Meet our Teacher – Elhaam Academy

Saffiyah Hoosein

Head of School

Saffiyah Hoosein

Head of School

I am honored to serve as the Head of School at Elhaam Academy. My vision is to create a school community where children are inspired to learn, teachers are supported to grow, and families are welcomed as essential partners. I believe schools should be places where curiosity is sparked, confidence is built, and children are prepared to embrace both challenges and opportunities in life. As Head of School, I am dedicated to fostering a culture of collaboration, respect, and continuous growth. By supporting our educators and working closely with families, I strive to ensure that every child receives not only a strong academic foundation but also the guidance and encouragement to grow into confident, compassionate individuals. Outside of school, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, staying active at the gym, and baking new recipes. And when I find a quiet moment, I love to relax with a good horror movie. I look forward to continuing to grow Elhaam Academy as a place where students thrive, educators are empowered, and our entire community works together toward lasting success.

Shareefa Khan

Assistant Executive Director

Shareefa Khan

Assistant Executive Director

Shareefa Khan serves as the Assistant Executive Director at Elhaam Academy, bringing over a decade of experience in early childhood education and school leadership. Her professional background includes five years as a Kindergarten teacher and five years as an Assistant Principal, providing her with a strong foundation in both classroom instruction and school administration. In her leadership role, Ms. Khan supports academic excellence through curriculum development, faculty leadership, and student-centered initiatives. She is deeply committed to building strong instructional systems and fostering an environment where both students and educators can grow and succeed. Ms. Khan holds an Advanced Certificate in School Building Leadership from St. John’s University, a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Bernard Baruch College. She is certified in Early Childhood Education in New York and Arizona.

Anum Hussain

First Grade Teacher

Anum Hussain

First Grade Teacher

Sister Anum Hussain serves as a First Grade Teacher at Elhaam Academy and brings over seven years of experience in early childhood and elementary education. She holds degrees in education from CUNY Hunter College and is dedicated to creating a strong academic foundation for young learners. Sister Anum focuses on building an engaging and supportive classroom environment where students develop confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Her instructional approach emphasizes literacy development, foundational skills, and positive classroom culture to support student growth. She is committed to partnering with families and supporting each child’s academic and personal development, helping students thrive during these formative years.

Irin Karin

Afterschool Teacher

Irin Karin

Afterschool Teacher

Irin Karin serves as an after-school teacher at Elhaam Academy. She is dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where students can learn, explore their interests, and build positive relationships beyond the school day. Through enrichment activities, homework support, and collaborative experiences, Ms. Karin encourages students to develop creativity, responsibility, teamwork, and confidence. Her patient and supportive approach helps ensure that every student feels valued and enjoys a meaningful after-school experience.

Laila Mulrain

Kindergarten Teacher

Laila Mulrain

Kindergarten Teacher

Sister Laila Mulrain serves as an early childhood educator at Elhaam Academy and brings over a decade of experience teaching in early elementary settings. She is committed to supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional development during their formative years. Sister Laila designs engaging, hands-on instruction that builds foundational skills and encourages curiosity and confidence in young learners. She believes students thrive in environments where they feel supported, respected, and encouraged to explore new ideas. She values strong collaboration with families and works intentionally to support each child’s growth by recognizing and nurturing individual strengths.

Tahiya Choudhury

Second Grade Teacher

Tahiya Choudhury

Second Grade Teacher

Sister Tahiya Choudhury serves as the Second Grade Teacher at Elhaam Academy. She holds a Master of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education. Sister Tahiya brings a strong commitment to student-centered instruction and continuous professional growth. She draws on her academic background and classroom experience to support diverse learning needs and to create engaging, responsive learning environments. She is dedicated to fostering a welcoming classroom culture where students feel supported, motivated, and confident as learners.

Maksuda Begum

STEAM

Maksuda Begum

STEAM

Maksuda Begum serves as the STEAM teacher at Elhaam Academy. She is passionate about creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that encourage students to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Ms. Begum strives to create a supportive classroom where students feel confident experimenting, asking questions, and learning through discovery. Through creative projects, teamwork, and problem-solving activities, she helps students develop curiosity, critical-thinking skills, and a lasting love of learning.

Zaakirah Hassad

QAIS Teacher 8th Grade Homeroom

Zaakirah Hassad

QAIS Teacher 8th Grade Homeroom

Zaakirah Hassad serves as the 8th Grade Homeroom Teacher at Elhaam Academy and teaches Islamic Studies, Arabic, and Qur’an across the school. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies and Sciences and brings more than six years of teaching experience. As an educator, Ms. Hassad believes that teaching extends beyond academics. Her approach is guided by compassion, patience, integrity, and respect. She strives to create a classroom environment where students feel valued, are encouraged to ask questions, and develop confidence in their abilities. Recognizing that every student has unique strengths and potential, she is committed to helping each child discover and develop those qualities. Outside the classroom, Ms. Hassad enjoys sports and road trips. She believes that learning, curiosity, and personal growth continue far beyond the classroom and brings that same enthusiasm to her teaching.

