PAWS Staff
Amani Chalati
Director
Dear PAWS Families, I want to extend to you and your children my warmest welcome into our Pillars Weekend School (PAWS). My name is Ms. Amani Abdulbaki Chalati. I have been in the Early Childhood education field for 18 years. I am certified as an early childhood and school age educator. I have worked with children from the ages of 2-years-old to 13-year-olds as a teacher, lead teacher, supervisor, and director. I worked in the USA and abroad teaching all subjects and this added to my experience a great deal. I also enjoy spending time reading, exercising, and spending time with my 19-year-old daughter Sha'am. I love traveling, learning, and speaking new languages. One of my goals through my job is to help your children discover their individuality and work alongside them to maximize it.
Hala Almobayed
Administrator
Assalamalaikum, my name is Hala Almobayed, and I am the School Administrator. I am majoring in Fashion design, and I have worked as administrator for Dar Alquraan private school. I also worked with kids aged between five to ten years old learning Arabic language for private school in Turkey. I recently joined PAWS and am pleased to be a part of such an amazing team. I wish all of you and your children a pleasurable and positive new school year and look forward to meeting and helping you all.
Hasina Noorzoy
Administrator
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My name is Hasina Noorzoy and I am one of the administrators at Pillars Academy Weekend School. I have been at Pillars since 2015. I have a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies from California State University of Long Beach and my Master Teachers Permit through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Department. I have been working at public schools and private schools since 2004. I have three beautiful children. In my free time I enjoy reading, hiking in nature, picnicking by the beach, road trips and spending time with my family. What I enjoy the most at Pillars Academy Weekend School is the loving and caring atmosphere. I look forward to working with all of you and your children to ensure a safe, fun, and educational environment.
Faten Akiel
Moubayed
Teacher
Dear Pillars Academy weekend school families!! My name is Faten Akiel Moubayed and I am happy to be back to Pillars Academy Weekend school. I am from Syria and received my Bachelor Degree from Damascus University.and certified to teach Al-Qawaid Al-Nooranieyah from Noorani learning center. I worked as an Arabic, Math, Quran and Islamic studies teacher for over 10 years at Al-Rashid school, Al-Manar school in San Diego and Pillars Academy Weekend school. I continued my carrier at Saddleback Valley Unified School (SVUSD) as an Instructional Assistant for over 4 years. I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners! Helping each child progress in Quran and Islamic Studies in a positive and fun environment.
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Neda Elatafat
Teacher
Asalamu alaykum, I am the Arabic teacher on Saturday. Before moving to California, I lived in Palestine where I graduated as a journalism major and political science minor. I became a journalist in Palestine and worked for ten years. After that, my family and I moved to California. I decided to become a teacher two years after my kids enrolled at PAWS. I am currently enrolled in Early Childhood Education courses. I expect students to strive to work hard and to make sure that students know and understand what they are learning. I will work hard with your children to make sure they learn more and have fun doing so. Thank you so much, it is my pleasure to be teaching the students and I hope your children have a wonderful year here at PAWS.
Hiba Fakhro
Teacher
Asslamu alaikum, my name is Hiba Fakhro. I will be teaching your child Islamic Studies and Quran. This will be my second year teaching at Pillars Academy Weekend School and I am currently enrolled in Early Childhood Education courses. I am looking forward to a great year of learning filled with many activities. I was happy to see our Pillars students back and I want to welcome our new families. I enjoy learning about the abilities, interests, and experiences that each child has that makes them who they are.
Suher Saleh
Teacher
My name is Suher Saleh. I am glad to be your child’s teacher. Arabic is my first language and I have a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. I attended several lessons in Tajweed, Tafseer, and Aqidah. I was a teacher for the same level last year. Currently, I am attending two classes at Irvine Valley College (IVC) regarding child development and teaching.
Rasha Bazerbashi
Teacher
Asslamu alaikum, my name is Rasha Bazerbashi and I have been a teacher at Pillars Academy Weekend School for a few years now. I am honored and fully committed in contributing to your child’s education at Pillars Academy and I will be teaching your child Arabic Studies. I grew up in Damascus, Syria where I studied Arabic and Islamic Studies. I taught both subjects publicly and privately before I moved to California and now I am happy to be able to continue doing what I enjoy. I enjoy learning about and strengthening each student’s abilities, interests, and experiences that make him/her unique. Together we will learn how to respect ourselves, our parents, and the rights and beliefs of others. Thank you and I am looking forward to a great year of learning filled with many activities.
Salma Zendaki
Teacher
My name is Salma Zendaki. I'm a Quran and Islamic studies teacher. I'm a biology major. I've got preservation and mastery certificates from Kuwait for 23 Juza's of the holy Quran. I speak Arabic fluently as it's my mother language. I used to teach the Quran for kids between three and half to six years old for three years. I'm passionate about teaching kids and I have the patience and energy to deal with them. I look forward to teaching your kids Islamic study and most importantly the holy Quran.
Lina Toumeh
Teacher
Assalam alaikum dear parents, my name is Lina Toumeh. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from Syria. Before moving to California, I was in Saudi Arabia where I learned Tajweed, Tafseer, Aqidah, and Alqaida-al-nurania. I had been teaching Arabic and Qur’an there for more than 20 years. I am a mom for 4 children who graduated from university and I have 5 grandchildren. Working with children is my passion and watching them grow and develop into their knowledge gives me happiness. I would like my students to learn through playing. I am glad to be part of Pillars Academy Weekend School family.
Fariba Ludin
Administrator
As-Salaam Alaikum. My name is Fariba Ludin, I am the school administrator for Pillars Academy Weekend School. I also do volunteer work in the community as my passion is to contribute, support, and make a difference. Previously I worked for an insurance company as a Division Manager Assistant with extensive experience. I like to stay active by doing outdoor activities and being connected to nature. I’m delighted and look forward to the opportunity to make this school year a pleasant and rewarding experience for everyone.
Ammar Shihabi
Teacher
Dear parents, assalam alaykom. My name is Ammar Shihabi, I will be teaching your students Quran and Islamic Studies . A little bit about myself is that I am currently completing my computer engineering bachelor's degree. I will begin my internship at Cal trans while completing my degree. I have volunteered and mentored students and individuals at the Institute of Knowledge in Diamond Bar, taught Quran on the side, and have my certificate of my memorization for certain Juz’. Thank you.
PAWS Staff
Inaam Alamire
Teacher
Assalamu Alaikum Dear Parents,
My name is Inaam Alamire.
I recently joined the academic team at the Pillars Academy as a Sunday School Quran and Islamic Studies Teacher.
I am first and foremost a mother of four highly educated, Ivy League graduate children. I have a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton. I am a seasoned Academic Professional with more than ten years of teaching Quran, Islamic Studies, Arabic and Quranic Arabic work experience. I have previously coached and advised new incoming teachers, as well. I look forward to meeting you all in the near future, InshaAllah.