Faculty & Staff
Omar Chatila
Principal
Br. Omar Chatila has served as the Principal of Al-Furqan Academy since August 2014. During his tenure, the school has experienced record growth in enrollment and organizational advancement. After receiving his Bachelors Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland College Park, Br. Omar went on to complete his Masters Degree in Management from Wake Forest University. He is a strong believer in the importance of collaboration and is passionate about continuously developing our school to serve our community. Br. Omar has served on FCIS and FKC accrediting teams and values the experience of connecting with educators from other schools. He currently serves on the FKC Board of Directors. Br. Omar has a wide range of teaching experience that includes teaching children in Elementary and Middle School, as well as teaching Graduate and Undergraduate students at the College level. He previously was the Vice-Principal of an Islamic School in Louisville, Kentucky, before he moved to Jacksonville. This is his third year as the Principal of Al-Furqan Academy, and he is very excited about working with all stakeholders to further advance and develop our school!
Principal
Br. Omar Chatila has served as the Principal of Al-Furqan Academy since August 2014. During his tenure, the school has experienced record growth in enrollment and organizational advancement. After receiving his Bachelors Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland College Park, Br. Omar went on to complete his Masters Degree in Management from Wake Forest University. He is a strong believer in the importance of collaboration and is passionate about continuously developing our school to serve our community. Br. Omar has served on FCIS and FKC accrediting teams and values the experience of connecting with educators from other schools. He currently serves on the FKC Board of Directors. Br. Omar has a wide range of teaching experience that includes teaching children in Elementary and Middle School, as well as teaching Graduate and Undergraduate students at the College level. He previously was the Vice-Principal of an Islamic School in Louisville, Kentucky, before he moved to Jacksonville. This is his third year as the Principal of Al-Furqan Academy, and he is very excited about working with all stakeholders to further advance and develop our school!
Faatimah Ishmael
Office Manager
Sr. Faatimah Ishmael was a Psychology Major from the University of North Florida. She is working towards her goal of completing her Ph.D in Psychology. Prior to employment with Al-Furqan Academy, Faatimah was the Regional Operations Manager for a Behavioral Health Center that was responsible for providing Case Management, Psychosocial Rehabilitation, and Counseling services. She has a passion for growing and strengthening the Muslim presence in Jacksonville and strongly believes in our youth and wants to design programs specifically geared towards the students attending Al-Furqan Academy. Faatimah’s long term goal is to open a non-profit home refuge for women and battered children. Faatimah has experience working with people of all ages. She was the ameera for a youth program in Orlando and was a part of Project Downtown (coalition for feeding the homeless) where she interacted with and met people from all walks of life.
Office Manager
Sr. Faatimah Ishmael was a Psychology Major from the University of North Florida. She is working towards her goal of completing her Ph.D in Psychology. Prior to employment with Al-Furqan Academy, Faatimah was the Regional Operations Manager for a Behavioral Health Center that was responsible for providing Case Management, Psychosocial Rehabilitation, and Counseling services. She has a passion for growing and strengthening the Muslim presence in Jacksonville and strongly believes in our youth and wants to design programs specifically geared towards the students attending Al-Furqan Academy. Faatimah’s long term goal is to open a non-profit home refuge for women and battered children. Faatimah has experience working with people of all ages. She was the ameera for a youth program in Orlando and was a part of Project Downtown (coalition for feeding the homeless) where she interacted with and met people from all walks of life.
Seham Mona
Quran, Arabic, and Islamic Studies Elementary Teacher
Sr. Seham Mona teaches Quran, Arabic, and Islamic Studies. She has been teaching at Al-Furqan Academy for the last fifteen years. Prior to coming to Jacksonville in 1995, she taught physics at a university in Syria for over nine years, as well as High School Algebra, Quran, Arabic, and Islamic Studies in an Islamic school there for seven years. She loves teaching children and interacting with them every day! She also enjoys working with parents and other teachers in order to help our students fulfill their potential.
