
PAWS Staff
Amani Abdulbaki
Principal
Hasina Noorzoy
Administrator
.jpeg)
My name is Hasina Noorzoy, and I am honored to be part of the administrative and educational team at Pillars Academy. I have been working in education since 2004 and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Long Beach, as well as a Master Teacher Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
This year marks my 11th year at our wonderful school. I truly love being part of our caring school community and enjoy watching children learn, grow, and reach their milestones. My goal is to help create a safe, joyful, and nurturing environment where every child feels supported and excited to learn.
Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, road trips, hiking, and spending time with my family. I am a proud mom of three children, ages 18, 16, and 12.

As-Salamu Alaykum Dear PAWS Families,
It is my pleasure to welcome you and your children to Pillars Weekend School (PAWS). I am honored to serve as your Principal and look forward to partnering with our families and staff to provide our students with a strong, nurturing, and meaningful Islamic education.
I bring 26 years of experience in Early Childhood and School-Age Education, serving as a teacher, lead teacher, supervisor, director, and principal. I have worked with children from ages 2 through youth, both in the United States and abroad.
Alongside my educational and leadership experience, I have specialized training in Qur’an education, Noorani Qaida, and Tajweed, with a strong commitment to helping children develop accurate Qur’an recitation and a lasting connection to the Qur’an.
My goal is to help every child discover their unique strengths, build confidence, and reach their fullest potential, academically, spiritually, and personally.
I look forward to a wonderful year together, Insha’Allah!
Assalamu Alaykum. My name is Rim Dakelbab, and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, as well as degrees in Early Childhood Education and Film and Television.
With more than 25 years of experience working with humanitarian organizations and schools, I bring administrative, educational, and community-based experience.
I'm passionate about supporting students, families, and staff and am committed to helping create a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment where every child can learn and thrive.
Outside of school, I enjoy filming, hiking, and spending time at the beach. What I value most about Pillars Academy is its loving and caring community, and I hope to support families and work together with them to make each child’s experience meaningful, positive, and enriching.

Rim Dakelbab
Administrator
Bassima Masri
Qur'an Teacher & Supervisor

_edited_edited.jpg)
Fayha Koja
Qur'anic Arabic Teacher
Kawthar El-Itani
Arabic Teacher

Assalamu alaikum,
My name is Sr. Bassima Masri, I have a lovely family, and I love travelling and learning about different cultures. I am honored to join the Pillars Academy team as the Quran teacher. I cannot wait to learn, grow, and have a fantastic year with the students. I believe that every child can learn in a safe, kind, and fun environment. I have been working in the healthcare industry for 17 years. I am mujaza in Q'uran and Tajweed. I ask Allah (SWT) to use me to facilitate Quran memorization to Pillars Academy students InshaAllah.
Jazakumu Allahu Khairan
Assalamu Alaikum,
I am a proud mother of three sons and grandmother of two beautiful girls. I have been teaching Arabic and Qur’an since 1997, and I am passionate about helping children develop a love for the Qur’an and the Arabic language.
My educational background includes studies in Civil Engineering, Child Development units, CSET credentials in Arabic, and a Montessori Diploma (IAPM).
I am honored to be your child’s Qur’anic Arabic teacher this year. My goal is to create a fun and meaningful learning experience while nurturing confident, knowledgeable, and faithful young Muslims. With the support of our families, I look forward to making this a wonderful year of learning and growth.
Muotaa Daaboul
Islamic Studies Teacher

Assalamu Alaikum,
I am an educator passionate about creating a warm and engaging learning environment where students feel encouraged to learn and grow.
I joined the Pillars Weekend School community in 2024 and enjoy sharing my love for the Arabic language and culture. My educational journey began in 2017 and includes teaching experience in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from The Lebanese University and a Cambridge CELTA certification. I believe every student learns uniquely, and I strive to make learning meaningful, joyful, and confidence-building.

