Meet the Team

Leadership & Administration

Tahseen Syeda

Director

I’m Tahseen Syeda, Director of Mishkah Montessori. With a background in Psychology and a deep love for Montessori education, I work alongside our incredible team to bring our vision to life and ensure every child experiences a nurturing, challenging, and faith-centered education. I’m passionate about building a school culture rooted in Montessori fidelity, prepared environments, prepared adults, and strong partnerships with families. Outside of Mishkah, I enjoy playing pickleball, tackling new projects, and finding better ways to help our school grow and thrive.

Holly Abdallah

Curriculum & 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.

Jawed Farahi

School Safety & Facilities Manager

I’m Jawed, and I oversee safety and security at Mishkah. I enjoy creating a safe, welcoming environment where students, families, and staff feel comfortable and cared for. Building positive relationships and treating everyone with respect are important to me. Outside of work, I enjoy going to the gym and spending time outdoors, especially walking in nature.

Rama Sukar

School Support Coordinator

I’m Rama Sukar, and I serve as Mishkah’s School Support Coordinator. I enjoy working alongside our teachers and students throughout the school, helping create a welcoming environment where every child feels supported and encouraged to grow. I love building positive relationships with children and supporting our classrooms, families, and daily school operations that help our school thrive. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, spending time with family, and creating meaningful learning activities.

Children’s House – Lead Guides

Saleema

Lead Guide, Children’s House

Khadra Fleury

Lead Guide, Children’s House

I’m Khadra Fleury, and I serve as a Lead Guide in the Children’s House. With a background in scientific research, I bring curiosity and a love of lifelong learning to the classroom. After serving as a substitute at Mishkah last semester, I’m excited to continue guiding children as they grow in confidence, independence, and a love of discovery. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, sewing, traveling, staying active, and spending time with my family.

Laila Mnider

Lead Guide, Children’s House

I’m Laila Mnider, and I serve as a Lead Guide in the Children’s House. I’m a Certified Montessori Guide and bring more than eight years of experience in early childhood education. I enjoy helping children become confident, independent learners while fostering a love of exploration and discovery. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and making memories with my family.

Children’s House – Assistant Guides

Heidi Hassan

Assistant Guide, Children’s House

I’m Heidi Hassan, and I serve as an Assistant Guide in the Children’s House. I enjoy supporting young children as they learn and grow through hands-on exploration in a warm, nurturing environment. I’m passionate about early childhood development and helping each child build confidence, independence, and a love of learning. Outside of work, I enjoy reading and going for jogs.

Megan Burbank

Assistant Guide, Children’s House

I’m Megan Burbank, and I’m excited to serve as an Assistant Guide in Children’s House. I love working with children because their natural curiosity makes each day an opportunity to learn and grow together. With a background in teaching English as a Second Language, I’m passionate about creating a welcoming classroom where every child’s language, culture, and unique perspective are valued and celebrated. Outside of work, you’ll often find me at a coffee shop or planning my next adventure.

Housna Ait El Fakir

Assistant Guide, Children’s House

I’m Housna, and I serve as an Assistant Guide in the Children’s House. I enjoy helping create a calm, welcoming classroom where children feel supported as they explore, learn, and grow at their own pace. I love building positive relationships with our students and helping them develop confidence and independence each day. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and crocheting.

Lower Elementary – Lead Guides

Safa Mustafa

Lead Guide, Lower Elementary

I’m Safa Mustafa, and I serve as the Lead Guide in Lower Elementary. I’m a Certified Montessori Guide and hold a Master’s degree in Biology. I enjoy creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and foster a lifelong love of learning. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and making desserts with my daughter.

Hend Farahat

Lead Guide, Lower Elementary

My name is Hend. I’m a physician, medical writer, and certified Montessori guide. This will be my third year as a Lead Guide in Lower Elementary at Mishkah. I love witnessing children explore their interests and build new skills in a healthy, engaging environment. When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy reading, solving riddles, and making healthier versions of traditional Egyptian dishes.

Jennifer R.

Lead Guide, Lower Elementary

I’m Jennifer, and I serve as the Lead Guide in Lower Elementary. I’m a Certified Montessori Guide, and this is my fourth 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

Roni Samirah

Assistant Guide, Lower Elementary

I’m Roni and I’m happy to be a part of the Lower Elementary team at Mishkah. I bring 14 years of experience in nursing, enthusiasm for art, creativity, and calm. I love that Montessori focuses on positivity and building life skills from an early age, and I’m excited to help each child in that journey. Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time in nature, writing, drawing, and I absolutely adore cats.

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.

Mishkah Thrive Program

Raesa M

Thrive Lead

I’m Raesa and I serve as the Thrive Program Lead at Mishkah. After having the joy of leading our Junior Summer Camp for six weeks, I’m excited to continue supporting our students through the Thrive program. I enjoy creating a peaceful, engaging environment where children feel supported as they explore, create, and grow beyond the school day. With years of experience leading youth and community programs, I’m passionate about nurturing children’s social, emotional, and spiritual development through meaningful experiences rooted in Montessori principles and Islamic values. Outside of Mishkah, I enjoy beautifying spaces and faces through my home organizing and makeup artistry businesses.

Laila Hague

Thrive Assistant

I’m Laila Hague, and I’m excited to serve as a Thrive Program Assistant at Mishkah. I enjoy creating a warm, supportive environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore their interests. My experience working with young children has strengthened my passion for fostering independence, confidence, and a love of learning through engaging, hands-on experiences. Outside of work, I enjoy baking, playing soccer and tennis, and trying new recipes.

Arabic, Qur’an & Islamic Studies

Rawda Zain Al-din

Lead Guide, Lower Elementary

My name is Rawda Zain Al-Din. I teach Qur’an and the Arabic Language Program for elementary students at Mishkah School, with over ten years of teaching experience. Alhamdulillah, I am passionate about helping children develop a love for the Arabic language and the Noble Qur’an while nurturing Islamic values and a love for Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my children and reminding them of Allah’s blessings.

Fatima Kilani

Lead Guide, Children’s House

I’m Fatima Kilani, and I lead the Children’s House Arabic and Qur’an Program at Mishkah. Since joining Mishkah in 2022, I’ve enjoyed supporting our youngest learners as they grow in their faith, language, and character. Drawing on years of experience working with children and as a mother of four, I strive to create a warm, engaging environment where children develop a love for the Arabic language, the Qur’an, and lifelong learning.