Our Faculty & Staff
Educational Philosophy
Faith-Centered Education Our primary aim is to foster a strong connection with Allah (God) in our students' lives. We believe that a faith-centered education provides a moral compass that guides individuals to make ethical decisions, seek knowledge, and serve humanity with compassion and justice.
Character Development Beyond academics, we emphasize the development of strong character. We teach the values of honesty, integrity, humility, and empathy, instilling in our students a sense of responsibility toward themselves and their communities.
Leadership Skills As an Islamic leadership school, we believe in cultivating the next generation of leaders who will positively impact society. Our curriculum includes leadership development programs and opportunities for students to assume leadership roles within our school community.
Pedagogical Leadership Team
Ms. Rasha El-Haggan
Chief Executive Officer relhaggan@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Rasha El-Haggan
Ms. Manal Agabein
Head of Primary School magabein@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Manal Agabein
Over the past 25 years with Montgomery County Public Schools, Manal has served as a special education teacher, department chair, consulting teacher, and a staff development teacher. She holds an Early Childhood Education certification and as a department chair for a decade, she coached teachers, built data systems, and designed tools later adopted county-wide. Her credentials include a Master of Science in Special Education from Johns Hopkins University, an Administrator I certification, and graduate certificates in School Administration and in Equity and Excellence in Education. Tarbiyah has also long been part of her life; she served on its board from 2016 to 2021.
Mr. Taaj Davis
Head of Middle School tdavis@tarbiyahacademy.org
Mr. Taaj Davis
Taaj Davis is a Jamaican-American Muslim from Virginia. After earning his B.A. in American Studies from Kenyon College in 2019, Taaj entered the field of education, teaching history at Woodberry Forest School, while simultaneously earning his Master of Education from the University of Virginia in 2021. Taaj worked at Woodberry for the last seven years, as a teacher, coach, and school leader. Administratively, he served as Woodberry’s Director of Community and Belonging, working closely with the Dean of Students’ office. Beyond education, Taaj enjoys putting together works of poetry, prose, and podcasting.
Ms. Shabana Ahmed
Director of Teaching & Learning sahmed@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Shabana Ahmed
Ms. Aisha Karachiwalla
KG Homeroom Teacher & PYP Team Lead akarachiwalla@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Aisha Karachiwalla
Bio forthcoming...
Ms, Soha Tabana
School Counselor smtabana@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms, Soha Tabana
Bio forthcoming...
Ms. Abeer Zaki
Learning Specialist azaki@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Abeer Zaki
Ms. Azza El Ashry
AQI Coordinator azaki@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Azza El Ashry
Ms. Nadia Janjua
Arts Coordinator njanjua@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Nadia Janjua
Senior Administration
Ms. Khadijah Akhtar
Events Coordinator kakhtar@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Khadijah Akhtar
Mr. Alli Mohamed
Faciltities Manager amohamed@tarbiyahacademy.org
Mr. Alli Mohamed
Ms. Aya Karam
CEO Executive Assistant akaram@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Aya Karam
Imam Sami Elzaharna
Spiritual Advisor selzaharna@tarbiyahacademy.org
Imam Sami Elzaharna
Ms. Ghada ElKordy
Business & HR Manager gelkordy@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Ghada ElKordy
Ms. Sumaya Abdel-Motagaly
Communications Specialist sabdelmotagaly@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Sumaya Abdel-Motagaly
Arabic, Islamic, Quranic (AQI) Studies Faculty
Ms. Wafa Al-Numri
KG AQI Teacher walnumri@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Wafa Al-Numri
My name is Wafa Al Numri, and I am deeply dedicated to Islamic education. My journey began in the early '90s in Yemen, where I studied Qur’an Tajweed and Arabic. I hold a Master’s degree in Arabic Language from Sana'a University and a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies and Arabic Language. I have over twenty years of experience teaching Islamic Studies, Arabic, and Quran in various educational settings. This is my 6th year teaching at Tarbiyah Academy. I have cultivated a passion for guiding students through the rich traditions of Islamic knowledge and values. My teaching experience includes working with diverse age groups. I have enjoyed helping children develop a profound understanding of Islamic teachings. I am committed to fostering a stimulating and supportive learning environment that promotes curiosity and spiritual growth. I believe in creating an engaging classroom with hand-on activities. I am passionate about teaching Tajweed using collaborative and innovative methods to enhance students’ Tajweed articulation. My approach to Arabic includes creative techniques for dictation and vocabulary. My Islamic Studies lessons are designed to encourage critical thinking and provide practical guidelines for students both inside and outside the classroom. My hobbies outside the classroom include listening to Islamic nasheeds, taking long walks, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends. May Allah bless our team efforts to create the next generation of Muslim leaders.
Mr. Kamal Soror
3rd & 4th Grade AQI Teacher ksoror@tarbiyahacademy.org
Mr. Kamal Soror
My name is Kamal Soror. I am originally from Egypt. For the past 19 years I have been teaching Qur'aan and Arabic after graduating from Al Azhar University and I specialized in Islamic Culture. I worked at the Al Awqaf Ministry for 27 years as an Imam. My favorite hobbies are spending time with my family, taking long walks in the parks and along the beaches. My favorite park is Centennial park, and I enjoy going to Ocean City when there is nobody around.
