Senior 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

"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

"Hidaya Academy's commitment to going beyond the standard educational norms deeply resonates with me. The school prioritizes understanding and empowers our children with the tools they need to make informed decisions. I am inspired by their dedication to the principle that "Our children are the future" and their focus on instilling core teachings that foster positive change. Hidaya Academy nurtures independence in our students' growth, learning, and faith, helping them take pride in their development within an Islamic framework.

Over the past 14 years, I have actively contributed to numerous Islamic schools in Illinois and Ohio. My roles have included serving as a PTA member, fundraising, and volunteering to support various clubs. I have also taught children how to care for our environment as responsible Muslims. Additionally, I hold several certifications in coaching, mentoring, and inclusion practices, all aimed at helping our ummah flourish."

Bachelor in Arts in Radio/Television Broadcasting from Lewis University