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.
Our Staff
Meet the Team
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
With a Master’s in Microbiology and nearly 30 years of teaching experience, she brings expertise in AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, Science and Religion, and Montessori education for ages 3–12. She also serves as a Professor of Microbiology at West Coast University, enriching students at Guide Academy with both academic and real-world knowledge.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eman Omer
Elementry 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.
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.
Oumaima Ariri
Arabic Teacher
With over 18 years of experience studying and teaching Arabic, she brings the insight of a native speaker and a bachelor’s degree to her role at Guide Academy Connecticut. Passionate about creating a positive, engaging classroom, she helps young learners connect with Arabic in meaningful ways. Outside of teaching, she enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, bringing a global perspective to her students.
Gulsoom Angar
Office Administrator
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources Management from CSUF, she brings valuable experience from her prior work at EY, where she developed skills in recordkeeping, adaptability, multitasking, and teamwork. She is excited to leverage these strengths to grow her network and contribute to the Guide Academy community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, reading, and going to the beach with friends.