Ms. Hafsa Badri
5th Grade AQI Teacher hbadri@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Hafsa Badri
Mr. Mohamed Abadiga
AQI Support Teacher mabadiga@tarbiyahacademy.org
Mr. Mohamed Abadiga
Ms. Rana Hittini
Middle School AQI Teacher rhittini@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Rana Hittini
Mr. Youssef Ouamamou
Middle School Arabic Teacher youamamou@tarbiyahacademy.org
Mr. Youssef Ouamamou
Ms. Menna Harby
2nd Grade AQI Teacher mharby@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Menna Harby
Ms. Samah Abouelnasr
1st Grade ELA Teacher sabouelnasr@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Samah Abouelnasr
Primary School Faculty
Ms. Aisha Karachiwalla
KG Homeroom Teacher & PYP Team Lead akarachiwalla@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Aisha Karachiwalla
Bio forthcoming...
Ms. Iman Fahmy
KG Homeroom Teacher ifahmy@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Iman Fahmy
Ms. Nida Sahu
1st Grade Navy Homeroom Teacher nsahu@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Nida Sahu
Ms. Alyssa Washington
1st Grade Silver Homeroom Teacher abwashington@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Alyssa Washington
Ms. Debby Rashed
2nd Grade Homeroom Teacher Drashed@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Debby Rashed
I was born and raised in Maryland and have been teaching for over 12 years. I hold a BA in Elementary Education (with a Science Major) and an AA in Early Childhood Education. Currently, I am pursuing my master’s degree in Curriculum and Development. Throughout my career, I have taught grades 1-8 across all subjects. My hobbies include traveling, skiing, and writing fiction stories. I am a caring individual, always eager to help those in need. I understand the importance of using instructional strategies that appropriately address the diverse learning styles and needs of my students, which fuels my passion for teaching at Tarbiyah Academy. Understanding each student’s dominant learning style is crucial for planning instruction that leverages their strengths to enhance academic development. As a teacher, I strive to instill a passion for learning in my students within an encouraging and positive environment. By developing relationships that are honest, open, and respectful, I ensure that students feel accepted for who they are. This is my 6th year at Tarbiyah Academy, and I continue to be committed to fostering an environment where every child can thrive academically and personally.
Ms. Nafisa Hafidh
2nd Grade Silver Homeroom Teacher nhafidh@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Nafisa Hafidh
Ms. Ambreen Ahmed
3rd Grade Homeroom Teacher ambreenahmed@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Ambreen Ahmed
Ms. Saba Choudhary
4th Grade Homeroom Teacher sabachoudhary@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Saba Choudhary
Ms. Heba Kamal
5th Grade Homeroom Teacher hkamal@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Heba Kamal
My name is Heba Kamal and I have been in the field of education for 15 years. I graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and obtained my master's degree in educational leadership from University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Alhamdulilah, I am certified as a teacher and an administrator. I have experience teaching grade 5 (all core subjects) for six years and grade 8 (language arts and social studies) for three years. I also have experience serving as vice principal for two years and as principal for four years.
I am excited to return to the classroom and pursue my passion of teaching, inspiring, and empowering young minds! As an educator, my goal is to be an advocate for each child and to help them develop as upright, conscientious, and productive young Muslims.
I enjoy reading, spending time with family, and being creative. I recently moved to Maryland and look forward to exploring all that it has to offer!
Mr. Tene Samuto
PE Teacher (K-8) tsamuto@tarbiyahacademy.org
Mr. Tene Samuto
Ms. Rafiah Hashmi
Primary School Art Teacher rhashmi@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Rafiah Hashmi
MYP Faculty
Ms. Nabila Zerarka
8th Grade Social Studies Teacher nzerrarka@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Nabila Zerarka
Bio forthcoming...
Ms. Ateya Arozullah
6th-8th Grade Science & Design Teacher aarozullah@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Ateya Arozullah
My name is Ateya Arozullah and I am excited to start my 2nd year at TA and my 22nd year in education. I will be returning to Tarbiyah Academy as the Science and Design teacher for middle school. I hold a bachelor's degree in microbiology from the University of Maryland and a master's degree in the Art of Teaching from Johns Hopkins University. I currently hold an Advanced Maryland State teaching certificate for grades 7-12 Biology. Over the years, I have worked with students in grades KG-12 teaching various science courses including Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science, Biology and Environmental Science. I have had the opportunity to teach at Al-Rahmah, Baltimore County, and Montgomery County schools. In addition to teaching, I have served as PTS president and Board of Education member at PGMA and ISB. I also served as Principal at ICCL Academy in Laurel. I am thrilled to be back in the classroom expanding the minds of our next generation of leaders. We will be exploring a new inquiry-based science curriculum this year. Thru this hands-on curriculum I hope to ignite a passion for appreciating the depth of Allah’s magnificent creations. In Design class students will use Engineering skills to solve real-world issues. I also aim to further build my students' relationship with the ultimate designer Allah (SWT).
Ms. Faiza Khan
Community Project Teacher faizakhan@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Faiza Khan
Bio forthcoming...
Ms. Bassnt Wahba
Middle School Math Teacher bwahba@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Bassnt Wahba
Bio forthcoming...
Ms. Lisette Abdiruhman
Middle School ELA Teacher labdiruhman@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Lisette Abdiruhman
Events & Front Desk Faculty
Ms. Hoor Yousuf
Events Team Member hooryousuf@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Hoor Yousuf
Ms. Zareen Siddiqui
Admissions Administrative Assistant zsiddiqui@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Zareen Siddiqui
Ms. Lyla Farooq
Middle School Administrative Assistant lhaider@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Lyla Farooq
Ms. Ayesha Waheed
Events Team Member ayeshawaheed@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Ayesha Waheed
Support Staff
Ms. Madeha Mira
Staff Assistant and Before/After Care Provider mmira@tarbiyahacademy.org
Ms. Madeha Mira
Bio forthcoming...