Faculty & Staff

Introduction Letter

Nekisha Lee, a graduate of Robichaud High School, holds a CDA certification specifically for infants and toddlers aged birth to 3 years old. With over 9 years of experience in teaching and caring for infants and toddlers, Nekisha joined Beverly Hills Academy at the start of the 2022 school year, working within the Toddler department. She has actively pursued additional training courses to expand her knowledge in this field and has certifications in CPR, First Aid, and SIDS. Nekisha is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for the youngest learners at the academy.

Nicole Harris has dedicated nearly eight years to working with children, ranging in age from infancy to twelve years old. She is excited to continue her career within the Montessori environment, where she has already accumulated almost five years of experience as a lead childcare provider. Nicole's commitment to professional growth is evident as she pursues her CDA certification this year. Her lifelong passion for teaching and learning fuels her dedication to providing the best possible education and care for the children she serves.

Zainab Salah-Ud-Din has been a valued member of the Beverly Hills Academy team for five years. She takes great pleasure in creating an inviting and enriching learning environment for the BHA toddlers. Zainab holds a degree and certification in Early Childhood Learning, and she is Montessori certified with AMI credentials for the Primary age group of 3-6 years old. Her expertise is further augmented by her previous teaching experience in two other Montessori schools. 

With over 20 years of experience in education, Dawn Beard brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to Beverly Hills Academy. She has held various positions, including preschool/childcare director, nanny, classroom lead teacher, and preschool music instructor. Dawn holds an A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education and embraces lifelong learning. She is excited to embark on this educational journey with the children at BHA.

Nosheen Khan, a dedicated educator, completed Montessori training at the Michigan Montessori Training Center and holds an Early Childhood Credential from the American Montessori Society. With over 10 years of experience at Beverly Hills Academy, including assisting in the Lower Elementary program, she is passionate about continuous growth and embraces the school's philosophy. Nosheen has helped to bring several key initiatives as well as coordinating various events for the team, demonstrating her commitment to the school community and fostering a love for learning in her interactions with students.

Charles Cappellano is an experienced Montessori educator with over 25 years of expertise. With Montessori Certification, an Early Childhood Credential, and the prestigious CDA Credential, Charles brings extensive knowledge and leadership to his role. Over the years, he has played key roles in program planning and implementing summer camp initiatives. Charles is always willing to lend a helping hand and is a staple of the BHA community.

Ayesha Saeed’s passion for Montessori education began when she was enrolled in a Montessori school as a child. Inspired by its emphasis on independence and individualized development, she pursued a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Education. After teaching in an elementary school, Ayesha enrolled her own daughters in a Montessori school and witnessed its positive impact on their development. This motivated her to obtain an Early Childhood Montessori Credential from the Michigan Montessori Teacher Education Center. Ayesha brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.

Tara Abukhiran holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education, specializing in Early Childhood through Sixth Grade. With experience teaching in preschool, first, and third grade classrooms, she brings a diverse range of teaching expertise. She is thrilled to be teaching in an environment where she can continue learning and growing alongside her students. Above all, Tara eagerly anticipates witnessing the incredible growth and development that occurs during this remarkable age.

Jocelyn Coats joined the team in 2022 and is finalizing her Montessori certification.  With a Bachelor's degree in Education and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies, she brings a strong educational background to her teaching role. With five years of teaching experience, Jocelyn is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Educational Leadership to further enhance her expertise. She is passionate about Montessori education and is in the process of acquiring her certification for Elementary I, Montessori Studies, specializing in the Montessori approach for children aged 6-9 years.

Hanna Davis joined the team in 2022. Holds Montessori certification for ages 6-9. She holds a bachelor's degree in Neuroscience from Carthage College and a master's degree in Elementary Education from National Louis University. She is currently in the process of completing her Lower Elementary Montessori training. With experience teaching preschool, kindergarten, first grade, and third grade prior to joining Beverly Hills Academy, Hanna brings a diverse range of teaching expertise to her new role.

Sarah Knill, an experienced educator with a passion for teaching elementary students, joins Beverly Hills Academy's lower elementary teaching team. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from Oakland University and a Master of Arts in Education from Michigan State University. Sarah's versatile background includes after-school tutoring, summer school coordination, athletics coaching, and substitute teaching. Committed to her profession, she possesses a Professional Education Certificate in Michigan and is pursuing a Montessori certificate for ages 6 to 9. Sarah's expertise and dedication make her a valuable asset to the academy.

Tanisha Denard will be co-teaching with Hanna Davis in Lower Elementary this year, bringing extensive experience from Macomb Montessori Academy, Winans Academy, and American International Academy. Tanisha is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education focused on Special Education and Cognitive Impairments. She aims to foster independent learning with your collaboration and has taught various grade levels, including preschool and kindergarten

Sridevi Srikanth joined Beverly Hills Academy in 2022. With a master’s in business economics and experience at a leading business daily in India, she quickly advanced to a special correspondent role while mentoring newcomers in the bureau. Since 2006, Sridevi has been teaching Montessori Elementary classrooms, enjoys the flexible and challenging curriculum that fosters individual growth. Sridevi is excited for another successful year at BHA as she aims to build strong relationships and inspire students to excel.

For the past two years, Alyana Danaoui has been an invaluable member of Beverly Hills Academy, supporting students in completing their assignments and conducting engaging one-on-one and group lessons in language arts and science. She is also pursuing her bachelor's degree in education, with a specialization in upper and lower elementary studies at Wayne State University. Alyana is eager to continue nurturing her relationships with current students while also forming new connections in the future.

