Sr. Hala Hazimi is the principal of MAYA School. Her educational background consists of the following:

Sr. Hala became part of the MAYA family in August of 2002. She was a very influential 5^th grade teacher for seven years as well as a middle school math teacher for one year. During her last two years of teaching, she took on the role of Assistant Principal as a part-time position before becoming a full time administrator. As a teacher, she was able to pass along her belief that the key to a good education begins with organization and responsibility. Her students not only excelled academically, but they gained confidence and communication skills both orally and in writing; traits that they can and will carry with them into the future.

Along with her many day-to-day responsibilities when she was the assistant principal, Sr. Hala was also the assessment coordinator, one of the NCA team leaders, and the curriculum director by continuously aligning all core subject areas for grades K-8 to the State GLCEs, and making sure the teachers were continuously adhering to them. Now, as the principal, Sr. Hala’s main goal is to help take MAYA to the next level by passing along any relevant information that she gained throughout her many years of learning, training, and teaching experiences. She is definitely one of the most dedicated staff members at MAYA who puts forth all her energy and efforts in making each day a success academically, Islamically, and completely for the future of the students.

Sr. Linda Charara has been part of the MAYA team since 2002.  She graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 2001, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Language Arts and Minor in Mathematics, and a Provisional Certification in Elementary Education.  Linda also received her Masters in the Arts of Education in 2007.  Linda has experience at various grade levels; she taught first, third and sixth grade. 

She is currently MAYA’s Resource Teacher.  In addition to teaching part-time in the classroom she also implements group interventions for students. Additionally, Linda is responsible for the teacher professional development and trainings. Linda is very dedicated to her students and her work.  She has a passion for teaching and enriching the lives of our students.  Linda’s goals are to see MAYA grow into an affluent and accredited Islamic school, which will not only teach our students academically but also instill Islamic values.  Linda is also the team leader for the North Central Accreditation process at MAYA. Through the NCA accreditation MAYA will undergo school improvements.

Sr. Gada Slim works in the front office at M.A.Y.A. where she handles some of the day to day operations. She received her Bachelor’s degree of Arts in Psychology from Wayne State University in May of 2000. Before coming to work at M.A.Y.A., Gada worked at the Islamic Center of America, as well as Charter One Bank.

Since Gada grew up in Garden City, a community not well acquainted with the Muslim values and Arab traditions, she understands the importance of maintaining ones Muslim identity. Although she has been involved in several community activities, she decided to make the M.A.Y.A. a fulltime commitment because she believes that children are the key to the future. Gada hopes that the Muslim American Youth Academy will continue to thrive and provide the community with a school to be proud of. 

I received my Bachelor’s degree in the English language and literature from the Beirut Arab University in 1993. When I arrived in the US, I had the equivalency of a Bachelor’s degree.

I am in the process of taking classes at Henry Ford Community College in the field of education to receive a certificate in teaching at Michigan public or private schools. I long to continue my education, and I am committed to acquiring the Mary grove experience.   My goal is to advance into an administrative position at a school where student achievement is a priority.

When I came to Michigan, I worked as an Arabic teacher for KG, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades at The Muslim American Youth Academy for two years. Then I was the secretary and office manager of the Islamic Center of America Ford Road in Dearborn.

Now I am the administrative office assistant at The Muslim American Youth Academy. I am so satisfied by my position because it gives the opportunity to learn more about administration that I hope one day I would have the chance to be an administrator of a school.

Finance Department

Sr Rima feels very fortunate to have a job at the Finance Department that provides her with kinds of challenges within the Islamic environment.

Sr. Rima has a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Davenport University & she is currently working on her Masters Degree in Finance.

Sr. Salwa Nezam has been a teacher for over 20 years. She has a CDA and an Associates Degree in Early Childhood. Her continuing educational efforts include workshops in High Scope Training, Montessori Training, and NAEYC conferences. Sr. Salwa taught at Head Start for 13 years, and has been teaching preschool at M.A.Y.A. for the past seven years.

She believes that preschool years are the most precious years of a child’s life. Her ambition drives her to be very creative and energetic. She sets high, yet achievable goals to all of her students. Her compensation is to watch children learn as they grow. Her goal is to continue to educate children and help service their needs regardless of their diverse potentials.

