Dr. Salaheddine Tomeh has served on the ACA Board since its inception in 1996. A vascular surgeon in private practice in the Phoenix area since 1981, he is certified by the American Board of Surgery. He has also served as Chairman of the Islamic Community Center of Phoenix and the Islamic Cultural Center in Tempe. As a longtime community leader and proud ACA grandparent, Dr. Tomeh brings deep institutional knowledge and a longstanding commitment to ACA’s mission.
Member at Large
Member at Large
Dr. Musab Hommos is a physician, medical educator, and ACA parent. At Mayo Clinic Arizona, he serves as Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education, Assistant Chair for Education in the Department of Medicine, and Program Director of the Nephrology Fellowship. He is also an Assistant Professor of Medicine and is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. In 2026, he joined the American Board of Internal Medicine’s Nephrology Board. As a parent of two ACA students, Dr. Hommos brings both an educator’s experience and a parent’s perspective to supporting ACA’s mission.
Board Treasurer
Rheem Kabbani has a professional background in accounting, marketing, and product management. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Accounting from California State University, Fullerton, and completed an MBA Business Certificate program through Sallie Mae Inc. Her experience includes roles in stock-option accounting, product management, and marketing communications. She has also served as Vice Chair of ACA’s Umrah Committee. A proud ACA parent of three alumni, Rheem brings financial and organizational experience to her role as Board Treasurer.
Board Secretary
Susan Bassal is an attorney and communications professional with experience in law, media, and community advocacy. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law and previously worked with CNN’s White House Unit and the U.S. House of Representatives Radio-Television Correspondents. She has also served as a spokesperson for the Arizona Muslim Alliance. As a former ACA parent, Susan brings legal, communications, and community experience to her role as Board Secretary.
Member at large
Zayed Al-Sayyed is a practicing attorney in the Phoenix area. He earned his Juris Doctor from Phoenix School of Law and a master’s degree in taxation from Arizona State University. A member of ACA’s first graduating senior class in 2006, Zayed has a longstanding connection to the school as both an alumnus and board member. His legal and financial background, together with his experience as an ACA graduate, gives him a unique perspective on ACA’s growth, governance, and mission.
Dr. Shelley Isai is an educator and school leader with more than 20 years of experience in education, holding a doctorate in Innovation and Leadership from Arizona State University.
Vice Principal of Operations
Julia Hammond serves as ACA’s Vice Principal of Operations. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University, and holds an AZ teaching certification. At ACA, she taught in the classroom and led Early Childhood before moving into broader school operations. As Vice Principal of Operations, she supports the systems, programs, facilities, safety, and day-to-day operations that help ACA provide a safe and effective learning environment for students and staff. A proud parent of three ACA alumni and one current ACA student, Julia also brings a parent’s perspective and a longstanding personal connection to the school community.
Vice Principal of Climate & Culture
Lama Zaino serves as ACA’s Vice Principal of Climate & Culture. In this role, she works closely with students, families, and staff to support a positive school culture, reinforce student expectations, address behavioral concerns, and strengthen communication across the school community. She also supports student activities and programs that encourage engagement and belonging. Lama brings a student-centered approach to helping ACA maintain an environment rooted in strong character, accountability, and the school’s Islamic values.
Vice Principal of Academics
Lynda Dekkiche serves as ACA’s Vice Principal of Academics. She earned an MBA from Canadian University Dubai and bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Family & Human Development from Arizona State University. Her educational experience includes guidance counseling, early childhood education, and instructional coaching in both the United States and abroad. At ACA, Lynda leads academic and instructional efforts focused on curriculum, teacher support, student achievement, and continuous improvement across grade levels.
Facility & Real Estate Director
Sekar Cortes is an engineer and experienced business leader with a master’s degree in Business Administration and more than 20 years of experience managing an engineering firm. She has served the ACA community since 2005 in numerous capacities, including PTA President, School Council member, and Board member. As the parent of three ACA alumni, Sekar brings both a longstanding connection to the school and extensive experience in facilities, project management, and organizational leadership to her role as Facility & Real Estate Director.
