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 26 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 associate’s 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.
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 birthplace (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 26 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 associate’s 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.
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 birthplace (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.”
Tanveer Fatima
I have been working at Medina Academy since 2009. 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. 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.
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.
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.
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 eight 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 his/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 eight 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 his/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
Teaching has always been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I first earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and taught higher level Chemistry for nine years. Later, I continued to pursue teaching by also earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education (K-8 teaching certificate) and 2 certificates in Early Childhood Education (ECE). I have had the honor of teaching at Medina Academy since 2010. Helping students pave their way to success and allowing them to grow and pursue their goals brings me great happiness and joy.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy planting, travelling, and spending quality time with family.
Teaching has always been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I first earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and taught higher level Chemistry for nine years. Later, I continued to pursue teaching by also earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education (K-8 teaching certificate) and 2 certificates in Early Childhood Education (ECE). I have had the honor of teaching at Medina Academy since 2010. Helping students pave their way to success and allowing them to grow and pursue their goals brings me great happiness and joy.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy planting, travelling, and spending quality time with family.
Farzana Ratna
I am originally from Bangladesh where I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from Dhaka University. I have also earned a paraprofessional associate degree in Accounting from Bellevue College. Curious by nature and a firm believer in continuous learning, I recently completed a few courses from Stanford University.
By the grace of Allah (SWT), I have been in the teaching profession for the last five years. Teaching is an absolute passion of mine and I believe that teachers have the extraordinary power to unlock the students’ hidden talent.
When I am not working, I love to take care of my orchids and tropical plants collection, spend quality time with my family and watch Islamic scholars’ lectures.
I am originally from Bangladesh where I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from Dhaka University. I have also earned a paraprofessional associate degree in Accounting from Bellevue College. Curious by nature and a firm believer in continuous learning, I recently completed a few courses from Stanford University.
By the grace of Allah (SWT), I have been in the teaching profession for the last five years. Teaching is an absolute passion of mine and I believe that teachers have the extraordinary power to unlock the students’ hidden talent.
When I am not working, I love to take care of my orchids and tropical plants collection, spend quality time with my family and watch Islamic scholars’ lectures.
Fourth & Fifth Grades
Sahar Bouachir (4th grade Math & Science)
I was born and raised in Tunisia and in 2007, I moved to Canada where I lived for more than 7 years. My educational background is in biotechnology and biochemistry, which I studied at Carleton University, Canada. Later, my family and I moved to the United States where I started volunteering and helping teachers in my children’s school. After accepting a teaching position in South Carolina, I decided to pursue a second career path and started a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. I am currently taking classes and planning to obtain my teaching licensure early 2022.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, biking or simply exploring new places. I also spend some of my free time in the kitchen, trying new recipes from all around the world, and baking sweets and cakes for my family and friends.
I believe every child is unique and deserves a caring, inspiring, and engaging atmosphere in which to grow emotionally, intellectually, and socially. As an educator I want to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing a safe, risk-taking, and collaborative environment. I want our students to develop positive character and leadership traits which are essential in becoming a productive citizen. I believe a positive elementary education is essential to creating successful life-long learners.
I was born and raised in Tunisia and in 2007, I moved to Canada where I lived for more than 7 years. My educational background is in biotechnology and biochemistry, which I studied at Carleton University, Canada. Later, my family and I moved to the United States where I started volunteering and helping teachers in my children’s school. After accepting a teaching position in South Carolina, I decided to pursue a second career path and started a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. I am currently taking classes and planning to obtain my teaching licensure early 2022.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, biking or simply exploring new places. I also spend some of my free time in the kitchen, trying new recipes from all around the world, and baking sweets and cakes for my family and friends.
I believe every child is unique and deserves a caring, inspiring, and engaging atmosphere in which to grow emotionally, intellectually, and socially. As an educator I want to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing a safe, risk-taking, and collaborative environment. I want our students to develop positive character and leadership traits which are essential in becoming a productive citizen. I believe a positive elementary education is essential to creating successful life-long learners.
