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SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
School ADMINISTRATION
Nihad Mourad
Head of School
I pride myself on being a lifelong learner and I especially enjoy the academic atmosphere. For that reason, after completing my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from San Jose State University, I returned to the classroom - with two master's degrees (in Mathematics and Education Leadership) and two CA credentials (in teaching and school administration).
I have worked as an educator in the Bay Area for the last 27 years; 18 of which were at Granada. I have worked in different roles: teacher, department head, vice principal, and principal, and have interacted with students at all grade levels. Since Fall 2014, I have worked as a math teacher at Notre Dame High School, and as an Associate Math Instructor at Mission College. Also I have been a volunteer with Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) to be part of a visiting team to accredit Northern California private schools.
I have resided in the Bay Area for the last 39 years and have been part of the MCA community since its inception. For myself and my husband, being in an Islamic environment was an integral part of raising our children. My three children grew up at MCA and GIS and now I am happy that my grandchildren attend Islamic schools. It will be an absolute honor to support Granada families who have similar aspirations.
Nesreen Janbaih
Director of Elementary School
Nesreen Janbaih began her administrative career as the GIS Elementary School Director in July, 2019. Prior to joining the administration team, Mrs. Nesreen taught lower grades for 11 years. She originally hailed from Michigan where she completed her undergraduate education with a BA in Arts at the University of Michigan. She later obtained a Master’s Degree in Education from Mary Grove College. She has Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential for K-8 and Single Subject Credential in math.
She believes that building connections with the students and families is the bridge to fostering effective lifetime education and personal growth. In addition, she recognizes that a genuine teacher is one that is attuned to the students’ needs and creates opportunities to meet them. Her passion is developing positive relationships with students and staff, empowering them to realize their greatest potential. Mrs. Nesreen is eager to work as your partner in education to ensure the success of your child at all levels.
Haseeb Sadat
Director of Middle & High School
My name is Haseeb Sadat, and I am the Director of Middle and High School, where I serve teachers and students, ensuring they have the tools necessary to pursue excellence. Dedicated to service-based leadership, I am passionate about creating simple, seamless systems that allow our staff and students to flourish. I understand the impact that a supportive and collaborative environment can have on school morale and growth. With over a decade of teaching and administrative experience, my goal is to infuse Granada with a renewed sense of academic and Islamic pride. By the end of 2021, I will graduate with an M.S. in Educational Leadership from CSUEB, insha'Allah. I currently reside in Hayward, CA with my wife and two beautiful girls, Zainab and Asiya. When I'm not playing with my princesses, I enjoy cooking, reading, and practicing martial arts.
Ameerah Ali
Director of Student Affairs and Facility
Ameerah Ali has been a part of the Granada Family for 9 years as a parent, 2 years as a PTO volunteer, and 6 years as a staff member. Having been born and raised in the heart of San Francisco, she proudly calls the Bay Area her home. She has worked with youth in various capacities for the past 24 years, from education to advocacy and mentorship. After graduating from UC San Diego with a BS. in Developmental Psychology and Education, she became the Director of the Aim High Summer Program; Visitacion Valley Campus, where she co-managed the day-to-day operations of a program that served 250 inner-city youth and 40 staff members. Ameerah then went to work with Mercy Housing California, coordinating low-income families in San Francisco with resources for mental health, rental assistance, and youth support programs. Prior to joining the Granada Team, Ameerah worked with The Clorox Company, where she was part of a Creative Design Team that researched the psychology behind consumer purchases and use them to help enhance the products. Ameerah uses her multitude of professional experiences from both the non-profit and corporate worlds, to serve the Granada Community every day. Personally, she loves to travel and spend time outdoors with her family and friends.
Linda Zielinski
Director of Business Affairs
Sr. Linda is in her 23rd year at Granada and has been a part of the MCA community since she embraced Islam, over 30 years ago. Linda’s background is Polish, German, and Italian. Originally from Canada, Linda came to the Bay Area at a very young age. She has lived here ever since, except for one memorable year in Egypt. Prior to coming to Granada, Linda worked as a Safety Analyst in the corporate headquarters of a national trucking company. She was drawn to Granada because of its mission and the opportunity to work with Muslims for a cause she strongly supported. Linda has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration-Human Resource Concentration from San Jose State University and a Non-Profit Management Certificate from San Jose State University Professional Development. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management. Her hobbies include all kinds of textile, jewelry making, and papercrafts.
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