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. Get to know the mentors who turn curiosity into lifelong learning.

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.

Christine Komaki

English Teacher

A University of Michigan grad with an ICS Diploma in Pre-school Administration, she has led programs from preschool through K-12 and oversaw admissions, operations, and finance for an online university. Blending strong teaching, counseling, and public-speaking skills, she creates an organized, values-driven English classroom. Outside school, she recharges through art, travel, and spirited Mahjong nights with friends and family.

Hoda Shahrestani

Lower Elementary and Kindergarten

As the Founder of Guide Academy’s Connecticut branch, she brings over a decade of teaching experience, spanning toddlers to university students, into every Lower Elementary and Kindergarten lesson. With a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering, a Master’s in Civil Engineering, and dual Montessori certifications (AMS Primary and AMI Elementary), she merges analytical rigor with child-centered methods to nurture students’ spiritual, intellectual, and physical growth.

Jerry Kuznik

Software Developer and Author​

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.

Aya Bahsoun

Finance Officer

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.

Teacher at Guide academy
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.

Teacher at Guide academy
Eman Omer

Elementry Teacher

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