School Staff
Meet the Team
Our teachers and staff are dedicated to nurturing each child’s love for Islam through engaging, values-centered learning. They strive to create a supportive environment where students feel connected, confident, and inspired in their faith.
Principal
Nabeela Syed
Nabeela Syed serves as the Principal for the Mohammad Webb Youth Sunday Program for the 7th year consecutive year. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, she moved to Chicago at the age of 13 and has lived here since then. She has her Bachelor’s degree in Arts of Social Science with a concentration in Early Education, and a post-bachelor degree in communication disorders and speech-language pathology. She does therapy part time and works full time in medical sales for a biopharmaceutical company in post organ transplant care. Nabeela also committed two years of teaching services to Webb Foundation and taught Seerah class for 4th/5th grade and Islamic Studies for 6th/7th grade. She enjoys working with children and adults and looks forward to working with Webb staff as a support and encouragement to help make teaching faith exciting and fun. Nabeela newly resides in Naperville and is a proud mama of a Freshman in College and Freshman in Highschool.
Vice Principal
Yasmin Ayyad
Yasmin Ayyad serves as the Vice Principal and Arabic 1 teacher for the Mohammed Webb Sunday School program. With over 12 years experience in the education field, Yasmin has taught students who need emotional/ behavioral support, English language learners abroad in Palestine, and is currently working full time in special education at the junior high level. She is a native to the Chicago-land area living here her whole life. She is a mom of 3 and enjoys instructing women-only fitness classes in her community.
Arabic
Levels 1, 2, 3, 4
Basics
Nasreen Pahumi
I am a registered behavior technician. I work as a behavior therapist in a public school setting where I help students thrive academically, emotionally and socially. I am dedicated to empowering young ones to stay curious about the world around them, as everything is a learning opportunity. As a Muslim sister, I want to be a positive influence on the next generation of Muslims. I teach Islamic studies with integrity and innovation. Making it a fun and educational experience.
Arabic Level 1
Yasmin Ayyad
Yasmin Ayyad has a bachelors degree in special education. She taught students who need social & emotional support for 3 years. She was born a son raised in Illinois before moving abroad to Palestine to teach English to native Arabic speakers for 8 years. Yasmin has worked with almost all grade levels and had a huge passion for learning and personal development. She is a mama of 3 and enjoys fitness and reading in her spare time.
Arabic Level 2
Lama Sharaf
Asalamualaikum! My name is Lama Sharaf and I will be teaching Quran and Arabic for kindergarten - 3rd grade. I was born and raised in Syria, Arabic being my native language. I have been teaching it at Webb Foundation for the last 9 years. I love teaching because of all the learning, exploring, and the fun, new experiences we get to have together. I can’t wait to help my students learn to recognize Arabic letters and start reading! Looking forward to a wonderful year ahead of us and can’t wait to spend it learning and having fun with you!
Arabic Level 3
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Arabic Level 4
Karoline
Salaam! My name is Karoline and I am teaching advanced Arabic with my husband Ahmed. I graduated in 2020 with a minor in Arabic from Virginia Tech, and also volunteered at the ISNRV Sunday school. In 2019 I completed an Arabic program at the University of Nizwa in Oman. I am a couples therapist by training, and outside the classroom I'm either playing with my cats, reading, or playing pickleball
Islamic Studies Teachers
Pre K
Azza Ansari
Azza Ansari is a Plainfield resident with a background in multinational business who later became a stay‑at‑home mother to three daughters. She is an active community volunteer, holding multiple PTA leadership roles and co‑founding the Liberty Culture Committee, which helped introduce culture‑focused initiatives in her school district. A former Girl Scout Leader, she is committed to civic engagement, diversity, and community growth. She has contributed to an Illinois educator resource guide on Muslim American history and previously helped establish a DEI committee at Macy’s, Inc.
KG
Nasreen Ayyad
I am a registered behavior technician. I work as a behavior therapist in a public school setting where I help students thrive academically, emotionally and socially. I am dedicated to empowering young ones to stay curious about the world around them, as everything is a learning opportunity. As a Muslim sister, I want to be a positive influence on the next generation of Muslims. I teach Islamic studies with integrity and innovation. Making it a fun and educational experience.
1st Grade
Nuha Mohammad
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2nd Grade
Sana Farooqui
Salaam! My name is Sana Farooqui and I am one of the 2nd grade teachers this year. I am also a pharmacy student and have a passion for learning and teaching. May Allah make this a beneficial and blessed year for all of us!
3rd Grade
Sofia Khan
Hi! I’m a current college student at UIC. My experience regarding teaching includes babysitting and being a pre school teacher for my high school. I’m excited to be a teacher at Mohammed Webb and I cannot wait to educate students and help them become better muslims!
