Inssaf Lachtar, MEd
Elementary Curriculum
3145 Medical Plaza Dr.,
Garland, TX 75044
(972) 675-2062
E-mail Us
Accreditation
Proud Members of
Athletic Sponsors
Social Studies Teacher
Salaamualaikum! My name is Ms. Kaiser and this is my first year at Brighter Horizons Academy. I am very excited to be a part of the Social Studies department. I am originally from Northern California (go Bay Area!) and lived in Chicago before moving to Texas. I have been teaching for 7 years Alhumdulilah. I received my Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Middle East/South Asian Studies from the University of California, Davis and a Master's of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. I am married Alhumdulilah and I have a 2-year old son named Hamza. In my classroom, I reinforce and value academic rigorousness, adhab and relevancy. iA I am excited for an amazing year at BHA.
Email: werdah.kaiser@bhaprep.org
Computer Teacher
Nora Hamed is a Dallas native. She graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Science in Information Management Systems. Nora joined the BHA team in 2018. She is currently teaching Middle/High School Computer Technology.
Email: nora.hamed@bhaprep.org
Social Studies Teacher
Sean McMillin is a native of Dallas Texas. He received his BS in history from UT Tyler in 2012 and his MA from the same institution in 2015. Mr. McMillin has taught both World and U.S history at the college level for the past six years including dual credit and early college level courses for various High Schools including BHA where he is now a full time employee currently teaching World History.
Email: sean.mcmillin@bhaprep.org
English Teacher
Dana Haddad teaches 7th grade English after receiving her BA in English Literature at North Carolina State University. This is her second year at BHA and has experience teaching in multiple Islamic schools.
Email: dana.haddad@bhaprep.org
Middle/High School College Guidance Counselor
What Year Started at BHA:
2021
Degrees:
M. A. in School Counseling - Xavier University 2012; Cincinnati, Ohio
B.A. in Psychology - University of Cincinnati 2010; Cincinnati, Ohio
Licensed School Counselor
Current/Previous Experience
Middle/High School College Guidance Counselor
Previous substitute teacher
BHA Athletics Committee member
Previous counseling and teaching experience in Ohio and Georgia
Born:
Fresno, California
Cultural background:
Egyptian
Born and raised in California
Also live in Ohio, Georgia, and now Texas
Interests/Hobbies:
Traveling, visiting national parks & forests, taking classes in various subjects, and spending time with family.
Email: sonya.badr@bhaprep.org
Social Studies Teacher
Mrs. Michelle Solis has been an integral part of Brighter Horizons Academy since 2016. She has a Bachelor’s degree in History and is currently completing her Social Studies 4-8 Texas certification. She has numerous years of experience teaching English as a Second Language abroad and teaching Arabic and Quran to Non-native Arab speakers. She has also taught Islamic Studies from 1st to 4th grades for the past 4 years.
Mrs. Michelle has a true passion for working with young learners! Making connections and helping each child express their Muslim identities at the same time teaching them life essentials is an honor to accept daily. She strives to create an environment that nurtures growth, positivity, and learning!
“Knowledge precedes statements and actions.”
Email: msolis@bhaprep.org
Science Lab Assistant
My name is Maria Atif
I joined BHA Prep in 2019 as a Lab Coordinator. Prior to BHA Prep I worked as a dental assistant in Dental office in Mesquite TX and also severed as a Science Teacher in Pakistan. I am a graduate of Karachi University of Pakistan where I majored in Microbiology, Biochemistry and Chemistry.
I graduated in Top 10 from School Teacher's training Program in Pakistan. I was born in Pakistan and love to work with kids, my hidden skills are creative in art & craft work, science projects, school drama play.
Email: maria.atif@bhaprep.org
Science Teacher
6th Grade Science Teacher
Bachelor of Science degree from Karachi University
Master's in Education and Islamic History From Karachi University
Teaching at BHA since 2010
Email: sbaloch@bhaprep.org
College Guidance Counselor
Degrees:
Master's Degree - British Literature
Bachelor's Degree with a focus in British Literature and Islamic Jurisprudence
Current/Previous Experience
Middle/High School College Guidance Counselor
Enrollment Administrator, BHA
Case Manager - ICNA Relief Women's Transitional Home
BHA-PTO Board Member
Co-founder and current teacher/counselor: Shining Stars Afghan Refugee Children's Sunday School
Member of Board of Directors for Non-Profit Elementary Islamic School
Vice-Principal - Elementary School, VA
Librarian and Substitute teacher: Greater Lansing Islamic School, Michigan
Tutor - Michigan State University
Joined BHA:
April, 2019
Born:
Tripoli, Libya
Ethnic background:
Pakistani
Email: rkhattak@bhaprep.org
Athletics TA
Degree of highest level of education and certification(s):
I graduated from Princeton High School as an honors grad. I currently attend Collin College to pursue business management, I also have a coaching certificate that allows me to coach any sport.
