Faculty & Board

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Administration

Farah Naz

Principal

Qualifications:

Double Masters in Education. Certified in: Daycare Director Credentials, Montessori, Early Childhood - Gr 4 Generalist, Middle School ELA & Reading, EC - 12 ESL, Teacher Appraisal System, & Instructional Leadership.

Professional Philosophy:

As an Educational Leader, I strive to lead through example. I seek to establish a safe, academically rigorous, and collaborative learning environment in which Islamic values run at the core of all programs and student learning outcomes exceed expectations.

Noor A Rejjal

Director: Academics

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Educational Administration Leadership and Policy, 2019 University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY) Dissertation: The Factors Shaping Young Immigrant Students’ STEM Achievement Cross- Nationally: Unpacking the Immigrant Educational Paradox Using TIMSS & PIRLS Ed.M. in Educational Administration, 2017 University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY) Advanced Certificate in Applied Statistical Analysis (18 Credit), 2018 University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY Ed.M. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), 2008 University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY) Bachelor of Arts in English Language, 2005 King Saud University, Riyadh, KSA

Years of Relevant Experience:

16 years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

Ph.D. in Educational Administration Leadership and Policy, 2019 University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY) Dissertation: The Factors Shaping Young Immigrant Students’ STEM Achievement Cross- Nationally: Unpacking the Immigrant Educational Paradox Using TIMSS & PIRLS Ed.M. in Educational Administration, 2017 University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY) Advanced Certificate in Applied Statistical Analysis (18 Credit), 2018 University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY Ed.M. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), 2008 University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY) Bachelor of Arts in English Language, 2005 King Saud University, Riyadh, KSA

Randa Mohammed

Counseling & Discipline Coordinator

Qualifications:

M.Ed. (Master of Education in School Counseling), B.S. ( Bachelor in Food and Nutrition Science)

Years of Relevant Experience:

6+ years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

We cannot teach people anything; we can only help them discover it within themselves

Rasha Afifi

Manager: Accounts & Admissions

Qualifications:

Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting

Years of Relevant Experience:

23+ years of experience in the business industry

Professional Philosophy:

Be the reason someone smiles

Mudasir Ali Mansoor

Operations and IT Admin

Qualifications:

Masters / IT Support

Years of Relevant Experience:

4 years of experience

Eitedal Ameera Motan

Administration & Event Coordinator

Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration

Years of Relevant Experience:

7+ years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed.

Saadia Ahmed

Coordinator: Front Office

Qualifications:

Summaya Dribika

Coordinator: Accounts & Admissions

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Business Administration, 2 years teaching experience and 9 years administrative experience.

Professional Philosophy:

"It takes a big heart to help shape little minds."

Aneela Malik

Administrative & Financial Advisor

Qualifications:

Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting, 22+ years of accounting and administration experience.

Professional Philosophy:

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: "Whoever relieves a Muslim of a burden from the burdens of the world, Allah will relieve him of a burden from the burdens on the Day of Judgement."

Halima Sorathia

Employee Relations (HR) and Student Discipline Coordinator

Qualifications:

Bachelors in Science. Certified in People Management and trained in Student Discipline.

Years of Relevant Experience:

10+ years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

You can’t change what is going on around you until you start changing what is going on within you.

Juhaina Ahmed

Healthcare / Support

Qualifications:

Masters -Strategic Management, Bachelors - Business Health Administration, Diploma- Medical Assistant

Years of Relevant Experience:

8+ years in Healthcare Management

Professional Philosophy:

“The reality of manners is that it results from beautiful character. Thus, manners is the manifestations of the integrity and strength in one’s inward personality into action.” Ibn Rajab

Academic Coordinators

Saleha Usman

Prekindergarten - Grade 5

Qualifications:

Masters in Business Administration, Montessori Primary Certification, EC-6 Certified, and 8 years of teaching experience.

