Amaarah DeCuir | Principal

Amaarah DeCuir has been an active member of the ADAMS Center community since the year 1997. She joined in the effort to support Al Fatih Academy in the year 2001. Amaarah is an elementary school educator by profession. She graduated with honors from the University of California, Berkley with a degree in History. She earned her Masters of Education degree, with honors, from Howard University. Amaarah has taught for over five years in 3rd through 6th grade classes. She began her career in Washington DC Public Schools, and joined Fairfax County Public Schools when she moved to Northern Virginia. In the past five years she has held the position of Vice Chair of the Al Fatih Academy Board of Directors. Amaarah and her husband have five daughters, the older three attend school at Al Fatih Academy.

Saberina Munawar | Vice Principal

Born in Illinois and raised in Ontario, Canada, Saberina Munawar is a strong believer in excellence in education, and that knowledge is empowering. Saberina studied at McMaster University where she graduated with a B.S. in Honors Biology. She moved to Northern Virginia to pursue and earn a M.S. degree in Genetics and Human Genetics at Howard University, specializing in Genetic Counseling.

In 2001, Saberina first became involved with Al Fatih Academy as an eager parent and supporter of the school’s vision, philosophy and practice. She served as PTA coordinator from 2004-2006 and has been an active Al Fatih Academy Board member since 2006.

Saberina has a life-long interest and commitment to social awareness, community service and volunteerism. She continues to be an active community member, including Cub Scout Pack 1576 leader and committee member. Saberina and her husband are the thankful parents of four children, who constantly remind them of the joys of learning.

Abdur Rafaa Ouertani | Arabic Language Director and Teacher

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.

Pre-School Teacher

Ms Aishah Baig | Pre-School Teacher

Mrs. Aishah Baig is a native of Long Island, New York. She received a Bachelor's Degree in History/Education Pre-K to 6th grade from Molloy College. Mrs. Baig has three years of experience as a Preschool teacherâ¿¿s aide at Islamic Foundation School in Villa Park, IL. She has also aided in Prek, Kindergarten, and First grade in the past. This is her first year as a Preschool Teacher at Al Fatih Academy. She believes that each child has an understanding of basic knowledge that grows and expands through creative play and learning.

Mrs. Baig's teaching philosophy is that each student has a unique learning style. She strongly believes in a positive parent/teacher relationship to ensure a proper learning experience for each child. Every child needs a chance to grow at their own pace and feel comfortable about it.

Pre-School Assistant & Arabic Teacher

Ms Sayyida's | Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Hello my name is Sayyida A. Rahim and I was born in Brooklyn, New York but raised in Seattle, Washington. I am currently the Pre-Kindergarten teacher in Al Fatih Academy. I have been teaching Pre-kindergarten at Al Fatih Academy since it opened in September 2000. I have worked at AFA in other capacities through out the years. I also taught preschool at the ADAMS Center for a short time. I attended the Parson’s School of Design in New York City and also studied Fine Arts. When I moved from New York to Northern Virginia I began studying pharmacology. After the birth of my daughter Kadira, I soon realized that I wanted to be more involved in the teaching and learning models that would affect her. After looking into the public school in my area I knew that an Islamic school was a better choice. I strongly believe 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. My daughter Kadira attended Al Fatih Academy since kindergarten.

I first volunteered, and then worked at the Laurel Learning Center, a well-known childcare facility associated with Reston Interfaith. During my time there, I received extensive training with Fairfax County’s Office for Children Early Childhood Education. I was also trained in to The High/Scope Approach at Laurel Learning Center. Since then I have reintroduced The High/Scope Approach as the learning model in my classroom. I love being in the preschool/pre-kindergarten classroom because the children are so eager to learn in many ways. Children learn from interactions, through personal growth and development and classroom materials. I delight in my students’ “aha moments” and enjoy providing an environment that nurtures their love of learning. I have found that High/Scope is truly a holistic approach and allows for a natural transition from a home environment to a school environment, which also continues the focus on children’s emotional development and interests.

Currently, I am completing my second degree, this time majoring in Education.

Arabic/Quran & Assistant Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten

Pre-Kindergarten Assistant Teacher

Pervin Divleli | Kindergarten Teacher

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 was a co-director of the school since its inception, but retired from that position at the end of the 2007-2008 school year. Pervin has worked to develop Al Fatih’s integrated curriculum as well as build it as an institution with strong foundations in high academic standards. During her time as director, Pervin consulted with various schools to evaluate their programs and share with them the integrated approach to instruction.

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, three of whom attend Al Fatih Academy. She prays that Allah gives her the patience and wisdom to do the best possible job she can this year.

