Dr. Hatim Yousef’s journey through sacred learning took him across the UAE and Jordan, where he delved into the intricacies of sacred law under the guidance of venerable traditional scholars. After several years of this immersive education, he embarked on a new chapter in the United States, dedicating himself to teaching Islamic Studies and stepping into the role of Executive Director at an Islamic school.

During his time overseas, Dr. Hatim’s commitment led him to memorize the Quran and obtain several Ijazas, empowering him to impart the nuances of tajweed and hifdh. His studies encompassed Islamic jurisprudence and Quranic sciences, under the tutelage of distinguished scholars in this realm. Fluent in both Arabic and English, his profound grasp of Shariah’s foundations enabled him to effectively transmit Islamic teachings to non-Arabic speakers through both online and in-person settings.

Upon his arrival in the United States in 2008, he became an integral part of the ADAMS center in Sterling, Virginia. Here, Dr. Hatim assumed roles as an Imam and instructor, offering enlightening classes spanning Arabic grammar, hadith, seerah, tafsir, and tajweed. His teaching endeavors further extended online, including Islamic Studies and Islamic Life coaching at Qibla.com and subsequently at Kiflayn.com.

Beyond his instructional efforts in Islam and Quran, one of Ustadh Dr. Hatim’s standout talents lies in interpretation. His profound fluency in both languages and his rooted understanding of Shariah facilitated skillful translation of a diverse array of articles. During his time in the UAE, he served as an interpreter at the University of Sharjah and played a pivotal role in translating religious fatwas for Seekers Guidance.

Dr. Hatim’s academic journey is punctuated by a degree in English and translation, an MA in English and literature, and a PhD in Linguistics. Currently, he resides in Virginia, USA, alongside his family.

Dr. Matthew earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University, School Administration and Supervision Certification from Johns Hopkins University, and Masters of Science in Education and Dual Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Anthropology from Central Connecticut State University. His background includes: Customizing and facilitating social and emotional programs for schools; developing policies, handbooks, ethical codes of conduct, and professional expectations for non-profit school-based organizations; creating and leading workshops for teachers on a variety of topics; and volunteering educational consultation services to affect positive change under certain circumstances.

Rebeca is a dedicated mother of four who is deeply passionate about the outdoors, gardening, and community service. She delights in teaching children how to love and appreciate the environment, fostering a sense of stewardship and wonder in the natural world. Before starting her family, Rebeca had a successful career as an executive assistant to the CFO of a prominent communications company in Tyson Corner, VA. Her professional journey included living overseas, which broadened her perspective and enriched her experiences. Driven by a desire to contribute to her community, Rebeca co-founded a non-profit consignment shop aimed at raising funds for the operational costs of the local mosque. In this role, she skillfully managed inventory, coordinated volunteers, and created advertisements to promote sales, demonstrating her organizational acumen and commitment to service. Now, Rebeca continues to blend her professional skills with her personal passions, nurturing her family and community while instilling a love for the environment in the next generation.

Education:
Masters degree from GMU in Curriculum and Instruction (2012)
Postgraduate Professional Teaching License in ESOL & Arabic PreK-12 (2015-Present)
Intermediate Science of Tajweed Certificate (Advanced Certificate expected 12/25)

Experience:
2nd Grade Teacher at the Islamic Saudi Academy (8 Years)
ESOL Teacher at Arlington County Public Schools (7 Years)
Sunday School Teacher at ADAMS Fairfax (1 Year)
Substitute and Reading Interventionist at FCPS (1 Year)

My Teaching Philosophy: “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”
I strive to develop my students’ social-emotional growth, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. Most importantly, I build connections both with my students and their families.

Samira Al-Ani is an experienced educator with over 16 years of experience in the education field, spanning across the US, Iraq, and Qatar. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Al-Mustansiriya University in Iraq. Throughout her career, Samira has held various roles, including Science and Mathematics Teacher, Physics Teacher, Professional Development Coordinator, School Vice Principal of Academic Affairs, and Professional Development Specialist. She is fluent in English and Arabic and proficient in computer applications, email, and social media. Samira’s expertise lies in educational program coordination, teacher training, and academic administration.

