Primary School Staff Biographies - Austin Peace Academy

> Pre-School Department

Mrs. Ambreen Saeed

Bio

Mrs. Ambreen Saeed earned her Bachelor of Science Degree and her Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan. She also earned a paraprofessional certificate from ACC and attended a wide variety of workshops leading to certifications. In 2011, she earned a NAMC preschool/kindergarten Teaching Diploma for Montessori Schools. Her experience in the Montessori learning method and its implementation will be of great benefit to the students in fostering a love of learning through play and exploration. Her creative and artistic approach to teaching will further this dynamic in the classroom. Along with her enriching childhood education background, she has served as the lower school teacher assistant at APA for six years. This extensive experience along with her maternal and patient personality will provide an enriching and nurturing environment for our youngest students. In 2015, she received the best TA award from APA. Ms Ambreen also served as the PSIA Spelling Coach/Grader and Assistant Director. She is also very involved in the local community.

Ms. Tazeen Helali

Bio

Ms. Tazeen Helali graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelors in Environmental Design. She found her passion for learning and teaching kids the foundational skills to succeed in their early educational years when she worked as an assistant in Kindergarten. Ms. Tazeen has received training in Early Childhood Outcomes, Early Childhood Classroom Organization and Strategies, circle Time: The Heart of the Classroom Community, Safety and Supervision in Child Care and Emergency Preparedness, Building Safety, and Hazardous Materials in Child Care. She loves watching them learn and grow. Her hobbies include spending time with family and friends, creative crafting and traveling. Ms. Tazeen joined APA in 2021.

> Lower School Department

Ms. Ghazal Jbeily

Bio

Ms. Ghazal Jbeily graduated with honors from the Lebanese American University and holds both a Bachelor of Business Administration and an MBA (Masters of Business Administration) degree. Ms. Ghazal is an engaged, creative and passionate teacher with 3 years of experience as a preschool and first grade teacher. Ms. Ghazal has attended a wide variety of webinars and enrolled in different educational programs over the years accumulating over 120 hours of course work. She holds certification in courses such as A Year of Inspiring Lessons and The Creative Classroom. Her knowledge and skills make her a great fit for our Kindergarten students.

Additionally, Ms. Ghazal is an accomplished athlete. From 1994 to 2006, she was a Lebanese Swimming Champion and a National Record Holder. One of her biggest achievement was being a member of the Lebanese Olympic Swimming Team in Athens 2004.

Ms. Iris M. Velarde

Bio

Iris M. Velarde is a dedicated and experienced educator who has made a significant impact on the development and growth of students from diverse backgrounds. Iris M. Velarde was born and raised in Sacramento, California. After completing her primary and secondary education, Iris pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish with a minor in International Studies from the University of Washington in Seattle. Iris began her teaching journey as a Preschool Teacher at Salam Academy in Sacramento, California. During this time, she employed research-based strategies and structured play to enhance her students' learning and social abilities.

In 2011, Iris joined the New York City Teaching Fellows program, where she worked as a Teaching Fellow at Andries Hudde Junior High School. She successfully integrated technology into her teaching methods and created an inclusive learning environment where all students could thrive. Iris further expanded her teaching career as a Special Education Teacher at Sheepshead Bay High School in Brooklyn, New York. Additionally, Iris served as a mentor for the student council and yearbook staff, fostering student leadership and engagement.

From 2018 to 2020, Iris ventured abroad to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where she worked as an IB PYP First Grade Teacher at Advanced Learning Schools. She designed and delivered high-quality lessons in English, promoting a multicultural and inclusive learning environment.

Iris's most recent teaching position is as a Second Grade Teacher, Grade Level Chair, Emergent Leader, and Mentor Teacher at Austin Achieve Elementary School in Austin, Texas. Iris has also taken on leadership responsibilities such as leading grade level team meetings, providing guidance and feedback to Teaching Fellows, and analyzing data to address academic inequities.

Throughout her career, Iris has continually sought professional development opportunities to enhance her teaching skills. She holds a Master of Science in Education with a Bilingual Extension from The City College of New York and has acquired certifications in Students With Disabilities - Grades 7-12 and Bilingual Education Extension. Additionally, Iris has participated in IB professional development workshops and acquired proficiency in various educational technologies and software.

Ms. Mokita Yakub

Bio

Watch out this space for Ms. Mokita's biography, which will be updated soon.

Ms. Lubna Almahbobi

Bio

Lubna holds a Bachelor of Arts and Translation from The American University of Science and Technology. Her educational background, coupled with her extensive teaching experience and commitment to continuous learning, enables her to provide a well-rounded and enriching educational experience for her students.

Lubna's journey in education began at Almansour Private School in Yalova, Turkey, where she served as an Elementary Teacher. Keeping up with the latest developments in the field, she continually read current literature to enhance her teaching methods. Additionally, she offered tutoring in ESL, TOEFL, and SAT to support students' language acquisition and exam preparation.

Continuing her dedication to education, Lubna transitioned to Lake Travis STEM Academy as an Elementary Teacher. Since November 2020, she has been teaching English Language Arts to students ranging from second to fifth grade. Lubna also teaches integrated science and technology to students in kindergarten, first, fourth, and fifth grades, ensuring a well-rounded and comprehensive education. Her commitment to innovation is evident in her introduction of Python programming to fifth graders and her instruction of Humanities to third, fourth, and fifth graders. She also taught for a year at Austin Peace Academy as an ELA interventionist for 3rd-5th grade.