Quran, Arabic, and Islamic Studies Elementary Teacher
Sr. Seham Mona teaches Quran, Arabic, and Islamic Studies. She has been teaching at Al-Furqan Academy for the last fifteen years. Prior to coming to Jacksonville in 1995, she taught physics at a university in Syria for over nine years, as well as High School Algebra, Quran, Arabic, and Islamic Studies in an Islamic school there for seven years. She loves teaching children and interacting with them every day! She also enjoys working with parents and other teachers in order to help our students fulfill their potential.
Malini Thotli
VPK Director & Lead Teacher
Mrs. Malini Thotli is currently the director and lead teacher of our VPK program. She holds VPK director and staff credentials and has a BS degree in Science and MA degree in English literature. She has over 15 years of teaching experience of which 7 years were in Jacksonville teaching VPK. She has been working at Al-Furqan Academy for the last 3 years. She enjoys working with children of all ages and from different cultures and backgrounds. Her hobbies are painting and making creative projects.
VPK Director & Lead Teacher
Mrs. Malini Thotli is currently the director and lead teacher of our VPK program. She holds VPK director and staff credentials and has a BS degree in Science and MA degree in English literature. She has over 15 years of teaching experience of which 7 years were in Jacksonville teaching VPK. She has been working at Al-Furqan Academy for the last 3 years. She enjoys working with children of all ages and from different cultures and backgrounds. Her hobbies are painting and making creative projects.
Khulud Abdelfattah
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Sr. Khulud has been part of the Jacksonville Muslim community for over 22 years. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Kindergarten and Nursery (Preschool) education from the University of New Orleans. Her professional teaching experience in Duval county ranges from preschool students to middle school students, both in the public and private sector. She is blessed to be part of this great city with such a diverse community.
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Sr. Khulud has been part of the Jacksonville Muslim community for over 22 years. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Kindergarten and Nursery (Preschool) education from the University of New Orleans. Her professional teaching experience in Duval county ranges from preschool students to middle school students, both in the public and private sector. She is blessed to be part of this great city with such a diverse community.
Kimberly Edwards
1st Grade Lead Teacher
Ms. Kimberly Diane Edwards was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She received her Bachelors degree in Community Health Education with an emphasis on elementary education from the University of North Florida, and she is in the process of pursuing her Masters degree in Education Leadership. She believes that with the right guidance, structure, and resources, any student can reach their potential no matter what their socioeconomic background is. She has experience working with inner city students and she is driven by her passion to watch them grow and succeed. Working with students who have learning disabilities as well as economic challenges gave her the understanding of how precious education is and how much it is needed to succeed in life. She has been working with young students since 2011 which gives her a sense of knowledge of what is needed to lay the foundation of their education.
1st Grade Lead Teacher
Ms. Kimberly Diane Edwards was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She received her Bachelors degree in Community Health Education with an emphasis on elementary education from the University of North Florida, and she is in the process of pursuing her Masters degree in Education Leadership. She believes that with the right guidance, structure, and resources, any student can reach their potential no matter what their socioeconomic background is. She has experience working with inner city students and she is driven by her passion to watch them grow and succeed. Working with students who have learning disabilities as well as economic challenges gave her the understanding of how precious education is and how much it is needed to succeed in life. She has been working with young students since 2011 which gives her a sense of knowledge of what is needed to lay the foundation of their education.
Vanessa Davis
2nd Grade Lead Teacher
Ms. Vanessa Davis is an Atlantic Beach native and graduated from University of South Florida and Middlesex University in London. For the past 3 years, she has worked as a varying exceptionalities educator with children of various learning styles. She brings this knowledge and passion to the classroom in hopes to inspire students for the future!
2nd Grade Lead Teacher
Ms. Vanessa Davis is an Atlantic Beach native and graduated from University of South Florida and Middlesex University in London. For the past 3 years, she has worked as a varying exceptionalities educator with children of various learning styles. She brings this knowledge and passion to the classroom in hopes to inspire students for the future!
