Leadership is important

Our faculty and staff

Stepping into our facility, you enter an extraordinary place for your children. It is a place where all of our energies are dedicated to helping children become their best. We purposefully create an environment to meet their needs from early childhood to emerging adolescence.

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Team

Office & Support Staff

Dr. Debbie Badawi

Dr. Debbie Badawi

Head of School/Principal

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Dr. Debbie Badawi brings a plethora of teaching and leadership experience that spans over two decades. She demonstrates expertise in K-12 education and holds several credentials. They include a Doctorate in Educational Leadership & Administration, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Secondary Education/English, and multiple certifications in teaching, instruction, and supervision. Her diverse elementary and secondary school experience spans the public, private, juvenile justice, and international sectors of education.

Ms. Pina Hussien

Ms. Pina Hussien

Administrative Assistant to Head of School

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Ms. Pina Hussein has been serving Manarah’s children, staff, and families for many years. She is excited to continue her service as Administrative Assistant to the Head of School. She states, ” I have been able to contribute to the development of our young Muslim community in an Islamic environment.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is helping families feel welcome and at home at Manarah. It brings me joy to see the children flourish and develop a strong Muslim identity.”

Ms. Rehana Kaleem

Ms. Rehana Kaleem

Lead Receptionist & Office Assistant

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Ms. Rehana Kaleem has been serving Manarah for the past year and is a long time member of the muslim community in the Lehigh Valley. Her new role at Manarah is Lead Receptionist & Office Assistant. She states, ” I especially enjoy serving the Manarah community because it is like a second home.”

Mr. Mohamed Abbas

Mr. Mohamed Abbas

Security

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Mr. Mohamed Abbas is a long time parent and community member and serves Manarah as our security guard to ensure our safety. He is trained and licensed in accordance with Act 235, PA state regulations. Mr. Mohamed fosters positive relationships with our staff, children, and local law enforcement agencies throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Ms. Samira Salim

Ms. Samira Salim

Lead Custodian

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Ms. Samira Salim is a pillar of the Manarah family and has served the Muslim community for many years. She wears many hats and is always willing to help in any way she can. She spends much time in our EC division and interacts with students at all grade levels throughout Manarah. Our children absolutely adore her.
Mr. Ahmed

Mr. Ahmed

Custodian

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Mr. Ahmed has been a member of the Lehigh Valley muslim community and has served the Masjid and Manarah as custodian for many years. He is also a Manarah parent and takes pride in helping to keep our learning environment safe for students.

Early Childhood Team PreK-KG

Ms. Habibun Nahar

Ms. Habibun Nahar

PreK

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Ms. Habibun is an experienced preschool teacher who has dedicated her career to the health, wellness, and development of young children. She states, ” I love to teach younger children as they are like flowers eager and ready to bloom. The teacher is the person who facilitates the acquisition of knowledge, competence, and virtue through the art and science of teaching”.
Ms. Rehana Imam

Ms. Rehana Imam

PreK

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Ms. Rehana Imam is a veteran early childhood educator and a pillar of the EC division. She has been a part of the Manarah family for many years. She states, “teaching is my passion and I love to work with young children. I believe that a strong foundation is extremely important in nurturing a balanced, and well rounded human being”.
Ms. Aalia Siddiqi

Ms. Aalia Siddiqi

KG

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Ms. Aalia Siddiqi is a credentialed, veteran teacher with more than 10 years serving children and families. Her experience is diverse and includes serving children with exceptional needs. She states, “I create an environment of inquiry and exploration for all students. My philosophy is solidly grounded in the belief that every child is unique and can learn. I get to know each child and, together, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and learning.”

Ms. Batool Viqar

Ms. Batool Viqar

KG

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Ms. Batool Viqar is a credentialed and cerified early childhood educator and holds a master’s degree in English Literature. She has served students, of all ages for more than 20 years. Her passion is teaching kindergarten as the “magic” happens in the kindergarten classroom. She states, “I love to see the excitement and joy children express when they first learn to blend sounds and begin to read.”

Ms. Lujayne Ibrahim

Ms. Lujayne Ibrahim

Arabic - Islamic Studies

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Ms. Lujayne Ibrahim is a doctor by formal training and is currently completing her Master’s program in Public Health; However, she shifted her career to teaching Arabic and Islamic Studies after she realized that teaching children religion and the Quran is her passion. She has almost completed Ijaza and is a lifelong learner herself. Ms. Lujayne is an experienced teacher of young children. She states,” I strive to instill the love of Allah’s words and the path of Islam to our youth. I am always in search of innovative teaching strategies to help students expand their love of Islam”.

Elementary School Team Grade1-2

Ms. Yayeena Baig

Ms. Yayeena Baig

Grade 1

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Ms. Yayeena Mariam is a credentialed, certified, veteran educator. Her experience spans 20 years as a dedicated, passionate teacher. Her ultimate goal is to inspire students to reach their full potential. Her classroom is always an engaging and inclusive learning environment. She states, “I believe every child has the potential to become a diamond in the rough and my students and I are on a learning journey together. Each unique child is filled with brilliance and endless possibilities”.

