Meet our Faculty and Staff

Administration

Zakaria El-tayash
ExecutiveDirector

Zakaria El-tayash received a masters degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering with an emphasis in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Missouri. Zakaria has served the local Muslim community in many leadership roles, such as president of the local Muslim Student Organization, president of Rabbaniyah Youth Group, and on the Shura Council at the ICCM.

Ghada Ayesh
Principal

Sister Ghada Ayesh has more than 20 years of experience in education as a teacher and administrator. She holds a degree in Administration and a certification in Early Childhood Development. Her experience includes establishing new programs and schools while preparing students and staff for success. Ghada is the Registrar of Darul Qasim College and principal of a full-time Hifz Program. She is a mother of three who enjoys hiking and exploring new places.

Siham Nour Administrative Assistant

Siham Nour holds a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri. She brings over five years of office experience and has been part of The Noor Academy for the past year. With deep roots in Columbia, Missouri, Siham has been an active member of the local Muslim community and enjoys spending time with her family and serving her community.

Teachers

Homeroom

Tahani Kuweiri
Kindergarten / First Grade

Tahani Kuweiri has several years of experience teaching young children, specializing in Arabic and English instruction for ages 3–6. With degrees in Arabic Language Teaching and Education, she is passionate about early childhood learning and is dedicated to creating a warm, nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

Mentored by Ms. Isra Al-Qaisi

Farhat Zahra
Pre-Kindergarten

Farhat Zahra brings over 10 years of teaching experience in early childhood and elementary education. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and is currently pursuing her Master's in Education. She is passionate about creating a safe, engaging, and supportive classroom where every child can thrive.

Mentored by Ms. Tahani Kuweiri

Rency Elkomy
Preschool

Rency Elkomy has been with The Noor Academy a little over two years. She is passionate about three things in life: teaching and nurturing young minds as they grow and blossom, horseback riding and gardening. Rency enjoys spending time with her four daughters, volunteering by planting flowers for the city of Columbia’s adopt a spot, caring for the family’s two pet cats and two white rabbits.

Arabic, Islamic Studies & Quran

Mariam Ammash

Maryam Ameesh has a Bachelors in Law from the Tarath College/ University of Baghdad. She is from Iraq and a mother of four kids whom helped her discover her teaching passion. Mariam enjoys reading books, writing in Arabic and learning to recite the Quran using Tajweed.

Maie Elnorany

Maie Elnorany has 5+ years of experience teaching Arabic, Quran, and Islamic Studies to elementary students. Skilled in Quran memorization, Tajweed, Arabic literacy, and individualized student support. Dedicated, patient, and committed to helping every student reach their full potential.