Kiran (Asiya) Little
3rd Grade Lead Teacher
Sr. Kiran (Asiya) graduated from Temple University, in Philadelphia, PA with a B.S. in Early/Elementary/Special Education in 1998. She has worked as a teacher in various grades in public, private and charter schools and brings over 10 years of experience to our team. She also has administrative experience in a private Islamic School from Trenton, New Jersey. Her hope is to help make a positive impact on all of her students, and to engage the parents for the betterment of our students and school.
3rd Grade Lead Teacher
Sr. Kiran (Asiya) graduated from Temple University, in Philadelphia, PA with a B.S. in Early/Elementary/Special Education in 1998. She has worked as a teacher in various grades in public, private and charter schools and brings over 10 years of experience to our team. She also has administrative experience in a private Islamic School from Trenton, New Jersey. Her hope is to help make a positive impact on all of her students, and to engage the parents for the betterment of our students and school.
Zeba Chaudhry
4th Grade Lead Teacher
Sr. Zeba Chaudhry was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia, double majoring in English literature and Psychology. She then acquired a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia, which specialized in teaching English language learners. Sr. Zeba taught at Iqra Islamic School from 2013-2016. She has taught Kindergarten, Grade 3 and Grade 4. She hopes to instill a love of learning in all of her students. Sr. Zeba strives hard to make a personal connection with each of her students and help them reach their highest potential. She believes that each child brings their own special unique perspective into the classroom. Sr. Zeba emphasizes respect and integrity in her classroom. She strives to incorporate Islam and Islamic values into her teaching and hopes to nurture a love of Islam in her students. Her favorite activities are reading, photography, teaching, spending time with her family, learning about Islam and going on nature walks.
4th Grade Lead Teacher
Sr. Zeba Chaudhry was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia, double majoring in English literature and Psychology. She then acquired a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia, which specialized in teaching English language learners. Sr. Zeba taught at Iqra Islamic School from 2013-2016. She has taught Kindergarten, Grade 3 and Grade 4. She hopes to instill a love of learning in all of her students. Sr. Zeba strives hard to make a personal connection with each of her students and help them reach their highest potential. She believes that each child brings their own special unique perspective into the classroom. Sr. Zeba emphasizes respect and integrity in her classroom. She strives to incorporate Islam and Islamic values into her teaching and hopes to nurture a love of Islam in her students. Her favorite activities are reading, photography, teaching, spending time with her family, learning about Islam and going on nature walks.
Amna Mukhtar
Middle School Language Arts Teacher
Sr. Amna Mukhtar teaches Reading, Language Arts and Creative Writing to grades 5th through 8th. She was born and raised in Pakistan, and she earned her Masters in English Literature degree from the Punjab University, Lahore in 2001. Now Sr. Amna is in the process of completing her Ph.D in Literature. She holds a Florida State Teaching License. Prior to employment with Al-Furqan Academy, she had been teaching in public school for 5 years. She has various certifications in the area of Reading and teaching ESOL students. Sr. Amna believes in “Those who can, do; those who can do more, teach!” Her passion of working with the Muslim community brought her to Al-Furqan Academy. She loves teaching children and interacting with them every day! She also enjoys working with parents and other teachers in order to help our students fulfill their potential.
Middle School Language Arts Teacher
Sr. Amna Mukhtar teaches Reading, Language Arts and Creative Writing to grades 5th through 8th. She was born and raised in Pakistan, and she earned her Masters in English Literature degree from the Punjab University, Lahore in 2001. Now Sr. Amna is in the process of completing her Ph.D in Literature. She holds a Florida State Teaching License. Prior to employment with Al-Furqan Academy, she had been teaching in public school for 5 years. She has various certifications in the area of Reading and teaching ESOL students. Sr. Amna believes in “Those who can, do; those who can do more, teach!” Her passion of working with the Muslim community brought her to Al-Furqan Academy. She loves teaching children and interacting with them every day! She also enjoys working with parents and other teachers in order to help our students fulfill their potential.
Tanika Baxter
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Sr. Tanika Baxter was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. After graduating from Stanton College Preparatory School, she went on to pursue her studies at Florida State University and later on at Ashford University. She earned a Bachelors degree in Social Science and a Masters of Arts in Education. She also received TEFL Certification from the University of North Florida and has experience working with English as a second language students of all ages.