Gazala Madiwale (5th grade Math & Science)
I was born and raised in India where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. My passion in teaching first started when I worked as a teacher assistant during my undergrad where I tutored students about MS office and computer hardware. After graduating, I moved to Canada where I met my husband at The University of British Columbia. We got married and moved to Seattle, Washington where I raised my kids and luckily became a part of the Medina Academy family as an educator. I also got my degree in Human Resource Management and Strategic HR from Michigan State University.
As an enthusiast for teaching, I have also partnered up with a software company in India to open up an online tutoring service in Seattle called RenStudy.com. This platform gives me the opportunity to scout out the best tutors in Java/Python, ACT/SAT and Statistics for our students.
Additionally, in my free time I love to spend quality time with my husband, three beautiful kids and our new 6-month-old kitten! My family and I enjoy long walks, coffee, and shopping!!
As an educator, I strongly believe that every child has the right to learn and follow their dreams. My goal is to provide our students with the correct resources and a safe and secure learning environment. The best advice I could give to my students and anyone else is to, “Never say, I can’t, always say I will”.
I was born and raised in India where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. My passion in teaching first started when I worked as a teacher assistant during my undergrad where I tutored students about MS office and computer hardware. After graduating, I moved to Canada where I met my husband at The University of British Columbia. We got married and moved to Seattle, Washington where I raised my kids and luckily became a part of the Medina Academy family as an educator. I also got my degree in Human Resource Management and Strategic HR from Michigan State University.
As an enthusiast for teaching, I have also partnered up with a software company in India to open up an online tutoring service in Seattle called RenStudy.com. This platform gives me the opportunity to scout out the best tutors in Java/Python, ACT/SAT and Statistics for our students.
Additionally, in my free time I love to spend quality time with my husband, three beautiful kids and our new 6-month-old kitten! My family and I enjoy long walks, coffee, and shopping!!
As an educator, I strongly believe that every child has the right to learn and follow their dreams. My goal is to provide our students with the correct resources and a safe and secure learning environment. The best advice I could give to my students and anyone else is to, “Never say, I can’t, always say I will”.
Engy Salaheldin (4th & 5th grade ELA & Social Studies)
I am originally from Egypt and living in the US for 17 years. I graduated from the Faculty of Arts, English Department, Language and Translation at the Alexandria University, Egypt. I started my master’s in education a few years ago from the University of Phoenix, paused for a while, and I am currently preparing my last required exam to earn my master’s degree.
This is my second year working in Medina Academy, but I have been a part of the Medina family as a parent and volunteer. I have three wonderful kids; two attended Medina Academy and one is still a student here.
As an elementary teacher, I believe that my role is to create a secure environment where students feel free to ask questions and get involved in the instruction process. Thus, I apply the interactive teaching method that allows students to cooperate, share information, do group activities, and discuss different points of view.
I am originally from Egypt and living in the US for 17 years. I graduated from the Faculty of Arts, English Department, Language and Translation at the Alexandria University, Egypt. I started my master’s in education a few years ago from the University of Phoenix, paused for a while, and I am currently preparing my last required exam to earn my master’s degree.
This is my second year working in Medina Academy, but I have been a part of the Medina family as a parent and volunteer. I have three wonderful kids; two attended Medina Academy and one is still a student here.
As an elementary teacher, I believe that my role is to create a secure environment where students feel free to ask questions and get involved in the instruction process. Thus, I apply the interactive teaching method that allows students to cooperate, share information, do group activities, and discuss different points of view.
Teacher Assistants
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 it!
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 it!
Salma Vhora
I moved to Seattle from Chicago, where I earned 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 privately tutoring for the past 15 years.
I joined Medina Academy in 2014. I enjoy working with elementary level children and building positive relationships with them.
Outside of school, I enjoy hikes, biking, exploring new things in the city and volunteering for the community with my family.
I moved to Seattle from Chicago, where I earned 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 privately tutoring for the past 15 years.
I joined Medina Academy in 2014. I enjoy working with elementary level children and building positive relationships with them.
Outside of school, I enjoy hikes, biking, exploring new things in the city and volunteering for the community with my family.