Shannon Vogelezang received a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University in social work, followed by a master's degree in divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary. Upon her daughter's education, Shannon opted for the Montessori approach, which she thoroughly enjoyed. This sparked her enthusiasm for teaching Montessori techniques as an assistant teacher eventually undergoing formal Montessori training. Over the years, she has taught students ranging from 3 to 12 years old.

Sara Coyle is a dedicated educator with a wealth of experience in teaching and a passion for nurturing students' growth. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Albion College and a M.A.T. degree from Wayne State University. Sara holds a Professional Education Certificate through the state of Michigan. With an AMS Certificate from the Michigan Montessori Education Center, Sara has been a valued member of the Beverly Hills Academy community for 13 years, where she has demonstrated her expertise and dedication in the classroom.

Julie Martin is an experienced and dedicated educator with over twenty-two years of teaching experience. She specializes in Middle School Science and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University, as well as a Professional Education Certificate from the state of Michigan. Julie's teaching career has encompassed not only Middle School Science but also subjects like Social Studies, Health, and Art, allowing her to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded education for her students. Her commitment to nurturing intellectual growth and development makes her a valuable asset to any educational institution.

Hanan Elbouhi has been an Arabic Language teacher at Beverly Hills Academy  since 2011. With a BA in Education from Egypt and prior experience as an English teacher in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, she joined BHA after obtaining a Montessori Associate in 2001. Hanan converted Montessori materials into Arabic, established an Arabic Montessori classroom, and developed hands-on teaching materials for Arabic as a second language. As the Arabic language coordinator, she works with a dedicated team to foster students' love for Arabic and develop their language skills. 

Hanadi Alnajjar has a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Damascus University. With 11 years of teaching experience at Dar-Alhuda school, she specializes in Arabic and Islamic studies. Hanadi is known for her innovative teaching methods and commitment to creating engaging lessons. She actively seeks professional development opportunities and has experience in summer camps, tutoring, and substitute teaching. Additionally, she has served as a computer laboratory trainer at Damascus University.

Rai Rihawi holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry and pharmaceutical science from the University of Damascus. She joined Beverly Hills Academy as an Arabic teacher in 2014, following 10 years of teaching experience in Arabic and Islamic Studies at Dar Al Huda Saturday school. Rai embraces the Montessori philosophy in her teaching, attending conferences to enhance her approach. She is passionate about instilling a love for the Arabic language in younger generations.

Ghina Habbal was born and raised in Damascus, Syria. She is married with two boys and has a bachelor’s degree in library science & information technology from the University of Damascus. Ms. Habbal previously worked as a Montessori teacher assistant and an Arabic teacher at the Muslim Unity Center. She started working at Beverly Hills Academy as a substitute Arabic teacher, and later became an Arabic teacher at BHA as well. Ms. Habbal loves to spend time with her family, traveling and hiking.

Shaza Kseibi has been with Beverly Hills Academy's Arabic department for two years. Teaching lower elementary, primary, and toddler classes has been incredibly fulfilling, witnessing the daily development of young children. Before joining BHA, she taught Arabic for three years at an elementary school in Saudi Arabia. Shaza's education includes an associate degree in construction engineering, and a Montessori training certificate from the "Michigan Montessori Teacher Education Center," which has enhanced her skills in Montessori teaching methodologies. Additionally, she is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration.

Rania Alsasa is an experienced educator with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education specializing in mathematics. She has over 20 years of teaching experience and joined Beverly Hills Academy in 2016. Rania focuses on fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning in her upper elementary students. She teaches Arabic Language and Islamic Studies.

Manal Al-Hadidi is a certified Montessori teacher since 1997, specializing in working with children. She has been teaching Islamic Studies and Quran at Beverly Hills Academy since 2010. Manal is dedicated to professional growth and has attended workshops on various topics. She is known for her strong organizational and leadership abilities. Outside of work, Manal actively engages in community services and maintains strong connections to her family in the Bloomfield Hills, Michigan area.

Eman Fawakiri, a devoted teacher in Islamic studies and Quran, has four years of experience at Beverly Hills Academy. She is enthusiastic about fostering a nurturing learning environment, where children can explore their faith and forge a deep connection with the Quran. Utilizing a blend of traditional teachings and interactive methods, she ensures her students find joy and engagement in their learning journey.

Lama Karkoukli, an Islamic studies and Quran teacher, began her teaching journey at Huda Saturday School in 2009. She has since taught at various institutions, including Unity Center Saturday school, Iona Sunday school, and Beverly Hills Academy. Lama's dedication to her students is exemplified by her certifications in Nouraniah and Tajweed. During summers, she engages in enriching activities, assisting at summer camps, and exploring diverse destinations like Turkey, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Banan Mahmaljy-Obeid holds a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan. She also obtained her Ijaza in Tajweed after studying Quran in Damascus, Syria, in 2010. With 12 years of teaching experience, she has been instructing Quran at Beverly Hills Academy for the past 6 years. Additionally, for the last 8 years, Banan has been leading Islamic circles for children ranging from Elementary to High School age. She runs a YouTube Channel called "Pure Pathways," where she educates children about Islamic values and their responsibilities towards the Creator and His Creation.

Alaa Kuziez has a profound connection with the Quran- having completed its memorization and earned an Ijazah- guides all that she does. Since completion nearly 10 years ago, she has dedicated her time to teaching Islamic & Quranic Studies, with a passion to instill in her students’ love and understanding of the Islamic faith. Alaa holds a BA in biology from the University of St. Louis, MO and is continuing her Islamic Studies Education.