Staff Bio

Elham Abdel-Hamid

Angie Hindy

ARSLAN ARIF
VP High School
As-salamu alaykum!I am the Vice Principal of the High School at Safa and Marwa Islamic School. I joined the SAM family in 2018, and I have always been dedicated to making sure that our students achieve success in their academics and personal lives.I started off my career as a Mechanical Engineer, however I found true passion in inspiring and educating the youth. I quickly gained experience as a teacher, entrepreneur, and a consultant within the education field. With over 6 years experience, I understand what it takes for high school students to achieve their academic goals and do my best to help set them upon a path to a successful life.

ANEESA KHAN ALI
VP Elementary School
Salaam. I am excited and honored to be your Vice-Principal of the Elementary School. I began teaching at SAM in 2017 as a Grade 4 teacher. This experience has transformed my passion for teaching in every way. I have been teaching for a total of 22 years and it has always been my goal to ensure students succeed through quality experiences at school that would positively shape their lives. Education is dynamic and so should every educator! As such, I am pursuing a Masters in education, specializing in Curriculum & Instruction. Fun fact: Apart from school, I am a very outgoing mom to 2 adventurous children, MashaAllah! We love exploring the outdoors and enjoying nature. I have a keen interest in sports, art, and puzzles.

HODA ABDELRAHIM
Executive Assistant
Salam š My name is Hoda Abdelrahim and I am an executive assistant at Safa and Marwa Islamic School. I grew up in London ON and I graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. I am a mother of two beautiful children who are happily attending SAM School. I am skilled in coordinating a busy office flow and multiple pressing tasks. I am extremely adept at providing clerical support to executive meetings and working with administrators to plan effective agendas. Working in an office and seeing children everyday brings me great joy. In my spare time I really enjoy volunteering at any community services and helping those who are in need. I love spending quality time with my family & friends, walking and writing diaries. My goal in this life is to gain Allahās pleasure.

JAMILA ELAHI
HS Administrative Assistant
Salam ! My name is Jamila Elahi. I am the Administrative Assistant at Safa and Marwa Islamic School secondary campus. I graduated from York University with Bachelors of Environmental Studies and a certificate in Sustainable Energy. I also studied at Al-Huda Institute and obtained two diplomas by completing both Taleem Ul Quran and Taleem Ul Hadith courses. I love doing outdoor activities, spending time with family and friends, and trying new restaurants/dessert spots/cafes. I like to consider myself an outgoing individual, so working at SAM and having the opportunity to meet and engage with so many people makes me very happy.

Saima Naeem
Administration

Rachid Boumerdjan

Swafiya Swaleh
JK Homeroom

Shagofta Imtiaz
JK Assistant
My name is Shagofta Imtiaz. I am a trained Montessori teacher certified by Canadian Montessori Teacher Education Institute. I have also completed the Taleem Ul Quran (translation and tafseer) course at Alhuda International Institute. For the past 8 years, I have been working in early childhood setting in different roles and I am currently the JK assistant teacher. This is my first year at Safa and Marwa Islamic school, and I am thoroughly enjoying my experience here. I have a passion with working with kids and enjoy my time with them.

Salwa Siddiqui
SK Homeroom

Doha Horani
Arabic Teacher & SK Assistant Teacher
My name is Miss Doha Horani, I have been teaching Arabic for JK,SK students in Safa And Marwa for six years now and hamdulillah it is a good experience , I love kids and I enjoy teaching them. By the way I am a mother in law and hope to be a grandmother soon inshallah.

ZAINA SEMAAOUI
Grade 1 Homeroom Teacher
As-salamu alaykum! my name is Zaina. I am the French teacher at Safa and Marwa Islamic School. I joined the SAM family this year. My passion is teaching. I love kids and it fills my heart with joy to watch them grow. My philosophy is that each child is unique, therefore they learn and thrive at their own pace. I graduated with a master’s degree in Education & Technology and a certificate of teaching a second language from Laval University. In my free time I enjoy running and cycling. My favorite thing to do in the world is walking on the beach and collecting seashells. I look forward to continuing to have a positive impact on the children’s growth and to new discoveries with an amazing team of teachers. Thank you for sharing your precious children with us!