Ms. Arshia Bajwa

Ms. Arshia Bajwa

Grade 1

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Ms. Arshia Bajwa is a credentialed, veteran early childhood teacher who has served Manarah for many years. She states, “My heart is in Early Childhood Education and I strongly believe that engaging young children with hands-on learning activities is important in order to develop a love for learning. Along our journey we also develop important skills for success in life.”

Ms. Nedjoua Borsali

Ms. Nedjoua Borsali

Grade 2

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Ms. Nedjoua Borsali is a credentialed, certified teacher in education and earned a masters degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages ( TESOL). She is a veteran educator who has 12+ years of experience. She started her journey in education in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York and came to Manarah in 2012. She states, ” I am excited to return to Manarah. My philosophy of education is that every child can grow as a student as long as they are put in an engaging learning environment. I like to involve my students in hands-on activities in order to guide them to grow as independent learners, gain social skills, and develop cognitive thinking skills…It is my duty as the teacher to reach all of my students and understand their learning needs.”

Ms. Khawla Abuhaikal

Ms. Khawla Abuhaikal

Grade 2

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Ms. Khawla Abuhaikal is a credentialed teacher who joined Manarah in 2022-2023. Her classroom is a safe learning environment where students engage in rich learning experiences. She quickly became an important part of the Manarah family and her students adore her. She states, ” My passion is to build upon every student’s the natural curiosity and eagerness to learn.”

Ms. Loubna Mansouri

Ms. Loubna Mansouri

Arabic - Islamic Studies

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Ms. Loubna Mansouri is a veteran teacher with 15 years teaching experience across almost every grade level K-12. She earned a Quran recitation and Noorani Qaeda certificate and is currently working towards her Quranic Ijaza. She states, ” I’m thrilled to be serving Manarah’s students and families through the teaching of Arabic and Islamic studies. Through the knowledge of the Quran our children will grow into adults who practice Islamic values in their life and teach it to future generations”.

Intermediate School Team Grade3-5

Ms. Nuzhat Chaudry

Ms. Nuzhat Chaudry

Grade 3

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Ms. Nuzhat Chaudry is a credentialed, veteran, experienced teacher with over 10 years experience in the international and American education arenas. She has served Manarah for the past 5 years. Her experience includes teaching at almost every grade level Prek-grade 10 and educational leadership. She states, ” The children who sit in front of me in our classroom are like my own. My dream is to nurture a lifelong love for learning in them”.

Ms. Saba Ahmad

Ms. Saba Ahmad

Grade 3

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Ms. Saba Ahmed is a credentialed and experienced teacher who has specialized in exceptional children. She states, ” I am a community driven and passionate teacher with a background in special education. I love helping children find their strengths and build their self confidence. My mission is to inspire my student to do their best and reach for the stars.”

Ms. Naila Tahir

Ms. Naila Tahir

Grade 4

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Ms. Naila Tahir is a credentialed, veteran, experienced teacher who has served Manarah since 2008-2009. She expresses a great love for working with children of all ages. She has served the broader community as an MYCC camp counselor and STEAM Teacher. She states, “teaching children is my passion. Seeing children learn and grow is the most rewarding experience one can have. I believe that the connection and relationship built with every child is the key to understanding them as human beings, learners, and fostering a love of learning within them! This year I am excited and looking forward to serving Manarah’s students as a 4th grade teacher.”

Ms. Wajeeha Muzaffar

Ms. Wajeeha Muzaffar

Grade 4

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Ms. Wajeeha Muzaffar is a credentialed, experienced educator who has served Manarah for many years. Her Masters training in child psychology has served our children well throughout her tenure. She states, ” I understand every child has a unique character and requires unique ways to foster and enrich their development, growth and learning. My passion is teaching.”

Ms. Fadila Lefilef

Ms. Fadila Lefilef

Arabic-Islamic Studies

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Ms. Fadila Lefilef holds a degree in business and finance and spent several years in the business field; However, she shifted her career because her lifetime dream was to become a teacher. She graduated from a class of Qaida Noorania taught by Sheik Ahmad and did Tohfat al adfal and tajweed with Sheik Ahmad and Sr. Abeer. Originally from Jijel, Algeria, she is experienced and has served the broader Islamic community as a Sunday School Teacher in New York and Pennsylvania, and as a paraprofessional and Teacher’s Assistant in Parkland School District. In addition, she serves , as a teacher at IECPA (Jesus Son of Mary Mosque Tajan ) Sunday School and Tajan Weekdays School. She was awarded the Best Teacher of the Year Award. She states, ” I want to be an Arabic and Quranic teacher and do what the Prophet (saw) said, ‘The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it’.”

