ISRI STAFF 2024 - 2025
Administrative (Operational, Bookkeeping, & Support) Team
QAIS Team
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Awad Khaleefa (Head of QAIS Department)List Item 1
Education:
- Bachelor’s of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language
- Diploma of Teaching English and Islamic Studies
- Diploma of Islamic Studies and Tajweed
About me:
Awad Khalifa is an Arabic, Religion and Quran teacher at ISRI and joined the school in 2008. He has nearly 23 years of teaching experience; and got his education and teaching experience from Al Yamaniya University, Sudan Institute for Teaching and AlQuran University respectively. He has taught English Language and Islamic Studies to middle and secondary grade students in Yemen and Sudan.
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Nusaiba Elhaj (5th Grade Homeroom / QAIS Teacher (4, 5, 6)
Education :
- Bachelor of Science: Chemistry and Botany from University of Khartoum 2005
Experience :
- Working in ISRI since 2015 as Quran, Arabic, Islamic studies and Science teacher. Worked in several schools in Sudan as Arabic, Islamic studies teacher and as Homeroom teacher for 3rd and 4rth grades , also have some experience as Academic Coordinator and Assistant Manager
About me:
I love working with my students to develop their Arabic language skills and practice Islamic teachings inside the classroom and outside all through the day. I also enjoy science projects .Teaching is my passion and I love watching things grow and flourish (including my plants 🪴 )
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Meriem El Mallas QAIS Teacher (2nd, 3rd & 4th Grades)List Item 3
Education:
-Bachelor's Degree in Fundamental Studies, Islamic Theology and Fundamentals
Experience:
-Been working with ISRI since 2020
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Fatema Hasaba QAIS Teacher (PreK, KG, and 1st grade)List Item 4
Elementary School Team
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Laila Elsayd (Grade 1 Homeroom Teacher)List Item 1
Qualifications:
- 2007 Bachelor's Degree from Hunter College_New York Psychology
- 2004 St. John’s University, New York _Physician Assistant
Experience:
- 1st grade teacher since 2016
- ISRI (Nov. 2012 - July 2013): Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) President.
- ISRI (March 2013 – June 2013): Pre-K 3 Classroom Teacher & Pre-K 4 Assistant Teacher.
- P.S. 9 Sarah Anderson School (June 2011, New York): KG Assistant Teacher, Gifted & Talented.
- New Generation International Schools (March 2008, Egypt): Kindergarten Classroom Teacher.
- Kaplan K12 Learning Services, Supplemental Educational Services Program (Feb. 2007 - June 2007, New York): Site Coordinator & Instructor
- Kaplan K12 Learning Services, Supplemental Educational Services Program (Jan. 2006 - Jan. 2007, New York): Classroom Instructor
About me:
I enjoy working with children and watching them grow and develop into independent individuals and thinkers. It is my desire and goal to give back to the Muslim community by setting the path for our children to achieve all that they dream. So much of what I do is to ensure that our children receive the best education and academic experience possible, becoming well-rounded individuals.
