Mr. Cohee is a father, husband, world traveler, and an educator.

He is passionate about education and everything that goes along with working with young people.

Mr. Cohee started his career in education 30 years ago as a Biology and Health Education teacher in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa in 1994.

He played university basketball at UBC and went on to compete professionally in South Africa as well.

Mr. Cohee has been a teacher, coach, and educational leader serving a wide array of schools both here in Vancouver, Japan, and China.

Specifically, he has served as Head of Department, Director of Athletics, Vice-Principal, Director of Junior School, and Head of School/Principal at schools including Mulgrave, St. George’s, Stratford Hall, Lowell High School, and LaSalle College Vancouver High School.

He is committed to providing a safe and caring environment that is conducive to learning for all students and believes in a vision of a highly engaged team of faculty and staff who will inspire each child, every day.

Sr. Virtue is passionate about teaching. She strives to instill determination in the heart of every child and nourishes each child to grow gracefully. She believes in revolutionizing the way teachers teach by providing unwavering support and principal values. 

Virtue is committed to working closely with children, parents, and service professionals alike in developing and facilitating a dynamic curriculum while ensuring a warm and encouraging environment.  

She has classroom experience which spans from grades K-12 inclusively. At the primary level, she teaches all the core subjects such as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) as well as Humanities (English and Social Studies), and Physical Education. 

Her past experience includes managing the Learning Support Services department for several years. Virtue has taught and supported students with Autism, FASD, ASD, ADHD, dyslexia, and physical disabilities. 

She is passionate about early-intervention with a collaborative approach to help students excel and reach their full potential. 

Sheikh Saleem’s journey has been one of dedication to education and community service.

After studying at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, he and his wife Arifa Hudda pursued Islamic education in Medina, New York, and then in Qom, Iran.

Sheikh Saleem immersed himself in non-profit work upon his return to Canada. He contributed to the Islamic Humanitarian Service in Kitchener, Ontario, and later became the Director of Publications at The World Federation of KSIMC. He then founded Al-Fath Al-Mubin Publications and the Islamic Publishing House – Canada’s largest publishers of Islamic literature in English – having produced hundreds of articles and over 30 full-length books.

For almost ten years, Sheikh Saleem worked at Research In Motion as a Functional and Process Analyst for the Reverse Logistics of the company.

Over the past decade, he has single-handedly created 500+ original Islamic content videos on YouTube, hundreds of podcasts, and authored and/or translated around 50 Islamic books into English.

He actively supports Shia communities across Canada from Halifax to Vancouver and is currently engaged with the Al-Kisa Foundation in various areas including the research and writing of a multi-volume commentary of the entire Quran entitled The Clear Guidance.

Shaykh Saleem was recently granted his Independent School Teaching Certificate from the Ministry of Education and Child Care in the Province of British Columbia, enabling him to teach Quran and Islamic Studies from K to Grade 9.

Outside of Islamic work, Sheikh Saleem enjoys cooking, reading, writing, translating religious texts into English, traveling and photography.

Born in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, Sr. Femida moved to Dubai, U.A.E. where she lived for 10 years, after which, she moved to New York, USA where she finished her formal education. Being a mother of four children, she has a passion for working with children. She has been working at Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy for almost 15 years and feels very lucky to work with such wonderful children.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, playing badminton, and just being active with her kids.

Sr. Kauser Mirza, originally from Mumbai, India, embodies a blend of vibrant personality and professional dedication. With an innate ability to forge meaningful connections, Sr. Kauser’s extroverted nature has always driven her to build strong bonds with those around her.

Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s in Management Studies from Mumbai University. In 2019, Kauser relocated to Dubai, UAE, to immerse herself in an international environment. Over nearly five years, she progressed from an assistant accountant to a Business Administrator, showcasing her rapid career growth and commitment to excellence.

Fueled by a desire for continuous learning, Sr. Kauser moved to Canada in 2022 to pursue an MBA in International Business from Trinity Western University. Her career evolution is a testament to her relentless pursuit of knowledge and professional development.

Despite her professional background, Sr. Kauser has always harboured a deep affection for children. Since the age of 15, she has excelled in engaging with and caring for kids. Her passion for creating bonds with children through talking, playing, educating, and guiding them has been a constant in her life. Recently, Sr. Kauser embraced motherhood, welcoming a little princess into her life. This new chapter has only deepened her enthusiasm for working with children. She is thrilled to join Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy, where she anticipates a nurturing environment filled with wonderful people.

