Shareefa Khan

Assistant Creative Director

I’m the kind of person that sees my cup as half full. I hope my co-workers and students see my optimism as a reflection of my faith and trust in Allah.

My mission is to cultivate a school community that creates opportunities for growth through professional development, thereby creating a learning environment which will help students to become lifelong learners through instilling a love of exploration and discovery in them.

When I am not working, you can find me engaged in my other passions-exploring new cooking recipes and reading. Being a detail oriented and organized professional, both education and cooking give me the opportunity to do what I do best. 

Food Service Manager

I am the certified food protection manager of the lunch department at The Wellspring Schools. I have served at the forefront of this department for almost seven years and have utilized my Bachelor’s degree in Economics to increase our profits along with the quality of our food. As a previous elementary school teacher, my main passion includes teaching and socializing with children. 

Teaching has provided me with a set of transferable skills, such as effective communication skills and organizational skills, that I actively apply in my current position. 

Osli Olid

3K Lead Teacher

My passion for science started at a very young age. I have always enjoyed science because it was engaging and hands on. Science helps you see how the world works and deeply understand the magnificence of Allah’s (swt) creations. Science never fails to prove the teachings found in the Holy Quran. My love for science encouraged me to study human biology and psychology. 

I have previous experience working alongside doctors, nurses, and social workers ensuring quality care for patients is provided. I bring the same skills of working with stakeholders to ensure quality teaching and learning to my students. 

I love to spend time with my family, cooking, and going on long drives admiring nature. I am outgoing, approachable, and open-minded. I can easily relate to people and make them feel comfortable. When encountering challenges, I remain optimistic. This will help me to create a comfortable, nurturing, and safe learning environment for my students.

Shaneza Ibrahim

3K Assistant Teacher

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Saffiyah Hoosein

Pre-K Lead Teacher

I have always envisioned a career pathway that leads me to helping others grow and develop.

I aspire to be the teacher that I never had.

I believe in addition to having a strong academic education, students also need strong social and emotional foundations. 

As a teacher, I am able to cultivate young minds and hopefully instill a love of learning in my students. I am passionate about achieving my goal of acquiring knowledge that will benefit me and help me to help others. 



I also have a great passion for health and fitness and incorporating a healthy lifestyle into my daily routines. I pride myself on being organized and efficient.

Wahida Zaman

Pre-K Assistant Teacher

I work with children as an Assistant Teacher. I am able to participate in many activities with my peers as well as the students. Not only is this a learning environment for the children, but I myself am able to learn new things and activities with them. I’m passionate about my job, family, and friends. I enjoy being with loved ones as well as quality time with family. 

I’m also passionate about cooking. Growing up, I was good at art and I enjoy doing arts and crafts. I pursue challenges and ambitious goals.

My greatest strength is my cooperative skills and how to work with children. I consider myself a hardworking woman, and very goal oriented.

Aclema Chisty

KG Lead Teacher

I strive to be a caring and hardworking person who is always there to lend a hand when someone is in need.

My favorite part about being a lead teacher is working with children one on one. It gives me an opportunity to guide young minds in becoming empowered, engaged, and creative human beings. Each child is unique and being able to make a difference in their lives makes my job rewarding.

Outside of school, I enjoy trying different types of food and tea.

Farzana Syeda

KG/Grade 1 Assistant Teacher

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Tasneem Islam

Grade 2 Lead Teacher

I chose to pursue a career in teaching because I want to make a difference in our community and enable our youth to have a better future for themselves.

I graduated with a master’s degree in Childhood Education.  I have had the opportunity to work with young students in classrooms where I gathered essential skills needed to be a successful educator.

My passion is to teach and empower my students to reach their potential. All children are unique and should have a stimulating educational environment where they grow socially, mentally, physically, and emotionally.

I learned that my craft hobby is an avenue for revenue, so I’ve taken my photography skills and put it to use.

I also enjoy taking long walks in nature, painting, and reading books in my free time.

I would describe myself as someone kind, honest, and patient. I am learning every day and striving to improve myself in all aspects of life.

Mathew Gonzalez

Grade 3 Lead Teacher

My goal is to be able to teach English speaking students as well as students of other languages in various subjects. I am motivated and determined to continue on this path in order to benefit students of various backgrounds. I love hearing and learning about Islam. I also love to share it with others. I love to uplift and motivate people with good advice to the best of my ability. I like to think of myself as someone who is easy going, gentle, and considerate. I hope the people who have met me, think the same.

