THE TEAM

MEET THE FOUNDERS 

 Sama Wareh, M.S
Director 
​Naturalist and Co-Founder

Naturalist, University Instructor, Artist, Author of "How to Draw 60 Native CA Plants and Animals: A Field Guide"  and The Legend of Redwood Raven (2023) and has been an Environmental Educator for over 18 years.

Sama has a Masters Degree in Environmental Studies from CSUF. Her Bachelors is in Filmmaking and she has a minor in Art. Wareh has led over a thousand hikes, taught TK to university level, and has done workshops for arboretums, nature centers, and museums all across California and the US.  She has spoken before the UN, given a TED-X talk, given trainings for OCParks and Interpretive Centers . She has received a certification in Tracking from The Tracker School, is a certified Project WILD and Project Wet Facilitator. Sama teaches on and off as an adjunct faculty at Teachers College of San Joaquin. Her awards include OC Register's 40 Under 40 award, OC Weekly's people of the year,  Access California's Humanitarian Heart Award as well as  "Top Southern California Educator Award" from the Association for Environmental Outdoor Education. 

Sama has a strong passion for the outdoors and the environment and her vision of sharing it with the community in a way that channels a deep and meaningful connection is what sparked the Art and Wilderness Institute.  Her philosophy on instilling Magic into the experience is at the heart of all classes taught at AWI. Along with Syma and Khadeeja, Sama is a co-founder of the Art and Wilderness Institute.

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Dr. Khadeeja Abdullah
Programming Director
​Co-Founder

Syma obtained her Bachelors in Psychology and Social Behavior from UCI.  Syma is active in the Southern California Community in multiple capacities and is on the board of ISOC.  Syma is a dynamic organizer, multi-tasker, and problem-solver which is why she is internally known as the " backbone" of Art and Wilderness Institute. Her humility runs so deep she wouldn't even write this bio, which is why Sama enjoyed writing this for her.

    Syma's genuine sincerity and thirst for knowledge is what got her interested in the outdoors and sparked her passion to help co-found the Art and Wilderness Institute. She is the co-leader of the Outdoorswomen Club as well as the journalism team. Syma is a passionate baker and can often be spotted showing up to classes with a basket of freshly baked bread and butter cut out into little heart shapes. Her attention to detail and strong sense of ethics is what gives her the ability to have a strong role in every part of our organization. 

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 Syma Aslam
Administrative Director
​Co-Founder

Dr. Abdullah is a professor in the Environmental Studies Masters program at California State University, Fullerton. She has worked in various capacities as an Environmental Consultant, Researcher, and Adult Curriculum Developer for the Labor Occupational Safety and Health Department at UCLA, the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety, Heal the Bay, Ralley (a social marketing firm) and the South Coast Air Quality Management District.  She is passionate about equal opportunity access to outdoor environmental education and is working hard to make that a reality.

Dr. Abdullah has a Doctorate in Environmental Science and Engineering from UCLA,  a Masters in Environmental Health and a Minor in Education. Her passion for sustainability and the environment is what led her to further her education and obtain a certification as a Master Recycler through the City of Burbank and certification in Ethnobotany from the School of Self Reliance. Among her hobbies is going on extremely long hikes, camping with family and friends, and spending quality time with her family. This passion for sustainability and desire to connect to nature and community is what got her involved in co-founding the Art and Wilderness Institute. 


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MEET OUR BEHIND THE SCENES and
​ADMIN TEAM

Suhana Shereef
Green Masjid Initiative Director
​& Administrative Assistant

Suhana started her journey with the AWI community through her children's outdoor education classes at AWI. Being a part of the AWI family has opened up a whole new world of outdoor learning experiences for their family. These experiences have led them to slowly start making changes in their daily lives and strive to be more mindful of doing their part to help take care of the environment.

​Suhana is a homebody and loves to spend her free time at home enjoying a cup of tea and a good book. She also loves making handmade gifts for friends and family. She is grateful to have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside her kids as they continue their learning explorations.
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Maimoona Rashid
Administrative Secretary

A homeschooling mum of four, Maimoona spends her free time gardening, reading, DIYing, and has just taken up a new hobby of knitting. Her passions involve organizing and decluttering, encouraging a simple life where you enjoy moments rather than things...unless it's a deal on Facebook marketplace!
Maimoona has been tutoring kindergarten-fifth grade for four years now, and is also part time book keeper. 
In her free time, Maimoona enjoys drinking her Yorkshire tea among her succulents and other plant babies, loves  laughing with her kids and husband.
She has studied drama in her younger years and  wants to instill the love of the arts through teaching drama and theatre studies. 
This  happy Sagebrush Steward gardener is excited to share her dramatic experiences through Art and Wilderness !!

