ICCS Staff

Ms. Rossana Mian is the Principal at the Islamic Center of Claremont Community School, bringing over 40 years of educational experience to the role. Renowned for her commitment to creating well-rounded and successful learning environments, Rossana has taught students of all ages and served in various positions. She has played a pivotal role in securing multiple WASC accreditations for the schools she has led, reflecting her dedication to academic excellence. Her career is marked by numerous accolades, including being twice awarded Principal of the Year. With a Master’s degree in English and a Bachelor's in Linguistics, Rossana has a deep understanding of curriculum development, leadership, and cultural competency. She is passionate about guiding students and staff to reach their highest potential and is proud to contribute to the Islamic Center of Claremont School.

Ms. Shabnum Hussain brings an extensive and impressive 30-year track record in Islamic education to her role as Education Consultant at ICC School, working closely with Principal Rossana Mian. 

With a wealth of experience that includes founding and serving as Principal of Minaret Academy, as well as holding key leadership positions at Orange Crescent School and other educational institutions, Shabnum has a proven record of establishing collaborative school environments and implementing effective educational strategies. 

In her consulting role at ICC School, Shabnum focuses on providing strategic guidance in curriculum planning, developing innovative teaching methods, and enhancing student and teacher performance. Her expertise in educational leadership, policy development, and community engagement makes her an invaluable asset to the ICC School community. Shabnum is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and academically rigorous environment, helping to elevate the school's educational standards and overall excellence.

Vanessa Ataya is a seasoned educator with over 16 years of experience, having taught students from preschool to Grade 8. She has served as the Administrative Director at ICC Community School since 2012, where she has played a pivotal role in the school's operations. Vanessa is a Certified Covid Compliance Director and holds a Certificate in Child Development, showcasing her commitment to creating a safe and nurturing learning environment.

Originally from the farmlands of Indiana, Vanessa moved to California in 1982 and embraced Islam in 1998. She began her journey as an educator in Islamic Schools in 1999 and joined ICCS in 2012. Vanessa takes immense pride in watching her students grow both physically and mentally, and she cherishes the opportunity to contribute to their development. Her dedication to the students' well-being and growth is evident in her long-standing commitment to ICCS.

I graduated from Punjab University in Lahore, Pakistan with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. After my marriage, I moved to California and enrolled in Los Angeles Community College, and I graduated with an Associate of Arts in Child Development. I have over 20 years of experience teaching preschool-aged students in a classroom setting. Alhamdulillah 12 of those years have been at ICCS. I enjoy being able to teach the children of my Muslim Community in Southern California. I am a strong supporter of Islamic School education because as an educator, I know that a student’s environment is an important part of their success. I encourage students to develop their cognitive, social, emotional, fine motor, and gross motor skills in my classroom. 

Assma Amayreh is a dynamic educator with a Bachelor's degree in Child Development from CSULA along with being a certified medical interpreter. Passionate about teaching, Assma infuses creativity into her classes, cultivating a love for learning in her students. Assma's lasting impact is seen in students who embrace curiosity and empathy under her guidance. She has an extensive background in tutoring Arabic, Quran and Islamic studies, and has adeptly taught various subjects including English, math, and history to a wide range of ages from kindergarten through 8th grade. Outside of teaching, Assma has volunteered for youth and relief organizations, embodying her commitment to community and growth. A loving wife and mother, she balances her role nurturing her 13-year-old twin sons and a 4-year-old daughter along with enjoying her hobbies that include tennis, jogging, and exploring innovative teaching methods. 

Ms. Altaklah is a seasoned educator with over 15 years of teaching experience across multiple schools and grades. She brings her passion for teaching and her depth of experience to the Kindergarten class at ICCC school, where she is thrilled to be teaching this school year. 

As a mother of three children, Ms. Altaklah understands the significance of early education and the importance of fostering a love for learning. She applies this insight to her classroom, where she infuses her lessons with creativity and passion, making learning an engaging and exciting experience for her young students.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Altaklah enjoys spending quality time with her three children, partaking in a wide range of nurturing activities and instilling in them the same passion for learning that she has.

Ms. Zohra Mefti is a dedicated educator at ICC school with a rich background in teaching and linguistic expertise. Having served as a middle school teacher in Algeria for 2 years, she has been imparting knowledge at ICC for the last 3 years. Her tenure at ICC has allowed her to deeply understand the school, its community, and establish strong bonds with parents and students alike. Ms. Zohra holds a Bachelor's Degree in Interpreting and Translation, underscoring her advanced linguistic skills in Arabic, French, and English. Additionally, she's certified by the Child Care Resources Center and currently takes on the roles of a Gr.1 Homeroom teacher and Gr.2 Al Quran & Islamic Studies instructor. Zohra's passion for education, combined with her commitment to the ICC community, makes her an invaluable asset to our school.