4th Grade
Sobieh Bengali
I am Sobieh Bengali ,i have been part of Mohammed Webb Foundation since 2013. I am returning to MWF Sunday school after a break .I work at the Indian Prairie School district and love to interact with younger kids on a daily basis. My focus is on drawing the kids to Islam with an emphasis on the love for Allah . I hope to grow with my students this year balancing deen with our dunya in a way that Allah is pleased.
5th Grade
Saimah
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6th & 7th Grade
Saym Basheer
Saym Basheer is a Pakistani-American. He has Masters in Computer Science and work as a Manager Software Engineering. He enjoys arts, logic, psychology, and building things with his hands. His recent interest has been social and emotional intelligence. His goal for students is to become critical thinkers to deepen their faith and religious practices. By doing so, they will be able to create their own understanding of Islam and become a proud Muslim, InshAllah.
Teens Teachers
Teens Teacher
Sabahat Awais
Salam, my name is Sabahat Awais and I will be teens teacher this year. I grew up in Saudia Arabia and Pakistan and have been residing in Naperville with my family. I am currently working in a pharmaceutical company and love to read, meditate and travel. I have been teaching at Webb Foundation for past 6 years and have taught islamic studies to almost all age groups. I love connecting with children and encourage them to build their faith through critical thinking and positive mindset. I love the quote by Benjamin Franklin “ Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn. I look forward to teaching students to build the connection with Allah (swt) and be proud muslims.
Teens Teacher
Dawood Ali
Dawood Ali was born in Iowa to a Christian American mother and a Muslim Indian father. He grew up as a practicing Muslim in Chicago and graduated from the University of Illinois with an engineering degree. While his professional life has been involved with engineering and information technology, his personal life has been engaged in Islamic learning and teaching since his teenage years. He was actively involved in the operation of the Institute of Islamic Information and Education since its inception in 1986, eventually becoming its Managing Director. He has been the Director of the Muslim Youth Camp for the Muslim Community Center of Chicago for 15 years, teaching boys 12-18 years old about living life as a Muslim in America. He is currently a speaker for the Muslim community to a variety of audiences, educating the public about Islam and Muslims.
Teaching Assistants
TA
Leila Shaqdeh
Saalam! My name is Leila Shaqdeh, and I am currently a TA at Mohammad Webb Foundation and a sophomore at Neuqua Valley Highschool. I was born in Hindsdale, Illinois to Palestinian parents and I currently reside in Naperville, although in the summers I go back to Palestine, which is why my arabic skills ate very proficient although growing up in America. I am so excited to work with students as a TA in arabic level 3, and I will do my very best to comply to student needs!
TA
Sarah Siddiqui
Assalamualaikum! My name is Sarah Siddiqui and this year I will be teaching 1st grade Islamic Studies. I was born in Chicago, then moved to Virginia for a bit and now I am back here alhamdulillah. I am going to school to inshallah one day become an accountant. In my free time I love to go on walks, hangout with my cousins, sew, and read. I have a bunch of baby cousins which made me realize I love kids and that is why I am so excited to be able to teach Islamic Studies to kids here at Mohammed Webb!
TA
Zahra
Salams! My name is Zahra and I am a junior in high school in Naperville. I am a proud hijabi and am passionate about spreading the word of Islam. I enjoy working with kids and look forward to working with the student at MWF this year!
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Amal Mohammad
Salaam My name is Amal Mohammad I am a junior in high school pursuing my passion for cosmetology, where I enjoy learning new techniques and developing my skills in hair and beauty. Outside of school, I spend time caring for my cat and exploring my interest in fashion through shopping and styling.
TA
Saimah
Assalamualaikum, my name is Saimah. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Toronto. After moving to Chicago in 2010, I became a proud mama of two amazing girls, aged 9 and 10. Have over 15 years of professional experience as a legal and compliance professional. By day, I work as an Employee Relations Investigator, and by night, I run Oui Macarons, my private mobile bakery. I’m excited to join Sunday school as a fifth-grade Islamic Studies teacher this year! My goal is to create a cozy environment where kindness is the vibe and friendships bloom effortlessly.
TA
Moeed
Moeed is a Chicago native now living in Naperville with his family. He serves as a Director of Finance in the healthcare quality space and holds an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship. Deeply engaged in the startup ecosystem, Moeed is passionate about creativity, innovation, and mentoring youth. He proudly practices his faith while representing the values of an American Muslim with confidence. Moeed strives to inspire students to build strong character, think critically, and live their faith with pride. Outside the classroom, he coaches youth basketball for both boys and girls, focusing on teamwork, personal growth, and helping players develop a love for the game.