I was born and grew up in the Kansas City, MO/KS area, where I still reside. I attended the Islamic School of Greater Kansas City for most of my school years then went to public high school. I went on to get my Bachelor's in Human Biology at the University of Kansas, envisioning a career in lab sciences. While I did work in the lab field for a couple of years, I was not personally fulfilled and unable to envision my future in the field. I started looking for different work. One thing led to another, and I ended up getting a job as a 4th grade teacher at the same Islamic school I attended as a child! Little did I know, Allah (swt) was drawing a path for me for what would become my passion and calling, subhanAllah. 

For over 10 years, I taught a variety of subjects to multiple grade levels.  I also went back to school for my Master's degree in teaching and became a dual certified teacher. During the last few years, I also provided informal and formal coaching and workshop trainings to peer teachers.

Afterwards, I moved on to Higher Education and worked as an instructional/learning designer for the University of Missouri System, with a role on the faculty development team. I facilitated online teaching certification seminars, conducted quality course reviews, presented webinars, and provided support, coaching, and resources for university faculty in areas of course design and effective teaching practices. I also designed curriculums for faculty teaching certification courses. 

Currently, I am the Curriculum Editor for Yaqeen Institute. I work on the curriculum team, which creates free Islamic Studies curriculums and resources for middle and high school students, halaqas, and MSA’s across the country. I love my job, Alhamdulillah.

I am currently finishing up my graduate certification in K-12 teacher leadership and coaching and am involved in the Education Committee for a new local Islamic school planned to open in the next several years, Insha’Allah. 

Alongside this all, in 2024, I embarked on this separate, personal endeavor of launching Reach & Teach, which had been my dream for several years, as I love collaborating with educators and teaching about teaching! May Allah (swt) put barakah in it all.

Other than all things related to teaching, I love spending time with my husband, family (especially my nephew and niece), and friends. I also enjoy traveling, reading, puzzles and brain games, walking outdoors, and rewatching comfort TV shows.