Amani Elgnani

QA Teacher

Amani Elgnani

QA Teacher

Amani Elgenani serves as a Qur’an and Arabic teacher at Elhaam Academy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies from Islamic American University and a master’s degree in Educational Science from Minnesota University. She has also earned three ijāzāt, including one from Al-Furqan in Saudi Arabia. Ms. Elgenani is passionate about sharing her love for the Qur’an and Arabic language with her students. She strives to create a warm and encouraging classroom where every child feels supported and inspired to grow. Through patience, compassion, and meaningful instruction, she hopes to help students strengthen their skills, build confidence, and develop a lasting connection to the Qur’an and their faith.

Zainab Evans

QA Teacher

Zainab Evans

QA Teacher

Zainab Evans serves as a Qur’an and Arabic teacher at Elhaam Academy. She holds a degree from St. Francis College and has a strong passion for education and sharing knowledge. Ms. Evans is dedicated to helping students strengthen their Qur’anic understanding, develop their Arabic language skills, and deepen their connection to their faith. Her teaching reflects patience, compassion, and a commitment to creating a supportive learning environment where students can grow academically and spiritually. Outside the classroom, Ms. Evans enjoys reading, hiking, archery, cooking, baking, and watching documentaries.

Mathew Gonzalez

6th Grade Homeroom & Middle School Humanities Teacher

Mathew Gonzalez

6th Grade Homeroom & Middle School Humanities Teacher

Brother Mathew Gonzalez serves as a Middle School Humanities Teacher at Elhaam Academy, focusing on English Language Arts and Social Studies. He uses a structured and engaging approach to strengthen students’ reading, writing, critical-thinking, and communication skills. Through meaningful texts, historical topics, and thoughtful discussions, Brother Mathew encourages students to analyze information, consider different perspectives, and express their ideas clearly and confidently. Grounded in Islamic values, his classroom promotes responsibility, compassion, respect, and strong character while preparing students for continued academic success.

Afrin Shoshi

Fourth Grade Teacher

Afrin Shoshi

Fourth Grade Teacher

Sister Afrin Shoshi serves as a Fourth Grade Teacher at Elhaam Academy. She brings a thoughtful and inclusive approach to instruction that supports students with diverse learning needs and strengths. Sister Afrin creates a structured, supportive classroom environment where students feel valued, respected, and empowered to learn. Her teaching emphasizes inquiry, critical thinking, and active engagement, helping students build confidence and develop strong academic foundations. Through purposeful instruction and consistent guidance, she supports students in reaching their academic goals while fostering independence, perseverance, and a positive relationship with learning.

Rumana Afroz

5th Grade Teacher

Rumana Afroz

5th Grade Teacher

Rumana Afroz serves as the fifth-grade teacher at Elhaam Academy. She holds a master’s degree in education and is passionate about helping students grow academically, socially, and personally. Ms. Afroz strives to create a welcoming and engaging classroom where students feel valued, supported, and confident in their abilities. Through meaningful instruction, collaboration, and encouragement, she helps students strengthen their academic skills, develop independence, and build a lasting love of learning.

Saudia Rahim

Advisory Teacher

Saudia Rahim

Advisory Teacher

Sister Saudia Rahim serves as the Mental Health Counselor and Advisory Teacher at Elhaam Academy. She supports students’ social and emotional development during the elementary years, helping them build the skills needed for healthy growth and learning. Sister Saudia works with students to develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and effective communication skills. Her approach emphasizes early support, helping students recognize emotions, express themselves appropriately, and develop positive coping strategies. Through guidance and structured support, she helps students build resilience, empathy, and confidence. Her work focuses on equipping students with lifelong skills that strengthen relationships, support well-being, and promote success both in school and beyond.

Wuri Kusumastuti

7th Grade Homeroom & Middle School Math & Science Teacher

Wuri Kusumastuti

7th Grade Homeroom & Middle School Math & Science Teacher

Dr. Wuri is a passionate and dedicated Middle School Math and Science teacher who brings enthusiasm, positivity, and curiosity into her classroom. She earned her Master’s degree from the University of Montana and her doctorate from SUNY Albany, specializing in Curriculum Development and Educational Technology (Theory and Practice). Since 2012, she has taught students across various educational levels, from K–12 to college. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in an optimistic and positive mindset, and she believes that every student has the ability to learn, grow, and succeed. She emphasizes hands-on and authentic learning experiences, helping students connect what they learn in theory to real-world applications. Outside of the classroom, Dr. Wuri enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family. They love playing board games, trying different restaurants, having meaningful conversations, and simply enjoying each other’s company. She believes that these moments of connection, laughter, and shared experiences are an important part of a happy and balanced life.

Fatima Niass

Hands of Hope After School Instructor

Fatima Niass

Hands of Hope After School Instructor

Fatima leads Elhaam Academy’s Hands of Hope after-school program, guiding students in kindness-driven service projects that uplift our school and community. With a focus on empathy, teamwork, and leadership, she helps children turn good intentions into meaningful action.