Ms. Shaimaa Elsawy

Ms. Shaimaa Elsawy

Arabic - Islamic Studies

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Ms. Shaimaa Elsawy is a credentialed, veteran, experienced Arabic and Religion studies teacher who has served Manarah since 2018. Her educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that teaching students’ their Islamic faith will help them grow, achieve, and be successful citizens of the community and positive change makers in the world. Her broad teaching experience includes in depth knowledge in Quranic Arabic, Tajweed, Quranic Recitation, and Understanding Quran. In addition, she is knowledgeable in diverse disciplines such as history, culture, literature, and Ibada’at. She states, ” I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people through the classroom… I help and guide students to build and develop self-confidence, independence, and critical thinking skills. My goal is to make sure my students feel valued, supported, respected, responsible, and safe.”

Grade 5 & MiddleSchool Team

Ms. Emily Apostolopoulos

Ms. Emily Apostolopoulos

G5 Homeroom | G5-G8 Science & Social Studies Teacher

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Ms. Emily Apostolopoulos is a credentialed scientist and an experienced teacher. She has served Manarah’s children and families for several years. She states, ” I love teaching and I can not see myself doing anything else. My dream is to nurture a love for the sciences in every child”.

Ms. Meridith Beam

Ms. Meridith Beam

Grade 6 Homeroom | G5-G8 ELA

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Ms. Meridith Beam is a credentialed and internationally certified educator. She comes to the Lehigh Valley area from Virginia and she is an experienced teacher of English language arts. Her specialty is focusing on teaching English to diverse student populations. She states, “Being in the classroom and working with the young minds of children is a passion and I cannot see myself working in any other field…I am excited to continue my professional journey with Manarah Islamic Academy”.

Ms. Hatice Saymaz

Ms. Hatice Saymaz

Grade 7/8 Homeroom | G5-G8 Math

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Ms. Hatice Saymaz is a credentialed, veteran, experienced teacher who has served Manarah for the past 6 years. She is a passionate and committed teacher who specializes in three things: (1) maximizing individual student performance, (2) inspiring students’ interest in math and science, and (3) guiding young people to be well-mannered citizens to their society. She states, ” Teaching is not only a job it’s a lifestyle…a way to impact generations to infinitely forever.”

Ms. Nadia Abdelkhaleq

Ms. Nadia Abdelkhaleq

Arabic - Islamic Studies

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Ms. Nadia Abdelkhaleq is a credentialed , experienced teacher. Her passion is teaching and she guides young people to be creative, innovative and relevant while learning about their religion. Islam is our way of life. I help children learn how to practice Islamic values while being creative members of our community and leaders of their generations”.

Other Departments

Sh. Ahmed Zein

Sh. Ahmed Zein

HIFZ

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Sh. Ahmed Zein is a credentialed and highly experienced Arabic language teacher who holds a Masters Degree of Islamic Fiqh. He is a Quranic expert and earned his Ijazah in Tajweed poem’s and memorizing the Holy Quran. His service includes teacher training, Imam, and teaching and memorization of the Holy Quran to children and adults. He states, I have a great passion for teaching children and motivating them to memorize the holy Book of Allah.

Sh. Omar Tarhouni

Sh. Omar Tarhouni

HIFZ

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Sh. Omar Tarhouni is a credentialed and highly experienced in the teaching and memorization of the Holy Quran. He is a Quranic expert and earned his Ijazah in memorization of the Quran in Qaloon recitation. He holds many Ijazahs in Tajweed poem’s. His service includes Imam, and teaching children and adults in Quranic recitation and memorization.. He states, “I have a great passion for teaching children and motivating them to memorize the holy Book of Allah.”

Ms. Yasmin Shah

Ms. Yasmin Shah

ART

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Ms. Yasmin Shah is a credentialed, veteran, experienced artist and teacher . She has taught various grade levels and academic subject areas; however, her passion is teaching art. She states, “ Without Art, the world would be a poorly-designed, drab, colorless place. My inspiration, for my diverse portfolio, comes from nature and is inspired by the Master Creator and Designer of our beautiful universe. In an increasingly technical and material world, it is important to continue the study of humanities and Art because it fosters creativity and empathy.” Her mission is integrate Art into all aspects of education because her philosophy is grounded in the best learning is done with hands-on projects, visual displays, and models.

Mr. Khalil Jennings

Mr. Khalil Jennings

PT

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Mr. Khalil Jennings is a credentialed, veteran educator with over 25 years of service. His experience spans k-12 education, higher education, and coaching. He has served the broader muslim community as well as Manarah for many years. Mr. Khalil has been involved with sports and athletics his entire life as it is his passion. In addition, his holistic, mental health approach to physical fitness serves our students well. He states, “Helping young people to realize their potential and understand the value of discipline is something I teach every day.” His favorite quote is from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, “As a parent, I have a job as a role model to my child and by extension, to other young people.”

Ms. Faiza Ahmad

Ms. Faiza Ahmad

Librarian

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Ms. Faiza Ahmed has served Manarah for the past year in various roles. She is well credentialed and her experience is well rounded and diverse. She has supported staff, students, and families through her service of office administration, teaching, and overall student support. She states, “I love our community and believe that helping to ground our children in our Islamic faith while nurturing a love for academics, especially reading and writing, is necessary for their success in life.”

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