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.”
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.
Russul Abtan
Born and raised in Iraq, my family and I moved to the United States in 2003. I have a M.A. in Education from Antioch University. I taught ESL at a variety of educational settings, and I am happy to be at Medina Academy! Lower elementary is a wonderful age to teach, it's an age of friendships, discovery, and growth! I believe that a child’s mind is very powerful and that every child wants to give his/her best. My hobbies include reading, crafting, tennis, and all things outdoors!
Born and raised in Iraq, my family and I moved to the United States in 2003. I have a M.A. in Education from Antioch University. I taught ESL at a variety of educational settings, and I am happy to be at Medina Academy! Lower elementary is a wonderful age to teach, it's an age of friendships, discovery, and growth! I believe that a child’s mind is very powerful and that every child wants to give his/her best. My hobbies include reading, crafting, tennis, and all things outdoors!
Second Grade
Sahar Bouachir
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.
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
Samira Khan
Bio coming soon.
Bio coming soon.
Fourth Grade
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.
Fifth Grade
Engy Salaheldin (5th grade)
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!