Rana Al-Azm

Principal

Rana Al-Azm is the principal. Started with HPA in 2018. “My lifetime education journey began in 1986 with a passion for developing the lives of children. I have taught all grades, starting from preschool to seniors. I have served several Muslim communities across the United States by conducting sister’s halaqahs, women and children’s camps, and other community-building activities, as well as facilitating parenting classes and counseling youth. I have created effective Quran, Arabic and Islamic Studies curriculums. From 1995-2002, I served as a vice-principal then a principal at MTI. My educational background is in education, Shariah, and business and organizational management.”

Iuliia Salama

Office Manager

Iuliia Salama is the Office Manager. Started with HPA in 2022. “I've been blessed to be a part of the HPA family since 2018 in different roles: a parent, a volunteer, a PTO chair and now as a staff member. I am passionate about helping our children become the best they can be, to be confident, resilient and authentic. I am an advocate for conscious parenting, positive discipline and emotional intelligence. I have a Bachelor of Science in IT and over a decade of experience working in banking. My other interests include gardening, raising chickens, arts and crafts, and neuroscience”.

Nebras Dawood

Montessori teacher

I hold a bachelor's degree and a Montessori certificate. I have four children, their ages ranging from elementary to college age! As an educator and a Montessori teacher with over 18 years of experience in Iraq, UAE, and the USA, I have dedicated my life to fostering a love of learning in young minds. I have worked at Ilm Academy and at public schools like Katy ISD and Cy-Fair ISD as a special needs teacher before beginning my Montessori journey. My Montessori journey began with a passion for education and a profound belief in the Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes a child-centered approach, respect for individuality, and the importance of hands-on learning.

Bouchra Lahjab Luman

Montessori Director and lead teacher. Started with HPA in 2017.

Teaching has been my absolute passion since 1996. Yes!! It’s been over 27 years! ALHAMDULILLAH I have a bachelor’s degree in plant biology. Allah blessed me by allowing me to work with young children. My passion is guiding them to learn and explore and I feel they enjoy being around me too. I love cooking, sewing and gardening.

Shahla Ahmed

Shahla Ahmed is a Montessori teacher assistant. Started with HPA in 2022.

“I have 25+ years of experience in early childhood education. I come from a childcare background with special skills including my ability to connect with each individual student in order to provide a supportive learning environment. I am highly qualified and have CDA certification; which provides me with the necessary credentials to work with our younger students.”

Sadia Asad

Sadia Asad is a 1st grade core subjects teacher. Started with HPA in 2023.

As a 1st grade teacher it’s an honor and a privilege to teach at HPA. I look forward everyday to watching my students grow and succeed and am proud to be a part of their journey. I love teaching because a student is a ‘learner’ and a teacher is a ‘thinker’ and together we think out of the box. I am a computer science graduate & have 4 kids. Some of my hobbies include traveling with my family and reading books.

Nahla Daba

Arabic teacher

Ms. Nahla has been teaching Quran and Arabic for almost 25 years at multiple Masajid and Islamic Schools. She has an Ijaza in Tajweed and experience teaching children of all ages.

Sarah Salim

Math and Science Teacher

I have been blessed to be a part of HPA since 2018. Before that I was a substitute at Klein ISD. I am teaching 2nd and 3rd Grade Math and Science which I enjoy the most. My goal for my students is to enjoy their subject and become critical thinkers and excel in Mental math with a positive attitude towards life. I am a mom of 3, 2 girls and a boy. I love to bake and travel.

Ishrat Jahan

Elementary Social Studies and Art teacher. started with HPA in 2022.

Assalamualaikum, My name is Israt Jahan. I am glad that Allah(SWT) gave me an opportunity to be a part of the HPA family. It was my dream to become a part of HPA since I knew about the school. As a parent of an HPA student I value what a good education can bring to my little scholar and to be part of the process to make my dream come true. I aim to inspire a genuine curiosity about the world's past and the profound teachings of Islam. Through thought-provoking discussions and interactive activities, I seek to empower students to connect historical events with contemporary issues and to appreciate the values of empathy, tolerance, and cultural awareness. Together, we'll embark on a journey of exploration, understanding, and personal growth.

Donia Elbrolosy

5th grade Homeroom teacher. Middle School Arabic teacher. Started with HPA in 2014.