Sister Zeinab Ajrouche has been teaching at MAYA School for the past 10 years. In 1997 she graduated from Schoolcraft College with an Associate in Early childhood. She has been an Arabic and Islamic teacher for the past 18 years.

From her experience she has learned to be aware of the feeling and emotions of the children. She believes the love of teaching will influence the children to enjoy learning through a positive style of teaching.

Sr. Zeinab Makki has been a preschool teacher at M.A.Y.A. for 6 years. She received her Child Development Associate (CDA) from Schoolcraft College. Prior to joining M.A.Y.A., Sr. Zeinab was a preschool teacher at Dearborn Head Start for 10 years. She also taught in the after-school Arabic programs as well as the Saturday school program at the Islamic Center of America for ten years. She continues to attend seminars related to child education and development.

Sr. Zeinab has also received specialized training including 4Cs, High Scope, and Montessori. With a strong background in child education and a great sense of Islamic values, Sr. Zeinab strives to ensure the mental and spiritual development of the young in her care.

My name is Sister Fatme, I am a graduate of the University of Michigan with a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration - Management from California State University – Dominguez Hills, CA. I am certified by the State of Michigan in Grades K-5 all subjects, and K-8 self contained class. I also have a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential K-12 all subjects by the State of California. In addition to my academics, I have had experience in different school districts; serving for the Dearborn Public Schools, MI, and Murrieta/Corona Unified School Districts, CA. I was involved in the BTSA program (Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment), CPTIP (California Professional Teacher Induction Program), and participated in WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) Instructional Team.

I also have administered and evaluated all of the required formal assessment including the DRA2 (Developmental Reading Assessment), 3-day Writing Assessment using the 5^th grade Writing Proficiency Benchmark Rubric, Gentry Spelling Tests, and District-wide Common Assessment in Dearborn Public Schools. Because of my extensive and diverse experience, I am able to bring a unique teaching style to the classroom by providing my students with the latest teaching methods and techniques that will ensure a wealthy learning environment.

I look forward to work with you and your child to have the opportunity to learn from one another as the year progress. I know this will be a wonderful and successful year. Please feel free to contact me for any questions or concerns you may have related to your child.

Sr. Amira is the first grade teacher at the Muslim American Youth Academy. She is a graduate of Wayne State University where she received her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education, majoring in Science. She is currently working on her Masters Degree at Wayne State focusing on English as a Second Language (ESL).
Her teaching experience includes subbing for the Dearborn Public Schools as well as volunteering in special education classrooms.

Sr. Layal Daher completed her Bachelors degree at University of Michigan Dearborn.  She is currently working on her Masters of Education at Wayne State University .  She was born and raised in Dearborn .  She knew she wanted to become a teacher by the time she entered High School. She immediately began tutoring students on her own time as well as volunteer in Public Schools whenever she had a chance. 

Teaching immediately became a passion and she couldn’t wait to fulfill the requirements and take control of her own classroom.  She substituted for over a year after she completed her bachelors degree, as well as ran a Summer Camp program in Dearborn.  Sr. Layal then chose to join the MAYA family in the fall of 2011.   Educational background

*Bachelors of Arts from University of Michigan Dearborn

*Elementary Education Teaching Certificate

*CDA certified

Sr. Angela is a graduate of the University of Michigan-Dearborn.  She has a Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education with a major in Mathematics (K-8) and a minor in Language arts.  Sr. Angela also earned the Michigan Mathematics (EX) Endorsement. 

Sr. Angela became acquainted with the Muslim American Youth Academy through long-term substituting for fourth grade.  She was impressed with MAYA and felt at home.  Sr. Angela emphasizes student discipline and student achievement.

Sr. Linda Mehsen’s graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 2003 with a Bachelors of Art in Elementary Education.  She is endorsed to teach K-8 Social Studies and Math.  Sr. Linda taught first grade for 2 years and fifth grade for 3 years before coming to MAYA.  Sr. Linda is currently working on her Masters degree in Science education through the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and will graduate in December, inshallah.