Years of Relevant Experience:

10+ years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

I believe that all children are unique. It is my goal to meet them where they are, help them flourish, and reach their full potential.

Basma Sawalha

Middle School

Qualifications:

Bachelors in Math, 7+ years of teaching experience with Everest Academy.

Professional Philosophy:

"A GREAT TEACHER, Takes a Hand, Opens a Mind, and touches a Heart."
"The Secret in education lies in respecting the students "

Shahinda Abdalrahman

High School

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with specialization in Clinical Analysis, Certified in Life Science Grades 7-12, 11 years of teaching experience and 3 years of pharmaceutical business experience.

Professional Philosophy:

To educate kids, you must first capture their hearts!

Asma Barakat

Arabic & Quran

Qualifications:

Bachelors in Translation, Ijazah in Hafdh Memorization, Certified in Islamic Studies, Master Degree in Quran Performance.

Years of Relevant Experience:

18 years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself."

Prekindergarten

Maha Jurri

Pre-kindergarten Teacher

Qualifications:

Bachelor of science /operation research/Early Education development Associate.

Years of Relevant Experience:

20 years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

I believe that each child is an individual. I will value and develop each child 's strengths, interests, skills, abilities and knowledge to extend their learning.

Heba Al Shraideh

Pre-Kindergarten A

Qualifications:

Associates in Art, currently majoring in Education( Early Childhood)

Years of Relevant Experience:

2 years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

Education is the mother of leadership.

Safa Aljbor

Pre-Kindergarten B

Qualifications:

Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Certified in Montessori Teaching 3-6 years, 17 years of teaching experience.

Professional Philosophy:

"The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life". - Maria Montessori

Zohra Graske

Prekindergarten B

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Human Sciences, 9 years of teaching experience.

Professional Philosophy:

The most important thing in the classroom is the student-teacher relationship.

Developmental Kindergarten

Zeenat Muhammad

Developmental Kindergarten A

Qualifications:

Certified in CDA (Child Development Associates), and 17 years of teaching experience.

Professional Philosophy:

"One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world."

Ayesha Ismail

Developmental Kindergarten A

Qualifications:

Masters in Political Science, Bachelors of Science in Dentistry. 4 years of teaching experience.1 year of Administrative assistant experience.

Professional Philosophy:

Today is the day to learn something new.

Houda Karim

Developmental Kindergarten B

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Economics, 10 years of teaching experience.

Professional Philosophy:

All students are unique and need a teacher that caters to their individual needs in a safe and stimulating environment.

Rehab Abokaram

Developmental Kindergarten B

Qualifications:

Bachelor degree in Phonetics and Linguistics, Faculty of Arts
certified Qaidah Nooraniah Teacher
Montessori teacher training
Nine years teaching experience

Professional Philosophy:

Coming Soon

Kindergarten

Ayesha Hasan

Kindergarten A, STR Team Lead

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Education & Educational Science, Certified in Teaching students with Learning Disabilities, 15+ years of teaching experience.

Professional Philosophy:

"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." - Aristotle.

Khaleelah Folson

Kindergarten B

Qualifications:

Certified in CDA, and 22+ years of teaching experience.

Professional Philosophy:

"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." -Aristotle

Erum Haseeb

Kindergarten A TA

Qualifications:

Masters in Islamic Studies, Diploma in Islamic Education

Years of Relevant Experience:

7 years of teaching experience, 3rd year in Everest Academy

Professional Philosophy:

I've always been very passionate about teaching mainly because it connects me to our youth. May Allah help me convey His Holy message to the future generations.

Rima Alaeddin

Kindergarten B TA

Qualifications:

Diploma in accounting

Years of Relevant Experience:

2 years acountant assistant, 2 years working in all school departments

Professional Philosophy:

The key to success is optimism, hard work, honesty, and kindness from the heart.

First Grade

Ashaela Fatimah Moore

Grade 1 ELA & Social Studies

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Communications, 13 years teaching experience

Professional Philosophy:

Don’t worry, just pray!

