PAWS Staff
Amani Chalati
Director
Dear PAWS Families, I want to extend to you and your children my warmest welcome into our Pillars Weekend School (PAWS). My name is Ms. Amani Abdulbaki Chalati. I have been in the Early Childhood education field for 18 years. I am certified as an early childhood and school age educator. I have worked with children from the ages of 2-years-old to 13-year-olds as a teacher, lead teacher, supervisor, and director. I worked in the USA and abroad teaching all subjects and this added to my experience a great deal. I also enjoy spending time reading, exercising, and spending time with my 19-year-old daughter Sha'am. I love traveling, learning, and speaking new languages. One of my goals through my job is to help your children discover their individuality and work alongside them to maximize it.
Hala Almobayed
Administrator
Assalamu Alaikum,
My name is Hala Almobayed, and I am the School Administrator. I am currently majoring in Fashion Design and have previously served as an administrator at Dar Al-Quraan Private School. Additionally, I have experience teaching Arabic to children aged five to ten at a private school in Turkey.
I am thrilled to be part of such an incredible team. I wish you and your children a wonderful and positive new school year, and I look forward to meeting and assisting all of you.
Warm regards
Hasina Noorzoy
Administrator
My name is Hasina Noorzoy and I am one of the administrators at Pillars Academy Weekend School. I have been at Pillars since 2015. I have a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies from California State University of Long Beach and my Master Teachers Permit through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Department. I have been working at public schools and private schools since 2004. I have three beautiful children. In my free time I enjoy reading, hiking in nature, picnicking by the beach, road trips and spending time with my family. What I enjoy the most at Pillars Academy Weekend School is the loving and caring atmosphere. I look forward to working with all of you and your children to ensure a safe, fun, and educational environment.
Neda Elatafat
Teacher
Asalamu alaykum, I am the Arabic teacher on Saturday. Before moving to California, I lived in Palestine where I graduated as a journalism major and political science minor. I became a journalist in Palestine and worked for ten years. After that, my family and I moved to California. I decided to become a teacher two years after my kids enrolled at PAWS. I am currently enrolled in Early Childhood Education courses. I expect students to strive to work hard and to make sure that students know and understand what they are learning. I will work hard with your children to make sure they learn more and have fun doing so. Thank you so much, it is my pleasure to be teaching the students and I hope your children have a wonderful year here at PAWS.
Rasha Bazerbashi
Teacher
Asslamu alaikum, my name is Rasha Bazerbashi and I have been a teacher at Pillars Academy Weekend School for a few years now. I am honored and fully committed in contributing to your child’s education at Pillars Academy and I will be teaching your child Arabic Studies. I grew up in Damascus, Syria where I studied Arabic and Islamic Studies. I taught both subjects publicly and privately before I moved to California and now I am happy to be able to continue doing what I enjoy. I enjoy learning about and strengthening each student’s abilities, interests, and experiences that make him/her unique. Together we will learn how to respect ourselves, our parents, and the rights and beliefs of others. Thank you and I am looking forward to a great year of learning filled with many activities.
Lina Taher
Teacher
Assalamu alaikum, My name is Lina Taher. I am originally from Syria, where I studied Arabic and earned my Tajweed certification. I am also certified in Al-Qaeda Al-Nouraniya. I am married and a mother of two, and I have the honor and privilege of teaching your children Arabic.
With nine years of teaching experience, including at Dar Al-Qur’an Private School and Al-Nada School with third-grade students, I am dedicated to creating an engaging and effective learning experience.
I look forward to supporting your children’s educational journey and helping them develop a strong foundation in Arabic.
Aya Bahsoun
Teacher
Asalamu alaykum, My name is Haitham Ali and I will be the Qur'an teacher for all classes insha'Allah.
- I have my BSC in Civil Engineering 2007 and Working as a Projects Manager.
- I obtained a reading and memorization license to memorize the entire Holy Qur’an, based on the narration of Hafs on the authority of Asim, through Al-Shatibiyyah, April 2024.
- I Read For a reading and memorization license to memorize the entire Holy Qur’an, based
on the narration of Shobah on the authority of Asim, through Al-Shatibiyyah, Nowadays.
