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 as the President of the Florida Islamic Schools Association and as the Vice President of the Council of Islamic Schools in North America. 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 sixth 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 as the President of the Florida Islamic Schools Association and as the Vice President of the Council of Islamic Schools in North America. 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 sixth 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
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
LaKrystal Howell
Dean of Students
Sr. LaKrystal Howell is originally from Miami, FL but embraced Islam in 2013 and has been a part of the Jacksonville Islamic community since. LaKrystal graduated from the University of North Florida with a B.A. in Psychology and is now a licensed Behavior Technician and certified Florida educator. She has a background in Behavior Therapy and spent years servicing the special needs community, particularly those with autism. Sr. LaKrystal previously taught at a private school for special needs, collaborating with other teachers and parents to create individualized goals for her students. She has also serviced public schools here in Jacksonville, working with students who required additional behavioral and academic support. LaKrystal is passionate about working with a variety of age groups and individuals and encourages positivity and good moral character. She is great at connecting with students, believing that love, support and dedication will help them to succeed. This is Sr. LaKrystal's first year as Dean of Students at Al-Furqan Academy and she is ready to make this her best year yet!
Dean of Students
Sr. LaKrystal Howell is originally from Miami, FL but embraced Islam in 2013 and has been a part of the Jacksonville Islamic community since. LaKrystal graduated from the University of North Florida with a B.A. in Psychology and is now a licensed Behavior Technician and certified Florida educator. She has a background in Behavior Therapy and spent years servicing the special needs community, particularly those with autism. Sr. LaKrystal previously taught at a private school for special needs, collaborating with other teachers and parents to create individualized goals for her students. She has also serviced public schools here in Jacksonville, working with students who required additional behavioral and academic support. LaKrystal is passionate about working with a variety of age groups and individuals and encourages positivity and good moral character. She is great at connecting with students, believing that love, support and dedication will help them to succeed. This is Sr. LaKrystal's first year as Dean of Students at Al-Furqan Academy and she is ready to make this her best year yet!
Sabeen Afzal
Administrative Assistant
Sr. Sabeen was born and raised in Pakistan. She earned her Bachelor's in Economics from University of The Punjab. Prior to employment with Al-Furqan Academy, she worked as an office manager for Jackson Hewitt Tax Services in New York and Florida where her duties were helping clients with their income tax filing and overseeing all the administrative functions in the office. She also runs her own seasonal tax business from home. She is excited to be a part of Al-Furqan Academy and her goal is to help out people in any way possible.
Administrative Assistant
Sr. Sabeen was born and raised in Pakistan. She earned her Bachelor's in Economics from University of The Punjab. Prior to employment with Al-Furqan Academy, she worked as an office manager for Jackson Hewitt Tax Services in New York and Florida where her duties were helping clients with their income tax filing and overseeing all the administrative functions in the office. She also runs her own seasonal tax business from home. She is excited to be a part of Al-Furqan Academy and her goal is to help out people in any way possible.
Melissa (Mu'mina) Ramadan
VPK 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.
VPK 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.
Malika Zbidou
VPK Teacher
Sr. Malika has been working with Al-Furqan Academy since 2011. She graduated in 2003, and has also attained her Child Development Associate (CDA) from Washington DC in 2017. She has completed Leadership & Management coursework for Directors of Child Care Centers. She enjoys working with children and helping them learn and grow, enjoying all the little things they say as they learn.
VPK Teacher
Sr. Malika has been working with Al-Furqan Academy since 2011. She graduated in 2003, and has also attained her Child Development Associate (CDA) from Washington DC in 2017. She has completed Leadership & Management coursework for Directors of Child Care Centers. She enjoys working with children and helping them learn and grow, enjoying all the little things they say as they learn.
Latanya (Hafsah) Henderson
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Ms. Hafsah is happy to share her abilities with our team and students. She has 20 years teaching experience and has spent the last two years teaching early childhood education. Her educational background is as follows, an Associates in Child Development (CDA), B.S. in Human Services Management, and a M.A. In Education with a specialty of ESL.
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Ms. Hafsah is happy to share her abilities with our team and students. She has 20 years teaching experience and has spent the last two years teaching early childhood education. Her educational background is as follows, an Associates in Child Development (CDA), B.S. in Human Services Management, and a M.A. In Education with a specialty of ESL.
Khairun Quraishi
KG Assistant Teacher
KG Assistant Teacher
Heromah Cisse
1st Grade Lead Teacher
Ms. Cisse moved from South Carolina to teach and enroll her children at Al-Furqan Academy. After having worked nine years as her children's Learning Coach in South Carolina Connections Academy, Ms. Cisse has decided to use her Masters of Arts in Elementary Education degree to teach First Grade. She possesses a wealth of experience in the public schools since 1990. Her Bachelor's degree is in Criminal Justice with a Cognate in Social Work.
1st Grade Lead Teacher
Ms. Cisse moved from South Carolina to teach and enroll her children at Al-Furqan Academy. After having worked nine years as her children's Learning Coach in South Carolina Connections Academy, Ms. Cisse has decided to use her Masters of Arts in Elementary Education degree to teach First Grade. She possesses a wealth of experience in the public schools since 1990. Her Bachelor's degree is in Criminal Justice with a Cognate in Social Work.
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.
