Meet Our Board and 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 also earned his TEFL certification from the University of Toronto. Hesham began his international teaching career in South Korea, where he taught English at Pungam and Dae Chon Middle Schools, Software Meister and Munseong High Schools in the city of Gwangju, and at I-Garten Academy in Seoul.

Returning to the United States, Hesham joined CASA de Maryland, an immigrant rights organization. He subsequently transitioned to Tarbiyah Academy in Maryland, where he served as an ELA instructor while also teaching Arabic, Quran, and Islamic Studies.

From there, Hesham expanded his professional expertise with Strategic Capacity Group in McLean, Virginia, organizing State Department-sponsored training events across Maryland, Colorado, and New Mexico until 2025. Following a brief role with the Choice Program, he joined Olive Branch as Director in August 2025.

Throughout his career, Hesham has been committed to creating vibrant student life environments and fostering Islamic educational settings that maintain strong academic standards. In addition to his daytime responsibilities, he currently teaches Quran 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. She specializes 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.

Golnaz is a 40-year-old educator resides 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. In addition to her work in education, she is a certified health coach, bringing a holistic perspective to student well-being and development.

She began tutoring in 2016 and later expanded her role 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, providing individualized support to strengthen foundational skills and confidence.

Golnaz is committed to student growth, believing that every child has the potential to succeed when given the right support, encouragement, and learning environment

Madiha Ahsan is an elementary educator based in Gaithersburg, Maryland. She has experience working with young students and creating a positive and engaging learning environment.

She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and a degree in Nutrition from Virtual American Public University (APUS). Madiha Ahsan believes in every child and their unique strengths, and she 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, helping students grow into well-rounded and life long confident learners.

Salwa Hijazi is an elementary educator and University of Maryland graduate, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Throughout her academic and professional journey, 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 working with children and fostering creativity in the classroom, encouraging students to think outside the box and discover their unique talents and abilities. She believes that every child possesses strong potential that flourishes with the right guidance and encouragement.

With a deep belief in the integration of Islam and education, Salwa is committed to helping nurture a successful future generation grounded in strong character, faith, and a love for learning.

Ms. Hend Ibrahim is a passionate Arabic language and Arts teacher. She has received her Bachelor’s in Industrial management from Egypt, and many childhood education and development certifications later on from the U.S.. She has over six years of experience in teaching Arabic, Islamic Studies and Arts 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 their fine motor skills through fun, engaging art projects. The dedication and sincerity she puts into her job always pays off with 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 currently serves as an Arabic, Islamic Studies and Quran instructor and is actively involved in Muslim communities across the DMV, working to propagate the teachings of Islam. 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 for religion and learning in the hearts of youth, with a strong emphasis on tarbiyah and character development.