Director of Development
Yusuf Shah Masud serves as ACA’s Director of Development, supporting school advancement, community engagement, and scholarship opportunities for families. A graduate of Zaytuna College, he also holds an Arizona secondary-education teaching certification with a specialization in history and government. Yusuf is a certified personal finance coach focused on expanding financial literacy within the Muslim community. His background in education, community service, and development supports ACA’s mission and helps strengthen connections between the school, its families, and the broader community.
Elementary Homeroom Teacher and Assistant Athletic Director
PE Coach
Elementary Homeroom Teacher
Early Childhood Teacher
Early Childhood Teacher
Elementary Homeroom Teacher
Elementary Arabic Teacher
Middle and High School Qur'an Teacher
PE Teacher
Early Childhood Teacher
Quran Instructional Assistant
Elementary Teacher
School Counselor
Elementary Qur'an Instructional Assistant
Early Childhood Teacher
Art Teacher
Middle School Humanities Teacher
Elementary Quran Teacher
Academic Counselor and High School Math Teacher
Elementary Homeroom Teacher
Early Childhood Instructional Assistant
Elementary Middle and High School Qur'an Teacher
Elementary Instructional Assistant
High School Arabic Teacher
Elementary Homeroom Teacher and PTA Secretary/ Treasurer
Elementary Teacher
High School Science Teacher
Middle and High School Arabic Teacher
School Counselor
Elementary Instructional Assistant
Elementary Islamic Studies and High School Quran Teacher
High School Humanities Teacher
Elementary Instructional Assistant
Elementary Instructional Assistant
Early Childhood Instructional Assistant
Elementary and Middle School Arabic Teacher and High School Qur'an Teacher
Qur'an Instructional Assistant
Middle and High School Humanities Teacher
Early Childhood Teacher
Early Childhood Teacher
Elementary Instructional Assistant
Early Childhood Teacher
Elementary Homeroom Teacher
Elementary Arabic Instructional Assistant
Middle and High School STEM Teacher
Elementary Instructional Assistant
High School Arabic Teacher
Middle and High School Quran Instructional Assistant
Instructional Coach- Middle School Math Teacher
Early Childhood Teacher
Early Childhood Teacher
Middle School Islamic Studies Teacher
Art Teacher
High School Islamic Studies Teacher and Middle and High School Qur'an Teacher
Early Childhood Instructional Assistant
High School Math Teacher
Elementary Qur'an Instructional Assistant
Instructional Coach and Middle School Humanities Teacher
Elementary Homeroom Teacher
Middle School Humanities and Math Teacher and Athletic Director
High School Humanities Teacher
Elementary Homeroom Teacher
Middle School STEM Teacher
Early Childhood Teacher
Middle and High School Qur'an Teacher
Early Childhood Coordinator
Safety & Security Guard
Student Services
Safety & Security Officer
Principal's Assistant
Custodian
Admin Support
Admin Support
Registrar
Custodian
Lunch Coordinator
Media and Event Coordinator
School Nurse
IT Coordinator
Librarian
Facility Helper
Lunch Support
Receptionist
Human Resources
PTA VP
PTA President
Elementary Homeroom Teacher and PTA Secretary/ Treasurer
President
K–8 Parent Representative
9-12 Parent Representative
Early Childhood Parent Representative
K-8 Parent Representative
Additional School Council Members
Board: Sahalheddin Tomeh
Board: Irfan Choudhery
VP Academics: Lynda Dekkiche
VP Climate and Culture: Lama Zaino
VP Operations: Julia Hammond
Facility Director: Sekar Cortes
Athletic Director/ Assistant: Terrence Harper & Ahlam Samad
School Counselor: Emina Leas & Kaldia Khalaf
Imam/ Islamic Lead: Vacant
Early Childhood Teacher: Nargiza Umarova
K-8 Teacher: Elizabeth Dekkiche
K-8 Teacher: Dana Yafaoui
High School Teacher: Vacant
PTA: Humera Aslam/ Fatima Zadnas
Student Council: Hamza Samad
Student Council: Aroush Bahadur
Scribe: Nadia El-Hilal