
Leadership Team
Welcome to Hifz Academy
Assalamu Alaikum
Parents, Students, & Faculty,
Assalamu Alaikum, peace be upon you.
On behalf of the entire faculty and staff, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new and returning families joining us at Hifz Academy this year. Here at Hifz Academy, our primary focus is to promote an elevated standard of traditional academics with Islamic education, creating a balanced learning environment where our students will embrace the Qur’an and its teachings alongside core academic subjects, creating a willingness to understand, memorize, and live by the Quran’s holy principles.
Our journey at Hifz Academy began with our very own community, opening back in 2011 with just 12 students. Today, Hifz Academy serves over 500 students that represent a variety of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Located in Tampa, Florida, Hifz Academy is committed to admitting students of every race, color, religion, gender, and national or ethnic origin, and fulfills its goals of representing a diverse and inclusive academic program. Hifz Academy offers a blend of core academic subjects, religious studies, and Quran for grades K-12, as well as providing high school students the option of honors courses and college-level dual enrollment courses throughout their time at Hifz Academy. The practice and implementation of daily Salah at Hifz Academy helps students prioritize the significance of the core values of Islam, leading with serenity, peace, and compassion. Hifz Academy offers a focused and healthy Islamic environment that encourages our students to memorize and practice the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, while simultaneously striving to achieve academic excellence.
Students at Hifz Academy are encouraged to participate in one of the many extracurricular activities offered at the institution, ranging from Student Council and LiTroupe to Athletics, such as soccer, basketball, and judo. These opportunities provide Hifz Academy’s students with increased levels of personal growth, motivation to perform well, and a healthy educational outlet, setting us apart from comparable private schools. In collaboration with administration and staff, our focus for the coming year is to continue growing our extracurricular programs to support our growing student population, as each program has proved to be of significant value to the student’s overall experience and performance at Hifz Academy.
Hifz Academy leadership, in collaboration with our dedicated educators and the support of our parents and community partners, is well-equipped to help our students work to reach their greatest academic potential and success. We have worked diligently to revisit our goals and readjust as needed to achieve a sound and progressive Hifz program while also strengthening our academic programs for all students.
Insha’Allah, God-Willing, with our collective efforts, together we can set out to continue achieving elevated goals that align with our mission to provide a promising, healthy, and blessed Islamic environment. We hope that this year and every year moving forward will be filled with more learning, growing, and educational achievements for our students. With our greatest pleasure, we welcome you to Hifz Academy.
Head of School
Dr. Sana Chaudry began his career in higher education management in 1990 and has since made significant strides in the field. His journey started at Strayer University, where he worked in the Registrar/Admission Office. Through his dedication and leadership skills, he quickly advanced to become a Campus Director, overseeing operations across multiple campuses in Maryland, Washington, Virginia, and Florida.
Dr. Chaudry's passion for education extends beyond administration. He has taught undergraduate management courses, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with students. His commitment to education and leadership is further demonstrated by his founding and managing of three educational institutions:
1. Al-Qalam School in Springfield, Virginia.
2. Hifz Academy in Tampa, Florida.
3. Arqam's Academy in Saint Petersburg, Florida
Dr. Chaudry holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, a Master of Public Administration, and a Doctor of Business Administration. His educational background and professional experience have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of educational management and administration.
Dr. Sana Chaudry
Head of School
Head of the Qur'an, Arabic, and Islamic Studies Department
After finishing high school, Sr. Samar pursued a degree in Business Administration at Damascus University in her hometown of Damascus, Syria. Following her marriage, she moved to the United States, where she was blessed with four children and ten grandchildren.
In Syria, Sr. Samar studied religion extensively under the guidance of multiple female scholars. She holds two Ijazas in the recitation and memorization of the Qur'an, obtained through two different Sanads (chains of narration) tracing back to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) according to the Hafs Bin Asim recitation. Additionally, she completed extensive online courses in Islamic Studies and the Arabic language at the American Open University.
Sr. Samar has been passionately teaching Islamic Studies, Qur'an, and Arabic to children and adults for forty years. She has dedicated the last thirteen years to serving at Hifz Academy, where she currently leads the Qur'an, Islamic Studies, and Arabic Department. Teaching remains the lifelong passion of her life.
Sr Samar Mahmaljy
Head of QAIS Department
Director of Hifz Academy