Degree earned at:
Princeton High School
Previous work experience:
I’ve worked at Polo Ralph Lauren. And I coached for my former high school team in the summer and helped with camps for the youth.
Born:
I was born in Dallas, TX
Cultural background:
I am 100% Moroccan
Started working at BHA:
I started working at BHA around February of 2021
Email: aimmin.chouaibi@bhaprep.org
Arabic Teacher
Degree of highest level of education and certification(s):
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, Control and System Engineering.
Completed Online training program and obtained Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Diploma.
Completed Boston University StarTalk online and onsite training in teaching Arabic as a foreign language.
Degree earned at:
University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq.
Previous work experience:
1997 -2013 Al-Hamra Academy, Shrewsbury, MA. Arabic language and Islamic Studies Teacher
2013 -2018 ILM Academy, Houston, TX. Arabic language and Islamic Studies Teacher
2018 to Present Brighter Horizons Academy, Garland, TX. Arabic language Teacher
Started working at BHA:
2018
Email: kawtherali@bhaprep.org
Islamic Studies/Quran Pull-Out Teacher
My name is Seham Hilweh,
I graduated from UT Arlington with an IT bachelor degree
I have a certificate in Quran Tajweed.
I worked at Brighter Horizons in Amman Jordan for two years
My parents are originally from Palestine, but I was born in Kuwait, moved to the U.S during the first gulf war in 1991
Email: shilweh@bhaprep.org
Math Teacher
Degree of highest level of education and certification(s):
Bachelor in Liberal Arts with a Specialization in Spanish
Minor in Education
Degree earned at:
University of Texas at Arlington
Born:
October 24,1978
Cultural background:
Born in Valencia, Venezuela, and my parents are Palestinians.
Started working at BHA:
August 2004
Email: dalmajidi@bhaprep.org
MS Islamic Studies/Quran Dept. Head
Degree of highest level of education:
Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies
Recitation Ijaza (Hafs ‘an Asim)
Degree Seeking: Master’s degree in Islamic Education
Degree earned at:
The Guidance College Houston, TX
Previous work experience:
Peace Academy School
New Iqra’ School
Born:
Amman, Jordan
Cultural background:
Palestinian
Started working at BHA:
2014
Email: rdamrah@bhaprep.org
Math Teacher
Ms. Nesrine Bougattaya is a Middle & High school math teacher at BHA. She joined the BHA team 5 years ago and has been teaching math & science for the past 10 years. She is currently teaching 6th Math, 7th Advanced Math, 9th Advanced Geometry, 10th Advanced Algebra 2, and 11th Advanced Pre-Calculus.
She has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from University of Texas at Arlington. She is originally from Morocco.
Email: nbougattaya@bhaprep.org
Arabic Dept. Head
Arabic language development head, MS/HS
17 years of teaching experience
15 years working at Brighter Horizons Academy
Bachelors in Arabic language and literature
IB Diploma in ( Teaching Arabic to Speaker of Other Languages)
TASOL certification
My philosophy :-
I believe in the extraordinary abilities of any child if s/he is properly guided
Email: rsaleh@bhaprep.org
Arabic Teacher
Ms. Nada Dalal graduated with a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University in New York in 1992. She started 16 years ago as a parent with 3 kids who attended BHA. She was a substitute teacher teaching Arabic and Islamic studies for 4 years at BHA. This year she will be teaching Arabic Emergent.