Ms. Amira is a 2nd-grade homeroom teacher at ICC. She is also a certified debate judge with the Orange County Debate League, a statewide league in which ICC students participate. As an alumna of ICC, having spent her elementary and middle school years there, she is thrilled to return and share her experiences with her students.

Ms. Amira's priorities as a teacher include encouraging her 2nd-grade students to be confident, curious, and expressive. She is dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging classroom environment where students can thrive academically and personally. Ms. Amira is excited to start the school year and looks forward to nurturing her students' love for learning, helping them develop a strong foundation in their studies, and guiding them to achieve their best potential.

With a passion for social studies, Mr. Hammad Khan is eager to engage with students and staff in the ICC School. He brings a wealth of experience, having taught a variety of subjects, including US Government, American and World History, and English, among others. Hammad holds a BA in Liberal Arts and Islamic Sciences from Zaytuna College in Berkeley, CA. His teaching philosophy focuses on creating an inclusive learning environment and using a thematic, standards-aligned approach to instruction. Hammad is dedicated to nurturing a safe and growth-oriented environment, ensuring that all students achieve academic and personal success.

Ms. Balkess graduated from Queens College, NY, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Childhood Education with a minor in Mathematics. She served as an instructor at CUNY (City University of New York) and simultaneously taught in public schools in New York. Alhamdulillah, with experience educating a diverse range of age groups, she relocated to California. Now, she is honored to teach Mathematics at ICC School. She firmly believes that practice makes perfect and consistently encourages her students to hone their skills. Inshallah, Ms. Balkess is committed to providing every student with the necessary tools to excel in mathematics and in life.

Ms. Haneen Abuali is honored to serve as the Science Teacher at ICCS. With over five years of experience in the educational field, she has previously worked as both a Math and Science Teacher. Mrs. Abuali holds a degree in Pharmacy from the University of Jordan and is currently pursuing a Master's in Teaching from Alverno University. She is proud to serve the Muslim community in Claremont and is delighted to be part of such a wonderful community. In her free time, Mrs. Abuali enjoys spending quality time with her family, walking, and traveling. 

Muddasar Niazi is a dedicated Islamic Studies teacher and the lead of the Quran Hifdh program at our school. Born and raised in Southern California, Muddasar began delivering Khutbahs in 2006 and completed the memorization of the Quran in 2007. He has been leading Taraweeh prayers for over 15 years since 2007. In 2019, he completed the Alim Course (Alimiyyah Degree, Darse Nizami). Muddasar has been a Hifzul Quran teacher since 2022 at the Institute of Knowledge (IOK). In addition to his religious education, he holds a Medical Assistant certification from 2008 and a Project Manager (CAPM) certification from 2023. 

Ms. Marwa Ali is a distinguished educator with a Bachelor's degree in Arabic Language and Literature from the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. At ICC School, she takes great pride in teaching Quran and Islamic Studies. Ms. Ali's teaching approach is known for its warmth and compassion, alongside her exceptional ability to engage students. She employs innovative methods to keep her students captivated and inspired, ensuring a dynamic and enriching learning experience. 

Iman Chakoukani is an experienced teacher with a focus on Arabic language instruction and a background in Math. 

Since 2007, Iman has taught Arabic at AlHuda Saturday School in Corona, CA, covering levels from 1st through 5th grade. She has achieved notable success with a group of 12 students, 9 of whom can now read and write Arabic fluently. In addition to her work at AlHuda, Iman has provided private one-on-one Arabic tutoring since 2014.

Iman's teaching experience also extends to a substitute teaching role at the Islamic Center of Claremont Community School, where she taught various subjects, including Arabic, Islamic Studies, Quran, and Math, across different grade levels.

A mother of four successful children, Iman is dedicated to teaching Arabic to young learners, recognizing its importance in the Muslim community. Her background in Arabic, combined with her teaching experience, positions her as a valuable educator.

Mostafa Shamimi brings over 15 years of dedicated experience to our community, having earned his Bachelor's degree from the California State Polytechnic University of Pomona. As our cherished Physical Education teacher, Mostafa is not just known by many, but he is genuinely loved and respected by students, parents, and colleagues alike. His longstanding commitment to both the community and the school underscores his passion for nurturing active and healthy lifestyles in our students.

Ms. Hafsah Shafique is currently pursuing her studies at Cal Poly Pomona, working towards earning her Bachelor's degree. Like her coaching partner, Ms. Amira, Hafsah boasts a rich history in debating, having actively participated in it for several years. With a unique blend of firsthand debating experience and coaching skills, she is committed to nurturing the next generation of articulate and confident speakers. Hafsah, an alumna of ICC, cherishes her time as a student and is now eager to give back by guiding current students based on her own learnings.