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
Assalamu Alaikum,
My name is Hala Almobayed, and I am the School Administrator. I have previously worked as an administrator at Dar Al-Quraan Private School and have experience teaching Arabic to children ages five to ten at a private school in Turkey. I am currently pursuing a degree in Fashion Design.
I have a deep passion for helping students grow in a positive and nurturing environment, and I truly value the sense of community we share at our school. I wish you and your children a joyful and successful school year, and I look forward to meeting and supporting each of you.
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.
Rayan
Teacher
Hoda Mekkawi
Teacher
Salam, My name is Hoda Mekkawi, and I am originally from Lebanon. I am honored and excited to
continue working with this wonderful team. I hold certifications in Tajweed and Qaida Al-Noorania, and I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in science. I have many years of experience teaching at Pillars Academy Weekend School, where I enjoyed finding creative and engaging ways to inspire my students.
This year, I will be teaching Quranic Arabic, Arabic, and Tajweed for the upper level, and I look forward to guiding my students in deepening their understanding and developing their Arabic language skills. My goal is to create a positive and supportive learning environment where every
student feels encouraged and motivated to do their best. I am passionate about helping students connect with the beauty of the Arabic language and the Qur’an, and I strive to make every lesson meaningful, engaging, and inspiring.
Kawthar El-Itani
Teacher
Nuha Kawas
Teacher
Wafaa
Teacher
Salam, I'm a passionate educator with a bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature from the Lebanese University, along with a prestigious Cambridge Certificate in teaching English Language to Adults and speakers of other languages (CELTA).
I've had the pleasure of teaching elementary and intermediate classes in Lebanon and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
As an educator, my top priority is creating a warm and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and supported. I wholeheartedly believe in the amazing impact of education and strive to inspire my students to reach their full potential.
My focus is on nurturing a love of learning and developing critical thinking skills, and I'm always eager to grow professionally to provide the best possible education for my students.
Salaam, my name is Nuha Kawas, an Arabic language teacher from Syria and a mother of two
boys and one girl. I studied French Literature at Damascus University. I have studied Tajweed and hold a certificate in Al-Qaida Al-Nourania. I have been teaching Arabic and Quran for six years—three years in weekend schools in California and three
years in Tennessee. I am currently teaching at Pillars Academy, where I am passionate about creating an engaging and interactive learning environment that meets students’ needs and inspires them to love the language.
Salaam, I am Wafa Najjarine from Lebanon. I studied Tajweed, obtained the Nooraniyah certificate, and have two years of experience teaching the Holy Quran. My goal is to help students read the Quran correctly. I am a dedicated and passionate Tajweed teacher, holding the Nooraniyah certificate, with three years of teaching experience. I believe in the importance of teaching the Holy Quran correctly and strive to convey this skill to my students in a clear and simple manner. My goal is to empower students to master Quran recitation with confidence and proper Tajweed.
Mutaa
Teacher
Asamaa
Teacher
Neda Elatafat
Substitute -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.
Samah Ammar
Substitute -Teacher
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As-SalamuAlykum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuh
By Allah’s grace, I hold an Ijazah in Qur’an recitation and teaching (Qira’ah and Iqraa) in the narration of Hafs from Imam Asim, via the Shatibiyyah method. My certifier, Sheikh Salah bin Muhammad bin Uthman of Al-Azhar University, traces his Sanad (chain of narration) back to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), with my position being 28th in the chain.
I specialize in teaching Qur’an recitation, Tajweed, and memorization to students of all ages and skill levels. Over the years, I have taught at esteemed institutions in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, helping learners master Tajweed, memorize from 2 to 30 Juz, and improve their connection with the Qur’an.
My mission remains to spread Qur’anic knowledge, nurturing a love for the Qur’an in every student I teach.
Hiba Fakhro
Substitute -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.
Rasha Bazerbashi
Substitute -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.