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”.

Sheikha Ahmed

Shikha Ahmed is the Montessori director. Started with HPA in 2019.

I received a BS in Human Development and Family Science from UT Austin. I am a proud educator and a mom. My children feel at home while they are here at the school and I hope your children and you will feel the same way. Your children are our children.

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.

Sadiqa Usmani

Montessori lead teacher: AMS certified from HMC, Houston Texas.

I am excited to have your child as my Montessori student. My goal is to create a healthy learning environment while maintaining an intimate adherence to Islamic practice to create a generation of leaders. Teaching is a passion, and I love to see children grow. This is now my fourth year working at HPA. A little but more about me, I moved to Houston 1996 and am a mother of three grown up children. I love to travel, quilt, volunteer, and hangout with family and friends. Inshallah, excited for another great school year!

Bouchra Lahjab Luman

Bouchra Luman is a Montessori teacher assistant. 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.”

Islam Abed Alqaderl

Regular Teacher

This is my 4th year at HPA, I'm greatful for being a part of this family. I love kids and I enjoy working with them. I love seeing their smiles everyday and their passion to learn. My goal is to teach the kids to be independent and build their confidence.

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

Educator of ELA, Social studies & Islamic studies in 2nd and 3rd grade. 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

Arabic and Islamic studies teacher

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.

Raghda Barakat-Ouassini

Regular Teacher

Raghda Barakat-Ouassini is a 4, 5, and 6th grade core subjects teacher. Started with HPA in 2022. “My goal for my students is to enjoy their subjects, promote creativity and critical thinking. I have a bachelor's degree in Pharmacy. I have experience in teaching grades 3 to 6. I am a mom to four boys. My family and I to Houston in 2018. We have previously lived in Indiana and Utah.”

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.

Walaa Mahmoud

Walaa Mahmoud is a substitute teacher. Started with HPA in 2023. "I love working with the kids and seeing them grow and learn new things. Some of my personal interests include shopping and cooking!"

Rowan Bakry

Montessori co-teacher. Started with HPA in 2024.

Marwa Aljafar

Salam Alakum, I’m looking forward to starting this journey with the children, parents and fellow teachers. This is my first year teaching, and inshallah my teaching career will be long and successful. I’m currently receiving my Montessori certification while teaching full time at HPA. I graduated from Sam Houston with a bachelor in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. However, I was attracted to the Montessori programs and philosophy and wanted to pursue it, in order to expand my knowledge and potentially aid in helping the next generation of children. With Allah’s help inshallah I will be able to support and guide our youth.

Ms Sumera

Teacher Assistant. Started with HPA in 2024.

Sahar Bassiouny

Elementary and Middle school Quran teacher. Started with HPA in 2024.

Zeinab Ahmed

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

Taher Bakry

7th and 8th grades Homeroom teacher. Middle school Math teacher.

Neda Ali

Islamic Studies teacher. Started with HPA in 2019.