
Ms. Anjali is an experienced educator specializing in supporting neurodivergent learners, with expertise in Learning Disorders Management, Child Psychology, Speech and Language, and Child Counseling. She develops Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and works closely with parents and staff to support each student’s progress.
With over 25 years of experience working with children and young adults aged 4–21, she has helped many students transition successfully into mainstream education while supporting their personal growth.
Known for her compassionate approach, patience, and strong communication skills, Ms. Anjali is committed to fostering a supportive school community where every student can thrive.
Ms Fatima Az-Zahraa
Gheethaanjali a/p Ramamoothie
Gheethaanjali a/p Ramamoothie
Ms. Fatima Az-Zahraa – Head Teacher
BSc (Psychology)
Ms. Fatima Az-Zahraa is a dedicated and compassionate special needs educator with nearly 5 years of experience supporting individuals with behavioural and developmental challenges.
She conducts behavioural assessments, develops Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and implements evidence-based interventions to support student growth.
She also works closely with parents, providing guidance on behavioural strategies and helping reinforce skill development beyond the classroom.
Sumanja binti Ahmad Nizam
Gheethaanjali a/p Ramamoothie
Ms. Noor Adilla Binti Razali
Ms. Sumanja – Teacher
Special Needs | Early Childhood Education.
Ms. Sumanja holds a Degree in Early Childhood Education and has five years of experience at the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation, where she developed strong skills in supporting and engaging children with special needs.
Passionate and patient, she believes every child can learn and grow with the right guidance. In her free time, she enjoys photography and travelling.
Ms. Noor Adilla Binti Razali
Ms. Noor Adilla Binti Razali
Ms. Noor Adilla Binti Razali
Ms. Dila – Administration
Ms. Dila began her journey in special needs education in 2018 as a therapy assistant, gaining hands-on experience in individualized support and student care. She then spent six years as a Special Needs Assistant Teacher, supporting student learning and development.
She now serves in an administrative role at Sapphire Academy, continuing her passion for special education and contributing to the school’s supportive learning environment.
Ms. Lim Sin Nie
Ms. Noor Adilla Binti Razali
Ms. Lim Sin Nie
Ms. Lim Sin Nie - Teacher
She holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) in Psychology , she has been working in the special needs education field, supporting children aged 3 to 10 years old.
She is passionate about helping children develop their communication, social, and learning skills in a positive and supportive environment, and is dedicated to helping every child reach their full potential.
Ms. Gurnam Kaur
Ms. Noor Adilla Binti Razali
Ms. Lim Sin Nie
Ms. Gurnam Kaur – Teacher
Ms. Gurnam Kaur is a compassionate educator with nearly 20 years of experience in special needs education. She supports students with diverse learning, behavioral, and developmental needs through individualized guidance and structured classroom support.
Skilled in lesson reinforcement, classroom management, and positive behavior strategies, she is recognized for her patience, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills. Ms. Gurnam is dedicated to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.
Ms. Shafiqah
Ms. Nor Azura Bt Ibrahim
Ms. Nor Azura Bt Ibrahim
Ms. Shafiqah - Teacher
She has been in special needs education since 2015 and holds a Diploma in Physiotherapy from Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UNIKL) Royal College of Medicine Perak. She works with children with ADHD, Speech Delay, ASD, and Global Developmental Delay (GDD), creating individualized support plans to meet each child’s needs.
She values early intervention, consistency, and collaboration with parents and professionals to foster each child’s growth. “Nurturing potential, one child at a time.”
Ms. Nor Azura Bt Ibrahim
Ms. Nor Azura Bt Ibrahim
Ms. Nor Azura Bt Ibrahim
Ms. Azura – Head Assistant Teacher
Ms. Azuura is an experienced assistant teacher with nearly 10 years in special needs education. She excels in classroom management, individualized learning support, and daily student care. Known for her patience and strong communication skills.
She works closely with teachers and students to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Ms. Asako Mitani
Ms. Nor Azura Bt Ibrahim
Ms. Mable Lai Yue Qin
Ms. Asako – Music Therapist
Ms. Asako holds a Bachelor in Sociology, a Master’s in Special Needs Education, and is a Certified Music Therapist registered with the Japanese Music Therapy Association.
Passionate about giving children with disabilities access to music, she uses therapy to reduce anxiety, boost cognitive and motor skills, and enhance communication. With her love for music and special needs expertise, she creates a safe, engaging space for children to learn and grow through musical exploration.
Ms. Mable Lai Yue Qin
Ms. Mable Lai Yue Qin
Ms. Mable Lai Yue Qin
Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA)
M.Sc. in Applied Behaviour Analysis (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland) Mable is a passionate educator with 12 years of experience specializing in autism and special needs education.
Her area of expertise includes parent and professional training in behavior management by employing Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) techniques. Mable started practicing ABA Therapy in 2008 working in various teaching placements and other local NGOs in Klang Valley.
In 2015, She proceeded to obtain her Masters in ABA and spent four years working at the local autism community in Dublin before returning to Malaysia. In 2021, she’s officially certified as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA).
Ms. Rema Rabanillo
Ms. Mable Lai Yue Qin
Ms. Rema Rabanillo
Ms. Rema – Teacher Assistant
Ms. Rema Rabanillo supports children with daily activities and assists teachers with academic skills. Originally from the Philippines, she moved to Kuala Lumpur five years ago to pursue her passion for working with children with special needs.
Dedicated and sincere, she believes every child can achieve their potential. She enjoys working at Sapphire Academy, where a supportive team helps her make a meaningful impact on students’ growth.
