Lead Teachers
Kindergarten
Shaheen Ali
I was born and raised in the Indian city of Agra (the land of Taj Mahal - one of the 7 wonders of the world). My husband and I moved to the Seattle area about 22 years ago. Originally, we came from Northern India where I did most of my undergraduate work at the University of Agra, graduating with a Master's degree in Political Science. I earned a bachelor's degree in Education and taught in India for a few years before deciding to move to the States. After I moved to the States, I earned my teaching credentials from the state of Washington with endorsements in Elementary Education, Math, English and Political Science. Since my kids were small, I pursued further studies and earned an associates degree in Technical Support from Bellevue College and a certificate course in Software Testing from the University of Washington.
I started teaching at Medina Academy in 2004. In all my years of teaching at Medina Academy, I have taught Kindergarten except for one year when I taught Science in 5th grade & Kindergarten. I love teaching Kindergarten because it is such a fun and curious age; they are excited and eager to learn everything about the world around them. I feel very privileged to be able to teach kids at such a young age.
My husband and I have three adorable kids. My son is 20 years old and is a Junior at Washington University at St. Louis. My daughter is 17 years old and is a junior at Newport High School and my youngest daughter is 15 years old and is a sophomore also at Newport High. My children keep me very busy all summer long and I feel very blessed to be able to spend precious time with my children.
When I am not teaching and learning, I enjoy skating, biking, reading novels, and playing board games with my children. I enjoy cooking and I love entertaining friends with food. My favorite book (besides Quran and Islamic books) is Three Cups of Tea and I love traveling to my birth place (India) to visit relatives and friends. Of course I look forward to spending each and every day with my awesome Kindergarteners as it is truly a gift from Allah(SWT) to be their teacher at this time in their lives. It’s a job that allows me to teach and learn alongside my students. “Those of us who are in this world to educate- to care for-young children have a special calling: a calling that has very little to do with the collection of expensive possessions but has a lot to do with the worth inside of hearts and heads. In fact, that’s our domain: the heads and hearts of the next generation, the thoughts and feelings of the future.”
I was born and raised in the Indian city of Agra (the land of Taj Mahal - one of the 7 wonders of the world). My husband and I moved to the Seattle area about 22 years ago. Originally, we came from Northern India where I did most of my undergraduate work at the University of Agra, graduating with a Master's degree in Political Science. I earned a bachelor's degree in Education and taught in India for a few years before deciding to move to the States. After I moved to the States, I earned my teaching credentials from the state of Washington with endorsements in Elementary Education, Math, English and Political Science. Since my kids were small, I pursued further studies and earned an associates degree in Technical Support from Bellevue College and a certificate course in Software Testing from the University of Washington.
I started teaching at Medina Academy in 2004. In all my years of teaching at Medina Academy, I have taught Kindergarten except for one year when I taught Science in 5th grade & Kindergarten. I love teaching Kindergarten because it is such a fun and curious age; they are excited and eager to learn everything about the world around them. I feel very privileged to be able to teach kids at such a young age.
My husband and I have three adorable kids. My son is 20 years old and is a Junior at Washington University at St. Louis. My daughter is 17 years old and is a junior at Newport High School and my youngest daughter is 15 years old and is a sophomore also at Newport High. My children keep me very busy all summer long and I feel very blessed to be able to spend precious time with my children.
When I am not teaching and learning, I enjoy skating, biking, reading novels, and playing board games with my children. I enjoy cooking and I love entertaining friends with food. My favorite book (besides Quran and Islamic books) is Three Cups of Tea and I love traveling to my birth place (India) to visit relatives and friends. Of course I look forward to spending each and every day with my awesome Kindergarteners as it is truly a gift from Allah(SWT) to be their teacher at this time in their lives. It’s a job that allows me to teach and learn alongside my students. “Those of us who are in this world to educate- to care for-young children have a special calling: a calling that has very little to do with the collection of expensive possessions but has a lot to do with the worth inside of hearts and heads. In fact, that’s our domain: the heads and hearts of the next generation, the thoughts and feelings of the future.”