1st Grade Teacher

Kouthar Muttardy | 2nd Grade Teacher

Kouthar Muttardy attended George Mason University where she received her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology, with an emphasis in Child Development. During that time she gained experience teaching at the Pre-school level. Following her studies, she taught 9th Grade Special Education at Osbourn High Schoool in Manassas City. Though her tenure was brief, due to her desire to stay home and raise her own children, her experience there solidified her deep love of teaching.

Over the past year and a half Kouthar has been a volunteer 2nd and 3rd Grade Sunday School teacher for the Islamic Academy of the Muslim Association of Virginia, as well as having served as the Curriculum Coordinator for the school. Kouthar has helped extensively in the development of their Islamic Studies and Arabic curriculum, as well as in the improvement of school policies.

Kouthar is excited and honored to join Al-Fatih's dynamic and inspiring educational team as the second grade teacher, and aspires to begin her formal Master's in Education at George Mason University in the Spring of 2009 In Sha Allah.

Ann Raheem | 3rd Grade Teacher

Ann Raheem is excited to continue at Al Fatih Academy this year. Born and raised in Colorado, she moved to Virginia last year to be close to family. Teaching has always been her vocation, and after doing her share of traveling around parts of Europe and Asia, she settled in to doing her Masters in English as a Second Language and Education at the University of Hawai'i. Ann's Bachelor's degree is in International Studies.

Ann has taught mostly at the high school level, but also at the middle school level, with some experience in the elementary and preschool levels. With over thirteen years of teaching experience, mostly in public schools in Colorado, she is happy to be in a Muslim school. As her own children, aged 6 and 4, 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 commitment to social justice and a firm belief that every child can learn and has the right and obligation to do so.

Roua Duwaji | Arabic/Quran Teacher - 4th and 8th 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.

Arshia Kaleem Muneer | 4th Grade Teacher

Ever since becoming a mother in 2005 Ms. Muneer believes that everyday learning experiences with her son and daughter has added new insights in her performance as a teacher. It also confirms her initial reasons for becoming a teacher- ensuring that every child should have an enriching educational experience. She has been teaching for 8 yrs and has accumulated a diversity of experiences. For example, for two years she taught in a private school in South Florida. There she developed the second-grade curriculum and headed the elementary school Language Arts program. Before that, she taught in a New York City public school. She was also assistant teacher at the prestigious Hunter elementary school in New York City. She has also tutored high school and college students in various subjects and also taught English as a second language to adults in the Bensalem community (under the Pennsylvania Education Department). Before coming to Al Fatih she taught fifth graders at a private school in Alexandria, VA.

In January 2001, Ms. Muneer completed her Bachelor’s Degree from Hunter College- CUNY in Elementary Education and Biology with a minor in Religion. In June 2003 she completed her Master’s degree in Secondary Science Education at Nova Southeastern University. Apart from her education, she has had the opportunity to live in and travel to many countries. She has lived in the US for the last twenty years but have also lived and traveled to places such as Nigeria, India, France, England, Italy, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to name a few. Different cultures and traditions have always fascinated her and she believes her travels have afforded her the chance to experience and observe multiple cultures; bringing a much needed diversity to today’s classrooms.

Nouzha Ramdani | Math & Science Teacher 5th, 6th, & 7th Grades

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 6 years from 1st through 8th 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 | English/ Language Arts & Social Studies 5th, 6th, & 7th Grades

Brother Salahuddeen was born and raised in Washington, DC. He attended Washington Technical Institute, Prince Georges Community College, Montgomery College, and National Louis University (NLU), earning a B.A. in Management from the School of Business and Management. He took graduate level courses at the University of Virginia, University of Wisconsin, and University of the District of Columbia. From 1991 to 2003, he served first as assistant principal and then principal at Muslim Community School in Potomac, Maryland. In 2004 he worked in Montgomery County Public Schools teaching middle school English to gifted and talented students. From 2004 through 2006, he worked at El-Iman Learning Center in Annandale, Virginia teaching English/Language Arts and Social Studies. In the fall of 2006, he returned to MCS to teach high school level courses (Grades 9 & 10) in English/Language Arts. In 2007, he was invited to join the staff of Al Fatih Academy. He currently teaches Quranic Memorization (Hidfz Class to students ages 7 through 9) and English/Language Arts, and Social Studies to students in grades 6 through 8. In 2008, he was invited to become a board member of the Islamic Schools League of America (ISL), a non-profit organization. For the past 30 years or more, he has been intimately involved with full time Muslim/Islamic Schools. Throughout this period, he has attended many professional conferences, seminars, and workshops - locally, regionally, and nationally. These professional sessions have included: Private School Law, Reading in the Content Areas, Learning Styles, Curriculum Development, Teaching Arabic and Islamic Studies in Muslim Schools, and more.

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.

Business Manager

Office Manager