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Sr. Tanika Baxter was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. After graduating from Stanton College Preparatory School, she went on to pursue her studies at Florida State University and later on at Ashford University. She earned a Bachelors degree in Social Science and a Masters of Arts in Education. She also received TEFL Certification from the University of North Florida and has experience working with English as a second language students of all ages.
Heba Alkhatib
Middle School Science Teacher
Sr. Heba Alkhatib obtained a Bachelors of Science in Biology from the University of North Florida. Her experience ranges from teaching at the Elementary level, as well as teaching Science at the Middle School level. She brings to our team a diverse set of skills and qualifications that she earned over several years of experience.
Middle School Science Teacher
Sr. Heba Alkhatib obtained a Bachelors of Science in Biology from the University of North Florida. Her experience ranges from teaching at the Elementary level, as well as teaching Science at the Middle School level. She brings to our team a diverse set of skills and qualifications that she earned over several years of experience.
Sanaa Hindawi
Middle School Math Teacher
Sr. Sanaa Hindawi holds a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering and a Masters of Science in Structural Engineering. She has over 7 years of teaching experience at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels, and she has taken numerous courses in the field of Education. She is very passionate about teaching Math and empowering our Middle school students to excel in it.
Middle School Math Teacher
Sr. Sanaa Hindawi holds a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering and a Masters of Science in Structural Engineering. She has over 7 years of teaching experience at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels, and she has taken numerous courses in the field of Education. She is very passionate about teaching Math and empowering our Middle school students to excel in it.
Qayssar Alwaeli
Quran, Arabic, and Islamic Studies Middle School Teacher
Br. Qayssar is certified in Quran Recitation (Reading proficiency with the proper Rules of Tajweed and Tafseer Explanation) from Sheikh Ahmad Zaki Al-Qaisy (Member of Iraq Muslim Scholars League). He has many years of teaching experience as a Quran and Arabic Teacher. He is also certified in Islamic Studies with knowledge in Islamic Creed (Aqidah), Jurisprudence (Fiqh), Prophetic Traditions and Sayings (Hadeeth) and Islamic History. Br. Qayssar has a B.A. in Linguistics with a Degree of Excellence in French Language and History of Literature and a separate High Diploma in both Arabic and English Language from Baghdad University.
Quran, Arabic, and Islamic Studies Middle School Teacher
Br. Qayssar is certified in Quran Recitation (Reading proficiency with the proper Rules of Tajweed and Tafseer Explanation) from Sheikh Ahmad Zaki Al-Qaisy (Member of Iraq Muslim Scholars League). He has many years of teaching experience as a Quran and Arabic Teacher. He is also certified in Islamic Studies with knowledge in Islamic Creed (Aqidah), Jurisprudence (Fiqh), Prophetic Traditions and Sayings (Hadeeth) and Islamic History. Br. Qayssar has a B.A. in Linguistics with a Degree of Excellence in French Language and History of Literature and a separate High Diploma in both Arabic and English Language from Baghdad University.
Abir Mohamed
Physical Education & Art Teacher
Dr. Abir Mohamed holds a PHD in Physical Education from the University of Assuit in Egypt, and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Physical Education from Helwan in the UN. As in Egypt and America, she has worked with children to help them adopt a physically active and healthy lifestyle. She is delighted to have been a member of the AFA family for the past four years.
Physical Education & Art Teacher
Dr. Abir Mohamed holds a PHD in Physical Education from the University of Assuit in Egypt, and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Physical Education from Helwan in the UN. As in Egypt and America, she has worked with children to help them adopt a physically active and healthy lifestyle. She is delighted to have been a member of the AFA family for the past four years.
Malika Zbidou
VPK Assistant Teacher
VPK Assistant Teacher
Lamiaa Elkoumi
VPK Assistant Teacher
VPK Assistant Teacher
Khairun Quraishi
KG Assistant Teacher
KG Assistant Teacher
Senad Demire
Custodian
Custodian