Farah Bitar

Grade 1 TA

Qualifications:

Soon

Professional Philosophy:

Soon

Ayesha Sufi

Grade 1 Math and Science

Qualifications:

Masters in Education- Curriculum & Instruction
Bachelors in Business Administration- Management
48 semester hours courses in Elementary Education EC-4

Years of Relevant Experience:

12 years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

I believe in creating a positive and nurturing 'student-centered' environment where learning is fun and play.

Second Grade

Nausheer Haleema

Grade 2 ELA & Social Studies

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, 4 years teaching experience.

Professional Philosophy:

"Teachers have three loves: love of learning, love of learners, and the love of bringing the first two loves together."

Sadaf Burney

Grade 2 Math & Science

Qualifications:

Masters in English Literature, Certified in EC-6 Generalist and ESL, 12 years of teaching experience.

Professional Philosophy:

"No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship"

Zaina Serajaldin

Grade 2 TA

Qualifications:

Coming Soon

Professional Philosophy:

Coming Soon

Third Grade

Unaiza Ali

Grade 3 Math & Science, STEM Team Lead

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Development & Economics, Certified in Mathematics Grades 4-8,

Years of Relevant Experience:

7+ years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

"Tell me and I'll forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." - Benjamin Franklin

Lama Elissa

Grade 3 ELA & Social Studies

Qualifications:

Bachelors Degree: University of Houston

Years of Relevant Experience:

4 years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

All students can learn and succeed, but not in the same way and not on the same day.

Sabina Rasheed

Grade 3 TA

Qualifications:

Certified in early childhood, Studied differentiated instruction, Working on becoming a certified life coach inshallah

Years of Relevant Experience:

10 years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

With Allah by my side nothing is impossible!

Fourth Grade

Mahdiyah Obaid

Grade 4 Math & Science

Qualifications:

Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education
Texas educator certificates: Core Subjects With Science of Teaching Reading (EC-6), LOTE- Arabic (Ec-12), Special Education (EC-12), Gifted and Talented supplemental (EC-12), Bilingual Education supplemental (EC-12), ESL supplemental (EC-12)

Professional Philosophy:

Coming Soon

Maheen Anjum

Grade 4 ELA & Social Studies

Qualifications:

I am a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Healthcare Administration and a minor in Educational Psychology. My experiences working in hospice and end-of-life care instilled in me a deep appreciation for the blessings of Allah SWT and a passion for helping others. I prayed for an opportunity to do work benefitting the Muslim ummah, leading me to a teaching role at Everest Academy. I am grateful to nurture students' personal growth and success in this life and the hereafter. An empath at heart, I strive to build connections with and understand each child. I am dedicated to making a difference in my community and helping the next generation flourish. I am looking forward to working with parents to help their children be successful.

Years of Relevant Experience:

3 years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

My educational philosophy centers on holistically nurturing each student. I aim to create a caring classroom community where young scholars feel respected, supported, and empowered. With compassion and high expectations, I meet students where they are and guide them to reach their full potential. My ultimate purpose is not just academic instruction but fostering virtuous citizenship and personal growth as individuals and as Muslim. It is a solemn privilege to shepherd young children in our Ummah. I wholeheartedly dedicate myself to equipping students with the knowledge, skills and strength of character to lead lives of meaning, purpose and love for both Allah SWT and his creation.

Fifth Grade

Safia Hyder

Grade 5 Math & Science

Qualifications:

Bachelors in Business Adminstration, Alternative Teaching Program

Years of Relevant Experience:

2 years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

Following the Straight Path of Islam will bring Success in the Dunya and Akhira

Salwa Alavi

Grade 5 ELA & Social Studies

Qualifications:

H.B.A., M.Ed, ESL certified, Core Subjects EC-6 certified

Years of Relevant Experience:

2 years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

My teaching philosophy comprises of the idea that we never stop seeking knowledge. As a teacher, I need to constantly remind myself that while I am teaching, I am also in a position where I can better myself by learning. I do this through a passion for reading. I believe that by considering myself a seeker of knowledge, I am able to see my students with a fresh perspective. Every student has a right to education without any pre-conceived biases and stereotypes.