Sr. Hoda Hojeije has been a part of the staff at the MAYA school since September 2011. She is a 5thgrade teacher and has had several years of teaching experience. She earned her Bachelor’s Degreewith a double major in Language Arts & Science and has earned her Professional Teaching Certificate.In 2006, Sr. Hoda enrolled at the University of Michigan and earned her Master’s Degree in PublicAdministration in 2007. In addition to teaching at the MAYA school, she was a third grade teacher forseveral years at a local charter school.

Sr. Hoda’s philosophy is that all students have the potential to learn. They should be surrounded by apositive learning environment where they are encouraged to be a part of the learning process.

Sr. Heidi graduated from Oakland University in 2007 with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education and subject area endorsements in language arts, science and social studies.  She has experience in both self-contained and departmentalized classrooms and with engaging students in constructivist learning at all age levels. 

Sr. Heidi knows that all students are unique and by engaging multiple intelligences, students will become lifelong learners. Students with a love of learning will continue to strive for excellence throughout their lives. Sr. Heidi is proud to facilitate positive, exploration based learning that nurtures this lifelong pursuit.  She is also very eager to encourage students to develop a love of reading and writing, as well as learning how to communicate effectively using both the spoken and written word.  Sr. Heidi aims to prepare well-rounded students that are capable of acquiring and using knowledge to make a difference in the world.

Sr. Malak Fardous was born and raised in Lebanon where she finished highschool. She came to the U.S in 1999 and attended Henry Ford community college fortwo and a half years before continuing her education at the University of Michigan.She graduated with a bachelor of science in the areas of mathematic and chemistry.A year later, she received her teaching certificate for grades 6-12th. She is alsoholding a special education certificate for grades K-12 and a master degree ineducation as of December 2010.

Sr. Malak worked as a sub for Dearborn public school for more than twoyears. She has been with MAYA for the past 5 years. She is happily married andhas three children. Sr. Malak is passionate about teaching and working one on onewith students. She enjoys making a difference in her students’ lives and watchingthem grow up to be respectable well educated Muslims.

Sr. Nancy Rababeh- Middle School Social Studies

Sr. Nancy Rababeh has lived all of her life in Dearborn and in fact graduated from
Fordson High School. After high school Sr. Nancy attended Madonna University where she received her Bachelors of Science in Financial Administration. After graduating from college she got married and had children. She has two boys, both of whom attend Dearborn Public Schools. In fact, it was after her youngest son started preschool that she decided to go back to school to become a teacher.

Sr. Nancy received her post-bachelor teacher certification from the University
of Michigan-Dearborn. She is certified to teach K-8th grades with subject area
endorsements in both mathematics and social studies. Her number one goal as a teacheris to help her students excel in their academic career.

Sr. Mai Bazzi has been teaching at M.A.Y.A. since 2007. She obtained her Bachelor in Arts from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 2006.  She also received a Masters in Arts from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 2011.  Sr. Mai has the Michigan Mathematics (EX), Science (DX) and Reading Specialist (BR) endorsements allowing her to teach math and science in middle school grades and prepare individualized reading plan for students grades K-12. In 2011, she was chosen as one of the University of Michigan’s Difference Makers.

Sr. Zeinab Saghir is one of the fourth grade teachers at M.A.Y.A. She has been a part of the M.A.Y.A. staff since 2003. She received her Bachelors of Arts with a major in Science and a minor in Language Arts, and her Teacher Provisional Certificate from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in December of 2002. She has earned her Masters Degree in Arts of Education in 2007.

Sr. Zeinab believes that every child deserves the chance to learn in a unique and diverse environment. Her teaching methods include creativity, imagination, and hands-on activities, which integrate all subject matters across the curriculum.

Sr. Mirna graduated from the American University of Beirut with a Bachelor’s degree in social and behavioral sciences. She later pursued a degree in special education.  This gave her a fresh perspective on teaching techniques. 

Sr. Mirna said, “As a teacher, I believe in teaching my students according to their own strengths and abilities.”  She also emphasizes strengthening the relationship between parents and teachers to help students acquire the Islamic and Arabic knowledge they need to develop a well-rounded Islamic identity.

Br. Ahmad Abadeh is an Arabic teacher at MAYA School. Br. Ahmad brings with him over 20 years of experience in teaching the Arabic curriculum. He is very excited to be part of the MAYA staff and eager to teach MAYA students Arabic, which is the language of the holy Quran.

