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. Rizqi Yakhusna

Bio

Ms. Rizqi Yakhusna earned her Bachelor of Business Management from Widyatama University in Indonesia. She also earned a paraprofessional certificate from Region 13 Education Service Centre along with ITTT International TEFL and TESOL training. Ms. Rizqi started her career in Japan teaching English to lower school students from grades 1 through 6 at two different public schools. She continued teaching in Japan before moving to Austin, TX and working as a Special Education Resource Teacher Assistant with Austin ISD in 2019. Ms. Rizqi’s culturally rich teaching experience and her creative approach to learning will provide an enriching experience for our young students.

> 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. Mariam Razzak

Bio

Ms. Mariam Razzak is a proud Austinite and has lived in the city for over 25 years attending elementary through partial University education. She holds a Bachelor's Degree with Honors in Business and a 5-year degree in Islamic theology. After getting married, Ms. Mariam was able to explore, live and teach in diverse cultures across the world, such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland. During this time, she taught for 7 years with Nur Ul Ilm Academy. Through her various experiences, Ms. Mariam has developed a widespread appreciation for harmonizing cultural differences to attain strong pedagogical progress.

In Austin, her teaching/volunteering experiences include running initiatives at both NAMCC and Renaissance Academy. As a mother of 3 small boys, Ms. Mariam truly believes the elementary years of a child's life strongly define their ability to thrive in a lifelong journey of learning.

Ms. Sara Aouad

Bio

Ms. Sara Aouad earned her Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Linguistics and Advanced English studies from the Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech. Ms. Sara is proficient in English, French and Arabic. She has attended and led various workshops on language learning, communication, positive discipline and classroom management. She started her teaching career as a Teaching Assistant at the American School of Marrakesh. She also worked with the Center for Language and Culture for 10 years as an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teacher. Her dedication to her student’s educational needs and development, her competency as a communicative language teacher along with her energetic and enthusiastic demeanor will make her a great fit for our 2^nd grade classroom.

Ms. Kimberly Zardavets

Bio

Ms. Kimberly Zardavets earned her Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the Education and Training Kean College of New Jersey. Ms. Kimberley’s teaching career began back in 1996 when she worked as an Elementary Education Teacher for the Edison Township Board of Education in Edison, New Jersey. She then moved to Texas and worked as a Special Education Consultant for Fort Bend ISD in Sugar Land, TX. Ms. Kimberly took a break from teaching to earn her Counseling Degree and now has made it back to the classroom - where she feels the most comfortable pursuing her passion of teaching children.

Ms. Kimberly has won many accolades including Educator of the Year Award, Governor’s Teacher Recognition Program Certificate of Recognition, and was also nominated by a parent for Disney’s American Teacher Awards, which honors creativity in teaching. She loves football and has been involved with the Central Texas Youth Football League and the Hutto Youth Football & Cheer Association in various capacities.

Ms. Saher Mozip

Bio

Ms. Saher Mozip graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with a Bachelor degree in Social Studies and History. She is also certified in teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Currently, she is pursuing her Master of Science in eLearning (MSeL) from California State University. Ms. Saher loves traveling and exploring different cultures, horseback riding, paragliding, camping, hiking and playing volleyball. She also loves to read and study astronomy in her spare time. Ms. Saher has worked with students in 1^st through 8^th grade in Social Studies, History, Math, Science and Arabic. She serves as the 4th grade Homeroom teacher and teaches Math and Science to 4th and 5th Grade students.

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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