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Carla Taylor
Khulafa Al'Ard Director

Carla Taylor is a Northern California native, where she received her Bachelors in Health Science from San Jose State University.
Her background and years of experience working in the nonprofit sector has presented her with opportunities to explore ways in which she could use her various skills and passion for humanity, literature, nature, and teaching to create a positive impact on the environment and the next generation that will inherit the earth.  
Carla works on and off with Rabata, a nonprofit organization focused on creating  positive cultural change. She focuses on various writing projects and campaigns designed to inspire women and young girls to become positive change makers, and also assists in writing grants, as well as  teaching in their youth program, called Dragonflies.   
Carla is also an active member of her library and sits on the board as Vice President of Friends of Menifee Library, where she aids in decision  making and assisting in programs for the library. 
As a homeschooling mom of 3 Carla enjoys and values her ability to create engaging and memorable learning experiences with them, through outdoor activities and literature. 
Carla takes a holistic approach to education, placing a high importance on fostering personal development and empathy in the youth, which she is excited to bring to AWI. 
In her free time, Carla enjoys writing, reading, gardening, hiking, knitting (all crafts really), and traveling with her family.

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Rania Siddiq
Outdoor Trips Coordinator
Khulafa Al-Ard Curricula team member

Rania Siddiq grew up exploring the outdoors and wilderness areas of the American Southwest. She is an educator of ten years, in diverse settings from halaqahs to full-time classroom teaching. She earned a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and Master's in Education from Cal Poly Pomona. She also graduated from Al-Huda Institute with a degree in Ta'leem al Quran. She has taken coursework in art education at CSU Fullerton, which inspired her to teach with creativity. She has additionally trained in ecology and field biology for Southern California educators and has attended the Wild Teacher Apprenticeship with AWI, which sparked a deep passion for education through the outdoors. Rania's teaching philosophy is to bring joy to education and help all students achieve their potential as compassionate, global citizens. Rania is passionate about teaching with creativity, art, and nature in all subjects including English language arts, math, science, and social studies. You can find her hooting owl calls in her backyard or figuring out how to bring an ultralight art kit on her next backpacking adventure. ​

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Amina Mustafa
Social Media Curator

Amina Mustafa, AKA Creative Formula, is nicknamed "supermom" around here. She has a certificate in the WILD TEACHER APPRENTICESHIP COURSE, in addition to her independent research on CA Native Wildlife.

​She can be found doing practically anything you can imagine with a baby slung onto her! She uses her talents of exceptional creativity through photography as well as multimedia.

Proud mother of 4, Amina spends most of the day creatively "Capturing" her time through meaningful activities spent outdoors and through involving her little ones in those meaningful activities. 

 INSTRUCTORS & SUPPORT STAFF

Sarah Hafeez
Mugworts Instructor
Unit Studies Instructor
Sarah Hafeez is a Canadian born graphic designer, illustrator, and humanitarian. She has a passion for Islamic art, history, nature, children’s animations and charity work.
Sarah has worked in the creative industry for over 20 years, designing, creating and illustrating various works. She is currently an art teacher at The Art and Wilderness Institute in California, where she teaches watercolors and traditional art methods.
Sarah was the first to create a Muslim Children's monthly magazine in the U.S. called MiniMuslimeen. MiniMuslimeen circulated for over 2 years and was enjoyed globally by hundreds of children and adults alike. Sarah is also the illustrator behind "How to get Hijab Ready:  A Guide for Muslim Girls ages 8-11". Sarah’s work also includes business branding and merchandise design.
When she isn’t creating, Sarah enjoys spending time with her three wonderful daughters and husband.  In her spare time Sarah works with Open Arms In Kayseri, whose mission is to help refugee Mothers displaced by war.

Sarah is the recipient of our 2023-2024 Raven of the Year Award which is given to the teacher who displays the spirit of teaching that makes students crave more.

Wendy Machovsky
Preschool at Redwood Raven Instructor

A homebody with wanderlust, Wendy is the proud mama of 2 daughters that loves to chase wonder - whether in the pages of a book, on the trail, or when meeting new people.