Sr. Kauser brings a unique blend of professional expertise and a heartfelt passion for child development, making her an invaluable addition to the Az Zahra Islamic Academy family.

Sr. Zainab Bachoo was born and raised in Tanzania and moved to Canada in 1995.

In 2003, Sr. Zainab started teaching Qur’an at the Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy. She now serves as a Quran co-ordinator and has had the privilege of mentoring assistant teachers in their development of Qur’anic skills and teaching strategies. During this time, she has developed modules for training teachers in the science of tajweed along with easy to use manuals for parents and students.

Sr. Zainab has been the Quran Coordinator at Madrasah Az-Zahraa for over 15 years, and she also teaches Qur’an privately and at other schools. Her love for teaching the Qur’an drives her to log as many as 30 hours per week of Qur’an teaching time. She has studied Qur’anic Arabic formally and understands the Qur’anic language fluently. Her patience and pleasant mannerism in teaching the Quran has made her teaching successful for all students young and old.

Sr. Zainab is also passionate about increasing her knowledge of Islam and the Qur’an. She attended a week-long course on doctrines of faith organized by NASIMCO. Such opportunities allow her to bring the Qur’an to life in the classroom.

Sr. Shabnam has been with AZIA for almost 15 years. She has a passion for teaching Islamic Studies and also teaches our JKG class. She has a special training and certification in Orton Gillingham which is a great asset as she is able to meet the learning needs of all children. 

Her teaching style is comprehensive, integrated, fun and dynamic incorporating all modalities of the senses which allows for a strong and grounded learning experience for the children. Most of all, the children love her compassion and empathy. 

Her philosophy is to make Islam relevant to the essence and being of the child so that the child is able to realize his/her potential to the fullest and develop into a person that can make significant contributions to society.

Zehra Tamaki, originally from the Hazara community of Quetta, Pakistan, is a dedicated mother of two with a deep passion for Islamic education and community involvement. She brings a wealth of experience in supervising and coordinating events for all ages, skillfully writing and directing plays, and fostering a love for storytelling and children’s literacy. Zehra excels at creating engaging learning projects and challenges for children and youth, inspiring them to grow both academically and spiritually.

She holds an FA Degree in English Literature, Sociology, and Economics, and a Master’s Degree in Islamic Education from the Fatima al-Zahra Islamic Seminary. Her teaching experience spans various grades, including Islamic Studies and Qur’an instruction for Grades 3 to 8 at both Al-Mustafa Academy Society (Weekend Madrasah) in Surrey and Az-Zahraa Madrasah in Richmond, BC. Zehra has also served as the Islamic Studies Classes Coordinator at Al-Mustafa Academy, further solidifying her role as a key figure in Islamic education.

Beyond the classroom, she has been an active event planner and program supervisor for the Ladies Committee of the Canadian Hussaini Association and has organized Islamic educational programs for children and youth. Her work, both online and with local organizations, reflects her commitment to fostering the growth and development of the next generation in both faith and community values.

Sr. Masuma has been teaching Quran at AZIA since 2014 and holds an Independent School Teaching Certificate from the BC Ministry of Education. She has completed her Diploma in Islamic Foundations and Islamic Studies. Her priority is to instill the love for learning and reciting The Holy Quran in the students of AZIA and to impart valuable teachings from the Holy Quran through creative and multisensory activities. She has always been enthusiastic and passionate about learning and appreciating the teachings of The Holy Quran.

Sr. Masuma has also been supporting students as an Education assistant at AZIA for the past 2 years. She strongly believes in a multisensory approach for learning and is a certified Orton Gillingham Practitioner.

She also enjoys mentoring the students in teaching the art of reciting Nasheeds and Nawhas. Sr. Masuma has been actively involved in Madrasah Az-Zahraa, teaching and coordinating Quran for the past 10 years. She has also been volunteering in various activities at the Az-Zahraa Islamic Centre which include the popular workshops for children and has been an exhibitor for the annual Journey into Islam program; an evening where the general public is invited to learn about Islam and tour the Centre. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, yoga and playing badminton

Aurélia Silva was born in France where she spent her childhood with her parents and sisters. She then moved to Portugal, her home country, where she did her studies at Coimbra University, one of the oldest University in the world. Aurélia has been in the Education field for over 25 years. 

When she moved to Vancouver, she attended Langara College and Vancouver Community College to pursue her career in Early Childhood Education. 

