Administrative Team

Sister Tamala graduated from  Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Development 0 to 5. She taught at Headstart for over 20 years specializing in reading readiness. She developed a Kid Fit program at the Champaign Fitness Center that included education on healthy choices and social emotional learning, while she was homeschooling her six children. Sister Tamala has taught pre-K through first grade at DEEN homeschool co-op for five years. Recently she became certified as a reading interventionist focusing on structured multi-sensory literacy. During the summer she teaches at Camp Monarch through College for Kids at Parkland College and provides individual tutoring for local children that struggle with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. She believes in educating the whole child and helping everyone find their superpower.

Bachelors degree in Early Childhood 

Dyslexia Education Specialist

Teaching experience- 30 years

"Hidaya Academy being the first Islamic school in Champaign is an exciting opportunity for us as a community to assist in anyway possible. I am excited to be a part of its initial phase.  I pray that Hidaya is successful in providing these young children with a firm understanding of Islam. 

I have been blessed to raise my nieces and nephews. They have been a huge part of my life and still are. I also have worked with children at a women’s shelter. We would just have play time with them for about a hour each day. Even though I only spent an hour a day with those children, I realized that being a caretaker/teacher is not only about the task at hand but showing love and empathy towards children has a greater impact. " -Sister Fatima

 Master of Social Work- 12 years of experience
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology 

 "I'm so excited to be part of Hidaya Academy Team to be among of the Quran family members who our prophet Muhammad said about them: "خيركم من تعلم القرآن وعلمه" I want to teach Quran as dawa
I want to put my print with you in this blessing work
وخرج الترمذي من حديث أبي أمامة -رضي الله عنه- عن النبي -صلى الله عليه وسلم- قال: «إن الله وملائكته وأهل السموات والأرضين، حتى النملة في جحرها، وحتى الحوت في البحر؛ ليصلون على معلمي الناس الخير». وصححه الترمذي.
نرجو الله سبحانه الإخلاص والقبول

Bachelor of Islamic Studies

Islamic Studies and Arabic Teacher 14 years

" Hidaya Academy is important to me because it provides a nurturing Islamic environment where children can grow academically, socially, and spiritually. I am grateful to be part of a school that helps students develop a love for learning while strengthening their faith and character. 

 I have several years of experience teaching children. Before joining Hidaya Academy, I taught Arabic and Qur’an at the Muslim American Society (MAS). I later joined Hidaya Academy, where I have continued supporting students in their learning journey. "

"I am thrilled to be part of the Hidaya team because I am passionate about benefiting the community and supporting Islam in our local area. With six years of experience teaching children in physical activities and an associate in sciences, I am eager to contribute my expertise and work with like-minded individuals to make a positive impact on the community's well-being." Brother Muhammad

Associate in Excercise Science and Kinesology

Bachelor in Excercise Science- pending

Physical education experience- 8 years

My educational journey began with a specialization in teaching children with autism, where I developed a strong foundation in patience, adaptability, and individualized instruction. I later transitioned into the field of social work for several years while earning my degree in elementary education and obtaining my teaching license.

Now entering my second year at Hidaya Academy, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to educate and inspire the next generation of young Muslims. Hidaya holds a special place in my heart because it integrates Islamic values into every aspect of the educational experience. There is no greater privilege than helping students achieve academic excellence while nurturing their Islamic character, love for learning, and relationship with Allah. It is a blessing to be part of an environment where faith and education go hand in hand, preparing students for success in both this life and the Hereafter, inshAllah.

Hidaya Academy is important to me because it combines academic excellence with Islamic values and character development. I am passionate about helping students grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally, and I hope to contribute my experience as an educator and scholar to a community that nurtures lifelong learning.

I hold a Ph.D. in Middle East Studies from the University of Michigan, with research focused on Islamic traditions, ritual studies, and the history and cultures of the Middle East. I also have over 10 years of teaching experience across elementary, middle school, high school, university, and online settings in the United States and Lebanon.