Sixth Grade

Zain Aslam

Grade 6 Math & Science

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in teaching and learning. Associate in applied health science

Years of Relevant Experience:

2 years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

I personally believe that Allah is the source of all knowledge. He created us to spread His knowledge to each and every person. This is why I became a teacher, to spread this knowledge forward through the eternity of time!

Melissa Tauheed

Grade 6 ELA & Social Studies

Qualifications:

Masters of Education from Grand Canyon University, Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University, CELTA (Certificate of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), 17 years of teaching experience

Professional Philosophy:

Coming Soon

Interventionists

Tala Alchikhali

Grade 3-5 Math

Qualifications:

Currently pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Education

Years of Relevant Experience:

4 years of working with kids

Professional Philosophy:

My ultimate goal as a teacher is to have a positive and lasting impact on my students' lives. I aspire to inspire a love for learning, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility towards themselves and society.

Reham Ratrout

Grade 3-5 ELA

Qualifications:

Currently pursing a bachelors degree of education

Years of Relevant Experience:

I have been working with children for 6 years

Professional Philosophy:

My personal philosophy as a teacher is to inspire students to be kind, curious, to foster a safe place for their thinking, and to create a supportive learning environment where my students feel empowered to be themselves and to explore their true potential. I believe in teaching with kindness, positive reinforcement, to nurture the growth of my students to leave a life lasting impact.

Middle & High School

Moniza Hasan

Grade 7-10 Math, Math Team Lead

Qualifications:

Masters in Mass Communication, Certified in Mathematics Grades 5-12, 22+ years of teaching experience.

Professional Philosophy:

My motto is to touch my students' hearts before I touch their minds. With an open heart, learning becomes second nature.

Amerah Hashimi

Grade 7- 8 ELA

Qualifications:

Early Childhood Education w/ certification in Curriculum & Instruction. Graduated from University of Houston with Honors in 2016.

Years of Relevant Experience:

6+ years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

I will foster the growth of my students’ self-esteem and worth. It’s important to boost their self-confidence and help facilitate their own beliefs about their capabilities and potential. I want to have a cooperative approach when disciplining rather than an autocratic one. When disciplining my students I want to do it in a manner that doesn’t humiliate, belittle or ridicule them, rather it keeps their dignity intact. I intend to have a classroom that maximizes on instructional time.

Sabiha Baakza

Grade 9-10 ELA

Qualifications:

Masters of Education, Bachelor of Arts in Education, 37+ years of teaching experience.

Professional Philosophy:

Education is never ending. Each day we learn something new.

Hannah AbuAin

Grade 7 & 10 Science

Qualifications:

Years of Relevant Experience:

Professional Philosophy:

Reem Hajhussein

Grade 7-10 Social Studies

Qualifications:

Professional Philosophy:

Arabic & Quran

Safia Sairi

PK, DK Arabic, Quran, Isl Studies

Qualifications:

Bachelor in Islamic Studies (in progress), Associates in Business Administration, 16 years of teaching experience.

Professional Philosophy:

Engaging hearts, equipping minds.

Habiba Bayoumy

PK, DK Arabic, Quran, Isl Studies

Qualifications:

Certified in Qaeedah Nooraniyah, Bachelor of Arts.

Professional Philosophy:

Learn today, lead tomorrow.

Manal Hafez

Grade KG-3 Arabic

Qualifications:

Coming Soon

Professional Philosophy:

Coming Soon

Azizah Juma

Grade KG - 1 Arabic & Quran

Qualifications:

Bachelors in Arabic and English, Ijaazah in Quran (Riwayah Hafz), Served as a teacher for 7 years in Jordan and in Kuwait 2 years. Taught at Tajweed institute for 2 years and have 5 years of teaching experience with Everest Academy.

