MEET
The Team
With great pleasure and pride, we present you with our dedicated team of directors, leaders, teachers and staff who have come together to make LFA a great place to learn!
MEET THE
Board Directors
ALIREZA ZEHTAB
Director – CEO
EDUCATION
PhD in Chemical Engineering
ABOUT
Business Planner in Oil & Gas Industry
More than 10 years of volunteer experience and leadership roles in few non-profit & charity organizations
Strong network with other Shi’a communities and schools across Canada
NARGES SHOJAEDIN
Director
EDUCATION
MSc in Computer Science
ABOUT
Marketing strategist in community organizations
Volunteer in the Iranian community at Calgary Towhid Centre for over 5 years. Cultural and religions planner for the community events.
Organizational developer for Dawnish Sunday school where Shi’a students learn Quran and Farsi at different levels.
ASFA RIYAZ
Director
EDUCATION
BA in Communication,
Service & Information Designer
ABOUT
Over 10 years of volunteer experience with the Hussaini Association of Calgary, about 8 years of experience as a Sunday School teacher, and volunteer and designer with the Al-Qaim Charity Foundation.
Strong leadership, team player, deep listener and creative and curious mind. Taught history in Hussaini School Madrassah to senior grade level.
MEET THE
Leadership Team
ALI DHIA
Operations Manager, Treasurer
& Instructor
EDUCATION
BSc in Electronic Engineering
MA in Engineering Management
ABOUT
Co-founder of Lady Fatima Academy, Calgary
Principal and teacher at Madinatul-Ilm Saturday school, for the last 14 years, where students learn Arabic, Quran and Islamic studies from ages 6-18 in Calgary.
Founder and President of Al-Zahra Learning Centre, Calgary.
TAHIRA JAFAR
Principal & Teacher
EDUCATION
Certification-Alberta Teaching
Certification- Ontario College of teachers
Certification- College of New Jersey
How to train Teachers Certification-Université de Franche- Comté; Besançon France
Masters in linguistics, University of Punjab; Pakistan
ABOUT
Tahira, with 26 years experience in teaching, is passionate about creating a positive and inclusive learning environment, promoting academic excellence, and fostering a culture of collaboration among students, staff, and parents.
Tahira is proud to serve Lady Fatima Academy and is dedicated to leading the school community towards success and empowering students to achieve their full potential under the umbrella and guidance of the Ahlul-bayt (SA).
ZAINEB LATIF
Religion Lead
& Instructor
EDUCATION
BA in Graphic Design
Currently studying BA in Education
ABOUT
Co-founder of Lady Fatima Academy, Calgary
Founding director of Al-Zahra Learning Centre, serving the youth and children of the Calgary Shia community for the last 14 years.
Co-Founder and Teacher at Madinatul-Ilm Saturday school, for the last 14 years, where students learn Arabic, Quran and Islamic studies from ages 6-18 in Calgary.
Zaineb is able to communicate religious knowledge and values in creative and engaging ways with proven success to win the minds and hearts of children and youth to the straight path of Prophet Muhammed (SAW) and AhlulBayt (AS).
MEET THE
Education Team
Mahrukh Ali
Certified Teacher
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Education, University of Calgary (Specializing in French Elementary)
Teaching Second Languages Certification – Level 1- (French) University of Calgary
BA Honors (French) Kinnaird College For Women Lahore, Pakistan
MA (French As A Foreign Language) Kinnaird College For Women Lahore, Pakistan
ABOUT
“Anyone can learn with empathy and the right opportunity”. This motto has been Mahrukh’s motivation for years. Being fluent in English, French, Urdu, and Punjabi, she seeks to cultivate the term “I believe in myself” in her students. One of the reasons for her love for languages is the possibility it offers her to interact and affect a multitude of learners.
Mahrukh aims to build learning around her students’ emotional, physical, and mental well-being. She enjoys internal spirituality and intellect and aspires to touch the souls and minds of learners through her teaching.
ZEENA D. ALWARRAQ
Certified Teacher
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from University of Calgary
ABOUT
Zeena is passionate about encouraging and uplifting her students in an effort to have them reach their full potential. She strives to foster a safe and positive community experience in the classroom wherein universal and targeted strategies/supports are employed effectively. Being trained in the field of second languages acquisition (French, English and Arabic), Zeena values diversity and seeks to find meaningful connections between each individual and our collective faith and beliefs.
NAYYAB FATIMA
Certified Teacher
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Education
ABOUT
Nayab has experience teaching students from grade 6 to 12. With a background in Science and Math, she is committed to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. Whether through thought-provoking discussions, hands-on activities, or personalized support, she will go above and beyond to ensure that each student reaches their full potential. Building positive and productive relationships with students stands as Nayab‘s foremost priority.
SAKEENA ZAIDI
Certified Teacher
EDUCATION
Certification – Teaching K-12 in Alberta & Manitoba
Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Education ,The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB
MA English Literature, University of the Punjab, Pakistan
B. Ed, AIOU, Pakistan.
ABOUT
Sakeena Zaidi is an exceptional educator with a passion for fostering inclusive learning environments and empowering students to reach their fullest potential. With more than two decades of experience in the field of education, Sakeena brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our school community.
With a profound belief in the transformative power of education, Sakeena is dedicated to empowering students to become critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and compassionate global citizens. Her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, coupled with her passion for mathematics instruction, reflects her unwavering belief in the potential of every student to succeed.