Since he joined the MAYA staff, Br. Ahmad has made many contributions to the school. He believes in strong relationships between parents and teachers, which can have a positive impact academically and socially. His goal is to see the school grow and to be the leading school in the region, so when MAYA students leave the school, they will leave with a strong background in Arabic and Islamic. He believes that parents can play a very positive role in enhancing their children to excel by making sure the students come to school prepared, ready to learn, and leave MAYA making everyone, especially their parents, proud of them.

My name is Sr. Nada Zahr.  I am the coordinator of the Arabic program and 5th -8th middle school Arabic teacher.  I have a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration from the American University of Beirut.  I have a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Phoenix.  I am also awaiting my Michigan certification in Elementary Education.  I am working to earn a PhD in Educational Leadership - Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix. I have started my educational career in Lebanon and taught all subjects to all grade levels with emphasis on Arabic. 

I teach Arabic at Henry Ford Community College and teach Career Development at Wayne County Community College.  I am married with three children who also attend Maya School.  I am proud to be part of a devoted and a hardworking team that has one set goal which is to make the educational experience for your children and mine most successful and rewarding.

My name is Nadia Turfah. I am very excited to be teaching Islamic and Quran at MAYA School. I have been teaching in different Islamic schools since 1992 and this year will be my first year teaching at MAYA School.

My goal is to increase the student's knowledge of Islam, help them develop an understanding of the basic of religion, memorize Suras from the Holy  Quran, and understand the meaning of the Ayat. Also, I will focus on the Islamic manners and teach the history of Ahlul Bait (A). Inshallah this will be achieved through positive encouragement in the classroom, support from home, and through communication and cooperative teamwork between parents and teacher.

Hajj Abdulameer Hassan Al-Saadi was born in Kadhimiya, Iraq in 1949, where he completed his elementary, middle, and high school education. He also completed a college degree at Baghdad University in Physical Education in 1972. After that, he served in the military for 18 months as Lieutenant. In 1975, he was asked to serve as a professor at the college where he graduated.

In 1981, Br. Ameer received a scholarship from Indiana University for a Masters degree in physical education and finished his degree in 1983. Br. Ameer also completed all the required courses for his teaching certification and he passed his English and math tests. Unfortunately, upon his completion, he could not return to his home in Iraq, but rather worked at the IU campus from 1983 to 1994.

In 1994, Br. Ameer and his family moved to New York City. He was offered an Islamic/Arabic teaching position at Al-Khoei Foundation’s Al-Iman School where he fulfilled other duties as well. In 1999, he moved to Dearborn, Michigan and worked as the physical education teacher, as well as the Arabic department supervisor, at Star International Academy.

In the year 2000, Br. Ameer was blessed with the opportunity to join the MAYA School team where he still serves as an Islamic/Arabic teacher.

Athletic Director

• Wolves-Hawks Technical Training Coach (2004-present)
• Michigan ODP Girls Staff Coach (2007-present)
• USSF “B” License and USSF National Youth License
• NSCAA Premier Diploma and International Coaching Association License
• Coach of 1 Region II Championship (2009)
• Coach of 3 consecutive State Cup Championships
• Former Michigan ODP Staff Coach for 96 Girls (2007-2008)
• Former Girls Varsity Head Coach at Bishop Gallager High School – Detroit (1998-2000)
• Founder and former Head Coach of Dearborn Stars Soccer Club (1988-1994)
• Wolves Coach since 2002

In 1973, he received a silver medal for the 100m track and field. For a second time in 1974, he was given a silver medal for the 400m and 800m track and field. From 1974 – 1979 he was a part of the SAFA Club Professional. In 1982 he was one of the founders of the Lebanese American Club known as the Dearborn Star Soccer Club from 1982-1996. Since then he has participated in numerous coaching courses including the National B coaching course. Br. Hussein holds a “B” youth license form the Lebanese Soccer Federation, a USSF Youth License, and a NSCAA National Advance Diploma.

Currently, he is the head coach of the U10, U11, and U14 Gold at Michigan Wolves and Hawks Soccer Club.