Herokimah Kalimullah
3rd Grade Lead Teacher
Sr. Herokimah is new to AFA and Jacksonville as this would be her first year teaching here. She holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science with a minor in English. She has worked as a paralegal for four years before marriage and starting a family. In the midst of these blessings, she changed direction and completed a Masters of Arts in Teaching in 2003. Since then she’s been in education through substitute teaching and being a learning coach of her own children from kindergarten through twelfth grade. She has traveled to Korea, Hong Kong, Senegal and Gambia. All of these experiences will be InshaAllah used here at AFA.
3rd Grade Lead Teacher
Sr. Herokimah is new to AFA and Jacksonville as this would be her first year teaching here. She holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science with a minor in English. She has worked as a paralegal for four years before marriage and starting a family. In the midst of these blessings, she changed direction and completed a Masters of Arts in Teaching in 2003. Since then she’s been in education through substitute teaching and being a learning coach of her own children from kindergarten through twelfth grade. She has traveled to Korea, Hong Kong, Senegal and Gambia. All of these experiences will be InshaAllah used here at AFA.
Fatuma Mohammed
4th Grade Lead Teacher
Sr. Fatuma Mohammed has been teaching since 2009. She has experience teaching grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. She started her career when she was employed by Teachers' Service Commission of Kenya from 2009 until 2016. She has a bachelor's degree in Early childhood Education from Moi University Eldoret, Kenya. she has taught at Ewing Islamic Center School in New Jersey for almost 2 years. This is her first year teaching at Al-Furqan Academy. She takes pride in her career as a teacher, and will make herself available at all times to the students and the parents to serve their needs.
4th Grade Lead Teacher
Sr. Fatuma Mohammed has been teaching since 2009. She has experience teaching grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. She started her career when she was employed by Teachers' Service Commission of Kenya from 2009 until 2016. She has a bachelor's degree in Early childhood Education from Moi University Eldoret, Kenya. she has taught at Ewing Islamic Center School in New Jersey for almost 2 years. This is her first year teaching at Al-Furqan Academy. She takes pride in her career as a teacher, and will make herself available at all times to the students and the parents to serve their needs.
Greta Edgerton
5th Grade Lead Teacher
Mrs. Edgerton is a native of Toombs County, GA and has lived in Jacksonville for 3.5 years. Mrs. Edgerton holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (Grades K-5 from Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon/Ailey GA). She has been teaching for over 20 years and is so excited to serve her first year at Al-furqan Academy! Her greatest joy is serving her students and watching them learn and grow!
5th Grade Lead Teacher
Mrs. Edgerton is a native of Toombs County, GA and has lived in Jacksonville for 3.5 years. Mrs. Edgerton holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (Grades K-5 from Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon/Ailey GA). She has been teaching for over 20 years and is so excited to serve her first year at Al-furqan Academy! Her greatest joy is serving her students and watching them learn and grow!
Seham Mona
K-5th Grade Quran, Arabic, and Islamic Studies 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.
K-5th Grade Quran, Arabic, and Islamic Studies 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.
Abir Mohamed
K-5th Grade 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.
K-5th Grade 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.
Amna Mukhtar
6th-10th 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-10th 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.
Patrick Capriola
6th-10th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Dr. Patrick Capriola is a professional educator with 13 years of experience improving student outcomes. He earned his B.A. in History from the State University of New York at Buffalo, his M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida, and his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Florida. Having served as a teacher, school administrator, and educational trainer for the University of Florida's College of Education he brings a broad set of experiences and skills to the table that enable him to serve the dynamic needs of students. His understanding of curriculum and behavior empower him to see the forest for the trees, and work with students and parents to identify opportunities for success. He seeks to build close working relationships with students, colleagues and parents so he can develop a better understanding of the school community and support all stakeholders in achieving their goals.
6th-10th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Dr. Patrick Capriola is a professional educator with 13 years of experience improving student outcomes. He earned his B.A. in History from the State University of New York at Buffalo, his M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida, and his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Florida. Having served as a teacher, school administrator, and educational trainer for the University of Florida's College of Education he brings a broad set of experiences and skills to the table that enable him to serve the dynamic needs of students. His understanding of curriculum and behavior empower him to see the forest for the trees, and work with students and parents to identify opportunities for success. He seeks to build close working relationships with students, colleagues and parents so he can develop a better understanding of the school community and support all stakeholders in achieving their goals.
Heba Alkhatib
6th-10th 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-10th 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-10th 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-10th 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
6th-10th Grade Quran, Arabic, and Islamic Studies 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.
6th-10th Grade Quran, Arabic, and Islamic Studies 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.
Chris Stepp
Librarian & Media Specialist
Mr. Chris Stepp was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Florida and later a Master’s in Library and Information Science from Florida State University. He has previously worked with such organizations as the Alachua County Library, the Jacksonville Public Library and the Museum of Science and History. Not surprisingly, he is a big fan of reading, and is excited to help promote the thirst for lifelong learning to the students here at Al-Furqan Academy.
Librarian & Media Specialist
Mr. Chris Stepp was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Florida and later a Master’s in Library and Information Science from Florida State University. He has previously worked with such organizations as the Alachua County Library, the Jacksonville Public Library and the Museum of Science and History. Not surprisingly, he is a big fan of reading, and is excited to help promote the thirst for lifelong learning to the students here at Al-Furqan Academy.
Lamiaa Elkoumy
VPK Assistant Teacher
VPK Assistant Teacher
Raul Dupeyron
Custodian
Custodian