I am honored to serve as the Lead Teacher for First and Second Grade at Noble Garden Academy. With 31 years of teaching experience in international schools in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Scranton, I am passionate about inspiring students to become life-long learners.

I live in Loudoun County with my husband and three children, and I cherish opportunities to travel and witness the beautiful creations of Allah (SWT) around the world. Most recently, our family visited Switzerland, where the stunning mountains and serene lakes reminded me of the blessings we are surrounded by every day.

I look forward to working closely with our students and families to make this school year a joyful and enriching journey for all.

Meet Mrs. Sarah, a devoted mother of three and proud bird mom to five lively conures who bring extra energy and joy to her home. Sarah treasures spending quality time with her family and friends and brings that same warmth and care into her classroom.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Integrative Studies with a concentration in Elementary Education from George Mason University. Sarah has a deep passion for teaching and finds joy in supporting young children as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally. She is continually amazed by how much students can learn in just one school year and is committed to helping each child reach their full potential. One of her favorite parts of teaching is watching her students grow in confidence and ability over time.

Sarah believes that learning happens best when children feel safe, valued, and encouraged. Her goal is to create a positive, welcoming classroom where every child can build confidence, be curious, and learn in their own unique way. She focuses on creating an engaging, hands-on environment where students feel empowered to explore, ask questions, and collaborate with one another. Sarah is looking forward to a great year full of learning and new adventures.

Farhat Ansary is a dedicated educator with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (with a concentration in Childhood and Youth) from George Mason University. Since starting her teaching career in 2010 with Fairfax County Public Schools, she has focused on early childhood education and development.

In 2015, she joined Washington International Academy as a Lead Pre-K teacher, blending traditional and Montessori methods to create engaging learning experiences. After homeschooling her children, Farhat now applies her expertise at Noble Garden Academy, fostering academic, emotional, and spiritual growth in a faith-centered environment. She is passionate about integrating Islamic values into her teaching

Sulaima Arbak is a highly qualified instructor with expertise in Quran, Tajweed, Arabic, and English. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Istanbul and multiple international certifications from UCLA and ijazas from renowned Tajweed scholars in Jordan and America. With a diverse teaching background, including experience in private Islamic elementary schools in the US and public middle schools in Turkey, Sulaima is comfortable working in multicultural settings and creating student-centered learning environments. As a dedicated and adaptable educator, she empowers students to reach their full potential through personalized support and encouraging self-discipline. Her approach has consistently yielded demonstrable success, fostering engaging learning environments that promote academic excellence.

Sevim Kalyoncu is an environmental educator with a passion for helping children understand and connect with nature. Her classes include Chesapeake Bay Watershed education and local plant and animal identification as well as lessons in camping and outdoor skills. She also serves as the Executive Director of Green Muslims, a nonprofit organization aimed at guiding Muslims towards environmental stewardship, where she leads educational nature hikes and Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences (MWEEs) and emphasizes Islamic teachings about human responsibility towards nature and nature’s role in connecting humans with their Creator. Sevim teaming up with NGA is absolutely crucial, given that one of our core missions is to get children in touch with nature. Throughout the school year, she’ll be joining forces with us to ramp up our science programs every month. She is also on board for our summer program extravaganza.

Ahmad Ghassab, an artist, designer and calligrapher, was raised in Amman, Jordan, to a Palestinian family where his innate passion for drawing and painting was nurtured by his father. Moving to the United States for his education broadened his cultural horizons and deepened his understanding of global struggles. His artwork seamlessly blends Eastern and Western influences, reflecting themes from his homeland while embracing diverse motifs from his personal experiences.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Ahmad is deeply committed to education and community engagement. He shares his expertise with young people, fostering a love for art and activism while guiding them towards excellence. Through his dedication to nurturing the next generation of artists and his ability to transcend geographical boundaries with his art, Ahmad Ghassab leaves an enduring legacy of unity, empathy, and inspiration.

Coach Kareem specializes in training athletes. He is dedicated to helping athletes of all levels reach their full potential and achieve their goal through speed and agility training. He also trains mindset and effort. He played collegiate and professional football. His knowledge comes from NASM and sports performance seminars from various organizations. He works with DC United Academy and various high school teams in the Northern Virginia area.