Maksuda Begum

Grade 2/3 Assistant Teacher

I have always had a passion for working with children as they radiate and inspire creativity and optimism. I find it fulfilling to cultivate and support an environment for children where they are able to maximize the productivity of their education, but find the joy within in it as well. I have had 3 years of experience of working with children back in the 2010’s. I switched career paths and had been working as a medical assistant and phlebotomist for the past 7 years.

However, my love for working with children prevailed and drew me back to working in education once again.

 I love cooking, watching horror and funny movies, and shopping. I look forward to working in the field of education once again and helping students recognize their talents and potential.

Aliyah Baksh

Grade 4 Lead Teacher

I am a New York State certified Childhood Education teacher. After volunteering for nearly a decade at my community masjid as a teacher and working in NYC public schools, I noticed that I feel most fulfilled when teaching in an Islamic environment.

I am most passionate about giving back to my community and helping the new generation grow. I aim to provide students with invaluable knowledge and skills that will help them succeed and fulfill their highest potential. 

When not working, you can always find me curled up with a book in my hand. I believe that reading and literacy are key to succeeding in all parts of life. I have many other hobbies including crocheting, crafting, and graphic design. I have often been described as compassionate, creative, and empathetic.

My love for learning paired with my passion for giving back to my community has led me to the path of becoming a teacher.

Bibi Baksh

Grade 5 Lead Teacher

I am a certified elementary teacher and have over 16 years as a teacher.  I have also served as an instructional coach for 10 years.  I have a master’s degree in neuroscience and physiology and a master’s degree in education. 

Along with teaching, I am passionate about nature; I often find myself taking photographs and then using them as inspiration for my paintings, something I find extreme joy in doing. I also enjoy working out and watching self help and spiritual videos. I am a very easy going person who can adapt well to most situations. However, I do find injustice intolerable and tend to speak up as needed. 

Overall, I try to live by the following philosophies: one should always set high standards so even if he falls, he will still fall high enough for success, and teaching in itself is eclectic; among the most effective teachers are those who accept that all teachers will always be students, students  of teaching, as it is the only way of becoming, and continuing to be, “experts” in the field.

I love children and could not think of a better professional in which to develop the next generation of Muslims.

I chose to be a teacher because I want to make a difference in children's lives. In pursuit of this goal, I have completed a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Masters in Philosophy.

My hobbies include reading books and learning languages. Currently, I am learning the Arabic language which will enable me to understand the Quran and allow me to teach Arabic students.

Marwa Ismaiel

Elementary/Middle/High School Quran

I am a passionate educator with over 16 years of experience, teaching Quran, Arabic, and Islamic studies. My pursuit of knowledge began as I completed the memorization of the entire Quran at the age of 14. I then furthered my education and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Arabic and Islamic studies from Ain Al-Shams University in Egypt.

I am a strong advocate of cultivating our current and future generations of Muslims to have a positive outlook in life and emulate the mannerisms and etiquette taught in the Quran, especially here in the U.S.

In my leisure time, I enjoy reading novels, walking in nature, and helping children reach their utmost potential.

My educational background consists of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration as well as a Diploma in Arabic and Quran. I teach both Arabic and Quran for elementary grades. Teaching children and observing how much they grow brings me joy and happiness. I treat every student as if they were my own kids.  

My hobbies include spending time with my family, cooking, reading, and traveling. I am trustworthy, honest, and humble. I am very meticulous about my work. I am sociable and I described as calm.

I am a professional educator a native Arabic speaker with a Bachelor’s in Education from Sana’a University and an Ijaaza in Tajweed from Al Noor Institute in Sana’a, Yemen. I teach Islamic studies and Arabic language to elementary, middle, and high school students. 

I am passionate about teaching Arabic and Islamic Studies. 

Karmoko Sillah

Kg-8th Grade Technology

I grew a fondness and passion for technology in high school after I took my first computer. After high school, I attended college and received a degree in information technology and network security.  I considered teaching as a profession after college and Alhamdulillah I am going to fulfill that now. 

I am sincerely passionate about obtaining knowledge about the deen of Islam. Knowledge is extremely important and is crucial in Islam. 