ASMA AYAZ
Grade 2 Homeroom Teacher
As Salam Alaikum!I am Asma Ayaz and this is my first year at Safa and Marwa Islamic School. I am the Grade 2 Homeroom Teacher and very happy to be a part of this wonderful organization. I come with 9 years of teaching experience having taught British and Canadian curriculum. Teaching is my passion and I enjoy spending time with children. As an educator, I try to provide personal care to students by identifying their needs, selecting and using methods to promote learning.
OMEMA ali
Grade 3 Homeroom Teacher
My name is Omema Ali and I am the Grade 3 Homeroom teacher. It’s an honour to be part of Safa and Marwa Islamic School. I have been teaching for 9+ years now and I love my job. Teaching has always been my passion. It makes me happy to see my students learn, grow and succeed. My teaching philosophy is based on the fact that each child is different and unique with varying levels of strengths. As a teacher, I work with them to discover their strengths and reach their full potential. I have a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering and Behaviour Science and graduated from Guelph Humber with Early Childhood Education. I have worked as a Behaviour Therapist at Aim Pediatric Therapy and also as a coding instructor for kids. Currently, I am pursuing a Degree in Mathematics for Education. As an educator, I am always striving to maximize the learning of my students by making it more fun and hands-on. I am the mother of a 10 years old boy and love playing with him, especially building Lego!

Naglaa Kasbany
Islamic Studies Teacher / Librarian
EHSAAN KARAM
Grade 4 Homeroom

FATME HAMMOUD
French Teacher
My name is Fatme Hammoud. I have a degree in Biology. I have a degree in Tajweed as well. I am a teacher at Safa and Marwa Islamic School. I teach Quran and French. I have 3 amazing boys. I love cooking and baking. I donāt like chocolate.

Mohamed Umeya
G5 Homeroom
My name is Mohamed Umeya and I have had the privilege of being a part of Safa and Marwa from the start of the 2021 school year. After acquiring my Ba from University of Toronto St George and spending 5 years teaching highschool I have now set out to be the homeroom teacher for grade 5 as well as the grade 6-7 Science teacher. Together with a team of amazing and creative teachers, I am committed to providing an islamically sound foundation for a lifetime of learning. At Safa and Marwa, we know that deen is the child’s most important work, and we strive to create and maintain an environment where your child can grow and thrive while exploring the world around them. Thank you for sharing your precious children with us!

Zakwan Alhalabi
Deen/Quran
Assalamu Alaikum. I was born in Damascus and grew up in Great Umayyad Mosque, where I received my IJAZA of Quran and Islamic studies. I graduated from Damascus University with a degree in electronic and communication, and taught there for 10 years. I have taught in many Islamic institutes and private Islamic universities, and even have experience in Islamic tourism. In 2012, I moved to Malaysia where I taught Quraan and other Islamic subjects. I am excited to join Safa and Marwa Islamic school as an Islamic Studies and Quran teacher. In addition, I am also working as an Imam and Khatib. FUN FACT: I like horseback riding.

ASMA ARIF
HS Computer
“Assalam Alikum,
I am new to Canada and I am liking it so far. I am very excited to teach elementary school and be part of Safa and Marwa. I come with more than 16 years of teaching experience in high schools. I have taught IGCSE ICT in British schools and was the Head of grade 11 and 12. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (IT). Teaching is my passion and devoting my time for my students give me satisfaction. I was hired by Cognition company from New Zealand as a technology leader to provide Technical Professional developments to schools. I love shopping and buying new bags and shoes.”