Ms. Andrea Hatcher

Bio

Andrea Hatcher is an accomplished educator with a passion for teaching and a commitment to fostering student success. Andrea's journey in education began with her pursuit of an Alternative Teaching Certification, which she obtained from Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, TX in June 1999. This certification equipped her with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the classroom and make a positive difference in the lives of her students.

Prior to her certification, Andrea completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Kent State University in Kent, OH in December 1994. Her passion for literature and language drove her to delve deep into the world of English studies, developing her analytical thinking and communication skills. In addition to her bachelor's degree, Andrea pursued higher education at Lorain County Community College in Elyria, OH, where she engaged in studies related to Liberal Arts and General Studies.

Armed with her Alternative Teaching Certification and a strong educational background, Andrea embarked on a teaching career that spanned over two decades. Her dedication, compassion, and ability to connect with students of various skill levels have been instrumental in creating engaging learning environments.

Throughout her years as an educator, Andrea has consistently demonstrated her commitment to individualized instruction, using various teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles. She has also been proactive in staying updated on policy changes and advancements in education, regularly attending in-service training and professional development courses.

Notable accomplishments in Andrea's career include her recognition as a Renaissance (Accelerated Reader) National Honor Roll Teacher, highlighting her dedication to promoting literacy and academic growth. Additionally, she created and chaired the Support Our School Committee, demonstrating her commitment to increasing parent involvement and fostering a sense of community within the school.

Ms. Adriana Salinas

Bio

Ms. Adriana Salinas brings with her more than 7 years of teaching experience in charter, public and private school systems. 2 years of experience teaching remotely to elementary children. Ms. Adriana holds a B.A. in English from Vanderbilt University, emphasizing creative writing, and a B.A. in Studio Art. She is a certified teacher Generalist 4-8.

Through the Teach for America program, Ms. Adriana started her journey as an English teacher in Houston at her alma mater, YES Prep Public School, then 6^th Grade English teacher at Biotech Academy at Rusk (Baylor College of Medicine). From 2017 to 2019, Ms. Adriana worked as an English teacher at an International Baccalaureate (IB) Mexican private school in Mexico City, Mexico. Then Online K-2 instructor at The Magnolia School in Austin, Texas.

She has worked as a classroom English teacher with students of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Ms. Adriana is enrolled in an online Master’s Certificate program in instructional design from George Washington University. Her ultimate goal is to earn a Master’s degree in Educational Technology Leadership. She believes that technology in school is a fundamental right for all students, no matter their socioeconomic status.

> Co-Curricular Department

Ms. Shabana Tabassum

Bio

Ms. Shabana Tabassum has a Bachelor of Science degree from Bangalore University, India and has completed a Diploma in Software Applications. Her prior experience includes teaching at lower elementary school at International School in Saudi Arabia as well as computer system administration. Ms. Shabana serves as a Computer Support Specialist providing routine maintenance of APA's networks and servers along with technical assistance and support.

Ms. Andra Carter

Bio

Ms. Andra Carter graduated from Washington Adventist University – Columbia Union College in Takoma Park, Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. She also received her Master of Science degree in Sports Health Science with a concentration in Sport Coaching and Athletic Injury Management from Life University in Marietta, Georgia. Ms. Andra has been teaching K-12 Physical Education since 2004. She has worked at numerous private and charter schools. Ms. Andra is also an accomplished athlete
being a former NCAA basketball player and a former professional women’s football player. Ms. Andra serves as APA’s Dean of students, PE and Girls Basketball coach.

> TEACHING interventionists

Mrs. Nahid Hassan

Bio

Mrs. Nahid Hassan completed her degree in Early Childhood Education from Seneca College in Toronto. In Toronto, she created engaging and enriching educational material for students of wide age ranges. Additionally, she assisted in a Kindergarten classroom where she taught and tested different levels of students. Over the past few years, she volunteered in many capacities at APA where she developed a familiarity with the the school’s mission, values, and dynamics. Ms. Hassan’s educational background and past work experience provides her with the tools to create the perfect learning environment to develop these young minds. Her nurturing and patient personality, along with her background experience and education, will make her an asset to Austin Peace Academy.

Ms. Asma Shamsie

Bio

Ms. Asma Shamsie completed her Bachelor of Arts in History degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She has experience working with students from K-12 in English, writing and Math encouraging them to think critically. Ms. Asma has held volunteer positions at The Children’s Center, Habitat for Humanity and the North Austin Medical Center over the years. .

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College Preparatory Education

Leadership in STEM

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Our School

Our Campus

Apply to Austin Peace Academy

Visit us on Campus

College Preparatory Education

Leadership in STEM

Living Our Faith

A Day in the Life

You’re Invited

Ways to Give

Our School

Our Campus

Apply to Austin Peace Academy

Visit us on Campus

College Preparatory Education

Leadership in STEM

Living Our Faith

A Day in the Life

You’re Invited

Ways to Give

> Pre-School Department

Mrs. Ambreen Saeed

Ms. Tazeen Helali

> Lower School Department

Ms. Ghazal Jbeily

Ms. Iris M. Velarde

Ms. Mokita Yakub

Ms. Lubna Almahbobi

Ms. Andrea Hatcher

Ms. Adriana Salinas

> Co-Curricular Department

Ms. Shabana Tabassum

Ms. Andra Carter

> TEACHING interventionists

Mrs. Nahid Hassan

Ms. Asma Shamsie

Austin Peace Academy

Copyright © 2020, Austin Peace Academy. All Rights Reserved.

Austin Peace Academy

Copyright © 2020, Austin Peace Academy. All Rights Reserved.