Professional Philosophy:

Identify my religion and be a tool to help people understand the Quran and pronounce the correct way.

Dalila Fenni

Grade 2-5 Arabic

Qualifications:

Bachelors in International Commerce, Bachelors in Computer Management, Certified in Intensive English, 10 years teaching experience.

Professional Philosophy:

Patience and persistence pay off.

Nehal Elsharkawy

Grade 4-8 Arabic

Qualifications:

Ijaza Quran & 25 years teaching experience

Years of Relevant Experience:

25 years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

I believe that learning Arabic is part of our deen and will give our kids more understanding for the words of Allah.

Najat Bardaweel

Grade 4-8 Arabic

Qualifications:

Associate degree in psychology

Years of Relevant Experience:

3 years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

Provide the students with clear and effective mothed of teaching Arabic by engaging the students in group work, also by teaching the basic every day word using cards, games and posters.

Shimaa Shalaby

Grade KG-3 Quran

Umer Amanullah

Grade 4-8 Quran

Qualifications:

Ijazah cirtificate in Quran. 4 year tajweed certification, IT and marketing background and experience of 6 years.

Years of Relevant Experience:

10 years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

Making a positive impact on a person gives the truest form of contentment.

Bushra Al-Ani

Grade 4-8 Quran

Qualifications:

18 years of teaching experience.

Professional Philosophy:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The best among you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it."

Islamic Studies

Bayan Tohmaz

Team Lead, KG-3 Islamic Studies

Qualifications:

Professional Philosophy:

"The first step in knowledge is to listen, then to be quiet and attentive, then to preserve it, then to put it into practice and then to spread it."

Qualifications:

Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies (in progress).

Years of Relevant Experience:

14 years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

Guiding hearts and minds with wisdom, compassion, and the beauty of Islamic knowledge.

Mufida Benbarka

Teacher for 4th-7th grade Islamic studies & 6th-8th Character education

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, ongoing Masters In Islamic Studies.

Years of Relevant Experience:

17 years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

Learn Islam the right way and make what you learn your way of life.

Dilireba Abula

Grade 7-10 Islamic Studies & Theology

Qualifications:

Bachelor in Islamic Studies & Bachelor in Advertising

Years of Relevant Experience:

6 years of Qur'an & Islamic Studies experience

Professional Philosophy:

Do your best and put your trust in Allah!

Art

Areen Alchikhali

Grades DK-9

Qualifications:

Bachelors in Education, Licensed IB Teacher trained, Certified in child development, International Baccalaureate Global Language certified.

Professional Philosophy:

"Teach students well and let them lead the way"

Physical Education

Rochelle D Jacobs

P E Coach, Girls

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Health Studies, Associates in Computer Networking Systems, 19 years of teaching experience.

Years of Relevant Experience:

20+ years of experience

Professional Philosophy:

Wellness is a lifestyle not an event. T.G.F.E. Thanking God for Everything.

Luqman Martin

P E Coach, Boys

Qualifications:

Certified Fitness Instructor, USSFD Soccer Coaching License, Arees Islamic Institute, 12+ years of experience coaching.

Professional Philosophy:

"We either win or we learn."

Security Officers

Jose Sagastizado

Security Officers

Oliver Oconer

Security Officers

ADVISORY PANEL

Name Position Email Address
Yemeen ur Rahman Advisory Panel Chair yrahman@everest-academy.com
Vajahat Yar Khan Advisory Panel Vice Chair vkhan@everest-academy.com
Aheed Mohiuddin Advisory Panel General Secretary amohiuddin@everest-academy.com
Ashraf Meghani Advisory Panel Treasurer ameghani@everest-academy.com
Farah Naz Principal farahn@everest-academy.com
Shah Hussain ISGH South Zone Associate  Director ad.brandlane@isgh.org
Maliha Saleem PTO President everestptso@gmail.com