Pervin Divleli was born in Istanbul, Turkey and raised in Albany, New York. She earned a BA in Fine Arts and a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education in 1992, with certification to teach Grades Preschool through 4.

In 1999, Pervin helped establish Al Fatih Academy. The school we all know today grew out of a personal need to have good place for her children to be. Pervin has been the co-director of the school since its inception and has worked to develop its integrated curriculum as well as build it as an institution with strong foundations in high academic standards. In her capacity as director, Pervin has also consulted with various schools to evaluate their programs and share with them the integrated approach to instruction.

After being a full time co-director last year, Pervin is back in the classroom this year as Kindergarten teacher as well as maintaining her role as co-director. Pervin has teaching experience in 1st and 3rd grade, but has spent most of her teaching career in Kindergarten. She taught in the Fairfax County Public School system for 5 years and worked with various teachers in implementing the standards of the State of Virginia.

Pervin is married with four children, Meryem, Omar, Sara, and Mahmood. She prays that Allah gives her the patience and wisdom to do the best possible job she can this year.

Rafaa Ouertani has degrees in the Philosophy of Education from Tunisia, where he was born and raised. He has taught Arabic and Quran for many years in Virginia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Rafaa has also been the principal of two Islamic Schools. In his capacity as principal and Arabic language director, Rafaa has developed curricula and instructional material to be used in the classroom as well as for teacher training. His methodology and approach are grounded in traditional Islamic learning models with contemporary understanding of individualized learning. He believes firmly that students learn best by being invested in their work and holds them to high standards.

Rafaa enjoys volunteering with Boy Scouts of America and coaching soccer. As an outdoor enthusiast, he also works with AFA staff to develop “outdoor classrooms” to further the mission of the school in teaching students in a holistic manner. He also began many successful after-school programs and clubs such as chess, astronomy, gardening, and photography.

Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Seattle, WA, Sayyida attended the Parson’s School of Design in New York City and studied Fine Arts as her undergraduate degree. Sayyida also studied pharmacy until she had her daughter, Kadira. At that time, she realized that she wanted to be more involved in teaching and learning models that would affect her own daughter.

Sayyida first volunteered, and then worked at the Laurel Learning Center-- a well-known childcare facility associated with Reston Interfaith. During her time there, Sayyida had extensive training with Fairfax County’s Office for Children Early Childhood Education.

Sayyida also has taught preschool and pre-K. at the ADAMS Center, She loves being in the preschool/pre-kindergarten classroom because the children are so eager to learn through many ways. Sayyida guides students as they learn from interactions, their personal growth and development, and classroom materials. Sayyida delights in her students’ “aha moments” and provides an environment that nurtures the love of learning.

She also strongly believes, that in order for the Muslim community to have a solid foundation for Muslim children, we as Muslims must contribute with whatever strengths we have. Sayyida has worked with Al Fatih Academy in various capacities throughout the past 5 years, often as the Pre-kindergarten teacher. Currently, Sayyida is completing her second degree, this time majoring in Education.

Hassna Kamalmaz, Arabic/Quran & Assistant Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten

Hassna Kam-Almaz studied at the University of Syria as a math teacher and has many years of experience of teaching children in a variety of different schools. She has been in the US for the past two decades and has worked to establish programs for school-aged children.

Hassna feels it is her duty as a Muslim to teach children and enable them to have a better understanding of their religion. She began her career by teaching pre-school children Arabic and Quran.

Hassna enjoys introducing children to the Arabic language with an interactive and engaging approach. Insha Allah, she would like to see a new generation of Muslims with a better understanding of Islam and be able to put into practice the principles of the faith. Hassna is married and a mother of 5 children and 3 grandchildren

Amy Tucker – First Grade Teacher

Originally from Tennessee, Amy studied Arabic and Education and has worked with Girl Scouts, after school clubs, and many volunteer organizations. Amy’s undergraduate degree is in early childhood education.

Seven years ago, Amy taught preschool at Al Fatih Academy for two years before moving to the U.S. Virgin Islands where she taught Kindergarten and 1st grade at an Islamic school located on the island of St. Croix.

Amy is dedicated to teaching children through hands on experiences and real life skill building. She is committed to the school’s philosophy of integrated learning and maintaining high standards. Amy is excited to return to Al Fatih this year and looks forward to a great year with her 1st and 2nd graders.

Nadia Siddiqui- Second Grade Teacher

Raised in the Northern Virginia area, Nadia Siddiqui received her bachelor's degree in Government and International Politics, and minored in Islamic Studies.  After working as a Development Officer for a non-profit organization, she decided to pursue her passion – teaching!

Nadia has also been an active member of the MSA and the ADAMS community. Along with teaching at Al Fatih Academy, Nadia has been teaching Islamic Studies to 9th and 10th grade girls at the ADAMS Youth Education Saturday School Program for the past two years. She has also taught at a Summer Tutorial Program in Garden Grove, CA where she helped prepare 4 th-7th grade students for their upcoming school year.

Nadia is very enthusiastic about her first year at Al Fatih Academy. She is looking forward to creating a fun and productive classroom with lots of hands-on experiences for her class to learn and grow from!