Born into a family deeply rooted in the values of education, Sr. Mariam Razak emerged as a prominent figure in the field of educational leadership. As the Director of Hifz Academy, she has dedicated her career to fostering a learning environment that combines academic excellence with spiritual growth.
Sr. Mariam's journey in education began over a decade and a half ago, marked by a passion for shaping young minds. She embarked on her teaching career after completing her Child Development Associate program in 2008. Her dedication to early childhood education is underscored by her attainment of a director's credential in the field since 2009. This early commitment to leadership in the formative years of education exemplifies Mariam's holistic approach to educational development.
Sr. Mariam then went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) certification at the University of South Florida in 2013. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for Sr. Mariam's commitment to inclusive and effective teaching practices.
In 2017, Sr. Mariam Razak earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of West Florida, a milestone that enhanced her leadership skills and deepened her understanding of effective educational administration. This advanced qualification equipped her with the skills necessary to take on leadership roles within educational institutions.
Over the course of ten years as an educator, Sr. Mariam Razak showcased her versatility by teaching students across various age groups, spanning from early childhood to high school. Her ability to connect with learners of different developmental stages demonstrated not only her proficiency in pedagogy but also her genuine interest in the holistic development of each student.
In 2013, Sr. Mariam assumed the position of Director at Hifz Academy, a role that resonates with her commitment to nurturing both the academic and spiritual dimensions of a student's journey. Under her guidance, Hifz Academy has flourished as a center of learning where Islamic values and academic excellence converge seamlessly.
Mariam's leadership style is characterized by a collaborative approach, fostering an atmosphere of teamwork and shared commitment among the faculty and staff. Her strategic vision for the academy encompasses the implementation of innovative teaching methodologies, the integration of technology, and a focus on continuous professional development for educators.
Beyond her administrative responsibilities, Mariam remains an active advocate for educational initiatives within the community. She engages in outreach programs, emphasizing the importance of education as a catalyst for positive change. Her dedication to community involvement extends beyond the academy, reflecting her belief in the transformative power of education on a societal level.
As Mariam Razak celebrates her ten-year anniversary as the Director of Hifz Academy, her legacy continues to evolve, leaving an indelible mark on the institution and the lives of the students who pass through its doors. Through her unwavering commitment to education and holistic development, Mariam Razak stands as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of educators and leaders in the field.
Mariam Razak, M. Ed.
Director of Hifz Academy
Principal & Dean of Students
Br. Mohamed Salah Ahmed is celebrating his 25th academic year in education. He started his professional career in international education in the Middle East and North Africa. His academic achievements include a BA in Biology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, an MA in Arts and Science of Teaching with Secondary Licensure, and a Principal certification through the Principal’s Training Center of Miami. He has also earned a teaching certificate from Arizona and Florida State in Biology and Mathematics 6-12, International Baccalaureate certifications in Mathematics, Biology and CAS, and lastly, an International Montessori Teaching Diploma-Early Years through NAMC. Br. Mohamed Salah Ahmed’s professional experience in teaching and administration in different internationally renowned educational systems, including American, British, Montessori and International Baccalaureate programs makes him a well-rounded global educator who experienced education from multiple perspectives.
Since 2008, Br. Mohamed Salah Ahmed has served as the High School Principal for the American Creativity Academy in Kuwait, PK-12 Principal for the American School of Tangier in Morocco, and Head of School of Al-Salam Day School in Missouri. He was also the Curriculum Director & AP/IB Coordinator at the American Youth Academy, as well as the PK-12 Principal at Bayaan Academy.
Mohamed Salah Ahmed
Principal & Dean of Students
Curriculum Advisor

Shabeah Usmanali is an experienced educator with over twenty years in the field, including nine years in educational administration. She has expertise in curriculum development, instructional leadership, data analysis, and project management. She holds multiple certifications, including a Florida Professional Educator’s Certificate and an expected Educational Leadership certificate.
Shabeah has a strong background in both administrative and teaching roles, including positions at American Youth Academy, the School District of Hillsborough County, and the Charles County Public School District. Shabeah’s career reflects her strong commitment to educational leadership, student success, and academic innovation.
Shabeah Usmanali
Curriculum Advisor
Registrar

Sr. Rafeena, originally from Guyana, spent over 20 years in NYC before seeking a new adventure for her family in Tampa. With a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from Pace University, she built a successful corporate career for over 15 years. In 2002, she transitioned to Islamic education, gaining valuable experience at five different Islamic schools.
Throughout her journey, Sr. Rafeena has embraced various roles, but her true passion lies in connecting with families and students. As our school registrar for the past several years, she thrives on fostering those relationships and ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone. Her dedication and warmth make a positive impact on our school community.
Rafeena Khan
Registrar