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 and the CISNA 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. This is his fourth 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 and the CISNA 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. This is his fourth 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!
Khulud Abdelfattah
Vice Principal & VPK Director
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.
Vice Principal & VPK Director
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.
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.
Shabana Bhinde
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
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.
Melissa (Mu'mina) Ramadan
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Sr. Melissa (Mu’mina) Ramadan embraced Islam in 1989. She studied Islam, Quran and Arabic the first few years and she attended Islamic school in North Hudson Islamic Center, NJ. She was a member of the community that established the North Hudson Islamic Center. She started her career working in Head Start. She obtained a Masters of Exceptional Education from University of Central Florida. She has seven years teaching experience teaching in the public schools in Orlando, FL. She has taught students from grades Pre-K through 3rd in an a Exceptional Education classroom. She has experience with many different types of learners and she strives to meet the needs of all her students. She knows her experience will be valuable to the growth and education of her students.
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Sr. Melissa (Mu’mina) Ramadan embraced Islam in 1989. She studied Islam, Quran and Arabic the first few years and she attended Islamic school in North Hudson Islamic Center, NJ. She was a member of the community that established the North Hudson Islamic Center. She started her career working in Head Start. She obtained a Masters of Exceptional Education from University of Central Florida. She has seven years teaching experience teaching in the public schools in Orlando, FL. She has taught students from grades Pre-K through 3rd in an a Exceptional Education classroom. She has experience with many different types of learners and she strives to meet the needs of all her students. She knows her experience will be valuable to the growth and education of her students.
Dakota Gadsden
1st Grade Lead Teacher
Ms. Dakota is a military wife and mother of two little girls ages 7 and 2. She enjoys a variety of recreational hobbies including reading, writing and traveling. She has been teaching for over 6 years and loves every minute of it. Ms. Dakota knew teaching was her calling back during her senior year of high school. Upon graduation she received a full ride teaching scholarship to the university of her choosing. Upon receiving her BA degree in Early Childhood education with a minor in psychology, she began as an assistant teacher then began teaching her own classroom the following school year. She looks forward to teaching the students and being a part of the AFA family now and in the future.
1st Grade Lead Teacher
Ms. Dakota is a military wife and mother of two little girls ages 7 and 2. She enjoys a variety of recreational hobbies including reading, writing and traveling. She has been teaching for over 6 years and loves every minute of it. Ms. Dakota knew teaching was her calling back during her senior year of high school. Upon graduation she received a full ride teaching scholarship to the university of her choosing. Upon receiving her BA degree in Early Childhood education with a minor in psychology, she began as an assistant teacher then began teaching her own classroom the following school year. She looks forward to teaching the students and being a part of the AFA family now and in the future.
Tonjalein Patterson
2nd Grade Lead Teacher
Ms. Tonjalein Patterson was born and raised here in Jacksonville, FL. She graduated from Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach, FL with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Educational Studies. Since then, she has served as a Tutor for Duval County Schools in the subjects Math for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade, and 4th grade Reading for low performance students. Her goal is to engage her students to want to learn more and become knowledgeable.
2nd Grade Lead Teacher
Ms. Tonjalein Patterson was born and raised here in Jacksonville, FL. She graduated from Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach, FL with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Educational Studies. Since then, she has served as a Tutor for Duval County Schools in the subjects Math for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade, and 4th grade Reading for low performance students. Her goal is to engage her students to want to learn more and become knowledgeable.
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.
Erica Denson
5th Grade Lead Teacher
Ms. Erica is a native to Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelors in Child Psychology, and then she also furthered her elementary education with additional courses at St. Johns River State College. She has experience teaching 5th grade for the last 3 years. She develops trusting and caring relationships with her students to ensure a positive learning environment. Following these basic principles helped her grow in her love for teaching and learning. More importantly, she has discovered that by sharing her ‘passion’ for teaching and learning, and using these principles with enthusiasm and empathy, she is able to connect with learners. As a result, teaching with clarity, passion, empathy, and sincere enthusiasm effectively impacts learners, ultimately connecting them to their ‘passion’ and lifelong learning.
5th Grade Lead Teacher
Ms. Erica is a native to Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelors in Child Psychology, and then she also furthered her elementary education with additional courses at St. Johns River State College. She has experience teaching 5th grade for the last 3 years. She develops trusting and caring relationships with her students to ensure a positive learning environment. Following these basic principles helped her grow in her love for teaching and learning. More importantly, she has discovered that by sharing her ‘passion’ for teaching and learning, and using these principles with enthusiasm and empathy, she is able to connect with learners. As a result, teaching with clarity, passion, empathy, and sincere enthusiasm effectively impacts learners, ultimately connecting them to their ‘passion’ and lifelong learning.