Some hobbies of mine consist of playing basketball, reading beneficial books, and trying out different foods from different cultures. I would describe myself as being an energetic and humorous individual. I try to be considerate of others' feelings, just as the Prophet Peace Be Upon Him said, "Love for your brother, what you love for yourself."

Ayesha Jashim

STEAM Teacher

Teaching is a field that I have always been passionate about. It is an absolute joy to help and work with the little ones. The sound of students playing, laughing, and enjoying school warms my heart.

As I aspire to become a teacher, working as an assistant teacher is a wonderful start to building solid classroom experience. I constantly learn from my colleagues and The Wellspring Schools is a wonderful place to learn and experience the art and science of teaching and learning. 

My belief is that we should always be honest and treat others with kindness. Without kindness humanity would lose its soul.

As a graduate of Rutgers University, I had the opportunity to concentrate on the biological, chemical, and medical sciences with teaching experience in various subjects of college math and core pre-medical sciences. I realized during my track toward attaining a doctorate degree at UMDNJ, that I wanted to teach in an Islamic environment. I wanted to be a part of an environment which is conducive to the ultimate purpose of life, worshiping Allah.

I believe that the study of science isn’t just a means of attaining knowledge, but a window to the signs that Allah allows us to see. I have a passion for knowledge, especially in Islam and Science.

Whether I am teaching students or family and friends, I love to have deep and meaningful discussions about our world and connecting it to Islam. 

Rahima Akther

Middle School Humanities

Teaching students on a one-to-one level has inspired me to come into the classroom environment. I enjoy being able to share knowledge and impart upon students the make-up of the world; from how major historical events affect us to this day, to why skillful writing is essential in every field of work. I enjoy learning from students as I believe that they also have knowledge to offer. 

I am passionate about human rights activism, from Black Lives Matter to the Palestinian cause. Allah says in the Quran to be just and fair and I pray to exemplify that in my actions. 

 I am also passionate about bringing diversity to novels.

I hope the world will one day see young adult novels about Muslim boys and girls, in sha Allah.

Sereen Ayoub

Middle School Mathematics

Mathematics is my passion. I am a high school mathematics teacher who has taught a variety of math courses ranging from Algebra I to AP Calculus.

Growing up I always wanted to make an impact on my world following the footsteps of our teacher and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. I am more likely to do so as a teacher. I also believe in providing an environment that allows students to apply mathematics as a tool to understand and interpret our world.

Additionally, I aim to help students understand and apply mathematics in their daily lives.

When I'm not teaching, I'm am cooking, reading, or playing with my kids and spending time with my family. 

Riyaad Siddique

Middle School Science

Nine years of middle and high school science and STEM instruction plus seven years in corporate educational administration have all made me realize that there is nothing better than giving students a chance to succeed.

I see this as an opportunity to share my fascination with exploring the world around me along with these bright, inquiring, active and brave young minds and hearts. I'm an operational specialist by training, but my heart soars when I let my imagination run wild among the stars, planets and strange, exciting landscapes of the microscopic and the vast worlds of this amazing universe that Allah has given us to explore, as we ponder and celebrate His greatness and majesty.

I teach physical science, earth science and the living environment.  My goal is to boost our students to heights they have never imagined. One day they will tell you, it was worth every moment in the end!

Lasana Jaiteh

Middle School Quran, Arabic, and Islamic Studies

Growing up, education and religion has always been a major factor in my life as my studies and lifestyle revolved around my culture and religion. Growing up Muslim, my religion always taught me to be kind-hearted to the world no matter what people do or say.

During my early years, I fully memorized the Quran and lived my life purely on the disciplines and actions of the Quran. I was taught that character and correct morals can allow an individual to live a balanced and pure life. 

My profession is in the field of Dawah through which I call people to Islam. I also love teaching the recitation and memorization of the Quran. I am passionate about teaching the Quran and Islamic Studies. 

Some of my hobbies are basketball and soccer. I am caring and sensitive when it comes to teaching children about the deen.

Ayesha Jashim

STEAM Teacher

Teaching is a field that I have always been passionate about. It is an absolute joy to help and work with the little ones. The sound of students playing, laughing, and enjoying school warms my heart.

As I aspire to become a teacher, working as an assistant teacher is a wonderful start to building solid classroom experience. I constantly learn from my colleagues and The Wellspring Schools is a wonderful place to learn and experience the art and science of teaching and learning. 

My belief is that we should always be honest and treat others with kindness. Without kindness humanity would lose its soul.