Kehkashan Soomro
I grew up in Pakistan and moved to North America in 1998. I have been living in Seattle since 2002 and working in Medina Academy since 2003. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from the University of Karachi, Pakistan. I have also done two years of Articleship in Chartered Accountancy. When I started working with preschoolers in Medina Academy I enjoyed working with young children so I decided to pursue education in Early Childhood and earned a certification from Bellevue College. I have four grown up daughters and as family we like hiking and outdoor activities. I enjoy spending time doing yard work and taking classes in Islamic studies and Quran.
I grew up in Pakistan and moved to North America in 1998. I have been living in Seattle since 2002 and working in Medina Academy since 2003. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from the University of Karachi, Pakistan. I have also done two years of Articleship in Chartered Accountancy. When I started working with preschoolers in Medina Academy I enjoyed working with young children so I decided to pursue education in Early Childhood and earned a certification from Bellevue College. I have four grown up daughters and as family we like hiking and outdoor activities. I enjoy spending time doing yard work and taking classes in Islamic studies and Quran.
First Grade
Sobia Dar
I have had the privilege to be part of Medina since 2010. I have my M.SC in Chemistry from Quaid-e Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan. I earned my second Master’s degree in Education from City University Seattle in 2010. I love watching the growth of students in their early school years. The sparks in their eyes keep me going.
I have had the privilege to be part of Medina since 2010. I have my M.SC in Chemistry from Quaid-e Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan. I earned my second Master’s degree in Education from City University Seattle in 2010. I love watching the growth of students in their early school years. The sparks in their eyes keep me going.
Michelle Wilson
I was born into a family of doctors and engineers. After completing my pre-medical program, I decided that there are already a lot of doctors in my family, and I wanted to try something different. So I switched my career line from medicine to education. One of the biggest joys of teaching children is seeing the lights turn on as they discover a new concept. As a teacher, I enjoy being a facilitator of learning and skillfully mold my students into fluent readers, brilliant writers, confident speakers and strong mathematicians. I motivate and inspire my students to always do their best and become passionate about education. I have over 10 years of experience working with children of all age groups from preschool to high school.
I have a Masters degree in English Language and Literature and my teaching certificate is in English Language Arts and Reading through University of St. Thomas, Texas. I am a firm believer in continuing education. I am two courses away from earning my associate’s degree in database administration from Tomball College, Texas. Over the years I have taken many credit classes including computer science, networking, Oracle and C++ programming, Anatomy and Physiology, Speech, English writing, Psychology, Health care, Life Skills and many more.
As a teacher of young children, I feel I have a huge responsibility on my shoulders. I take this job very seriously. I have a power to instill in their young minds that with hard work and dedication they can achieve whatever they want to achieve in life.
We have a very studious environment in our home too. My husband has a bachelors in accounting and he is pursuing another degree from Lake Washington University. I consider myself to be very lucky to have such a wonderful family. My adorable daughter loves reading her dad's anatomy and physiology books :) She wants to become a doctor. I totally see her becoming one. She loves books.
When I am not teaching I love being with my precious family, being outdoors, reading Quran, praying, listening to Dr. Zakir Naik's lectures, reading a good book, swimming, working out, trying out new restaurants and enjoying Zumba.
I was born into a family of doctors and engineers. After completing my pre-medical program, I decided that there are already a lot of doctors in my family, and I wanted to try something different. So I switched my career line from medicine to education. One of the biggest joys of teaching children is seeing the lights turn on as they discover a new concept. As a teacher, I enjoy being a facilitator of learning and skillfully mold my students into fluent readers, brilliant writers, confident speakers and strong mathematicians. I motivate and inspire my students to always do their best and become passionate about education. I have over 10 years of experience working with children of all age groups from preschool to high school.
