Meet the Team

Our team of teachers and advisors are passionate about establishing an environment to meet Islamic and academic educational requirements.

  • HEAD OF SCHOOL/PRINCIPAL

    Saliha Catovic Soliman joins Nibras Day School with 20+ years of Academic experience in elementary education from the long established Islamic School, Noor-Ul-Iman, where she also supported the accreditation process. She received her Bachelor’s Degree and MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. A majority of her elementary experience has been directly involved in the elementary classroom including curriculum integration, parental engagement, and student developmental assessment. Additionally, Ms. Soliman has been an active Muslim community member throughout her life, including in youth groups, interfaith activities, summer camps, and in refugee support. Ms. Soliman is a well-known and respected individual for her humility and collaboration, as well as an avid pet lover of various kinds.

✉ ssoliman@nibrasds.org

  • ACADEMIC ADVISOR

    Imam Basheer Bilaal is the resident Imam of MSDV. He graduated from the Istanbul University of Islamic Studies as an imam and khatib, and was granted ijazah (authoritative license) by the Presidency of Religious Affairs in Turkey in 2009. He is specialized in Arabic language, grammar, literature, and public speaking. He strives to serve the diverse needs of the Muslim community through religious classes, family and individual counseling, interfaith engagements, and working to serve the greater community to help establish knowledge, and understanding of Islamic Principles.

✉ imam@msdvpa.org

Teachers

  • First Grade

    Ms. Rehab Sobhi joins Nibras with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Education, and teaching certifications in PA, CT, and MO. She has experience teaching in various school settings, where she has developed a passion for creating engaging, student centered classrooms that foster curiosity, confidence, and meaningful growth. 

    Born and raised in NY to an Egyptian family, Ms. Sobhi was educated in public schools while remaining strongly connected to her Islamic faith and heritage. She believes that education extends beyond academics and strives to nurture students’ character, kindness, and sense of responsibility alongside their intellectual growth. She values building meaningful relationships with students and families and believes children flourish when they feel seen, supported, and encouraged to become the best version of themselves. 

    Outside of the classroom, Ms. Sobhi enjoys photography and documenting meaningful celebrations. She is excited to become a part of the Nibras community and looks forward to creating a classroom where every student feels welcomed, valued, and encouraged to succeed, inshallah.


  • PREKINDERGARTEN TEACHER

    Raeda Jebrin brings over 8 years of academic experience in early childhood education, with a unique blend of experience in both non-Islamic and Islamic schools. She earned her Bachelor's Degree with high honors from Keystone College and has spent the majority of her career directly involved in the prekindergarten classroom. Her expertise lies in curriculum integration, parental engagement, and student developmental assessment. With a deep understanding of the importance of early childhood education, Ms. Jebrin is dedicated to providing a nurturing and engaging learning environment that fosters growth and development for her students. She strives to create a warm and welcoming classroom environment where children can explore, learn and have fun. Her teaching approach is centered around play-based learning, which allows children to engage and learn best when they're having fun. Ms. Jebrin enjoys traveling and seeing new places.

  • Pre K

    Maryanna Mustafa is a Palestinian American Muslima. She graduated from Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. For the past four years, she has been student teaching at various schools in Philadelphia. Maryanna is very passionate about teaching and hopes to play a role in shaping the new generation of students today. She is extremely excited to work in Nibras Day School to support Islamic Education. She has been a part of organizing and volunteering for many Islamic events in Philadelphia. Maryanna wants to inspire young children to love and practice their religion of Islam, as well as educate them on how to be successful, even if they are different from others. In her free time, she enjoys playing sports, reading, and photography.

  • Physical Education

    Dylan Haslett comes to Nibras Day School as a revert to Islam and Pennsylvania local. Mr. Haslett obtained his Associate of Arts degree for Pre K-4 Early Education from Bucks County Community College. He is completing his Bachelor’s of Education degree for grades Prekindergarten to fourth from Wilson College. He is passionate about educating our youngest learners and showing them the joy of learning. It is Mr. Haslett's goal to create a fun and engaging environment where every child can thrive. As a recent revert to Islam, he deeply appreciates the beauty of Islam and is eager to share his journey with his students and colleagues. Outside of teaching, he enjoys amateur boxing as a hobby. Dylan is a certified personal trainer for fitness and boxing.

