Meet Our Board & Staff

Hesham Hassanein serves as Director of Olive Branch while also working as an Arabic language instructor and educator. A graduate of UMBC in Baltimore, he earned his TEFL certification from the University of Toronto. Hesham began his international teaching career in South Korea, teaching English at Pungam and Dae Chon Middle Schools, Software Meister and Munseong High Schools in Gwangju, and at I-Garten Academy in Seoul. Returning to the United States, he joined CASA de Maryland, an immigrant rights organization, then transitioned to Tarbiyah Academy in Maryland as an ELA instructor while also teaching Arabic, Qur’an, and Islamic Studies. He expanded his expertise with Strategic Capacity Group in McLean, Virginia, organizing State Department-sponsored training events across Maryland, Colorado, and New Mexico until 2025, and after a brief role with the Choice Program, joined Olive Branch in August 2025. He currently also teaches Qur’an and Islamic Studies at the Muslim Family Center in Howard County during evening hours.

Salma Jribi Sellemi is an educator, school program organizer, and coordinator with a strong commitment to the Muslim community. She prioritizes fostering structured, engaging, and culturally enriched learning environments, specializing in planning educational activities, coordinating school events, and supporting effective communication between educators and families. Known for her organization, attention to detail, and collaborative approach, Salma is dedicated to creating positive and meaningful experiences for students and the wider school community.

Salwa Hijazi is an elementary educator and University of Maryland graduate, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She has gained experience working with students across various grade levels in public schools, as well as with younger children in daycare settings. Salwa is passionate about fostering creativity in the classroom, encouraging students to think outside the box and discover their unique talents. With a deep belief in the integration of Islam and education, she is committed to nurturing a successful future generation grounded in strong character, faith, and a love for learning.

Madiha Ahsan is an elementary educator based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with experience working with young students and creating a positive, engaging learning environment. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and a degree in Nutrition from American Public University (APUS). Madiha believes in every child and their unique strengths, and is committed to supporting the whole child: academically, socially, emotionally, and morally. She focuses on building strong character, nurturing confidence, and integrating Islamic values such as kindness, responsibility, and respect into her teaching.

Golnaz is an educator residing in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with a strong passion for helping children learn and thrive academically and emotionally. She holds a Master of Science degree and is currently pursuing a Master’s in School Counseling. She is also a certified health coach, bringing a holistic perspective to student wellbeing. Golnaz began tutoring in 2016 and later worked within Montgomery County Public Schools as a Focus Math and ESOL teacher. Alongside her classroom experience, she tutors elementary students in math, reading, and writing, and believes every child can succeed when given the right support, encouragement, and learning environment.

Ms. Hend Ibrahim is a passionate Arabic language and arts teacher. She received her Bachelor’s in Industrial Management from Egypt and earned several childhood education and development certifications in the U.S. She has over six years of experience teaching Arabic, Islamic Studies, and art to young children in Montgomery and Frederick counties. Ms. Hend takes pride in instilling and enriching her students’ cultural and Arabic language education, while encouraging them to explore their creativity and build fine motor skills through fun, engaging art projects. The dedication she puts into her work is always repaid in the love she receives from her students.

Mohammed Salman Khan, born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is an educator and community leader with over seven years of experience in education, youth development, and Islamic studies. He serves as an Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Qur’an instructor and is actively involved in Muslim communities across the DMV. Mohammed holds an ‘Alimiyah Certificate from Al-Noor Institute of Islamic Sciences and specializes in Tafseer and Fiqh. His work is driven by a deep passion for instilling a love of religion and learning in the hearts of youth, with a strong emphasis on tarbiyah and character development.