Aida Ziga
Aida Ziga is an experienced early childhood educator with over 10 years of teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten. This year, she is excited to begin her new role as a Kindergarten teacher. Aida’s teaching style is fun, hands-on, and organized, with a focus on creating a caring and engaging environment where students feel supported and excited to learn every day.
Our Teaching staff
Samira Salad
Samira brings a holistic and nurturing approach to early childhood education. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from ASU State University and has experience as an assistant teacher in educational management. With a strong interest in family and child development, Samira is also a certified Health Coach with a Master's-level specialization in Family Wellness and Pregnancy. As an herbalist and dedicated researcher in child and family development, Samira integrates her diverse expertise to support the growth and well-being of young learners and their families.
Jamela Aintrazi
With over a decade of teaching experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Education from UNC Charlotte, Jamela has dedicated her career to creating meaningful and engaging learning environments. From the very beginning, she has developed her own curriculum to better meet the unique needs of her students. For the past three years, Jamela has also taken on leadership roles in curriculum development, collaborating closely with both teachers and students to enhance instructional practices. This year, she serves as both a teacher and a Curriculum Advisor at Al Manara, continuing to grow, lead, and innovate in the field of education. She is passionate about fostering curiosity, creativity, and deep engagement through hands-on exploration and an integrative approach to learning. Jamela looks forward to enriching the educational experience of both students and staff at Al Manara.
Azza Tarabichi
Azza Tarabichi is thrilled to be part of Manara Academy as an elementary teacher. She has nearly 10 years of experience teaching elementary students, along with 3 years of teaching undergraduates at Ajman University. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy and has a deep passion for inspiring young minds and creating a positive, nurturing classroom environment. As a mother of three, she combines academic knowledge with personal experience to support the growth and development of every child she teaches. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in encouraging curiosity and meeting students where they are. She believes every child can thrive when they feel seen, heard, and supported. Outside the classroom, she enjoys baking, crafting, and spending time with her family. She feels honored to walk alongside her students on their learning journey and is committed to helping them grow, not just academically, but as kind, confident young Muslims.
Shereen Hussein
Shereen Hussein brings over 12 years of experience in English language instruction, along with two years of specialized experience as an English Language Advisor. She holds a Bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature from Cairo University, as well as a postgraduate diploma in Literary Translation from the same institution. Shereen is passionate about creating a lively and interactive classroom environment where students are encouraged to participate, explore, and grow. With a strong foundation in language education, she is committed to fostering a deep appreciation for the English language through engaging, student-centered instruction.


Insaf Kilani
With over nine years of experience in education, Insaf has taught 4th and 5th grades and served as both a high school coordinator and curriculum coordinator. She recently earned her Master’s in School Administration from UNC Charlotte and will soon be a licensed school administrator. As an educator at Manara Academy and as a mother and Muslim educator, Insaf believes every child is an amanah, a trust that deserves purposeful, compassionate, and high-quality education.
Hadil Derradji
Hadil is originally from Algeria and currently lives in Charlotte with her husband. She holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies. Over the past few years, she has had the privilege of teaching Arabic language, Islamic Studies, and Quran recitation. Hadil has a deep love for reading, teaching, and continuously learning new things. She is truly excited to be joining the Manara Academy community and looks forward to meeting and supporting her students on their journey.


Khadija Aledrisi
Khadija Aledrisi is an experienced Arabic and Quran teacher with a Bachelor's in Educational Sciences. She has taught for over 8 years, specializing in Tajweed and creative teaching methods. Khadija is known for her joyful spirit and strong connection with children.
Salam Roumi
Salam is a dedicated educator and mother of three wonderful children. Originally from Damascus, Syria, she was raised in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She holds a degree in Dental Laboratory Technology from Damascus University. With a strong foundation in Islamic education, Salam memorized the Qur’an at the age of 15 and has participated in Qur’an centers in Al-Ain, U.A.E. She has six years of experience teaching Qur’an in Islamic schools, working with both elementary and middle-high school students. Passionate about nurturing faith and character, Mrs. Salam is committed to supporting her students on their spiritual and academic journey through a warm, engaging, and faith-centered classroom environment.


Taghred Essa
Taghred Essa is a committed educator with a strong foundation in Islamic scholarship, Arabic language instruction. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Ain Shams University, Egypt. In addition to her professional background in finance, Ms. Essa has extensive experience in teaching Qur’an, Arabic, and Islamic studies to diverse age groups in both Egypt and the United States. She has served in teaching roles across community centers and educational programs, consistently demonstrating her ability to deliver structured, engaging, and age-appropriate instruction rooted in authentic Islamic knowledge. Ms. Essa is a Hafiza of the Qur’an, having completed full memorization with mastery of Tajweed rules. She is currently pursuing Ijazah in both Hafs and Shu'bah recitations. Her instructional philosophy integrates traditional Islamic teachings with modern pedagogical practices to create an inclusive and values-centered classroom environment. She is particularly passionate about Arabic literature, poetry, and creative expression, using these tools to deepen students’ appreciation for language and faith.


Laila Moussa
Laila Moussa is an experienced Arabic and Quran teacher with over 11 years in the field. She holds a diploma from the Institute for Preparing Quran Teachers and is certified in teaching Noorani Qaida. She has completed training in Quranic parenting, behavior management, and positive education. Her passion is to help children grow with strong Islamic values, connecting faith to everyday life through both knowledge and action.


Enas Elgamal
My name is Enas Elgamal. I have been an educator for 4 years, specializing in the Quran and Islamic Studies. I graduated from the University of Alexandria in 2012 with a Bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science. Currently, I am pursuing my teaching certification and working on my growth as an educator. I enjoy attending Islamic classes to deepen my knowledge of Islam and participating in self-growth programs to incorporate Islamic values into our young Muslim community.