Email: ndalal@bhaprep.org
Arabic Teacher
Degree of highest level of education:
Bachelor of Arts: Faculty of Science and Arts
University of Sana’a, Sana’a – Yemen
Major in Arabic Language and Literature
Diploma in Elementary Education
Salim Assubah Education Institute, Sana’a – Yemen
Certifications:
Professional Teaching License
Illinois State Board of Education
Certificate: English Language
Yemen-American Language Institute Sana’a – Yemen
Extended Essay Certificate
Pan-Asia International School, Bangkok – Thailand
Innovative Teaching Methods in Kindergarten
Bangkok, Thailand
IB AB initio Certificate
Bangkok, Thailand
Previous work experience:
Teacher of Arabic
Teacher of Islamic Studies and Arabic Language
Principal of Middle School, IB Arabic Teacher
Principal of Kindergarten
Counselor of Middle School, Teacher of Fine Arts
Head Teacher of Arabic Department
Started working at BHA:
August 2019
Email: bushra.alolofi@bhaprep.org
PE Teacher
Graduated from the University of Phoenix with a BS in Human Services Specialist. Former employee of Child Protective Services agency of the State of Texas, Department of Commerce federal former employee. Yoga Teacher Certified and wellness instructor. Developer of Yoga for runners program. Runner coach certified by RRCA. My most important role is being a mother of two wonderful sons. I am passionate about making kids move and stay active, give them the tools to develop a long lasting active lifestyle. I have coached little kids basketball and High School cross country.
Email: ajirani@bhaprep.org
PE Teacher
Home Town: Crockett, Texas
Degree: BS Kinesiology
College: Dallas Baptist University
Start at BHA in 2019
African American
I’ve been teaching PE in the Dallas area for about 20 years.
Email: fdenman@bhaprep.org
Math Teacher
Degree of highest level of education and certification(s):
Bachelor of Science - Certified Generalist Educator (ESL)
Degree earned at:
Texas Woman’s University
Born:
Crystal City, TX
Cultural background:
Mexican American
Started working at BHA:
August 2007
Email: mzidan@bhaprep.org
Arabic Teacher
Degree of highest level of education and certification(s):
M.Ed.; Certified K-12 Arabic Teaching in Illinois and Texas
Degree earned at:
DePaul University, Chicago, IL
Currently teaching:
MS and HS Arabic
Born:
Amman, Jordan
Cultural background:
Palestinian
Started working at BHA:
January, 2020
Email: raja.matariyeh@bhaprep.org
Science Teacher
Teaching 7th & 8th grade Science
PhD in Health science from TWU, RDH, CPR Instructor
Teaching at BHA since 2010
Email: nnikpour@bhaprep.org
Math Teacher
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Osmania University, Hyderabad Telangana, India
Master of Mechanical Engineering with specialization in Manufacturing Engineering from Osmania University, Hyderabad Telangana, India
Ph D in Mechanical Engineering with research in precision Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad, Telanagana India – his research included analysis of hybrid stratified surfaces from Burnishing and shotpeening processes.
Published / presented 10 research papers in journals and conferences
He has 25 years of teaching experience which includes teaching Mechanical Engineering at UG level and Middle and high school.
He served at Deccan College of Engineering and Technology for 16 years in various capacities including Lecturer, Associate Professor in Manufacturing Engineering, Professor in Mechanical Engineering, Department Chair Mechanical and Production Engineering Departments, Academic and Examinations Coordinator, joint-Editor College news letter.
He served as adjunct professor in Mechanical Engineering at UT Tyler, UNT Denton, and was awarded best professor of the year for the year 2014-2015 at UT Tyler.
His research included a novel approach of analyzing stratified surfaces using Abbott-Firestone BAC, Taguchi S-N ratio analysis, Grey relational methods for analyzing stochastic/random processes, FFT/ DFT/Power spectra/ACVF/ACF/ other statistical moments.
He is life-mummer of several Technical institutions and serves as the panel member for reviewing peer reviewed technical journal papers for two reviewed journals in Mechanical Engineering.
He also served as member board of studies at Osmania University for 5 years.
He was invited as guest speaker and chaired several conferences and National level workshops.
He is presently teaching Algebra1 and 2, Geometry for middle and high school at BHA.
Email: syed.hasan@bhaprep.org
Arabic Dept. Teacher
Mr. Mohammad started teaching at BHA in the fall semester of 2019. He began his Arabic studies at Zaytuna Institute in 1998, now known as Zaytuna College, located in Berkeley, CA. He earned his BA and MA in Arabic from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certification from Oxford Seminar. He currently teaches HS and MS Arabic. He was raised in Fremont, CA, and moved to Texas in 2019.
Email: e.yamamohammad@bhaprep.org
Math Dept. Head
Ms. Sofia Zamir is the Math Department Head at BHA. She joined BHA 16 years ago. Currently, she teaches AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Pre-Calculus, Algebra 2, and UT Austin’s dual credit course “Engineer Your World.”
