The Team

Onder Sahan

Onder Sahan is the Founder and Managing Director of Docklands Academy London. Mr Sahan is a successful entrepreneur with a growing hospitality business, established in 1999. Over the years, Mr Sahan has opened several restaurants, cafes, bars and a boutique hotel all across Central London. Amidst his thriving businesses in the hospitality sector, Mr Sahan appreciates the value of education and skills, and this led him to establish Docklands Academy London in 2011. The mission of the Academy, 'to provide quality education for future leaders in the world of work and business’ is something that Mr Sahan strongly believes in and strives to provide opportunities for everyone to succeed in their chosen path.

Andy Rogers

Andy Rogers was a career banker with Bank of Ireland, a career split between Ireland and the UK. Now retired, he continues as a portfolio non-executive director and business mentor based in London. Andy was a member of the IMD (Lausanne) Foundation Board for three years. He is actively involved in a wide range of community, educational and charitable organisations in the UK and Ireland. He enjoys golf and gardening. Married, with three daughters and three grandchildren.

Canan Ejder Celik

Canan Ejder Celik, is the CEO / Principal leading on strategic and operational oversight of Docklands Academy London (DAL) to ensure best practice is followed to help develop a vision for the future of DAL in and beyond the context of the current strategic plan. Canan has a background in Business Management and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Leadership and Development. Her attentive and thorough approach is owed to over two decades of experience in Management & Leadership in Hospitality, Healthcare and Education sectors. During her time in the Academy, Canan has actively overseen the operational activities of each department in the development of short, long term objectives and the Strategic Plan. Canan is a member of the Board of Governance and chairs the Quality Committee and Finance Committee of the Academy. She leads on building trust relationships with national and international partners and stakeholders. In line with the Academy’s mission statement, Canan will continue to lead on maintaining and improving robust systems & processes that will assure that the Academy is a centre of excellence primarily in Business, Hospitality & English provisions, compliant by awarding organisations and enforces adherence to current guidelines for Higher & Further Education.

John E. Erkus

John E. Erkus is the Academic Head developing robust delivery and quality assurance of teaching and learning and supervising all the staff, student progress, and HE programmes. He was an academician at Yildiz Technical University Istanbul for 23 years as a lecturer, Test Office Coordinator and Head of Modern Languages Department. With a master’s degree on Computer Assisted Language Learning, he worked with IBM as a Distance Education Content Developer. He became an “Aviation English Language Examiner, Rater and Rater Trainer” at Turkish Airlines Academy following trainings by RMIT University/ Australia and Latitude Aviation English Services/ UK. He is also a Teacher Trainer. Since joining the Academy, he has supported the development of academic policies and procedures, and teaching development, overseen academic committees, designed HE assignments and coordinated blended learning. His current priority is to support DAL to become a prominent academy delivering HE courses.

Erhan Yurdakul

Erhan Yurdakul is the Head of Academic Administration, who implements, leads and oversees an efficient and accurate academic administration process within the academic cycle. He is also involved in academic quality assurance activities and participates in the relevant committees. His background in teaching English at different levels and his industry experience in Hospitality and Travel and Tourism helps his successful approach and integration to new fields. Prior to joining the Academy, Erhan worked in the hospitality and travel and tourism sectors in various positions. He also taught English for a number of years, then worked and as a lawyer for a trade union. These previous experiences have continuously developed his approaches to plan, deliver and oversee an efficient and accurate academic administration process.

Murat Ozbek

Murat Ozbek is the Finance Manager at Docklands Academy, London whose duties are vital to the daily operation and management of the Academy. His Bachelor’s degree in Management Engineering and Master of Science degree in Management Engineering inform his analytical and systematic approach. Murat provides insight and implements financial control systems, and well as planning and controlling the annual budget of the Academy. Murat has also been very successful in maintaining knowledge of market changes to make the most informed decisions, as well as proposing marketing strategies to optimise the targeting of possibly customers. He is currently the member of our team working on DAL’s new database system.

