Senior Administrative Team

I'm a mother of five beautiful kids and that's why I love kids so much. I used to work as a pharmacist in Egypt before I migrated to the United States. In Egypt, I have memorized most of the Quran by the help of many reputable mashayekh. In addition, I have succeeded ZAD Islamic studies academy. I have worked in MAS school for 4 years where I taught different level students Arabic language, Quran recitation, and Quran memorization. I have enjoyed watching these children growing and their Arabic and Quran skills enhancing over the time by practice and hard work. My ultimate goal is to see our children in Champaign Urbana community as leaders of our ommah in the future, and they will lead our ommah to a bright full future. 

Bachelor's Degree of

Pharmacy Pharmaceutical

Science

Arabic, Quran, and Tilawa Teacher- 4 years

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 School is a seed implanted in good soil. In order to get its fruits, it needs a lot of care

and effort. It was a dream to have a full-time Islamic school in Urbana-Champaign community. We hope

that our children will seize the opportunity to draw from its abundant spring. I’ll do my best to ensure

that our children benefit from my experience. I hope the parents will be involved to their maximum

extent and collaborate with us for the benefit of their children."

Dr. Abdalla

Ph.D., Agricultural Engineering 

M.Sc. Agricultural Engineering 

Arabic, Quran and Islamic Studies Teaching Experience

Teaching Experience- 37  years

Our children are an amanah (trust on to us) from Allah. Hidaya academy is a first step in taking care of this amanah as a community and I consider myself lucky and blessed to be part of this initiative.
After completing my M.S. and B.S. in Pakistan, I received Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stony Brook University, New York in early 2021. Since then I’ve been associated with the CyberGIS Center at the University of Urbana-Champaign where I continued my postdoctoral research and now serve as Research Programmer. Before moving to Urbana-Champaign, I’ve also served as part-time Imam and Quran teacher at the Islamic Association of Long Island and Mount Sinai Muslim Center of Long Island New York. Additionally, I also serve on the board of directors of the Zill Noorain Islamic Institute.

Doctorate in Human Computer Interaction

M.S. degree in Computer Science

Voluntary Imam at Mount Sinai Muslim Center NY

Quran Teacher

"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