Donia Elbrolosy 2nd through 6th grade Quran, Arabic and Islamic studies teacher. I was very lucky to be one of this great school HPA. Currently I teach Arabic. Quran and Islamic studies. I graduated with a literature in liberal arts degree from Ain shams University in Cairo. Then I went to pursue my certifications in Tajweed and Quranic studies and received my teaching credits in the United Kingdom. I've always had a great passion for teaching children, My top priority is helping our children understand and love Islam as well as show them how to utilize this knowledge to make them successful both in this world and in the hereafter.

Mehreen Mirza

Regular Teacher

Teaching is my passion . I have a master's degree in chemistry. I have 10 years of teaching experience and I started with Houston Peace Academy in 2021.I am glad to be a part of HPA family .My goal for my students is to motivate them and push them forward to do better and enjoy their subjects. I am a mother of 3 kids 2 sons and 1 daughter .My other interests include cooking,shopping,art and traveling.

Safa Aldulami

Aslam Alaikum my name is Safa Aldulami, I am a dedicated school admin who is passionate about creating a positive learning environment, supporting teachers and their hard work to ensure students success. Commitment to collaboration and innovation, I strive to make a lasting impact fostering strong relationships with parents, students and teachers.

Sahar Bassiouny

Middle school Quran teacher. Started with HPA in 2024.

My name is Sahar Ali Bassiouny, and I am honored to be working at HPA. I graduated from Ain Shams University with a degree from the Faculty of Arts. Additionally, I hold a high diploma in Educational Psychology. I later studied Tajweed in Saudi Arabia. My goal is to help students develop a deep connection with the Quran by explaining the meanings of its verses, helping them understand the purpose of learning it, and guiding them to recite it with correct pronunciation. Working at HPA fills me with gratitude, as it allows me to pursue these goals successfully with the right support and experience.

Zeinab Ahmed

Zeinab Ahmed is a 4th grade Homeroom teacher. ELA lead teacher. Started with HPA in 2022.

Danish Farooqui

7th and 8th grade Homeroom teacher. Middle School ELA and Public Speaking teacher. Started with HPA in 2025.

Mr. Danish Farooqui is pleased to join HPA as a math teacher this year. Mr. Danish comes from a public speaking and nutrition science background. He hopes to instill confidence and healthy habits in the students insha'allah.

Mais Al Mott

Montessori co-teacher. Started with HPA in 2025.

My name Mais (Aldulaimi) Mott, originally from Iraq and living in the United States since 2006. I am happily married and a devoted mother to three young children, all under six. I’m currently receiving my Montessori Associate degree while teaching full time at Houston Peace Academy. My journey into education began with a year of teaching Islamic studies at our weekend Islamic school, where I discovered a deep love for teaching and a wellspring of patience. That experience led me to the Montessori program, where I truly fell in love with the philosophy of "following the child"—observing each unique learner, preparing a nurturing environment, and guiding them gently without imposing. I believe, as Maria Montessori did, that education is not merely instruction but the foundation for lifelong peace. Outside the classroom, I enjoy cooking and spending time outdoors with my family, bringing the same warmth and nurturing I share in education into our daily life.

Mona Abou Daka

Montessori co-teacher. Started with HPA in 2025.

I have over six years of combined experience working with children as both a lead teacher and a teacher’s assistant in daycare settings, including Islamic and Arabic schools. I also hold a CDA certification. I am a proud mother of three. I truly love working with children, watching them grow and learn. Their pure hearts and kind eyes bring me so much joy and remind me every day why I chose this path. I’m passionate about creating a caring and protective environment where every child feels valued, supported, and happy.

Rohma Hasmi

Substitute Teacher. Started with HPA in 2025.

Alsalamu alaykum!

Nisrine Sayad

Elementary Arabic and Islamic Studies teacher. Started with HPA in 2025.

Elementary Arabic and Islamic Studies teacher. Started with HPA in 2025. Details: Assalam alaykom, My name is Nisrine, and I’m excited to teach Arabic and Islamic Studies at Houston Peace Academy. I hold two diplomas in the medical field, and I speak three languages. With my academic background, I’m passionate about helping my students understand their faith in a logical and enjoyable way, ensuring that their knowledge is deeply rooted in their hearts and minds. My goal is to make learning both meaningful and engaging for them.

Rifat Jahan

Substitute teacher. Started with HPA in 2025.

Ms. Rifat Jahan brings a background in pharmacy and education. She is committed to fostering a positive learning environment and contributing to the academic success of HPA students, In shaa Allah

Mariam Lakhany

Elementary teacher assistant. Started with HPA in 2025.