She has a Masters degree in Computer Science and Engineering from University of Texas at Arlington, and a Bachelors degree in Computer Engineering from NED University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan. She has a double teacher certification (Math middle school and Math high school).
She was born in Karachi, Pakistan, and has lived in the DFW area for the past twenty six years.
Email: szamir@bhaprep.org
High School Qur’aan & Islamic Studies Teacher
Degree of highest level of education:
Bachelor Degree in Islamic Law
Bachelor Degree in Sociology
Degree earned at:
Islamic University of Madina, KSA
York College, CUNY New York
Previous work experience:
Instructor - Institute of English Learning
Born:
India
Cultural background:
Indian
Started working at BHA:
2021
Email: shahma.hoda@bhaprep.org
Science Teacher
Teacher for Biology and AP Biology
Bachelor of Science degree from UH, Teaching credentials from SCU
Certified to teach 7-12 Science
Teaching at BHA since 2019
Advisor for Red Cross Club
Email: rumana.khan@bhaprep.org
Social Studies Teacher
Shamsa Ashraf was born in Lahore, Pakistan, but moved to the United States when she was 4.
She received her Bachelor of Computer Science degree from the UT Tyler.
Because her true love was education, Shamsa went back to school and received her teaching certification.
She is certified in Generalist (Grades EC-4) and Social Studies (Grades 4-8).
Shamsa has served as the principal of a private Elementary Islamic school.
This is Shamsa's 15th year in education and her 3rd year at BHA.
Currently she is teaching US History and is the co-advisor for the Student Council.
Email: shamsa.ashraf@bhaprep.org
MS Islamic Studies/Quran Teacher
Degree of highest level of education:
Bachelor in English Language and Literature in Arts & Science
Degree earned at:
Al-Ahliyyah Amman University
Degrees seeking - working on finishing my Masters in Islamic Education from Guidance College, Houston TX
Born:
Kuwait
Cultural background:
Palestinian
Started working at BHA:
Started volunteering and subbing 2013, started working 2014
Email: rhasweh@bhaprep.org
Computer Teacher
What Year Started at BHA
2021
Degrees and Certifications
Bachelor Degree of Commerce
Computer Science/Computer Programming /Database Management Systems
Human Resource Management
Current Grades/Courses Taught
Middle and High School/Computer
Previous Work Experience
Grayson College, Ericsson, Blue Ridge Labs
Cultural Background
Pakistani
Living in Dallas for 21 years
Email: syeda.saleem@bhaprep.org
Social Studies Teacher
Nydia Hernandez is originally from Guatemala. She moved to Texas 7 years ago with her family.
She has been at BHA since 2016.
Ms. Nydia holds a BA from Montclair State University in NJ.
She has Texas Certification EC-6 and Reading/Social Studies 4-8th.
She currently teaches 6th and 7th grade Social Studies.
Email: nhernandez@bhaprep.org
Social Studies Dept. Head
Ms. Aisha was born in Oklahoma but she grew up outside of Washington D.C. She got her bachelors in History and minor in Islamic Studies from George Mason University in Virginia. She has been teaching for 12 years and this is her 6th year at BHA. She is certified to teach Social Studies 4-8 and History 7-12. Currently she is completing her Masters degree in Educational Administration: Curriculum and Supervision from the University of Oklahoma.
Ms. Aisha teaches AP World History, AP US History and Civic Engagement. She is also the Student Council and National Honor Society Advisor for this year.
Email: aashraf@bhaprep.org
Social Studies Teacher
Dr. deMeritte is an American from Key West, Florida. She started teaching AP U.S. History at BHA in 2017. She currently teaches World Geography and World History. Prior to teaching at BHA, Dr. deMeritte taught at Gwinnett County Public Schools in Georgia. She is a grandmother who likes to travel and read. Dr. D is also the #1 fan of BHA Boys Basketball having cheered on her students since they were in 8th grade!
Certificates held: All fields Social Studies 8-12 and Gifted in TX and GA;
J.D. - William Mitchell College of Law
M.S. Education, Media Design & Technology - Full Sail University
B.S. Business Administration - University of Phoenix
Email: jdemeritte@bhaprep.org
English Teacher
Ayah Khalifa started at BHA in 2020. Ms. Khalifa earned a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies and is currently teaching 7th/8th grade English. She was born in Greensboro, North Carolina and her family is from Sudan.
Email: ayah.khalifa@bhaprep.org
6th Grade Quran and Islamic Teacher
Degree of highest level of education
Master Degree in Health Care Management.
