Guides who inspire
Meet the Team Behind Your Child's Journey
Every classroom at Guide Academy is led by passionate educators who blend Montessori freedom, IB rigor, and a values-driven focus on faith, character, and ethics.
See Our Educators
From STEM enthusiasts to language lovers, our diverse team models curiosity and excellence while instilling a culture of faith, strong moral character, and ethical leadership every day.
Laila Shahrestani
Chief Executive Officer
Hoda Shahrestani
Lower Elementary and Kindergarten
Founder of Guide Academy’s Connecticut branch, she brings 10+ years of teaching experience and dual Montessori certifications to every lesson. With degrees in Chemical and Civil Engineering, she blends academic rigor with child-centered methods to support students’ spiritual, intellectual, and physical growth.
Christine Komaki
Associate Director
University of Michigan alumna with an ICS Diploma in Pre-school Administration, she has directed preschool–K-12 programs and managed online-university operations. Her English and Language Arts classes fuse structure with values-based discussion. After hours she unwinds with art, travel, and spirited Mahjong nights.
Mona Shahrestani
Science Teacher
An Elementary, Middle, and High School Science Teacher, she holds a B.S. in Biological Anthropology from the University of California Riverside, is IAPM-certified, and serves as a Montessori administrator. With 10+ years of classroom experience, she brings hands-on inquiry and interdisciplinary connections to every grade she teaches.
Jerry Kuznik
Language and Literature Teacher
A former software developer and published author, he holds a Bachelor’s in Theology from Vanguard University. He now teaches Language & Literature for 8th and 10th grades, blending analytical precision with a passion for storytelling. Away from class, he enjoys reading, long walks, and time with his family and pets.
Isla Morales
Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Isla has over 9 years of experience teaching Pre-School/Kindergarten. She’s trained through the Montessori Program at UCI, holds AMS and AMI certifications, and is pursuing an Associate’s in Psychology. She’s passionate about photography, gardening, and helping children succeed. Her goal is to create a loving, curiosity-driven classroom where every child feels inspired.
Aya Bahsoun
Arabic Teacher
Holding a Master’s in Arabic from the University of Lebanon, she spent 11 years teaching Arabic and Geography in Lebanon before joining Guide Academy. Here she teaches Arabic to KG–6th, French across the grades, and Qur’an from KG–10th, bringing rich linguistic and cultural expertise to every lesson. Outside the classroom she stays active with sports and unwinds with a good book.
Hassan Kasfy
High School Math Teacher
He holds a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from UCLA and an M.S. in Applied Mathematics from Cal Poly Pomona. Since 2001 he has taught mathematics at Cal Poly Pomona, joined City of Knowledge in 2003, and has lectured at Pasadena City College since 2005, guiding students to connect rigorous theory with practical applications.
Iman El-Rahim
Office Administrator
Holder of a B.A. in Business Administration, she pairs sharp organizational skills with a heart for service, actively supporting the community and serving as the go-to resource for parents’ questions. Off campus, she recharges by spending quality time with family and friends.
Eman Omer
Elementary Teacher
An Elementary Montessori trainee with a B.A. in Business Administration (Human Resource Management emphasis), Eman is living her dream job. She teaches young learners with energy and care. Proud of her Ethiopian heritage and naturally extroverted, she brings warmth, creativity, and a people-first mindset to every classroom moment.