Aurélia has worked with all age groups but her passion is the little ones. This is her eighth year at the Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy as the Junior Kindergarten Head Teacher. 

Aurélia sees her students as her own and spends the day sharing love and smiles! She is passionate for the yearly years and feels blessed to be part of the life of her young students. Aurélia is also the Director of “Our Lady of Fatima Portuguese School “which operates on Saturdays and serves the Portuguese community, teaching children from Preschool to grade 9. 

During her free time, she enjoys painting, reading, travelling, sewing and spending time with her daughters and grandchildren.

Sr. Fehmina is an ECE Assistant for Junior Kindergarten at the Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy. She has completed her Orton-Gillingham and ECE Assistant Certification and enjoys working with children and helping them reach their milestones. 

She has experience in a childcare setting for the past 8 years. 

Besides teaching, she likes travelling, cooking, reading and trying new desserts.

Born in Iran, Sr. Ashraf received her degree in Early Childhood Education in Iran and graduated in 2008. After moving to Canada in 2009, she went back to school to learn English. 

Having worked as a cashier in Langley, she decided to get her Early Childhood Education Assistant certification to pursue her love of teaching young children. 

Working at AZIA has always been one of her biggest wishes and has both her children attending Az-Zahraa. She enjoys working with the staff, the children, and the peaceful environment that Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy has to offer. 

She is thankful to be back teaching at Az-Zahraa as she does not see herself working at any other place. Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy is like home for her.

Ms. Erma De Justo, is an Early Childhood Educator and Certified IB Teacher. With a deep- seated passion for education and early childhood development, she has dedicated the past seven years of her career to fostering the growth and development of young learners. Her experience spans various educational approaches, with a particular focus on Montessori-based programs, which have shaped her philosophy and practice in Early Childhood Education.

She is a certified International Baccalaureate (IB) teacher and has been proudly working in the Primary Years Program under the International Baccalaureate here in BC. In her current role as an Early Childhood Educator, she has had the privilege of integrating inquiry-based learning with the rigorous standards of the IB curriculum. This role has not only allowed her to refine her teaching methodologies but has also strengthened her ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.

She is committed to nurturing each child’s unique potential through a combination of hard work, collaborative efforts, and a child-centered approach. She firmly believes in the transformative power of education and the importance of continuous professional growth. Her objective is to make a meaningful and lasting impact on every student she encounters, contributing to a learning environment where both educators and students can flourish. For her, education is more than a profession—it is a vocation that she approaches with unwavering dedication and a commitment to excellence.

Mrs. Wassick is from North Vancouver and completed her Bachelor of Education at UBC with a focus on Primary Education.  She has a passion for travel and has taught in South Korea and in Qatar.  

Ms.Wassick has previously taught Grade 4 at AZIA and this is now her fifth year teaching Kindergarten. 

She enjoys the outdoors, reading and playing sports.

Ms. Chiu has a rich and diverse background in education and art, blending her Taiwanese heritage with Canadian educational practices. Born in Taiwan and later moving to British Columbia in 1997, she grew up in a business-oriented family environment.

Educationally, Ms. Chiu holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Simon Fraser University, specializing in high school art education. She also earned a Bachelor of General Fine Arts from Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Recently, she has been taking certification courses during the summer from UBC’s Geering Up professional development on ADST/STEAM/STEM workshops. Her passion for education extends to curriculum design, particularly integrating aspects of the British Columbia curriculum with Asian teaching methods. She appreciates the flexibility of the new BC revised curriculum, which aligns well with her values of diversity and student-centred learning, reminiscent of the International Baccalaureate (IB) approach.

Professionally, Ms. Chiu held various roles in education, including serving as an Educational Assistant and after-school program teacher at Mums Montessori Childcare in North Vancouver. She was also a Teacher on Call (TOC) for School District 44 and held positions such as Acting Principal, art teacher, Chinese teacher, and K/1 classroom teacher at HongDe Elementary School. At Columbia Academy IB School, she worked as a K/1 classroom teacher and K-7 art teacher, showcasing her versatility across different age groups and subjects.

Outside of her professional life, Ms. Chiu enjoys spending time with her family and in nature, traveling, and practicing meditation at home. She has a creative side, evident from her participation in floral arrangement classes and volunteering with the flowers team at LingYen Mountain Temple in Richmond, BC. Previously, she volunteered her time to teach traditional Chinese foundation level to K-2 students at Tzu Chi Foundation BC in Richmond, Canada.