Selin Doyan

Selin Doyan is Head of Quality, who oversees the academic quality assurance functions such as internal verification processes, records monitoring and review. Her background in teaching and her Postgraduate Certificate in Education, inform her attentive and thorough approach. In addition to this, Selin has completed an Award in ‘Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement’ and an Award in ‘The Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice’. Since joining the Academy, Selin has worked in the Academic Department, continuously developing strategies to maintain high quality assurance systems in line with various awarding body regulations. Selin runs the annual self-assessment process of each department and leads on the Quality Improvement Plan and whole school improvement themes each year. Selin firmly believes that clear planning and procedures are fundamental to support the team to maintain practises at the highest possible standards. Currently, Selin is working on developing new programmes and courses to build a bridge between KS4 and KS5 learning to progress into Higher Education, giving learners a clear path for progression in vocational courses.

Rose Aslan

Rose Aslan is the Head of Admissions at Docklands Academy, London. Rose primarily manages the admissions process and student finance applications, as well as overseeing welfare issues, and any other administrative duties in relation to the exams office. In particular, Rose oversees the recruitment, evaluation and admissions process for current and prospective students. Rose’s Undergraduate in Law and her experience as a practiced Paralegal signifies her cautious and vigilant approach. Furthermore, Rose has diversified and completed a TQUK Award in Education and Training, as well as a certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement. Since joining the Academy, Rose has taken part in all awarding body inspections and has successfully led her department in this area. Through her duties as Head of Admissions, Rose has gained over 800 successful applications (globally) for the English Language department, and has ensured all visa processes were robustly completed. Rose’s main objective is to ensure all administrative and admission duties are carried out in line with various standards for awarding regulations.

Surel Hurriyetoglu

Surel Hurriyetoglu is the IT Engineer in Docklands Academy London who provides support on IT issues, manages devices and improves systems that are related with information technology. His background includes system and network administration and information security management. Since consulting the Academy, Surel has aimed to support and supply maturity of digitalisation of the Academy, and maintain the IT infrastructure within the IT Strategy Plan. Providing resilient and secure IT infrastructure is the main target of the business continuity that enhances the educational processes for the team and students therefore, Surel is currently working on the development of the IT Strategy Plan to ensure the protection, integrity and confidentiality of data within the regulatory compliance supply standardization.

Eglina Bubliauskaite

Student Services & Welfare Manager, Board Secretary, Designated Safeguarding Officer

Paul Vincent

Paul Vincent is an English language teacher, a HE lecturer and social programme co-ordinator at DAL. He plans and delivers online and face to face English language courses in both General and Academic English. He is also responsible for the delivery of Higher Education courses as well as assignment marking. In the role of social programme co-ordinator, he is responsible for planning and co-ordinating excursions to cultural, historical and educational establishments around London and beyond. He has 21 years’ experience of teaching both General and Academic English. TESOL qualified, Paul also holds the Level 5 Certificate of Education with Level 4 ESOL subject specialism. Since joining the Academy, Paul has delivered English language programmes to a variety of clients. His most significant achievements include designing and delivering bespoke language learning programmes to young Panamanian students, satisfying a brief laid out by the Panamanian government. He has also drawn positive feedback from students for his culturally enriching and educational social programme. Paul has successfully set up and is currently running an online General and Academic English provision in response to the needs of the Coronavirus pandemic. He seeks to further establish and develop DAL’s online provision as a key aspect of the future of language learning.

Raajal Changela

Raajal Changela is an English teacher at Docklands Academy who comfortably and confidently delivers lessons to a class of students or on a one-to-one basis, face-to-face or online. Raajal has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Advanced Diploma in TESOL, equipping her with the knowledge and expertise to teach effectively in a methodical yet dynamic and engaging way. With over 15 years teaching experience across a wide age-range in the UK and Australia, Raajal can tailor teaching methods to suit her students’ needs and abilities. Since joining The Academy, Raajal has taught individual and groups of students who need to learn English for various reasons from IELTS preparation to workplace development. Raajal strongly believes that lessons should be relevant, dynamic and challenging; this motivates students to progress and achieve their full potential. Raajal is currently working towards teaching across both the general English and Higher Education department.

