Sister Zina has been serving as the Principal of Al Madina School of Richmond for the past three years, leading with dedication to academic excellence, curriculum development, and student success. With seven PHD credits in Education , Curriculum development, holds a Master’s in Comparative Cultural Studies and a Bachelor’s in Social and Cultural Studies, along with Montessori certifications in both Elementary and Early Childhood. She has also completed training in conflict resolution, curriculum integration, classroom management, leadership, and student assessment.
With over 25 years of experience as a teacher and curriculum specialist, Zina has taught and led in schools across the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia. Her roles have included classroom teacher, Montessori coordinator, curriculum developer, and education specialist. This rich background allows her to guide Al Madina with both global perspective and a strong foundation in Islamic and academic education.
Halimah Abdul-Mateen has been an integral part of Al Madina School of Richmond since 2016. Known for her professionalism, dedication, and commitment to student success, she has served the school in multiple leadership roles, including Assistant Principal during the last academic year. Now as School Administrator, she continues to support the school community with her strong organizational skills and passion for education. Halimah works closely with staff, students, and families to ensure a positive learning environment and is deeply dedicated to helping students grow both academically and personally.
Sameen Rafi has been serving as Finance Manager at Al Madina School of Richmond since 2021. She holds a Master of Science in Business Management with a strong background in mathematics, statistics, and economics. With over seven years of experience in finance, customer service, marketing, and research, Sameen brings both expertise and versatility to her role. Prior to joining Al Madina, she worked as a Financial Secretary at Henrico Public Schools and also held positions in the healthcare and IT sectors. Her professionalism and dedication ensure the school’s financial operations run smoothly and effectively.
Sarah Mahdawi serves as the Front Desk Administrator at Al Madina School of Richmond. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from Virginia Commonwealth University and brings with her six years of retail experience, five of which were spent in a coordinator role managing front-end employees.
This will be her second year with Al Madina School of Richmond. In addition to her current role, Sarah has served as Administrative Coordinator for ICVA’s Summer Camp in 2024 and for ICVA’s Weekend Islamic School during the 2024–2025 year. With her strong organizational skills and dedication, she ensures smooth daily operations and provides vital support to staff, students, and families.
Mounira El-Khayat has been an integral part of Al Madina School of Richmond for over 20 years, making her one of the most beloved members of our school community. She has touched the lives of countless students across generations — many of whom, including current staff, were once her own Pre-K students. Known for her warmth, patience, and nurturing spirit, she has created lasting bonds with families and helped shape the foundation of our school with love and dedication.
In addition to serving as the school librarian, Mounira is the SIP and Head of Arabic Teachers as well as an Islamic Studies Curriculum Specialist. She holds a BFA in Interior Architecture from Damascus University and has earned certifications in Islamic sciences, including Seerah, Fiqh, Aqidah, and Tafseer. With 25 years of teaching and leadership experience, her expertise in Arabic instruction and Islamic curriculum development continues to enrich our school. Her legacy is one of knowledge, kindness, and a lifelong commitment to the Al Madina community.
Reguia Seffah is the Pre-K Lead Teacher at Al Madina School of Richmond, where she has been teaching for the past eight years. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and is Montessori trained, with additional certifications in Nourania and Tajweed.
With over 17 years of teaching experience, Reguia previously served as a Pre-K Lead Teacher at MCC Private School for eight years and also taught Arabic at Al Madina for one year. She is passionate about early childhood education and is dedicated to creating a nurturing, engaging, and faith-based learning environment for her students.
Samar Maqshar has been a part of Al Madina School of Richmond since 2022, serving as the Pre-K Assistant Teacher. She is known for her kindness, dedication, and the genuine care she shows each child. With a natural love for working with young children, Samar helps create a warm, supportive, and engaging classroom environment where students feel safe and excited to learn.
Sakinah Rollins, an Al Madina alumna who graduated in 2024, joined the school’s Pre-K team as an Assistant Teacher. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree while bringing her energy, positivity, and strong teamwork skills to the classroom.
Loved for her sweet and enthusiastic nature, Sakinah works closely with the Pre-K team to create a fun, nurturing, and engaging environment where students feel supported and excited to learn.
Amel Baa is our Kindergarten teacher in her second year of teaching. She holds a university degree in Computer Science and Business Management. Amel is excited to bring her organizational and technical skills into the classroom, helping young learners develop a strong foundation in their education.