Jacquie has called Richmond home since 2021, sharing her life with her loving husband and wonderful son. Currently in her third year at AZIA, she embarked on an exciting journey in the world of education. Her roots trace back to Alberta where she spent her formative years. However, her passion for teaching has led her across the globe, living and teaching in Mexico, South Korea, Hawaii, Qatar, and Indonesia. Jacquie has had the privilege of educating students from Kindergarten to Grade 9.

Beyond the classroom, she has a sweet tooth for chocolate, which often fuels her daily adventures. In her free time, you can find her on the rugby field, crafting intricate crochets, exploring the great outdoors through hiking, or immersed in a captivating book. Her life is a vibrant blend of teaching, family, adventure, and personal pursuits, and she cherishes every moment of it.

Teaching is Sr. Saira’s passion. She completed her Master’s in Zoology in Pakistan and taught Biology and Zoology for five years at a university. In 2000, she moved with her family to Japan where she earned her Ph.D. in Biotechnology. By the grace of Allah she learned about the inspiring Japanese culture which helped her to learn about their diverse lifestyle and traditional customs. In 2004, she moved to Canada with her family and cared for her three children while also tutoring students.

In 2018, she upgraded her teaching career by completing courses in education and obtained her certification in 2020. She has a strong passion for teaching children to help them grow successfully to achieve their full potential while helping to incorporate the esteemed values of Islam. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, travelling, and reading.

Adem boasts an illustrious educational career that spans over two decades, marked by an impressive tenure of more than 20 years as an esteemed educator. Throughout this extensive period, he has cultivated a wealth of teaching experience, emerging as a seasoned professional dedicated to the intellectual development of the next generation.

Prior to embracing a full-time teaching role, Adem established himself as a proficient computer programmer in the late 80s, thereby leaving an indelible mark on the ever-evolving landscape of technology. This foundational experience not only honed his analytical and problem-solving skills but also instilled in him a profound appreciation for the intersection of education and technology.

His commitment to the field of education is exemplified by his significant contributions during a two-year tenure at Az-Zahraa, where he skillfully imparted knowledge and enthusiasm to a diverse and vibrant community.

Embarking on a distinguished 30-year managerial journey at a reputable company, Adem further honed his leadership skills, gaining invaluable insights into the nuances of diverse student populations. His corporate experience uniquely enriches his teaching philosophy, providing a distinctive perspective that sets him apart in the realm of education.

As a Muslim educator with an extensive history of teaching in an Islamic school, Adem is well-versed in Islamic values and teachings. This proficiency has afforded him a deep understanding and appreciation of the culture and traditions of the Islamic world.

Adem’s multifaceted background, seamlessly blending technical expertise with extensive managerial acumen, positions him as an exceptional educator who comprehensively grasps the dynamic challenges and opportunities facing today’s students. His impactful contributions at Az-Zahraa, coupled with his diverse professional journey, underscore his unwavering dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment for all students under his esteemed guidance.

Sr. Mitra Navaie brings a rich and diverse background to the classroom, with a foundation in both linguistics and education. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in French Translation and initially worked as a professional translator and interpreter, bridging language and cultural divides with precision and care. Driven by a passion for teaching, she pursued further studies, earning a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Science in Education. Sr. Mitra’s teaching experience spans various educational contexts, having worked with students of all ages, from young learners to adults.

Her extensive experience includes roles as a French immersion teacher and certification in English Language Learning (ELL), making her exceptionally skilled at supporting multilingual learners in their academic growth. Sr. Mitra’s love for art, particularly oil painting, infuses creativity into her teaching, and her joy in connecting with children of all ages fosters an engaging and supportive classroom environment. An avid nature enthusiast, Sr. Mitra brings warmth, creativity, and expertise to every lesson she shares with her students at AZIA.

Natalie’s educational odyssey commenced in Montreal, Quebec, as she embarked on a journey that would take her across international borders. Equipped with degrees from Concordia University and Bedford College of Higher Education, she ventured abroad for an enriching academic experience.

During her tenure in England, Natalie not only imparted knowledge but also assumed the role of Head of Department for an impressive five-year period.

Following this international stint, she extended her teaching prowess to Lauriston Girls School in Melbourne, Australia, before returning to her roots in Canada.

For the subsequent 11 years, Natalie dedicated her unwavering passion for education to Collingwood School. However, in a pivotal moment, she chose to prioritize her commitment to family and dedicated herself to raising her son.