Prof. Mustafa Dogan

Professor Mustafa Dogan was born in Istanbul in 1974. Between 2008 to 2014, Mustafa worked for the Gökçeada Vocational Tourism School in Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University as a tourism lecturer and graduated with a Doctorate in Tourism Management. Between 2014 and 2018, Mustafa worked as an Assistant Professor in the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Batman University, where he continues to work to this day. Mustafa also worked for Arizona State University, USA, as a guest researcher via the TUBİTAK post-doctorate scholarship between 2016-2017. Mustafa provides lectures on tourism and hospitality in Docklands Academy London. Key areas of focus include tourism management, sustainable tourism, cultural heritage and tourism, ecomuseum, and sustainable ways in tourism.

Cuneyt Ozarikan

Cuneyt Ozarikan is a part-time lecturer at Docklands Academy, London who instructs BTEC HNC / HND students through both face to face and online learning. In addition to this, Cuneyt is also an English Language Teacher and effectively collaborates with academy staff to improve and maintain the course delivery and content, as well as assisting in the grading of student assignments. For over 20 years, Cuneyt has been teaching, coaching, and consulting in the education sector. Since joining the Academy, Cuneyt has worked in harmony with the academic staff, and has constantly found opportunities for improvement for both himself and the Academy, which has always been met with positive feedback. He has also built an excellent rapport with the students. Cuneyt has ability to work well with a range of people within any organisation which has been demonstrated through his written and verbal communication and through his exemplary digital teaching and presentation skills.

Mehmet Ozaksu

Mehmet Ozaksu is a part-time lecturer at Docklands Academy, London who provides high quality academic teaching and programme coordination for students in accordance with unit specifications for BTEC HNC / HND programmes. He is also a Linguist, having over 30 years of experience in English language teaching. Since joining the Academy, he has used a variety of teaching methods to ensure that content and English language skills are adequately integrated as required and that students acquire and consolidate knowledge, skills and understanding appropriate to the module taught. He has kept up-to-date with current educational thinking and practice, both by study and by attendance at courses, workshops and meetings. He is currently liaising with other administrative staff, academic colleagues assessing how well learning objectives and learning outcomes have been achieved and using them to improve specific aspects of teaching.

Nurgul Koc

Receptionist and Library Administrator, Canteen Manager

Nurgul Koc is a Receptionist and Library Administrator, as well as the Canteen Manager, responsible for supporting front-desk operations, library services, and daily canteen activities. With a welcoming manner and strong organizational skills, Nurgul ensures a smooth and inviting experience for students, staff, and visitors alike. Her experience in administration and customer service enables her to manage a diverse set of responsibilities, from overseeing library resources to handling meal preparation and inventory in the canteen. Nurgul is dedicated to creating a positive and resourceful environment, where efficiency and hospitality are always prioritized. Currently, Nurgul is focused on streamlining library resources and introducing wider menu options in the canteen, contributing to the well-being and academic success of the school community.

Tufail Miah

Tufail A Miah is the IT Officer apprentice at Docklands Academy London and provides support on IT issues and devices. He is responsible for ensuring computer devices and referrals are in working order, assisting internal staff members carry out their daily tasks and providing support to clients for events and conferences. His background consists of many years of experience in the hospitality industry and customer service, bringing his knowledge and enthusiasm on digital standards to Docklands Academy. He also keeps up with everchanging technological advancement and solution to IT problems. Tufail supports and improves the IT infrastructure within the IT Strategic Plan, to ensure a reliable and secure system. His main objective is to enhance the educational process and the experience for the team and students. Tufail is currently working on improving Docklands Academy computer hardware and operating systems by upgrading them to meet technical standards, ensuring computers can operate efficiently. He is also working on installing cloud services for better data sharing, between internal staff and students.

Fuat Huriyetoglu

Fuat Huriyetoglu is a web developer who excels in creating innovative and optimized solutions. With a strong focus on design and problem-solving, Fuat transforms ideas into fully functional digital experiences. Armed with up-to-date knowledge and expertise in various programming languages and frameworks. Fuat ensures his work is at the forefront of web development trends. His goal is to provide seamless online experiences that engage users and help businesses thrive in the digital landscape.