I have a Masters degree in English Language and Literature and my teaching certificate is in English Language Arts and Reading through University of St. Thomas, Texas. I am a firm believer in continuing education. I am two courses away from earning my associate’s degree in database administration from Tomball College, Texas. Over the years I have taken many credit classes including computer science, networking, Oracle and C++ programming, Anatomy and Physiology, Speech, English writing, Psychology, Health care, Life Skills and many more.
As a teacher of young children, I feel I have a huge responsibility on my shoulders. I take this job very seriously. I have a power to instill in their young minds that with hard work and dedication they can achieve whatever they want to achieve in life.
We have a very studious environment in our home too. My husband has a bachelors in accounting and he is pursuing another degree from Lake Washington University. I consider myself to be very lucky to have such a wonderful family. My adorable daughter loves reading her dad's anatomy and physiology books :) She wants to become a doctor. I totally see her becoming one. She loves books.
When I am not teaching I love being with my precious family, being outdoors, reading Quran, praying, listening to Dr. Zakir Naik's lectures, reading a good book, swimming, working out, trying out new restaurants and enjoying Zumba.
Second Grade
Kendra Blaskowski
I have been a teacher for more than 17 years. After earning my Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin, I went on to teach in many different schools world wide. I have had the privilege to teach at many Islamic schools and public schools across the country as well as in Namibia while in the Peace Corps.
I have taught for five years at Medina Academy. Along the way I have learned many things from my students as well. My greatest delight is helping children find the fun in learning and everything that this world has to offer. My hope for each and every one of my students is for them to be able to not only grow in her class, but come to understand what it means to be a wonderful Muslim.
I have been a teacher for more than 17 years. After earning my Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin, I went on to teach in many different schools world wide. I have had the privilege to teach at many Islamic schools and public schools across the country as well as in Namibia while in the Peace Corps.
I have taught for five years at Medina Academy. Along the way I have learned many things from my students as well. My greatest delight is helping children find the fun in learning and everything that this world has to offer. My hope for each and every one of my students is for them to be able to not only grow in her class, but come to understand what it means to be a wonderful Muslim.
Mai Irsheid
I have a bachelor degree in English literature and after working with various jobs and being a mother of two adorable kids, I decided to follow my passion. I started working at Medina Academy since 2011. Luckily, I have never got used to nor ceased to enjoy teaching and learning. I find contentment in seeing our kids sprouting as I worked with different age groups. Giving endows me with joy, however when I'm not in gear and keeping up with my kids, I enjoy traveling, walking, and sports.
I have a bachelor degree in English literature and after working with various jobs and being a mother of two adorable kids, I decided to follow my passion. I started working at Medina Academy since 2011. Luckily, I have never got used to nor ceased to enjoy teaching and learning. I find contentment in seeing our kids sprouting as I worked with different age groups. Giving endows me with joy, however when I'm not in gear and keeping up with my kids, I enjoy traveling, walking, and sports.
Third Grade
Sarab Muhyaddin
My name is Ms. Sarab and I am from the Middle East. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, 2 certificates in Early Childhood Education (ECE), and a K-8 teaching certificate for Washington State. I feel that the early years are vital in helping children develop good habits and to become good citizens. One of the highlights that I enjoy in teaching is watching the children expand their knowledge on what they already know. I have been teaching at Medina Academy since 2009. When I am not teaching, I enjoy traveling, being outdoors and spending time with friends and family.
My name is Ms. Sarab and I am from the Middle East. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, 2 certificates in Early Childhood Education (ECE), and a K-8 teaching certificate for Washington State. I feel that the early years are vital in helping children develop good habits and to become good citizens. One of the highlights that I enjoy in teaching is watching the children expand their knowledge on what they already know. I have been teaching at Medina Academy since 2009. When I am not teaching, I enjoy traveling, being outdoors and spending time with friends and family.