Lina Weish

Middle School Physical Education/Health

My goal is to create a fun and positive educational setting in my classroom! My passion is to teach students in a way where they will be motivated and eager to return

to class the next morning with a smile. 

I possess a degree in Childhood Education because teaching youngsters is true love of mine. I am always open-minded and fair in my actions. I love to try new things and my hobbies include boxing, ice skating, and running. I also like to help as much as possible and try to be the one who people can come to for any kind of help.

Marwa Ismaiel

Elementary/Middle/High School Quran

I am a passionate educator with over 16 years of experience, teaching Quran, Arabic, and Islamic studies. My pursuit of knowledge began as I completed the memorization of the entire Quran at the age of 14. I then furthered my education and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Arabic and Islamic studies from Ain Al-Shams University in Egypt.

I am a strong advocate of cultivating our current and future generations of Muslims to have a positive outlook in life and emulate the mannerisms and etiquette taught in the Quran, especially here in the U.S.

In my leisure time, I enjoy reading novels, walking in nature, and helping children reach their utmost potential.

Awatif Faiq

Arabic/Quran Teacher

I have been an Arabic teacher, Islamic studies, and Quran teacher for over 10 years. I enjoy working with the youth and my goal is to have a positive impact on my students and make them enjoy learning Arabic and Islamic studies. I’m a native Arabic speaker with professional teaching experience. I’m passionate about educating our youth about their deen to help them strive in their lives with good Islamic manners.

Safa Aldouiss

Quran Teacher

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Assad Nasralla

Head of High School/ Science

As a graduate of Rutgers University, I had the opportunity to concentrate on the biological, chemical, and medical sciences with teaching experience in various subjects of college math and core pre-medical sciences. I realized during my track toward attaining a doctorate degree at UMDNJ, that I wanted to teach in an Islamic environment. I wanted to be a part of an environment which is conducive to the ultimate purpose of life, worshiping Allah.

I believe that the study of science isn’t just a means of attaining knowledge, but a window to the signs that Allah allows us to see. I have a passion for knowledge, especially in Islam and Science.

Whether I am teaching students or family and friends, I love to have deep and meaningful discussions about our world and connecting it to Islam. 

Fatema Hassan

High School Humanities

I am an enthusiastic educator with a passion for teaching English to middle and high schoolers. I have my Masters in Secondary English Education, and currently in my third year as an official teacher.

My journey in education spans a decade, during which I have had the privilege of working with students in both private and public school settings.

My commitment to fostering a love for literature and language in young minds is unwavering, and I look forward to continuing to inspire and empower the next generation of learners.

Hasib Choudhry

High School Math, Science, and Technology

In the last few years, I have gained a wealth of experience teaching computers and technology to pupils of different abilities and backgrounds. My experience has instilled in me a love of teaching and convinced me that I wish to become a great technology teacher. I believe that to become an excellent teacher you must have a desire to assist children in the learning process and this is one quality which I feel.

I definitely possess. I aspire to be a great technologist one day and to spark the interest of future generations in programming, computers and Information Technology.

Ayesha Jashim

STEAM Teacher

Teaching is a field that I have always been passionate about. It is an absolute joy to help and work with the little ones. The sound of students playing, laughing, and enjoying school warms my heart.

As I aspire to become a teacher, working as an assistant teacher is a wonderful start to building solid classroom experience. I constantly learn from my colleagues and The Wellspring Schools is a wonderful place to learn and experience the art and science of teaching and learning. 

My belief is that we should always be honest and treat others with kindness. Without kindness humanity would lose its soul.

Lina Weish

High School Physical Education/Health

My goal is to create a fun and positive educational setting in my classroom! My passion is to teach students in a way where they will be motivated and eager to return

to class the next morning with a smile. 

I possess a degree in Childhood Education because teaching youngsters is true love of mine. I am always open-minded and fair in my actions. I love to try new things and my hobbies include boxing, ice skating, and running. I also like to help as much as possible and try to be the one who people can come to for any kind of help.

Nazema Baksh

High School Student Success Coach

My professional experience includes coaching, counseling, and educating children, young adults, and adults. My education includes a degree in social work. I have worked in my local community hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and mosques.  I am passionate about helping people overcome challenges and bring out their greatest potentials. 