Kadriye Yurut

Kadriye Yürüt is an accomplished Clinical and Developmental Psychologist with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families. Kadriye completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Hacettepe University in 1994 and her Master’s degree at Marmara University, Faculty of Communication. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to continuous professional development, completing numerous clinical trainings and internships, and actively contributing to educational and research projects. Kadriye has founded and managed several well-established institutions in Istanbul, including Beyaz Değişimler Special Education and Rehabilitation Centres and Doğafen Kindergarten, where she has supported the development and well-being of hundreds of children each month. Her work combines evidence-based therapeutic methods with a compassionate, family-focused approach. Currently, she continues her professional practice both in Istanbul and London. Through her London-based centre, Life in Psychology, she offers counselling and therapy services for children, adolescents, and families, focusing on emotional well-being, developmental support, and family guidance. As part of Docklands Academy London’s extended professional network, Kadriye Özpıranga Yürüt provides psychological support and consultancy services to students, parents, and community members who wish to benefit from her expertise.

Tajul Islam

Tajul is a perfect friend nominee with good listening skills. He is a problem-solver and can stay calm even in the most severe emergency cases. He is keen on playing badminton and crickets, is also a football fan. Tajul is responsible for bringing any comments and suggestions of his peers on board at relevant committees. As a member of Student Committee, he promotes communication between students and management and provide regular feedback to both parties. He also attends Academic and Advisory Committee meetings to advise in matters concerning the support and development of students and participate in decision-making processes. He is the voice of his classmates and collectively reports a set of comments / recommendations to improve the quality, knowledge and experience of their learning journey at the Academy. Since joining the Academy, Tajul has demonstrated a strong bond with his peers, represented them professionally and been a perfect role-model as a student rep.

Viorel Ursaru

Viorel likes watching football, spending time in nature with his family and go fishing. He is a movie enthusiast who enjoys exploring different genres and stories. He is an ambitious person, always eager to expand his knowledge and skills. He is studying hospitality industry, planning to work as an executive in hospitality sector or open a unique, eco-friendly coffee shop, using organic ingredients and products. Viorel is responsible for bringing any comments and suggestions of his peers on board at relevant committees. As a member of Student Committee, he promotes communication between students and management and provide regular feedback to both parties. He also attends Academic and Advisory Committee meetings to advise in matters concerning the support and development of students and participate in decision-making processes. He is the voice of his classmates and collectively reports a set of comments / recommendations to improve the quality, knowledge and experience of their learning journey at the Academy. Since joining the Academy, Viorel has demonstrated a strong bond with his peers, represented them professionally and been a perfect role-model as a student rep.

Deniz likes exploring different places and working with others. One of his key strengths is teamworking since he believes working as a team is a key to reaching targets. He thinks knowing different cultures expands his knowledge and improves his target through becoming a successful manager in the future. Deniz is responsible for bringing any comments and suggestions of his peers on board at relevant committees. As a member of Student Committee, he promotes communication between students and management and provide regular feedback to both parties. He also attends Academic and Advisory Committee meetings to advise in matters concerning the support and development of students and participate in decision-making processes. He is the voice of his classmates and collectively reports a set of comments / recommendations to improve the quality, knowledge and experience of their learning journey at the Academy. Since joining the Academy, Deniz has demonstrated a strong bond with his peers, represented them professionally and been a perfect role-model as a student rep.

Ionut-Cristian Radu

Ionut is a motivated and reliable person, family-oriented, dedicated, and focused on stability and growth. He likes playing football in his free time. Ionut is responsible for bringing any comments and suggestions of his peers on board at relevant committees. As a member of Student Committee, he promotes communication between students and management and provide regular feedback to both parties. He also attends Academic and Advisory Committee meetings to advise in matters concerning the support and development of students and participate in decision-making processes. He is the voice of his classmates and collectively reports a set of comments / recommendations to improve the quality, knowledge and experience of their learning journey at the Academy. Since joining the Academy, Ionut has demonstrated a strong bond with his peers, represented them professionally and been a perfect role-model as a student rep.