  • THIRD GRADE TEACHER

    Zehra Demirtas brings over five years of experience in both teaching and educational leadership across diverse settings, including Islamic and international schools. She studied Early Education at Bucks County Community College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Western Governors University. Additionally, she has received Ijazah in Islamic Studies in Istanbul, Turkiye.

    Zehra has served as a Pre-K teacher and assistant director at various educational institutions, where she led curriculum development and integrating academic material with Islamic values. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes creating an inclusive and nurturing environment where students feel valued and excited to learn. She is dedicated to fostering strong partnerships with families to support each child’s holistic development. 

    Zehra is fluent in English and Turkish, with basic proficiency in Arabic. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, embroidery, and exploring new cultures through travel. 

  • First Grade

    Jeanine Hammad is 22 years old, born in New Jersey, and raised in Philadelphia. Jeanine is starting her first year teaching at Nibras Day School, with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and a minor in ESL from Penn State Abington. Working with kids requires commitment, patience and enthusiasm, as Jeanine has those traits to create relationships and a comfortable environment for her students. Allowing students to feel safe and included is one of the main goals Jeanine has, and will place, in her classroom. Jeanine enjoys learning new things, playing sports such as basketball, and being creative in the classroom. Jeanine looks forward to seeing what the future holds! 

  • Fourth Grade

    Ms. Ayse brings over five years of classroom experience to Nibras Day School and is currently finishing her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, with a prior background in computer science. She also holds an Ijazah in Islamic Studies.

    Her teaching philosophy emphasizes consistency, believing that a structured and predictable environment gives students the confidence to take risks and grow. The focal point of her classroom is empowerment: if you have a voice, you have a choice! Ms. Ayse values her students' social and emotional well-being and aims to help each child reach their fullest academic potential. She is most passionate about teaching math and social studies, but always strives to make every subject fun and engaging.

    Outside of teaching, she enjoys ice skating and creative writing.


  • Pre K Assistant

  • Safety and Security Coordinator

    Switching career tracks from a passion of technology to security was an easy decision for Islam. Throughout his life, he’s always lent a helping hand, spreading love and peace. His new mission at Nibras, is to protect our youth and Ummah. Growing up in the suburbs of Philly, Islam always rode his bike, played many sports, and enjoyed time with friends. After high school, he made the decision to study Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State University. He then worked in IT for 10 years with a medical company. After that, he started a Drone Services company with his younger brother, specializing in mapping and 3D modeling. Traveling, meeting good people, and finding great food are a few of the things Islam looks forward to when on the road. Islam is honored to serve and protect the Community and is looking forward to another great school year, InshaAllah.


  • QUR’AN & ARABIC TEACHER, Kindergarten-1st Grade

    Humaira Saeed joins Nibras Day School with a master's degree in Arabic Language from the University of Punjab Lahore, along with a bachelor's degree with a double major in Psychology and Islamic Studies from Lahore College for Women University. Her extensive educational background gives her a strong foundation in Quran and Islamic Studies, allowing her to effectively impart her knowledge to students.

    Mrs. Saeed has 11 years of expertise in teaching Quran and Islamic Studies in North Penn Islamic School. She has gained valuable experience teaching Quran and Islamic Studies to a wide range of students. Mrs. Saeed has been actively involved in various teaching programs, including summer camps, group classes, and workshops, where she has successfully helped students improve their understanding of the Quran and Islamic teachings, as well as enhance their language skills.

    In addition to her academic qualifications, she also possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills. She is patient, understanding, and able to adapt teaching style to accommodate different learning styles. Mrs. Saeed strives to build strong relationships with her students and create a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

  • Quran/Arabic

    A Montessori Assistants Workshop at Montessori Community School of Newtown. In 2022 she worked as a Teaching Assistant at a Montessori school, where she supported young children through hands-on, child-centered learning. And is currently in her second-year teaching Quran and Arabic at Nibras Islamic School. She is passionate about helping her students develop a deep love for the Quran, strengthen their Arabic language skills, and grow in both knowledge and character. I am committed to creating a nurturing and inspiring learning environment that supports Islamic education and encourages every child to reach their full potential. Her native language is Arabic, and also has a good command of English. 


