Meet the Team

Leadership & Administration

Tahseen Syeda

Director

I’m Tahseen Syeda, Director of Mishkah Montessori, where my main job is keeping the Mishkah machine running… or at least making it look like it is. With a background in Psychology, a deep love for Montessori, and a mild obsession with color‑coded spreadsheets, I lead our vision, guide our exceptional staff, and ensure every child’s learning journey is nurturing, challenging, and rooted in Islamic values. I’m also a certified life coach and a notary — handy for mentoring staff, notarizing documents no one actually needed notarized, and giving life advice during Wi‑Fi outages. I believe a great school runs on structure, kindness, and just enough humor to survive Monday mornings. When I’m not starting new projects or solving mysterious problems, you’ll find me on the pickleball court, counting it as both cardio and therapy.

Holly Abdallah

Instruction Coordinator

I’m Holly Abdallah, the Instruction Coordinator at Mishkah. I’m a retired Montessori Lower Elementary Guide with 20 years of experience and a North Carolina K–6 Teaching License. I love supporting guides and helping shape meaningful learning experiences. When I’m not in school mode, I enjoy nature walks and exploring the outdoors.

Muhammad Ata

School Safety & Facilities Manager

I’m Muhammad Ata, and I make sure Mishkah stays safe, clean, and running smoothly. I love what I do, especially being around the students every day. They’re the best part of my job and why I show up ready to work (and laugh) each morning.

Children’s House – Lead Guides

Nathalie Franques

Lead Guide, Children’s House

I’m Nathalie Franques, Lead Guide in the Children’s House classroom. I hold an AMS Early Childhood credential and a Master’s in General and Special Education (Birth–Grade 2). With nearly a decade of experience, I love helping children become kind, independent problem-solvers. I enjoy traveling, reading, and spending time in nature with my family.

Ramah Dabbas

Lead Guide, Children’s House

I’m Ramah Dabbas, a Lead Guide in the Children’s House. I love watching each child’s unique personality shine and supporting their growth in confidence and independence. I’ve been immersed in the Montessori world since 2022 and am currently pursuing certification through NAMC. With a background in nutrition, I also love cooking and baking healthy meals.

Laila Mnider

Lead Guide, Children’s House

I’m Laila Mnider, and I lead a classroom in the Children’s House. I love watching children become confident, independent learners at their own pace. I’m completing my Montessori training through NAMC and bring over 8 years of experience in early childhood education. Outside the classroom, I enjoy traveling and making memories with my family.

Children’s House – Assistant Guides

Heidi Hassan

Assistant Guide, Children’s House

My name is Heidi Hassan. This is my second year as an Assistant Guide in the Children’s House classroom. I hold an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and love supporting children as they learn through hands-on exploration. I also enjoy jigsaw puzzles, reading, and jogging.

Fatima Kilani

Assistant Guide, Children’s House

I’m Fatima Kilani, an Assistant Guide in the Children’s House, and I’ve been with Mishkah since it opened in 2022. I’ve previously taught Arabic and Islamic Studies and bring years of experience working with children, including my own four at home.

Nabilah Mohammad

Assistant Guide, Children’s House

I’m Nabilah Mohammad, an Assistant Guide in the Children’s House. I bring over nine years of experience in K–12 education and hold a Bachelor’s in Secondary English Education with an ESOL endorsement. I love sparking curiosity through storytelling, creative projects, and self-expression. When I’m not working, I enjoy quiet cafés, houseplants, and time in nature.

Lower Elementary – Lead Guides

Safa Mustafa

Lead Guide, Lower Elementary

I’m Safa Mustafa, Lead Guide in Lower Elementary. I hold a Master’s degree in Biology and am completing my Montessori training through NAMC. I bring science to life through hands-on experiments that nurture curiosity and discovery. Outside the classroom, I love cooking and making desserts with my daughter.

Hend Farahat

Lead Guide, Lower Elementary

My name is Hend Farahat, and I am one of the Lower Elementary lead guides. I’m a physician and medical writer, currently completing my Montessori training. I love helping children explore their interests and build new skills in a healthy, engaging environment. I enjoy painting, reading, cooking, and solving riddles.

Jennifer R.

Lead Guide, Lower Elementary

I’m Jennifer, and I’m the Lead Guide in Lower Elementary. This is my third year at Mishkah. I’m passionate about Montessori education and love seeing students grow through hands-on, self-directed learning. Every day brings new discovery, and I feel honored to be part of each child’s journey.

Lower Elementary – Assistant Guides

Fatima Sadoun

Assistant Guide, Lower Elementary

I’m Fatima Sadoun, and I support students in Lower Elementary as an Assistant Guide. I hold a Bachelor’s in Psychology and have years of experience working with families and children. I value creating safe, joyful relationships that help children thrive. Outside school, I enjoy discovering new cafes, raising chickens, and leading youth programs.

Jamila Zohra

Assistant Guide, Lower Elementary

I’m Jamila Zohra, and I’ve spent the past 10 years guiding children in both lead and assistant roles. I love helping kids grow in confidence and independence. Every day in the classroom brings something new, and I feel grateful to be part of it.

Extended Day Program

Sayema Azizi

Aftercare Lead Guide

I’m Sayema, and I lead our Aftercare program. I bring years of experience working with school-age children and love helping them grow in confidence and character. My goal is to create a space where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired. I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my own kids in my free time.

Arabic, Qur’an & Islamic Studies

Rama Sukar

Guide, Arabic, Qur’an & Islamic Studies

My name is Rama Sukar, and I guide students in Arabic, Qur’an, and Islamic Studies. I focus on building language skills, proper Qur’an recitation, and a love for learning rooted in Islamic values. My approach is student-centered, combining reflection, independence, and curiosity. I enjoy reading stories and designing activities that spark discussion and connection.

Rawda Zineddin

Assistant Guide, Arabic & Qur’an

I’m Rawda Zineddin, Assistant Guide for Arabic and Qur’an. I bring over eight years of experience and love helping children grow in their love for Allah, His Messenger, and the beauty of the Qur’an. I’m known for my calm and nurturing presence in the classroom. In my spare time, I enjoy memorizing Qur’an and studying Tafseer.