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 8th 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 for lung cancer. 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. Nabeela is a proud mama of a 21 and 17 year old!
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!
TA
Leila Shaqdeh
Saalam! My name is Leila Shaqdeh, and I am currently a TA at Mohammad Webb Foundation and a junior 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!
Arabic Level 3
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Arabic Level 4
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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
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!
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2nd Grade Teacher
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!
2nd Grade TA
Amel Kohli
Asslamoalikum, my name is Amel Kohli and I am a second year pharmacy student pursuing a PharmD degree. I am one of the TA's at Mohammed Webb, and will be teaching the second grade class. I have a passion for learning, teaching, writing, and various other hobbies. I love kids and Islam- so I am excited to be a part of the team and impart a lasting impression on the kids about Islam and everything else InSha’Allah! May this be a beneficial year for us all
3rd Grade Co-Teacher
Maryam
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3rd Grade Co-Teacher
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.
4th Grade Teacher
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!
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4th Grade TA
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.
5th Grade Co-Teacher
Emaan Qasim
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!
5th Grade Co-Teacher
Shama
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6th Grade Co-Teacher
Farhat Farooq
Assalamualikum My name is Ms. Farhat Farooq and I am excited to join Mohammed Webb Foundation’s Sunday school this year. I will be teaching connections in Quran and Islamic Studies level 6 this year. I have a teaching background in elementary education and have a passion for working with students. My goal is to provide a comfortable learning environment where my students can be their shining selves !
6th Grade Co-Teacher
Inaaya
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7th Grade Teacher
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.
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7th Grade TA
Soraya
Salam! My name is Soraya, and I am a senior at Naperville North High School. After three years as a student here, I am so excited to return as a Sunday School TA this year. I have great experience working with children through my high school's preschool program, and I also deeply enjoy dedicating my time to working with students with disabilities. I can’t wait to help our students grow in their love and knowledge of Islam
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.