- I am Working as a Manager of Holy Quran Memorization Academy in Egypt with More Than 14 Sheikh, 280 Kids and Adults and the Academy Works 6 Days per Week Alhamdulla established from June 2022 till Now.
As we begin this exciting new school year, I wanted to take a moment to welcome you and your child to Pillars Weekend School.
It is my honor to guide your students in their journey of learning and growing in their love for Islam.
Thank you
Aya Bahsoun
Teacher
My name is Razan Alsbini , and I’m delighted to introduce myself to you all. I’m a dedicated mom and an Arabic teacher with experience teaching both at weekend school and during summer camps over the past three years. I’m passionate about helping students connect with the Arabic
language and culture, and I strive to make learning engaging and enjoyable for all.
In addition to my teaching experience, I hold a degree in psychology, which has been incredibly beneficial in understanding how children learn and develop. It is my pleasure to be teaching the students and I hope your children have a wonderful year here at PAWS.
Hoda Mekkawi
Teacher
Salam, My name is Hoda Mekkawi, and I am from Lebanon. I am delighted and excited to be back with the team. I have been certified in Tajweed and Qaida Al-Noorania since a couple of years ago. I am also working on achieving my bachelor’s degree in science. Previously, I worked at Pillars Academy Weekend School, where I enjoyed being creative with kids. I love hiking, swimming, and spending my free time with my family. My future goal is to get an associate degree in Arabic. I am looking forward to being your children’s Islamic Studies teacher this year for all levels.
Thank you
Aya Bahsoun
Teacher
My name is Aya Bahsoun.I’m from Lebanon.
I graduated from the Lebanese University with a Masters degree in Arabic literature.
I worked as an Arabic teacher for 11 years in my country. I am a third and fourth level Qaeida Nuraniya's teacher and Arabic as a second language at Pillars Academy's Weekend School. I chose this career because I am passionate about teaching and supporting children. Although it's challenging, sometimes I still find
different techniques to meet students at their levels by tutoring them in one on one basis or small groups. My job as a teacher can be tiring but it's always rewarding to see students making progress.
Kawthar El-Itani
Teacher
Salam,
I'm a passionate educator with a bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature from the Lebanese University, along with a prestigious Cambridge Certificate in teaching English Language to Adults and speakers of other languages (CELTA).
I've had the pleasure of teaching elementary and intermediate classes in Lebanon and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
As an educator, my top priority is creating a warm and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and supported. I wholeheartedly believe in the amazing impact of education and strive to inspire my students to reach their full potential.
My focus is on nurturing a love of learning and developing critical thinking skills, and I'm always eager to grow professionally to provide the best possible education for my students.
Samah Ammar
Teacher
As-SalamuAlykum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuh
By Allah’s grace, I hold an Ijazah in Qur’an recitation and teaching (Qira’ah and Iqraa) in the narration of Hafs from Imam Asim, via the Shatibiyyah method. My certifier, Sheikh Salah bin Muhammad bin Uthman of Al-Azhar University, traces his Sanad (chain of narration) back to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), with my position being 28th in the chain.
I specialize in teaching Qur’an recitation, Tajweed, and memorization to students of all ages and skill levels. Over the years, I have taught at esteemed institutions in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, helping learners master Tajweed, memorize from 2 to 30 Juz, and improve their connection with the Qur’an.
My mission remains to spread Qur’anic knowledge, nurturing a love for the Qur’an in every student I teach.
Hiba Fakhro
Teacher
Asslamu alaikum, my name is Hiba Fakhro. I will be teaching your child Islamic Studies and Quran. This will be my second year teaching at Pillars Academy Weekend School and I am currently enrolled in Early Childhood Education courses. I am looking forward to a great year of learning filled with many activities. I was happy to see our Pillars students back and I want to welcome our new families. I enjoy learning about the abilities, interests, and experiences that each child has that makes them who they are.
Suher Saleh
Teacher
My name is Suher Saleh. I am glad to be your child’s teacher. Arabic is my first language and I have a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. I attended several lessons in Tajweed, Tafseer, and Aqidah. I was a teacher for the same level last year. Currently, I am attending two classes at Irvine Valley College (IVC) regarding child development and teaching.