Sr. Amina Akberzai. I am a computer science professional and current student with a deep passion for technology and community service. Originally from Afghanistan, I now live in the United States with my family and am dedicated to supporting others through meaningful volunteer work.

I am actively involved with IRIS and New Start Ministry, where I assist newly arrived refugees in adjusting to life in the U.S. At FVAMC, I find great fulfillment in teaching and mentoring children, helping to support both their academic development and personal growth.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time in nature—long walks help me clear my mind and inspire my ongoing efforts to make a positive impact in the community.

Sr. Sienna Almady. My name is Sienna Almady, and I’m thrilled to be your child’s teacher at FVAMC this year. This is my third year teaching at FVAMC and my eighth year teaching Islamic Studies overall.

During the week, I work as an elementary school teacher in Hartford. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Arabic and Language Studies and a Master’s degree in Education.

In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading, learning new languages, and spending time outdoors.

I’m excited for another fantastic year of learning and growth, in sha Allah!

Br. Mahmoud Almady. Hello! My name is Mahmoud Almady and I can’t wait to be a part of the youth group team for the second year at FVAMC. I hope we get to enjoy a lot of fun events this year, and I can’t wait for the events we’ll try doing this year. Outside of the masjid I may fourth year medical student at UCONN. And I love playing tennis. InshaAllah we’ll have a fantastic year together!

Sr. Doha Bassyouni. I was born and raised in the beautiful Alexandria, Egypt where I earned a degree in Business and Accounting and worked as an accountant at the University of Alexandria for a number of years. Prior to that, I was a 4th grade history teacher and fell in love with teaching ever since! I have taught Arabic and Qur’an to new Muslims as well as school-aged children. During this time, I also worked in Madina Academy as an Arabic and Qur’an teacher for a number of years.
In addition, I enjoyed volunteering for the public school system while my kids were young.
I have been a Sunday School teacher for well over 15 years for different communities, including about 6 years here at FVAMC, Alhamdillah!
I have loved connecting with the students and their families over the years and look forward to continuing to work with and inspire our next generation of Muslims!

Sr. Audri Dizik. I am so grateful and excited to be the Assistant Teacher for 1st grade this year at FVAMC Academy. I have lived in Connecticut my whole life and have been part of the FVAMC community for several years. For over three years, I have been babysitting here at FVAMC, as well as volunteering in different ways, and I am now looking forward to beginning my first year in the classroom as an assistant teacher.

Outside of school, some of my favorite hobbies include crocheting and teaching crochet, as well as spending time with my family. I truly enjoy working with children and hope to help create a positive, fun, and supportive learning environment. Insha’Allah, I look forward to a wonderful year of learning and growth together!

Sr. Roshan Fathima. I have completed M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) in English Literature in India. I worked as a college Professor in India. I am connected to FVAMC Academy from day1. I volunteered for few years and took a break and joined as a teacher before 4 years. Also i volunteer as Tamil school teacher in a nonprofit organization in Avon for 8 years. I also volunteered as a Vice Principal in an online Tamil school till Aug 15 2024. I recently started working as Paraprofessional at CREC magnet school in May 2024. Coming to my personal life. I am Married to my husband Adam and proud mom of 4 kids. My hobbies include gardening, Crafts and cooking.

Sr. Hadeer Hossain. My name is Ms. Hadeer Hossain, and I am so happy to be your teacher this year! I am originally from Egypt and speak Arabic and English, with a background in French. I hold a degree in Business Accounting from the University of Cairo and am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Special Education.

I have twelve years of teaching experience at West Hartford Public Schools and six years at the FVAMC Academy, where I also teach Quran, Islamic Studies, and Arabic. At FVAMC, I have more than four years of experience teaching the Arabic language, helping students develop strong reading, writing, and speaking skills.

Teaching is my passion, and I look forward to helping my students learn, grow, and achieve their best.

Sr. Sawera Hussan. Sr. Sawera Hussan graduated from UConn with a degree in political science and is completing her final year at Quinnipiac School of Law. She enjoys reading and spending time at the beach.

Sr. Yasmine Kapadwala. I am excited to be your Fourth-grader teacher. I have a background in Early Childhood Education and am currently working as a substitute teacher in the surrounding school districts. This experience has allowed me to further explore my passion for empowering young minds. I live in Avon with my husband and three children. We have been part of the FVAMC community for the past six years, and I have had the privilege of being involved in the teachers’ community for the last four years, Alhamdulillah. I am genuinely looking forward to meeting your children and making this academic year a fulfilling and joyful experience for them. I am excited about the learning and growth we will achieve together.
I can’t wait to see everyone on Sundays and embark on a wonderful journey ahead, Insha’Allah! 

Sr. Ifrah Khalid. I hold a degree in Shariah and Law from the International Islamic University in Pakistan, as well as a Master’s degree from the University of Newcastle in Australia. My professional background includes experience in immigration law, corporate settings, and litigation.

I moved to the United States in 2014 and chose to step back from my career to focus on raising my two children. Now, I am excited to return to a professional environment in a role that supports early childhood education. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, reading, and baking.

I believe in the joy of lifelong learning, and my personal philosophy is best captured by the quote: “What we learn with pleasure we never forget.” – Alfred Mercier.

Sr. Husna Sayeed. I am honored to have been part of the FVAMC community since its inception. My journey began in 2014 as a Kindergarten teacher in the Sunday School program, and I am now delighted to serve as the Head Teacher for Pre-K. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences as well as a Nursing degree with a specialization in neonatal care.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, swimming, baking, and spending time in nature—especially during the beautiful fall and summer months. I live with my husband, our three children, and our two cats. I look forward to a wonderful school year and to working alongside our dedicated staff and vibrant community.

Sr. Hanifa Shaikh. I am excited to be your child’s Third Grade Sunday School teacher at FVAMC! Originally from the United Kingdom, I have lived in the United States for the past 25 years with my husband and family. I’ve been part of the FVAMC community for four years and truly value the sense of connection and purpose it brings.

With over 15 years of teaching experience spanning Kindergarten through 8th grade, I enjoy guiding students through each stage of their learning journey. In addition to teaching, I also serve as the FVAMC Program Manager, a role that offers me a deeper understanding of how our center operates and how our community collaborates.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy shopping, caring for houseplants, spending time with friends, watching movies with my family, and baking—especially when I get to see the joy my cakes bring to others.

I look forward to a meaningful and successful school year with your child in third grade!

Sr. Nada Soliman. I am very excited to join the FVAMC Academy team. I came from an Egyptian background; hence Arabic has always been my first language. I have been working as a Montessori Teacher For Early Childhood in Maria Montessori School in San Diego for the past 3 years. I am also a Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator and I possess a Child Development Administration Certificate and a Business Administration Bachelor’s. I am Deeply motivated and reliable to apply my passion for working with children and help them through their Arabic and Quran learning journey where they can develop and reach their full potential.  

Sr. Raqima Tabassum, I am from India but now settled in USA with my family. My love for teaching and learning has been with me since her childhood. I started teaching variety of subjects to grades from elementary through high school while I was in 9th grader. I continued teaching until graduation to start my corporate journey. Volunteering as a teacher at the FVAMC Academy brings my love of teaching back to life again. I am immensely Thankful for Allah Subhanahu Taala for blessing her with this opportunity!