In 2021, propelled by a renewed zeal to return to the classroom, Natalie found a new professional home at BC Muslim School.

Eager to contribute and broaden her impact, she is thrilled at the prospect of inspiring and educating students in her latest role at Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy.

This marks an exciting new chapter in Natalie’s professional journey, as she brings her wealth of experience and dedication to the vibrant educational community.

Hossein Parsi, a 34-year-old Physical Education teacher with 8 years of enriching experience, shares a profound journey into the world of sports. 

His early exposure to gymnastics, swimming, and martial arts laid the foundation for a diverse sporting background. As a former member of school soccer and basketball teams, Hossein pursued academic excellence, obtaining bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education. 

Certified in fitness, soccer, self-defense, and karate, he prioritizes safety with First Aid certification. 

Three years as a professor’s assistant at Science and Culture University provided valuable experiences. 

Hossein excels in teaching sports to all age groups, from elementary to high school, and even coaching the Iran National Karate Team. 

His passion extends beyond a singular sport, encompassing badminton, table tennis, basketball, and tennis. Beyond technical expertise, his strength lies in connecting with people, motivating them to achieve physical fitness goals. 

In his leisure, Hossein indulges in writing and reading, having authored three sports books and translated two. Committed to instilling values of athleticism, discipline, and teamwork, he remains dedicated to shaping the next generation.

Sr. Zahida was born in Uganda, lived in Hamburg, Germany for 20 years where she finished her formal education and graduated with a post-secondary degree. She moved to Canada 28 years ago and has been working at the Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy since 2007.   

Sr. Zahida is passionate about empowering children and giving them support and guidance to discover their strengths. 

In her free time, she loves to bake, hike and spend time with her family.

Mohammad, a seasoned and accomplished educator, holds a BC teaching license issued by the Ministry of Education Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB). His educational journey began modestly as a teaching assistant during his undergraduate studies, laying the groundwork for his remarkable career trajectory.

With a diverse educational background spanning electrical engineering, electronics, robotics, project management, and a master’s degree in business administration, Mohammad’s expertise is extensive and multifaceted. The completion of an extensive diploma program in educational assistance further enhances his pedagogical prowess.

This wealth of knowledge and experience equips Mohammad to dynamically and judiciously apply wisdom and strategic thinking in his teaching pursuits, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful educational experience for his students. ]

During his tenure at Ivy-Tech Community College, Mohammad’s leadership focused on fostering creativity and improving teaching quality. His contributions earned him the prestigious “Teaching Excellence” award from the University of Texas, along with a promotion to Chairman of the Science & Technology Department, where he oversaw eight technical programs. During this period, he made significant contributions to the US Department of Education’s “The Workforce 2000 Core Competency Program.” 

As a Project Manager, Mohammad demonstrated entrepreneurial acumen and a diverse skill set. Concurrent with his business leadership and consultancy role, he devoted time to mentoring, life coaching, and tutoring students of all ages, guiding them on their paths of personal and professional growth. Throughout his extensive career, Mohammad exhibited an unwavering commitment to excellence and a profound passion for both learning and teaching. 

Driven by his dedication to education, Mohammad conducted extensive research in Quranic thoughts and various topics, including psychology, sociology, history, politics, leadership, behavior, culture, environment, ethics, morals, mundane world and spiritual life. His findings inspired him to delve into the intricacies of human psychology, exploring how the brain acquires and processes information for learning. This led to the authorship of a 3-volume book titled “3D Human, The Apex of Creation,” which covers the aforementioned topics. 

Mohammad is passionately committed to cultivating critical and creative thinking abilities in his students. He is renowned for his talent in understanding individuals’ cognitive capabilities, behavioral patterns, and learning styles, enabling him to meticulously craft and fine-tune effective strategies that transform learning into a seamless, enjoyable, and enriching experience for all. His extensive list of accolades is a testament to his exceptional leadership, innovative approach, and unwavering dedication to facilitating the art of teaching and learning with unparalleled tact and patience.

Najwa began her learning journey in Lebanon when she achieved her degree in English Language Arts and Literature. Her further passion for education led her to further her qualifications with a TESOL diploma from VCC Canada and an Education Assistant Diploma. However, that was not the end of her educational career as she went on to obtain certificates in POPARD, NVCI, ASSIST, and First Aid.  