Fourth Grade
Martin Wall
My name is Marty Wall and I am a native of Washington State, born in Bellingham and raised in rural Whatcom County. I attended Lynden High School and after graduation enlisted in the United States Coast Guard where I spent four years on active duty and two years reserve duty. After I left the Coast Guard I enrolled at Washington State University where I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities. After a long, successful career in corporate marketing and sales, I went back to school and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Central Washington University. My teaching career began in the Tri-Cities, Washington before relocating to Seattle to teach with Seattle Public Schools. I spent over five years with Seattle Public Schools before moving on to private, non-profit schools. Most recently I was an instructor with Southwest Youth and Family services teaching high school Language Arts and US History. I am excited to move back in to teaching at the elementary level. Previously I've taught 4th and 5th grade and enjoy working with younger students.
I live in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle where I enjoy many hobbies. I am on the Board of Directors of the Youth Development Fund, a non-profit that serves disadvantaged students throughout King County. I am also active in the American Legion where I am a member of Post 40 out of Ballard. In my spare time I enjoy traveling with friends and spending time at the beach.
My philosophy of teaching is that all children are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can learn and grow physically, emotionally, spiritually and socially. I want to create an active learning environment where children have the opportunity to meet their full potential. In my classroom I prefer to present a framework and foundation for learning that allows students to make discoveries on their own. Our classroom is a community of learners where everyone is respected, heard. I will present a safe and welcoming environment where students are invited to share, take risks and all ideas are considered.
My name is Marty Wall and I am a native of Washington State, born in Bellingham and raised in rural Whatcom County. I attended Lynden High School and after graduation enlisted in the United States Coast Guard where I spent four years on active duty and two years reserve duty. After I left the Coast Guard I enrolled at Washington State University where I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities. After a long, successful career in corporate marketing and sales, I went back to school and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Central Washington University. My teaching career began in the Tri-Cities, Washington before relocating to Seattle to teach with Seattle Public Schools. I spent over five years with Seattle Public Schools before moving on to private, non-profit schools. Most recently I was an instructor with Southwest Youth and Family services teaching high school Language Arts and US History. I am excited to move back in to teaching at the elementary level. Previously I've taught 4th and 5th grade and enjoy working with younger students.
I live in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle where I enjoy many hobbies. I am on the Board of Directors of the Youth Development Fund, a non-profit that serves disadvantaged students throughout King County. I am also active in the American Legion where I am a member of Post 40 out of Ballard. In my spare time I enjoy traveling with friends and spending time at the beach.
My philosophy of teaching is that all children are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can learn and grow physically, emotionally, spiritually and socially. I want to create an active learning environment where children have the opportunity to meet their full potential. In my classroom I prefer to present a framework and foundation for learning that allows students to make discoveries on their own. Our classroom is a community of learners where everyone is respected, heard. I will present a safe and welcoming environment where students are invited to share, take risks and all ideas are considered.
Fifth Grade
Jami Siddiqui
Ever since I was a young girl, I have been passionate about studying other countries, cultures and religions especially the Middle East. I was born and raised on the Eastside of Seattle in Kirkland and have witnessed the amazing growth and diversity in our community over the past few decades. Since returning to work as an educator after having children, I have taught World History and English Language Arts in the Shoreline, Renton, Bellevue, and the Northshore school districts. Last June 2018, I graduated with a Masters of Education from the University of Washington where I did extensive research on Muslim American students. My two young children keep me very busy - I have a 6-year-old son and an 8-year-old daughter. When I am not teaching, I enjoy going to art museums, playing tennis, visiting cold & rocky Washington beaches, reading, and writing. I look forward to meeting and working with all of you and contributing to this incredible community, inshaAllah.
Ever since I was a young girl, I have been passionate about studying other countries, cultures and religions especially the Middle East. I was born and raised on the Eastside of Seattle in Kirkland and have witnessed the amazing growth and diversity in our community over the past few decades. Since returning to work as an educator after having children, I have taught World History and English Language Arts in the Shoreline, Renton, Bellevue, and the Northshore school districts. Last June 2018, I graduated with a Masters of Education from the University of Washington where I did extensive research on Muslim American students. My two young children keep me very busy - I have a 6-year-old son and an 8-year-old daughter. When I am not teaching, I enjoy going to art museums, playing tennis, visiting cold & rocky Washington beaches, reading, and writing. I look forward to meeting and working with all of you and contributing to this incredible community, inshaAllah.