Roua Duwaji- Arabic/Quran Teacher- Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade

Roua Duwaji was born and raised in Damascus, Syria. She holds a degree in early childhood education from the University of Damascus and a diploma in primary Montessori education.

While living in Boston for many years, Roua worked with the Muslim community there in various capacities to establish programs such as Quran hifdh and Arabic language instruction. Roua and her husband worked to establish an Arabic weekend school, which is still in existence.

As a young student growing up, Roua looked up to her teachers, admiring their noble careers and how much they enjoyed teaching. She believes each child has a unique gift and the teacher’s responsibility is to help find and encourage children to fully benefit from these gifts. Roua believes in helping children develop to their fullest potential academically and as well as achieving a positive Muslim character.

Ann Raheem, 3rd- 4th Grade Teacher

Ann Raheem is excited to be joining Al Fatih Academy. Born and raised in Colorado, she recently moved to Virginia to be close to family. Teaching has always been her vocation, and after doing her share of traveling around some parts of the world, she settled in to doing her Masters in English as a Second Language and Education at the University of Hawai'i.

With over thirteen years of teaching experience, mostly in public schools, Ann is happy to be in a Muslim school. As her own children, aged 5 and 3, are starting to attend school, she and her husband want a more Islamic environment for them, and Ann is more comfortable herself as well.

Ann believes that an integrated curriculum is more interesting and beneficial to students (as well as to the teacher), and incorporates hands-on activities where she can. She has a strong committment to social justice and a firm belief that every child can learn and has the right and obligation to do so. She has taught mostly at the high school level, but also at the middle school level, with some experience in the elementary and preschool levels.

Nouzha Ramdani was born and raised in Oujda, Morocco. She completed her undergraduate studies in Computer Science and worked after that as a computer consultant then as a programmer.

Nouzha obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Networking from Strayer University, MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional), and MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer) which facilitated obtaining a position as Field Network Engineer. However, after realizing that the technical field and work was heavily demanding, she volunteered at her children’s school and found that the field of teaching and education was more fulfilling.

She worked first as a substitute teacher in Loudoun County Public Schools. Nouzha then returned to graduate school to obtain a Master’s Degree in Education from Marymount Univ. She has been teaching at Al Fatih Academy for the past 3 years from 1st to 7th grades. Her passion is science and her instruction model has been based in integrating science into all curricular subjects. Nouzha also enjoys drama and encouraging students to be expressive.

Salahuddeen A. Kareem, Social Studies & Language Arts Teacher- 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th Grades.

Sulaima Kochaji, Registrar,Web-Site Manager, Tuition/Accounts Manager

NABILAH HAQUE – Office Manager

Nabilah Haque is a native Washingtonian, born in DC & living in various suburbs of Maryland & Virginia over the years. Nabilah’s background varies to match her interests, such as a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland for her commitment to renewable & efficient energy use. She also believes in natural and holistic healing and has completed her massage therapy certification from the Baltimore School of Massage.

With an ongoing commitment to learning more Quranic Arabic & Islamic studies, Nabilah regularly attends halaqas and classes at the ADAMS Center and GSISS as well as interacting with the teachers at Al Fatih Academy. With a dedicated interest in the growth and development of her own child, Nabilah has volunteered with AFA as well as other local schools as a parental guide.

Nabilah's current goal at AFA is to aid in administrative aspects of the school and further develop systems so that authorized staff, parents, and students can be best served. Working with the staff and parent volunteers who are also committed to continual improvement of the school brings her much fulfillment..

Batul Alsaigh – PE Teacher

Batul is our physical education (P.E.) teacher for Kindergarten and up, and she has enjoyed coaching and playing sports for many years.   Batul says she is most motivated by being able to excite children about surpassing their limits and showing them the measurable benefits of dedication to consistent practice - both physical and mental.   Batul has a BS degree in Biology from George Mason University.  She played soccer for many years in Fairfax County, both in high-school and Select-leagues.  She has also coached girls' Select soccer, and has run her own children's soccer camp. For many years, Batul coordinated Girls' sports activities for Muslim youth (MYNA) programs in the mid-Atlantic region.  She is also a private swimming instructor and an occasional gymnast.  Finally, Batul may get the majority of her own exercise as a mother - keeping up with her 9 year old black-belt son and 6 year old aspiring-gymnast daughter.

Nadia El-Katib - Art Teacher

Following in the footsteps of her mother, Nadia has been working tightly in the field of education for over 6 years.  With a bachelor's degree in graphic design and her love for children, Nadia found herself naturally filling the shoes of an art teacher.  Nadia's passion for the arts is not limited to the classroom. It is no surprise to see Nadia with a camera around her neck where ever and whenever she may be spotted.  Samples of her photography can be seen at www.pbase.com/nadiya . 

Nadia was born and raised in the DC area to a Palestinian father and an Irish American mother.  Coming from two very different cultures and growing up in the US, Nadia was exposed to an abundance of diversity.  Nadia longs to travel the world and share her experiences through her photographs.

Nadia is the mother of 2 children, Adam & Layanne.  She has worked at four Islamic schools in the DC area, and is very excited to join the Al Fatih Academy team this year, for both herself and her children.