She had the amazing opportunity of working internationally, both in Lebanon and Dubai as an English language instructor and coordinator, as well as an enlightening practicum in Canada. In Lebanon, she had the privilege of working as an English Language instructor at an official high institute. She also worked as a private tutor in Canada, working closely with learners to ensure they can reach their maximum potential. All these experiences enriched her knowledge within this line of work. Her approach to education has differed for the better in result of these experiences. 

Sr. Najwa has strong motivation and passion in helping students and their parents learn how to navigate each individual’s educational journey. She is determined to support teachers by enhancing their classroom and provide a nurturing environment in which students can thrive. Her goal is to allow each student to grow academically and personally regardless of their individual challenges. 

Beyond her professional life, Sr. Najwa is a dedicated mother to four wonderful daughters and she cherishes the time she spends with her family; they inspire her to balance her family life with her passion for teaching. Another source of joy for her is exploring new cuisines and discovering new recipes in the kitchen, allowing her creativity to grow.

Masooma Jafry, a proud wife and mother of two boys, holds a Master’s in Education and certification in Autism. With a background in Educational Assistance, Masooma has a rich history of innovation and success in driving programs for students with special needs in both British Columbia and Alberta.

Her educational journey includes serving as an Elementary School teacher at the renowned Army Public School in Quetta, Pakistan. Additionally, she has dedicated five years as an ESL teacher at Paragon Educational Academy.

Masooma is a committed professional, known for creating a learning environment that is safe, reliable, supportive, and nurturing for all students, teams, and individuals around her.

Beyond her professional achievements, Masooma is a sports enthusiast who excelled as a hockey player during high school and actively participated in various running games, earning trophies and medals. Her passion and creativity shine through in her leadership and participation in games that prioritize students’ physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being.

Born and raised in Daressalaam, Tanzania, Sr. Shahida completed her education and obtained a diploma in software engineering. She is a certified Orton Gillingham Practitioner in English and Math.

Enthusiastic about teaching using the multisensory approach, Sr. Shahida is dedicated to empowering children to reach their potential, both in person and online. She is also deeply passionate about teaching the Quran and has been tutoring for the past 7 years. Since 2005, Sr. Shahida has been an integral part of the AZIA school community, contributing as a parent volunteer.

In her free time, Sr. Shahida enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her family, both in person and through online connections.

Sr. Sakina Sayani was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, and she has been a valued member of Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy since March 2023. She completed her Bachelor of Commerce in Pakistan and continued her education by obtaining an Education Assistant Diploma and ECEA Certificate from Western Community College.

Sr. Sakina is motivated by a strong desire to assist students on their unique educational journeys. Committed to supporting teachers and creating a nurturing classroom environment, she strives to provide a space where students can thrive academically and personally. Beyond textbooks, Sr. Sakina is passionate about teaching Salaat and basic Islamic knowledge to her students. Her ultimate goal is to facilitate the academic and personal growth of each student, helping them overcome individual challenges.

Outside of her professional role, Sr. Sakina is a devoted mother of two daughters and she likes to spend quality time with her family after work.

Sr. Mahboubeh was born and raised in Yazd, Iran where she completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She then later decided to move to Canada in 2003, where over the years she explored the diverse professional fields before ultimately deciding to return to school in 2020, to update her skills and earn a degree as an educational assistant.

This decision led her to a fulfilling role at AZIA, where she channels her enthusiasm for working with children.

Mahboubeh is passionate about empowering young minds to realize their full potential.

In her free time, she remains committed to personal growth, immersing herself in lectures and cherishing moments with her 3 children.

Shakiba Shakouri, a devoted mother of four, hails from Kabul, Afghanistan. Her educational journey began in Regina, Saskatchewan, where she pursued her studies from grade eight onwards. Shakiba’s diverse academic background includes a diploma in business administration, two and a half years of nursing classes, and a year of engineering coursework, all from the University of Regina. Additionally, she holds an IESW(EA) diploma from Surrey Community College.

With a strong passion for working with children, Shakiba finds immense joy in nurturing their academic and social growth. Her patient and empathetic nature, coupled with her exceptional listening skills, enables her to communicate effectively with children of all ages. As a religious individual, her faith has instilled in her the belief that raising and assisting children to become healthy, happy, and knowledgeable members of society will bring rewards in both this world and the hereafter.

Shakiba’s personal life experiences, diverse educational background, and her role as a mother have equipped her with invaluable assets to support children in their inquiries and development. Ensuring and maintaining the well-being, trust, and satisfaction of children are at the core of her beliefs. She embraces challenges as opportunities for growth and strives to achieve the goals set before her.