Teacher Assistants
Tanveer Fatima
I have been working at Medina Academy since 2009 as a KG assistant. I have my bachelors in commerce from Punjab College of Commerce. I have three kids. They all completed their preschool and elementary education at Medina Academy. Working and raising kids in an Islamic environment is a blessing. I love working with younger kids.
As a family, we like to take road trips and go camping and hiking. In my free time, I like to cook, read, and watch good comedy shows.
I have been working at Medina Academy since 2009 as a KG assistant. I have my bachelors in commerce from Punjab College of Commerce. I have three kids. They all completed their preschool and elementary education at Medina Academy. Working and raising kids in an Islamic environment is a blessing. I love working with younger kids.
As a family, we like to take road trips and go camping and hiking. In my free time, I like to cook, read, and watch good comedy shows.
Marryam Jaffery
Born and raised in the heart of Pakistan (Lahore). Lahore is a very culturally diverse and historic city of Pakistan. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Punjab, Pakistan. I worked for many years at the British council in Lahore, in the examination department and conducted all O Level and A Level exams. I married and migrated to USA in 2000 and I am the proud mom of three handsome teenage kids. Outside of school, I keep myself busy with kids and exploring our evergreen state. I also have a passion for travel and love cooking Pakistani food. I have been working at Medina Academy since 2012.
Born and raised in the heart of Pakistan (Lahore). Lahore is a very culturally diverse and historic city of Pakistan. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Punjab, Pakistan. I worked for many years at the British council in Lahore, in the examination department and conducted all O Level and A Level exams. I married and migrated to USA in 2000 and I am the proud mom of three handsome teenage kids. Outside of school, I keep myself busy with kids and exploring our evergreen state. I also have a passion for travel and love cooking Pakistani food. I have been working at Medina Academy since 2012.
Salma Vhora
I was born and raised in Gujrat, India. I moved to the US when I was 14 years old. I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics for Secondary Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I have taught in different Islamic schools in Chicago and have been doing private tutoring for the last 15 years.
I joined Medina Academy in 2014. I enjoy working with elementary level children and building positive bonds with them. I have two kids who also attend Medina Academy.
Outside of school, we do fun hikes, biking, exploring new things in the city and volunteering for the community.
I was born and raised in Gujrat, India. I moved to the US when I was 14 years old. I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics for Secondary Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I have taught in different Islamic schools in Chicago and have been doing private tutoring for the last 15 years.
I joined Medina Academy in 2014. I enjoy working with elementary level children and building positive bonds with them. I have two kids who also attend Medina Academy.
Outside of school, we do fun hikes, biking, exploring new things in the city and volunteering for the community.
Salwa Salih
I was born and raised in Khartoum , the capital of Sudan where I attended the University of Khartoum for my bachelors degree. Following my graduation , I lived in Saudi and worked at a local elementary as a math teacher. Since I came here, I decided to further my career as a teacher and work at the Muslim Youth Academy for 7 years, the Islamic School of Seattle for 1 year , and currently a teacher at Medina Academy. I developed my education in the U.S by getting a diploma in Early Childhood education and now working on my associate degree in education. Outside the teaching community, I spend time with my family, cook gourmet meals, or read a favorite novel. Being a teacher is a great 'experience and highly recommended by me.
I was born and raised in Khartoum , the capital of Sudan where I attended the University of Khartoum for my bachelors degree. Following my graduation , I lived in Saudi and worked at a local elementary as a math teacher. Since I came here, I decided to further my career as a teacher and work at the Muslim Youth Academy for 7 years, the Islamic School of Seattle for 1 year , and currently a teacher at Medina Academy. I developed my education in the U.S by getting a diploma in Early Childhood education and now working on my associate degree in education. Outside the teaching community, I spend time with my family, cook gourmet meals, or read a favorite novel. Being a teacher is a great 'experience and highly recommended by me.