Amna Mukhtar
6th-9th Grade 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.
6th-9th Grade 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.
Catherine Taylor
6th-9th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Ms. Catherine Taylor was born and raised in northern New Jersey. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree In Secondary Social Science Education from the University of North Florida. She then earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the Nova Southeastern University. She has over 10 years of experience teaching in the public school system. Her desire is to share her love of history and enthusiasm for learning with the students.
6th-9th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Ms. Catherine Taylor was born and raised in northern New Jersey. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree In Secondary Social Science Education from the University of North Florida. She then earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the Nova Southeastern University. She has over 10 years of experience teaching in the public school system. Her desire is to share her love of history and enthusiasm for learning with the students.
Heba Alkhatib
6th-9th Grade 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.
6th-9th Grade 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.
Talal Dyfan
6th-9th Grade Math Teacher
Br. Talal Dyfan has taught Math and Science for around 15 years at high school and university levels in Africa, South America and the United States. He holds a degree as a Bachelor of Science with Education (electives Math Education and Mathematical Methods) from the University of Sierra Leone, and one of his passions is sharing the universe of numbers and mathematical operations with kids. Br. Talal also holds a degree as a Master of Science (major in Soil Sciences and Water Management) from Wageningen University in Holland. This led him to work at projects with FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture in Sierra Leone, his native country, many years ago. Another advantage is that he can work in six languages!
6th-9th Grade Math Teacher
Br. Talal Dyfan has taught Math and Science for around 15 years at high school and university levels in Africa, South America and the United States. He holds a degree as a Bachelor of Science with Education (electives Math Education and Mathematical Methods) from the University of Sierra Leone, and one of his passions is sharing the universe of numbers and mathematical operations with kids. Br. Talal also holds a degree as a Master of Science (major in Soil Sciences and Water Management) from Wageningen University in Holland. This led him to work at projects with FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture in Sierra Leone, his native country, many years ago. Another advantage is that he can work in six languages!
Qayssar Alwaeli
Quran, Arabic, and Islamic Studies Upper 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 Upper 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.
Phenessa Gray
Librarian & Media Specialist
Ms. Phenessa A. Gray is a native of Jacksonville, FL and is excited to join Al-Furqan Academy as the Librarian & Media Specialist. Her educational background includes earning a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) in English from Florida State University; Master of Science in Library Services (MSLS) from Clark Atlanta University; Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (MS/IOP) from University of Phoenix; Biblical Counseling Certification from the American Association of Christian Counselors; Social + Emotional Intelligence Certified Coach; Thinking for a Change (T4C) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention Certification from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office; and, Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management (PhD) from Capella University. Additionally, Ms. Phenessa has served in various aspects of leadership including academic, corporate, government, and non-profit settings in youth services and library management for the past 19 years. She is a member of the American Library Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business, Xi Delta Chapter, and Institute of Social + Emotional Intelligence. She has also served on the Advisory Board, Jacksonville Women’s Business Center; past Commissioner and Chair of the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women; and, past Co-Chair, Fund Development and Board, Jacksonville Sister Cities Association. Ms. Phenessa has authored and published six books of which five are still in print. She has a great love for people of all ages and lifelong learning. She aspires to empower others through 21st century literacy education in a fun, innovative way.
Librarian & Media Specialist
Ms. Phenessa A. Gray is a native of Jacksonville, FL and is excited to join Al-Furqan Academy as the Librarian & Media Specialist. Her educational background includes earning a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) in English from Florida State University; Master of Science in Library Services (MSLS) from Clark Atlanta University; Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (MS/IOP) from University of Phoenix; Biblical Counseling Certification from the American Association of Christian Counselors; Social + Emotional Intelligence Certified Coach; Thinking for a Change (T4C) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention Certification from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office; and, Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management (PhD) from Capella University. Additionally, Ms. Phenessa has served in various aspects of leadership including academic, corporate, government, and non-profit settings in youth services and library management for the past 19 years. She is a member of the American Library Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business, Xi Delta Chapter, and Institute of Social + Emotional Intelligence. She has also served on the Advisory Board, Jacksonville Women’s Business Center; past Commissioner and Chair of the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women; and, past Co-Chair, Fund Development and Board, Jacksonville Sister Cities Association. Ms. Phenessa has authored and published six books of which five are still in print. She has a great love for people of all ages and lifelong learning. She aspires to empower others through 21st century literacy education in a fun, innovative way.
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