  • Art

  • QURAN & ARABIC Teacher, 2nd Grade-5th Grade

    Mohamed Lamine Bensmina is a passionate teacher of the Quran and Arabic language, with strong knowledge of Quranic recitation rules, including Hafs and Warsh. He works to help students grow both spiritually and academically by making the language and meaning of the Quran easier to understand. 

    Raised in an environment where a deep appreciation for the Arabic language and classical texts was part of daily life, Mohamed Lamine developed a strong foundation in grammar, vocabulary, and Quranic pronunciation from an early age. The scholarly atmosphere of his upbringing left a lasting influence, nurturing both his love for the language and his commitment to its preservation. 

    Though he holds a Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Algiers 3 and was academically trained in management sciences, Mohamed’s true passion lies in Islamic education. Since 2006, he has been actively involved with a charitable organization that operates a private school focused on Quran and Arabic instruction. Starting as General Secretary and later serving as Education Committee Supervisor, he played a key role in organizing Quran memorization competitions, Islamic workshops, cultural trips, and youth development programs. 

    Now living in the United States, Mohamed Lamine is excited to bring his skills and experience to NIBRAS Day School. He looks forward to helping students grow in their learning and faith in a caring, Islamic environment. 

  • Fifth and Sixth Grade

  • ISLAMIC STUDIES TEACHER, Kindergarten-5th Grade

    Derya Aygun joins Nibras Day School with over two decades of experience in Islamic education, youth mentorship, and community leadership across the U.S. and Canada. She holds an Ijazah in Islamic Studies from Istanbul and has taught Quran, Tajweed, Seerah, Fiqh, and Islamic character development to students ranging from early childhood through adulthood.

    Throughout her career, Derya has played a key role in establishing Islamic schools, leading curriculum development, and mentoring teachers, youth, and women’s groups. She has a deep passion for teaching and community service, organizing educational programs, lectures, and events that foster a sense of belonging and spiritual growth.

    Her teaching philosophy centers on compassion and connection, building a nurturing environment that allows students to develop strong moral character and deepen their understanding of Islam. She believes in teaching from the heart, inspiring students to find personal meaning and confidence in their faith.

    Derya is fluent in English and Turkish, with basic Arabic, and enjoys spending time researching, reading and continuously educating herself for personal and spiritual growth.

  • Second Grade

    Sister Haseenah is honored to be joining the Nibras team as a Second Grade teacher. She has

    experience teaching First Grade and has also worked as a kindergarten enrichment teacher and

    tutor. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently continuing her studies in Business Administration. 

    She is passionate about nurturing the minds and hearts of young learners and helping them grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Sister Haseenah believes that every child is an amanah (trust) from Allah and deserves to feel seen, supported, and encouraged. She strives to create a classroom environment rooted in kindness, curiosity, and Islamic values where students feel confident to ask questions, develop a love for learning, and become their best selves. Her goal is to inspire her students not only to excel academically but also to embody good character and compassion in their daily lives.

    Outside of teaching, Sister Haseenah enjoys spending quality time with her family, reading with her book club, and cooking. She looks forward to building meaningful relationships with her students and their families and is excited to learn, grow, and make lasting memories together during the upcoming school year, insha'Allah


  • Islamic Studies

  • Pre K

    Ms. Zineb is The Pre- kindergarten teacher; She is very passionate about teaching young Muslim children. Helping them learn, discover new things, develop their personalities and reach little milestones is one of the most rewarding parts of her work. She has been working with children for the past six years and has truly loved every part of the journey. She is also a proud mother of three daughters, who have taught her so much about patience, compassion, and the importance of creating a nurturing environment for children.

    Ms. Zineb has a background in Psychology, which helped her a lot with understanding the children’s development, emotions and behavior. As a teacher in an Islamic school, she is very thankful and blessed about the opportunity to create for Pre-K students an environment where they are introduced as young children to the beauty of Islam in a fun and age-appropriate way, helping them develop the love for Allah (SW), the Qur’an, and our prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Through stories, activities and everyday classroom experiences, she aims to teach them simple Islamic manners, dua’s, and values while encouraging kindness, sharing, respect, and good character. She wants her students to associate Islam with love, happiness, and beautiful experiences, so they can begin building a strong and positive connection with their faith from a young age insha' Allah.