Degree earned at
Walsh University , Ohio
Previous work experience
Sunday School principal in ISAK Center in Akron, Ohio
Born
Kuwait
Cultural background
Palestinian
Started working at BHA
2021
Email: nahla.hussein@bhaprep.org
Science Dept. Head
Teaches Conceptual Physics, Honors Physics & Engineering
Head of Science Department
Bachelor of Science degree from UIC, Teaching credentials from UTD
Certified to teach 7-12 Science
Teaching at BHA since 2007
Advisor for Health Professions Club & Robotics Club
Email: qmadani@bhaprep.org
10th Grade Quran and Islamic Studies Teacher
Master Degree in Islamic studies (Candidate)
Manara Institute,
New Jersey, USA
Bachelor in Documents and Libraries
Faculty of Arts,
Alexandria University, Egypt
Quran Hafizah
Professional Experience
Quran and Islamic High School Teacher
Miraj Islamic School, Staten Island, New York
Joined BHA: 2021
Email: iman.moussa@bhaprep.org
HS Qur'an & Islamic Studies Dept. Chair
Degree of highest level of education
Masters Islamic Education – The Guidance College Houston, TX
Started working at BHA
I started at BHA in 2009
Born
Kuwait
Cultural background
Lebanese
Email: nsahyouni@bhaprep.org
Life Skills Coordinator
Born and raised in Chicago, Brother Mohammad Alshaikh is a Palestinian-American graduate of Qalam Insitute's five year 'Alimiyyah Program in Arlington, Texas. Br Mohammad has studied Advanced Islamic Sciences and Classical Arabic under local scholars such as Sheikh Abdulnasir Jangda and Mufti Hussain Kamani. He has served as a youth director and Islamic studies teacher at the MAS Islamic Center of Dallas and the Mesquite Islamic Center. He is a local and national khateeb and youth counselor. He is a new addition to BHA teaching a Life Skills course to all of our sixth through eleventh grade students.
English Teacher
Mrs. Arshad teaches 6th and 7th grade English at BHA. Originally from Pakistan, Mrs. Arshad has lived in Texas for most of her life and recently moved to Dallas from Waco. She has her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and is currently pursuing her Master's in Educational Technology.
Email: aimon.arshad@bhaprep.org
Science Teacher
What year started at BHA
2021
Degrees, certifications
Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering / Chemical industries
Master Degree in Industrial Engineering / Operations managements
Completion courses in Biotechnology
Current grade/courses taught
10th grade- Chemistry
AP Chem
Where were you born
Kuwait
Cultural background
Palestinian
Email: mayyadah.abuawad@bhaprep.org
Behavioral Counselor
Nadia Haque earned her bachelors from Louisiana State University in Psychology. She completed a teacher training program and obtained a certification in teaching English as a second language. She has been a teacher for the past 12 years, teaching at varying levels from elementary to university. This is her fifth year at BHA. Currently, she is working on her Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Southern Methodist University.
If you have any questions for our guidance counselor, or wish to make an appointment, you can email her at nhaque@bhaprep.org or at behavioralcounselors@bhaprep.org
Middle/High School College Guidance Counselor
What year started at BHA
2011
Degrees, certifications
M.Ed. Educational Leadership
B.A Secondary English Education
Certified English Language Arts Grades 4-12
Certified Texas Principal
Current grade/courses taught
Elementary Grades 1-4: English and Social Studies
Middle School: Grades 6-7 Grade Social Studies
Middle School: Grade 8 English
High School: Grades 9-12 English 1, English 2, American Literature, British Literature, College Guidance Advisory
ECE Assistant Principal
Middle/High School College Guidance Counselor
Where were you born
Kuwait
Cultural background
Mother is Kenyan
Father is Pakistani
Mehnaz was raised in America
Email: mehnaz@bhaprep.org
MS/HS English
Jaena Holcombe Almallah Mendez, B.A., M.A., TX Teaching Certification English, Spanish Secondary Education, AP Certified in English Language and Literature
8th, 9th Grade English
Proud BHA Alumni Mom and Teacher since 1992
Email: jaena.holcombe@bhaprep.org
English Dept. Chair
Mr. Dent started teaching at BHA in the winter semester of 2017. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing from The University of North Texas as well as a technical writing certification. He is currently the English Department Head and teaches high school English II, AP English Language, and AP English Literature. He was born in Houston, Texas, and has lived in the DFW area for twenty years.
Email: ddent@bhaprep.org