My interests are learning, creating, and using different methods to understand success. My hobbies are cooking, planning activities, and volunteering. My most excellent satisfaction is when my students are willing to work hard to achieve their personal goals. I am a very understanding and compassionate individual, but at the same time, I take goals very seriously. I am a realistic person.

I believe we do not have to change the whole world to make a difference. We just have to change one person at a time.

Shahana Olid

Director of Virtual Programs

I strongly believe that every child deserves a world-class education in order to succeed in life. I am passionate about education and strive to be a motivating teacher that encourages students to expand their creativity. I aspire to do this by providing a challenging, interesting, and safe learning environment. 

A child is an individual and they each have their own individual learning styles. I hope to implement lessons that appeal to various learning styles (auditory, visual, kinesthetic, etc.) in order to foster children’s learning and keep them engaged.

I love spending time with my family, reading, and writing. You can usually find me with my nose in a book.

I am a very positive, friendly, and happy person that looks for the good in things.

Zulekha Iqbal

Virtual Learning Teacher

I am an elementary childhood educator. Teaching young children has always been my passion. My educational background consists of a Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Education. I possess a teacher certification in elementary education. 

My hobbies and interests include arts and crafts, jewelry making, reading, and baking. I can be described as helpful, determined, and positive.

Sadia Khan

Virtual Learning Teacher

I am an outgoing and approachable person who loves to connect with people from varying cultures. I am passionate about education and strive to enable my students to achieve their full potential by providing a stimulating, nurturing, and challenging learning environment.

I love outdoor adventures and hobbies such as photography, reading, jet-skiing, and tennis.

Nadera Sultana

Virtual Learning Teacher

I recently started working at The Wellspring School after having taught public and private school students for a decade. I genuinely enjoy teaching as much as I do learning, as I consider both to be parts of my duty as a Muslim. Subsequently, one of my hobbies has now become indulging in quality “edu-tainment”, as I enjoy the combination of novel educational material with entertainment.

When it comes to my teaching style, I like to be professional yet approachable, so my students can freely ask me questions regarding lessons. As for my academic background, I have a Bachelors in Biochemistry, with minors in Physics and Psychology, and am currently pursuing a Masters in Nanoscience, Alhamdulillah

Shafeeza Rahim

Virtual Learning Teacher

I have been a dedicated youth development leader for over two decades. Throughout my career I have taught students as young as Kindergarten and as senior as high school. I have spent the better portion of my career teaching secondary students.

I am passionate about developing good character in my students and supporting young people in reaching their potential. I enjoy sewing, traveling and watching television.

Nadia Karim

Virtual Learning Art Teacher

Hira  Bokhari

High School Counselor

Like players starting a new game, children are learning about themselves and their environment. Sometimes they may get stuck on a particularly difficult obstacle and not know what to do or where to go from there. For these moments, games always provide reference material so that they can figure out how to solve whatever problems come their way. Students are free to explore who they are and what they like, but for those moments when life gets confusing or difficult to manage on their own, they can always refer to their school counselor to work through their difficulties. 

I am here to help students navigate through the adventure that is their life. Whether they are struggling socially, emotionally, academically, or just need someone to understand what they are going through, I am here for them.

Marina Themistocleous

Middle School Counselor

Hello, Wellspring Schools families and fantastic middle schoolers! As your dedicated school counselor, my mission is to be your compass, helping you navigate the academic and personal adventures that come your way. With an open heart and a listening ear, I'm here to support you in discovering your strengths, overcoming challenges, and embracing the unique journey of adolescence. I hope to continue to be your go-to partner in navigating the exciting world of middle school.

Together, let's make these middle school years some of the most memorable and transformative ones yet. I'm thrilled to be a part of your Wellspring family, and I can't wait to see all the incredible heights we'll reach together!

Saudia Rahim

Elementary School Counselor

As we know growing up isn’t easy. Children at an elementary school level are now placed into a world where they have to learn about themselves as well as navigate through social and emotional expectations. As a Mental Health Counselor, I enjoy working with these young explorers to help them acquire the skills that empower them to succeed.

I believe in utilizing a holistic, multi-dimensional approach that includes play therapy infused with cognitive and a solution focused approach. As a guide through this journey, I will support explorers through challenging times, which will help them be successful in their academics. The foundations of confidence, strong self esteem and responsible decision making is crucial at this stage. Supporting explorers in these areas is where I will come in to help foster a conductive learning environment for them.