Committed to her family, Shakiba makes it a priority to visit and assist her parents regularly. She also dedicates quality time to supporting her children with their homework and addressing any concerns they may have, fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for their overall development.

Sr. Nasra Said is a dedicated Education Assistant that has passion for student welfare and educational excellence. With a focus on building strong connections with students, Nasra is committed to fostering environments that support both academic achievement and personal growth. Her proactive approach extends beyond traditional roles, as she actively seeks opportunities to innovate within the educational community.

Additionally, in her leisure time, Nasra enjoys hiking in the outdoors and exploring new culinary experiences, traveling abroad, and reflecting her adventurous spirit and love for exploration beyond the classroom. Nasra’s dedication and proactive spirit makes her a valued advocate for quality education and student success

Zeinab Ahadi is a passionate and creative preschool teacher with over nine years of experience in early childhood education. She holds a Certificate in Early Childhood Education and has worked in diverse educational settings, where she has had the privilege of nurturing young minds and fostering their growth. As a proud mother of two, Zeinab found that parenthood profoundly impacted her understanding of childhood development, inspiring her to transition into teaching. Her experiences as a parent have provided valuable insights into young children’s needs, reinforcing her commitment to early education.

Zeinab believes each child is unique, learning at their own pace and in their own way. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating a warm, inclusive, and stimulating classroom environment where children can explore, discover, and enjoy learning. A strong advocate for play-based learning, Zeinab strives to make every lesson engaging and fun, allowing children to develop a lifelong love of learning.

Zeinab is dedicated to making each child’s first educational experiences joyful, curiosity-filled, and achievement-oriented, laying a strong foundation for their future success. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, painting, and spending time in nature, and she often integrates these interests into her lessons to create rich, multifaceted learning experiences. Committed to continuous growth, Zeinab regularly pursues professional development to enhance her skills and keep her teaching practices fresh and effective. She is honored to contribute to the early development of the next generation and looks forward to partnering with families to support each child’s journey.

Soheila Moradi is an Early Childhood Educator with a rich multicultural background. Originally from Afghanistan and raised in Iran, she completed her early education in Iran before immigrating to Canada. Upon arriving in Canada, Sr. Soheila pursued English as a Second Language (ESL) training to enhance her communication skills.

Three years ago, Sr. Soheila obtained her Early Childhood Education Assistant (ECEA) certificate, marking a significant milestone in her professional journey. Since then, she has been working at AZIA, contributing her expertise to early childhood education. Her personal commitment to education extends beyond her professional role, as she is also a proud mother of two students currently attending AZIA.

Sr. Soheila brings a unique perspective to her work, drawing from her diverse cultural experiences and dedication to supporting children’s learning and development.

Br. Mohammad is a dedicated father, filmmaker, and educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Dramatic Literature from the Art University of Tehran. With over 15 years of experience in teaching Farsi at high schools and conducting various writing courses—including report writing, short stories, creative writing, and scriptwriting—he has developed a deep passion for education and storytelling.

Since relocating to Vancouver, Br. Mohammad has actively contributed as a volunteer with the Italian Cultural Center and several film festivals. His journey in the local educational system began with roles as a noon-hour supervisor and library technician at Tomsett Elementary School within the Richmond School District. Driven by a commitment to working with youth, he is enthusiastic about continuing to teach and inspire students in their learning journeys.

Mr. Yu has been an IT Administrator in secondary schools for 16 years. He is passionate about helping others and dedicated to enhancing educational environments with his expertise. A lifelong learner with a keen interest in emerging technologies, Jeff excels at integrating innovative solutions into educational settings to promote both academic and operational excellence. Having made significant contributions to various school environments over the years, he is now excited to bring his expertise and enthusiasm to Az-Zahraa. He is ready to tackle fresh challenges and make a meaningful impact in a dynamic educational community.

Br. Nauman Hassan is a financial professional with nearly nine years of experience in strategic financial planning, budgeting, and risk management. He holds a Credential of Readiness (CORe) from Harvard Business School and an MS in Project Management from Bahria University. He is an expert in developing and executing financial strategies, leading budget development, and providing actionable insights to enhance overall performance. His expertise spans various roles, including Manager Administration and Financial Accountant. He is committed to leveraging his skills to contribute effectively to any organization.