Outside of the classroom, Sakeena enjoys travelling and photography. Her enthusiasm for exploring new cultures and capturing moments through her lens reflects her commitment to personal growth and well-being. Sakeena’s diverse interests contribute to her ability to make a positive impact in the lives of her students and our school community.
SARA KAMAR
Certified Teacher
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) – University of Calgary, Major in Ecology
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) – University of Calgary, Major in Economics, Minor in French
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) – University of Calgary, Specialized in Secondary Sciences
ABOUT
NAHDHAH ABBAS
Instructor
EDUCATION
Human Services Certificate
Human Services Diploma
Bachelors in Veterinary Medicine
ABOUT
With over a decade of experience, Nahdhah brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in child development and education. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated her ability to implement effective classroom plans, collaborate seamlessly with teachers and therapy teams, and develop tailored activities that meet the unique needs of each child. Nahdhah excels in modifying learning materials and classroom equipment to accommodate children with various disabilities, including autism and ADHD. Her empathetic nature, combined with her strong communication skills, enables her to build a nurturing and supportive environment where children feel at ease, confident, and motivated to learn.
BUSHRA ABDALLAH
Instructor
EDUCATION
BA in Community Rehabilitation
ABOUT
Bushra Abdullah is the school’s dedicated art teacher and librarian, where she nurtures both creativity and a love of reading in her students. A proud mother of three, she holds an undergraduate degree in Community Rehabilitation and brings a compassionate, community-centered approach to her work. Deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve her Imam each day, Bushra’s values and spirit are rooted in faith, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to justice—captured in her heartfelt motto: Long live the resistance.
HIBA AL MOUSAWI
Instructor
EDUCATION
Childhood Development Certificate
Early Childhood Diploma
Education Assistant Diploma
Bachelor’s in Biology Science
ABOUT
With more than five years of experience in Education and Childcare Fields, Heba has a wide range of skills that enable her to work effectively with students with added knowledge of how to work with students who experience varying challenges such as Seizure, Autism, and ADHD.
Hiba is highly skilled in supervising and interacting with children due to her strong communication skills and her empathetic and gentle nature. Her sincere intention to support children in her care makes children at ease, confident and happy to learn. Hiba is passionate about guiding students towards spiritual and academic success in the light of Prophet Muhammed (SAW) and the Ahlulbayt (AS).
Sheharbano Hassan
Instructor
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science ( Major in Math, Statistics & Physics)
Masters in Business Administration (Marketing)
Certified Early Childhood Educator level 3 – Red River College, Winnipeg MB
Bachelor of Education ( ongoing)
ABOUT
Sheharbano brings over 20 years of experience as an educator, with a strong foundation in teaching, curriculum planning, and early childhood development. She holds a two-year Early Childhood Educator (Level 3) Diploma and has taught at various levels, ranging from preschool to junior high, giving her a broad understanding of student learning needs across age groups.
Her teaching practice is rooted in compassion, inclusivity, and a commitment to creating a classroom environment where every child feels seen, supported, and valued. She prioritizes equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that her teaching approach and classroom culture reflect these core values.
In addition to her extensive educational experience, Sheharbano holds an MBA, which strengthens her ability to plan, organize, and deliver well-structured learning experiences. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Education to further enhance her teaching qualifications.
LAHIB ALAWADI
Instructor
EDUCATION
Diploma in early childhood education from Lethbridge College
Currently in the second year of a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Athabasca University.
ABOUT
Lahib Has worked as an early childhood educator and teacher in Islamic & Arabic preschools since 2008. She loves working with children of different ages and levels of abilities. Lahib believes in creating a suitable learning environment for children so they can achieve their highest academic potential. She has a firm conviction in the connection between education and faith in order to cultivate a new generation of educated and respectful individuals who can contribute to the community.
ALI AL-SHIMARI
Coach
EDUCATION
BA in Health and Physical Education majoring physical literacy.
ABOUT
Ali Al-Shimari is passionate about promoting health and physical fitness among students as a dedicated gym teacher. Recently graduated with a Bachelor of Health Physical Education, majoring in Physical literacy, Ali brings a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to the classroom. With six years of experience working with children, Ali is committed to creating engaging and active learning environments where students can develop their physical abilities and foster a lifelong appreciation for fitness. Outside of teaching, Ali enjoys participating in community sports leagues and is dedicated to inspiring students to lead healthy and active lifestyles.
SYED MUSA
Office Admin
EDUCATION
(MBA) Master of Business Administration (MSPH) Master of Science in Public Health (PMP®️) Project Management, Six Sigma, Scrum, Change Management, and Generative AI.
ABOUT
Syed Musa Raza is a seasoned administrator and project manager with over a decade of experience leading high-impact initiatives in education, public health, and technology. He has successfully managed multimillion-dollar projects with a focus on improving systems, streamlining operations, and supporting student and staff development. His leadership has been recognized with a prestigious UN award for innovation and impact.
With a strong commitment to inclusive education and effective communication, Musa is passionate about creating supportive environments where students, teachers, and families can thrive. His people-first approach, combined with his technical expertise, helps him build systems that are both efficient and student-centered.
His diverse background enables him to bring both strategic insight and practical solutions to educational settings, ensuring smooth operations and continuous improvement.
MEET THE
Transport Team
Imad
NE Bus Route
HASSAN
NE Bus Route
TAHSEEN
West Bus Route
INTISAR
South Bus Route
MARYAM
Chestermere Route
Do you think you’d make a good fit?