Maha Nouri

Souade El-Tounssi

Amal Hafidi
I am Amal Hafidi and a French teacher working at Safa and Marwa Islamic School. French is my passion and teaching our Muslim youth is my privilege. My goal in teaching is to positively influence the future ummah, islamically and follow the intended curriculum using islamic teaching and values. I love anything chocolate, and it is always welcome š
I am experienced in teaching all grade levels. I’ve been one of the longest working teachers in this school for a total of 16 years. I’ve prided myself in my hard work and passion during my time and I hope to continue to give my all during the upcoming years, inchaAllah. I have watched this school transform into a beautiful, supportive, and professional environment.
I am proud of my current and previous students that I still meet today. I ensure all my students are driven towards excellence.

Zhoyeb Shaikh

Aalia Mehar Khan
HS English

SHIVA MEFTAHI
Language
I am Shiva Meftahi, English and social studies teacher with more than seven years of teaching experience who has dedicated her life to studentsā academic success. I did my bachelorās degree, my first and second masterās degree at Western University, all in the field of education and teaching. I am an educator who is born to make a difference by providing a safe, fun and interesting learning environment where students showcase their full capabilities and develop learning skills. Creativity is always appreciated in my classes as it helps students to grow academically and personally, while, they are encouraged to have critical thinking and team work.

RESHMA MUKADAM
HS Science Teacher
Assalamu Aleikum My name is Reshma Mukadam and I am a high school science teacher at Safa and Marwa for 3 years. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science(physics) and Bachelor of Education from Mumbai University and holding license of Ontario certified teacher (OCT). I began my teaching career in the Star high school in Mumbai and then taught 7 years in Doha Qatar as a high school science teacher at Ruqayya Albayan Educational Complex and 2 years at American Academy. This year I am teaching grade 11 Biology and Chemistry, grade 12 Biology and Chemistry and grade 9 Science and grade 10 Science. Currently, I live in Mississauga with my husband and my 4 four children. I enjoy cooking, reading, shopping and spending time with my family.

WAFAA KHAWAJA
Math
Salam! My name is Wafaa Khawaja and I am a University of Toronto graduate with an Honours Degree in Science, majoring in Mathematics and Statistics. In my 18 years in Canada, Iāve spent over six of them avidly educating, and have found myself to be continuously adapting my teaching style to bring out the best in my students. My experience ranges from elementary to high school students, and regardless of grade level, I find each day a brand new journey in opening students’ eyes to the fun of math. By monitoring progress and keeping up with students on an individual basis, students achieve a thorough understanding of course content; one deeply-rooted as to benefit them in the future. So as a parting note, Iād like to quote Muslim human rights activist Malcolm X: āEducation is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.ā

NOBERA CHOWDHURY
Student Counsellor
“I am Nobera Chowdhury and I am the Student Counsellor at SAM. I am here to help the students with their emotions, social and behaviour concerns in an open and non-judgemental way. Together, we develop solutions, set goals and work really hard to resolve whatever issues they are facing, whether they are having stress at home or school, difficulty focusing in the classroom, understanding and managing emotions and more.
I have a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto in Psychology and Sociology, a diploma in Social Service Work and certification in Life Coaching. I have always been interested in the way people think, feel and solve problems so working at SAM has been the perfect fit for me, alhamdulillah.
In order to be healthy physically, mentally and emotionally, and to be an effective counsellor, I take self care very seriously. My personal combination includes working out, spending quality time with my family and friends, travelling, listening to audiobooks (doubling the speed, of course) and spending quiet time alone!”

AMER ALABED
HS Social Sciences/Islamic St
Salam! I am Amer Alabed, the teacher of Islamic and Social Studies at Safa and Marwa High School. I have a PhD in Educational Studies and worked in the educational sector for more than 10 years in international schools and universities in the Middle East. I am also interested in business and digital marketing studies and love photography and graphic design. For me, joining the SAM team is an exciting experience, and I am looking forward for a successful and productive school year for all.

FARHANA WAQAS
HS Math