Sr. Sana Waris joined ICCL Academy as a Principal in June 2026.

She can be reached at icclacademy@icclmd.org

Assalamu Alaikum! My name is Dr. Misbah Shaikh, and I am honored to be part of the ICCL Academy community. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences in India and a Master of Public Health (MPH), Dental Emphasis, from A.T. Still University of Arizona. In addition, I have completed a Diploma in the Islamic Essentials Program from the Maryland Institute of Development (MID). Through the Islamic Essentials program, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of fundamental Islamic principles and subjects, which has equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to teach Islamic Studies to students at various levels.

I have been working with ICCL Academy for the past two years, and Alhamdulillah, this is my third year with the Academy. Over these years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with our students, parents, teachers, and the wider ICCL community. I am truly grateful for the warm welcome, kindness, and support that the community and parents have shown me since I joined the Academy. It has been a rewarding experience to grow alongside our school community and contribute to the education and development of our students.

Alhamdulillah, I have strong communication and interpersonal skills and enjoy building positive relationships with students, parents, teachers, staff, and community members. I also work closely with parents and staff to address questions, resolve concerns, and ensure that families receive the support and information they need throughout the school year.

My background in dentistry, public health, Islamic education, and school administration has provided me with a diverse range of skills that I am grateful to bring to my role at ICCL Academy.

I can be reached at officemanager@academy.icclmd.org.

• Quran & Arabic teacher since 2023

• 2 years of experience with Thamarat Institute

• Completed a 3-week in-person course with Shaykh Ra'ee for tajweed.

• A hafiza who completed a 2-year Islamic essentials program at a local institute.

• Currently pursuing the Aalima Program

My name is Rafiqa Ibrahim, and I have been a kindergarten teacher at the Academy of the

Islamic Community Center of Laurel (ICCL) for the past four years.

Originally from Karachi, Pakistan, I moved to Chicago, Illinois, in 1986. I hold Bachelor’s

degrees in Economics and Education from Pakistan, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Early

Childhood Education with a Teaching Certificate with ESL and Children with Different Abilities

endorsement from Kendall College in Chicago. Before moving to Maryland in March 2021, I

lived in Colorado Springs for three years, where I also earned a Colorado Teaching Certificate.

I have worked with children for over 30 years across Pakistan, Chicago, Colorado, and

Maryland. My experience spans Head Start programs, preschool, kindergarten, and primary

elementary education, and I have loved every moment of it.

I am a committed and innovative educator who is always as eager to learn as I am to teach.

Dedicated to my students' growth as well as my own professional development, I especially

thrive in diverse settings where multiculturalism enriches the learning environment. I firmly

believe that open communication and a strong parent-teacher partnership are key to a child's success. Working as a team, we can inspire them to reach for the stars.

Beyond teaching full-time, I am a devoted wife, mother of two, and grandmother of two. In my

personal time, I enjoy cooking, traveling, and reading—with a special appreciation for children's literature.

My name is Maryam Ashiq, and this is my third year being part of the ICCL Academy team. I earned a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Technology and have been teaching since 2012, with experience working with children in both classroom and after-school settings. My teaching philosophy is centered on creating a classroom where students feel valued, curious, and confident enough to make mistakes and learn from them. I believe learning should challenge students while also giving them the confidence to persevere when something feels difficult. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, painting, crafts, and exploring new places with friends and family.

My name is Soli Taye, and I am excited to be joining ICCL Academy this year as a new member of the teaching team. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Political Science and am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Education Policy. I have 4 years of experience working with children. My teaching philosophy is centered on creating a classroom where students feel heard, appreciated, happy, and peaceful. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, shopping, and exploring new food spots with friends and family.