Aminah Martinez is a Kindergarten teacher with a strong foundation in early childhood education with over 20 years of experience with Al Madina school of Richmond and IQRA. She holds an Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Science in Child Studies. Additionally, she is Montessori trained, which enriches her approach to fostering a nurturing and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children.
Javeria Hanif, an alumna of Al Madina School of Richmond, returned to the school as the 2nd Grade Teacher after completing her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2024.
She brings a strong background in education support and administration, having worked in accessibility services, student support, and academic coordination during her time at NVCC and VCU. Known for her professionalism, dedication, and care for her students, Javeria is passionate about fostering a positive and engaging classroom environment where every child feels supported in their learning journey.
Alia Bey serves as the 3rd Grade Homeroom Teacher at Al Madina School of Richmond. She holds a Master of Science in Biology from Virginia State University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Sweet Briar College. She is currently pursuing further studies in Health, Physical Education, and Exercise Science at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Alia brings a wide range of experience in education, research, and youth development. She has worked as a research assistant on the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study at VCU, a child and youth program assistant at Fort Lee, and a biology instructor at the Math Science Innovation Center in Richmond. With her strong academic background and dedication to student growth, Alia creates a supportive and engaging classroom where students are encouraged to think critically, explore, and excel.
Aisikaer Gulirui serves as the 4th Grade Homeroom Teacher and Elementary School Lead at Al Madina School of Richmond, where she teaches 4th and 5th grade English and Social Studies. She holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Freed-Hardeman University and a Bachelor of Science in International Finance from Xinjiang University.
With over a decade of teaching experience in both public and private schools, Aisikaer has taught elementary education, developed curriculum, and instructed English as a Second Language to diverse groups of students. She is also multilingual, fluent in Uyghur, Mandarin, and English, and brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to her classroom. Dedicated and collaborative, she works closely with staff, students, and families to foster academic growth and a strong sense of community across the elementary program.
Jennifer Brown serves as the 5th Grade Homeroom Teacher at Al Madina School of Richmond, where she also teaches 4th and 5th grade Science and Math. She holds a Virginia Collegiate Professional License with an endorsement in Middle Education Mathematics (Grades 6–8) and has extensive training in Montessori education, including a Primary Montessori Certification.
Jennifer brings over a decade of teaching experience from both U.S. and international schools. She has taught in Saudi Arabia at the American International School of Riyadh, where she led 4th grade instruction across core subjects and supported school-wide initiatives in social-emotional learning and math curriculum development. She has also taught in Montessori programs in Virginia and continues to integrate creative, inquiry-based learning strategies into her classroom. Known for her dedication and expertise, Jennifer is passionate about building strong academic foundations while fostering curiosity and confidence in her students
Sumaila Khan is an accomplished educator specializing in Middle and High School Honors U.S. History, Honors World History, Honors U.S. Government, and Islamic Studies, including Seerah and Tarbiyyah. She holds an MA in Interreligious Studies, a Postgraduate degree in Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Civics. Sumaila is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Islamic Studies with a concentration in Tafsir and Hadith Sciences. She possesses multiple Ijazas in Tafsir and Hadith, as well as expertise in the sciences of Qur’anic recitation. With over 20 years of experience in various educational institutions, including six years as an Upper School teacher at AlMadinah and seven years as a Qur’ānic Commentary Researcher, Sumaila has contributed significantly to the field of education. Her involvement in training Pakistani Education Ministers and her work with prestigious schools such as American International School System, Beaconhouse School, and Lahore Grammar School showcase her commitment to fostering academic excellence. Sumaila’s extensive background and passion for education equip her to inspire and mentor the next generation of learners.
Nasirah Rollins teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Math and 6th & 7th grade English. She holds a degree from Georgetown University in Psychology. She is certified in Mental Health Studies and Social Skills and Practices, and has a diploma in Teaching Skills for Educators. With 13 years of experience in classroom management and instruction, Nasirah is dedicated to fostering a positive learning environment that encourages student engagement and success.
Usamah serves as the 8th Grade Homeroom Teacher and Science Teacher for grades 6–12 at Al Madina School of Richmond. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science from Rutgers University and brings over three decades of teaching experience to the classroom.
For 28 years, Usamah taught in the New Jersey public school system, where he instructed courses including Honors Biology, General Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, Forensic Science, and Botany. Now in his fourth year at Al Madina, he continues to share his expertise through teaching Life Science, Physical Science, Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. With his wealth of experience, he is dedicated to inspiring curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of science in his students.