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Mounia Alass (1st grade Associate Educator)
Education:
- Associate Degree in Economics
- Computer Certificate (Word, Excel, Power Point)
- ESL Certificate
Experience:
- Started with ISRI in 2024
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Madiha Asim (Grade 2 Homeroom Teacher)List Item 2
Education:
- Bachelors in Psychology, Certification of Scrum Master
Experience:
- been with ISRI since 2023
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Michelle Belliard (Grade 3 Homeroom Teacher)
Education:
- Bachelor’s in Business Management
Experience:
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Nesreen Zakaria (KG/3rd grade Associate Educator)
Education:
Experience:
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Heather Barrakad (Grade 4 Homeroom Teacher)List Item 3
Education:
- Masters in Psychology
Experience:
- Been 4th grade teacher since 2020
- Started with ISRI in 2010 and worked as gym teacher and then 1st grade till 2015
Middle School Team
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Mona Salem (5th grade ELA & SS Teacher)
Education:
- Master’s degree, Public Policy (MBA concentration)
- Bachelor’s degree, Political Science
Experience:
- Been with ISRI since 2018
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Laura Khan (6th Grade Homeroom & Middle School ELA Teacher)
Education:
- BA in English with Minor: Studio Art
Experience:
- Been with ISRI sience 2022
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Saadia Fahd (7th Grade Homeroom and Middle School Science Teacher)List Item 2
Education:
- Master’s in Education in Secondary Science
- BSc degree in Chemistry
Experience:
- Started with ISRI in 2024
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Nafisa Girach 8th Grade Homeroom, Middle School Math Teacher, and Discipline CoordinatorList Item 1
Education:
- MSc Economics, University of Birmingham, UK (1998)
BA (Hons)
- Economics with Management, University of Central England, UK (1997)
Experience:
- Islamic School of Rhode Island
2014–present: Middle School Math & Social Studies Teacher
2011–2014: Middle School Math Teacher
2009–2010: Grade 6 Homeroom Teacher (Language Arts, Social Studies, Math)
2008–2009: Acting Principal & Grade 6 Homeroom Teacher
2007–2008: Grade 6 Homeroom Teacher
2006–2007: Part-time Math Teacher (Grades 2–6)
About me:
I joined the ISRI team in 2006, and I am so proud of the dedication of all the staff here. We strive to achieve excellence in our students, on both an academic level, as well as a personal level. My aim is not just to teach students at their grade level, but to help each student advance at their level so that they can achieve their best.
Specialized Staff
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Hanadi Zaza (Elementary & Middle School Art)List Item 1
Qualifications:
- Diploma in Fine Art
- Associate degree from CCRI
About me:
I am the Art teacher at ISRI. I attended Technical Art School and a Fine Art College in Syria. I joined ISRI in 2011 as a teacher assistant moving onto Art teacher the following year.
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Linda Tamer - Gym Teacher
Education:
- Bachelor in Law
Experience:
- With over two decades of experience in wellness and athletics, I have a diverse background in yoga, meditation, and fitness. From 2001 to 2015, I taught alignment-based Hatha, Vinyasa, and restorative yoga to all ages. My practice of meditation and breathing methods (2012-2021) has deepened my focus and mindfulness.
I ran with Nike Run Club Lebanon from 2001 to 2022 and hold an international diving certification from C-Club Scuba Diving Center (2015). My athletic background also includes Shotokan Karate (2007-2012), basketball (1998-2007), and skiing (2007-2022).
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Deema Ead - Arabic Tutor
Experience:
- Been with ISRI sience 2023
Early Childhood Education (ECE)Team
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Nada AlHalabi (PreK3/4 Lead Teacher)
Education:
- Bachelors Degree in Law and Associate in Marketing
Experience:
- Been with ISRI since 2020
- With 15 years of experience in education, I have had the privilege of working in schools in Syria and Jordan.
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Ibtisam Issa (Kindergarten Lead Teacher)List Item 3
Education:
- 9/93-1/2000: Bachelor Degree in Medicine and Surgery: Al Fateh University, Tripoli, Libya.
Experience:
1/2014- 9/20015: Esperanza/ Hope Clinic, Providence, RI: Volunteer Medical Observer
4/2003- 3/2005: United Nation Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA), Lebanon: Medical Officer.
About me:
I Joined ISRI as a substitute teacher for the 2014-2015 school year. I started this year as a homeroom teacher for KG. I am proud to be a part of the ISRI team. I strive to achieve excellence in our students’ education.
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Hanan Argha (PreK3/4 Associate Educator)
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Ayesha Taimor (PreK3/4 Associate Educator)
PreK 3-4 Assistant
Building Maintenance Team
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Hakima Nait Nasser (Building and Custodial))List Item 1
I have been working with the school since its establishment. I take care of the school building, classrooms, bathroom, gym, and everying inside and outside of the building.
I love my work and all staff members. I am proud member of ISRI family.
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Mosa - Custodial Work (Evening)
Custodial Work