Zain Ramadan serves as the Upper School Lead and 9th Grade Homeroom Teacher at Al Madina School of Richmond, where she teaches Algebra II, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry. She holds degrees in Computer Information Systems and Business Administration and is completing her studies at Virginia State University in the School of Science.
With over a decade of teaching experience, Zain has taught math and technology in both international and U.S. schools, including SABIS Choueifat International School, Kanoo International School, Modern Knowledge Schools (IB), and Falling Creek Middle School. She is also an IB examiner for ITGS in North America, an SAT supervisor, and certified in SIOP, CRISS, and Al Qaidah Al Nooraniyyah. Dedicated and experienced, she provides both strong instruction and leadership to the upper school program.
Nour Ahmad is a passionate 2nd-grade teacher with a Bachelor’s degree, majoring in English and minoring in the Philosophy of Law. With six years of tutoring experience, Nour specializes in English, reading comprehension, and writing skills. She has also served as a Sunday School teacher at the West End Islamic Center, where her love for teaching began. This is her second year teaching full-time, and she is excited to bring her expertise and enthusiasm for learning into the classroom.
Wafa Ben Said is a dedicated Quran Memorization teacher for upper school students, specializing in Tafseer and Seerah. She holds an Ijaza with Sanad (Riwayat Hafs an Assim) from Mishkah University in the USA, as well as Riwayat Qaloun and Warsh an Nafea from a Tunisian institute. Wafa has completed Tajweed Level 1 and 2 and holds multiple Nourania certificates in both English and Arabic from Noorani Learning Center and Al Furqan Center. Additionally, she is knowledgeable in various Islamic texts, including Al-Muwatta, Fiqh according to the four schools of thought, Al-Jazariyyah, and Tuhfat Al-Atfal, along with the sciences of Waqf, Ibtida, and inheritance. Wafa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in the same field, alongside a Robotic Training Certificate. Her unique blend of Quranic, religious, and computer science expertise enriches her teaching approach.
Hiba Alsalehi teaches Arabic to upper school students at Al Madina School of Richmond. She holds a BA in Media from the University of Baghdad and brings a unique background as a former journalist to her teaching.
With three years of experience in teaching Arabic and a certification in Nuraniyah, Hiba is passionate about helping students strengthen their language skills while connecting deeply with Arabic culture and heritage.
Amira Bensalem is an experienced Elementary Arabic and Islamic Studies teacher, and she also serves as the Head of the Arabic Department. She is certified in Fine Arts and Nooraniya, bringing a creative and structured approach to her teaching. Amira is committed to fostering a deep understanding of Arabic language and Islamic studies in her students, while also leading her department with dedication and expertise.
(See Upper School section for more information)
Sheikh Tanveer Shahid is a dedicated Quran teacher with over a decade of experience, focusing on educating children from elementary to high school levels. Since 2012, he has been committed to nurturing a deep connection with the Quran among his students, guiding them in proper recitation, memorization, and understanding of the sacred text. His expertise is recognized through his Ijazah in both Al-Nooraniyah, a foundational method for learning Quranic recitation, and Al-Quran Al-Kareem, signifying his qualification to teach the Quran.A Hafiz of the Quran, Sheikh Tanveer also leads Taraweeh prayers at his local Islamic center, contributing to his community’s spiritual growth. His devotion to Islamic education is complemented by his personal life, where he is a father of four—two daughters and two sons. Originally from Pakistan, Sheikh Tanveer balances his religious teachings with a background in computer science, blending his technical knowledge with his passion for Quranic education. His diverse skills and experiences make him a valuable asset to both his local and broader Islamic community.
Shadia Abdelhay is a dedicated educator with over seven years of experience teaching Tafseer (KG-5th grade) and Pre-K Qaeda Nooraniyah. She holds a certificate in advanced Tajweed and is certified to teach Qaeda Nooraniyah to both children and adults, currently pursuing her Ijaza. Shadia has taught Arabic at Iqra, worked as a Pre-K teacher at a child development center, and contributed to summer camps and Sunday schools at the Islamic Center. Additionally, she served as a substitute teacher at Almadina School for three years, where she taught Quran, Qaeda Nooraniyah, Islamic Studies, Arabic, and Tafseer.