Wendy received her degree in Wildlife Biology and Management from the University of Rhode Island. Specializing in wetlands management, she had the opportunity to participate and contribute to a variety of environmental endeavors. From research done on resource management for migratory songbirds to point pollution mitigation to wetlands mapping and delineation, Wendy is most at peace in a pair of hip waders or floating quietly in a canoe taking in the beauty of nature.

Wendy has been homeschooling her daughters for the past 8 years and has loved every minute of the demanding journey. Always integrating the environment and cultivating a love for the earth, education has become a true passion for her.

Recently, Wendy has been a co-founder for a growing homeschooling community in Southern California that seeks to educate both mother and student in the philosophies and methods of Charlotte Mason.

She is thrilled to be invited into the Art & Wilderness Institute family and can't wait to combine so many of her passions.

Deborah (Karemah) Alfaddaghi
​Redwood Raven Academy Instructor
Licensed Montessori Teacher

Karemah is a Licensed Primary Montessori teacher.  She specializes in Emerging readers using the Raz Kids A-Z  online platform.  She worked in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for 25 years adapting many other programs for EFL and ESL students. She enjoy a hands on personalized approach to teaching. In her  spare time she has enjoyed Girl Scouting and serving on the US Chair of girl scouts from 2003 to 2013. She also enjoys working with orphanages in Nepal and Central Asia.

When she is not busy with lesson-planning or spending time with her family, she enjoys sipping Ice tea in her garden.   She joined AWI team in December of 2020 as the Parent and Me instructor and is excited to keep sharing the joy of teaching and the outdoors with AWI students and families. ​


​Amy Hossain
Regenerative Living Instructor
Redwood Raven School Instructor 

Amy Hossain is on a journey towards a more wholesome regenerative lifestyle through growing food, upcycling, stacking the functions of available resources, learning how to produce and build, and fostering community self-reliance. Amy received her Permaculture Design Certification from Zaytuna College Center for Ethical Living. She also recently completed a course on "The Islamic Gift Economy and Social Permaculture" in the Program for Ethical,  Appropriate & Regenerative Livelihoods taught by Dr. 'Adi Setia and Rhamis Kent. Amy is also a veteran homeschooling parent whose two daughters are now in college. 


Naz Ullah
Language Arts Instructor
Unit Studies

Naz was born and raised in England, and has been a home educator for over nine years to her two children. She is passionate about nurturing a love of learning in her students, and particularly loves anything related to the Language Arts. An avid reader from an early age, she truly believes good books and great stories can change the world, one person at a time. She has been offering tutoring services for three years and enjoys watching the growth in her students. She has a passion for learning as well as teaching, and earned a certificate in the Wild Teacher Apprentice course. In 2023, she was honored to receive the Mourning Dove of the Year award from AWI. She loves spending time in nature, and curling up with her beloved cat and a favorite book.

Deborah Graves, OTD, OTR/L
​Redwood Raven Academy Instructor
Unit Studies Instructor
Licensed Occupational Therapist

My love of nature, whole-body learning, and nurturing growth in others has woven through, defined, and created the fabric of my being and life-purpose. Early on I pursued my Bachelors degree in Environmental Studies with a focus on Environmental Education. I then taught PK through 6th grade science and outdoor education for 11 years through the Orange County Department of Education as a Traveling Scientist and Program Naturalist. During summers I taught swimming, sailing, and kayaking as an outdoor adventure instructor. Later I went on to pursue my Masters and Doctoral degrees in Occupational Therapy. I also received specialty training in Ayers Sensory Integration, as well as numerous intensive trauma-informed practices and interventions, preparing me to further integrate a holistic and caring approach to supporting children’s growth and learning. More recently, during the 2021-2022 school year I developed curriculum and taught groups of children ages 4-13 in several enrichment-based, multi-subject homeschool programs. I apply my combined experience to offer a teaching style that challenges and engages students in strengthening their body, mind, and relationships, gaining valuable skills of resilience for care of self, others, and our planet. In my free time I enjoy a variety of movement and mindfulness-based practices, hiking with friends, nature photography, creative writing, therapeutic art, learning new things, and cultivating curiosity! I am looking forward to getting to know your family!​​


Mariam Yusuf, M.S
Unit Studies Instructor

Mariam Yusuf holds a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering and a Masters of Information security with 5 years of experience in the back end of a bank. She’s a strong believer of learning and expression through music as well as it being a connector that binds people across generations, cultures, languages and diversities. As a teacher, her aim is to help students unlock and find their own artistic voices; using musing to communicate and connect with their peers and adults alike. The outdoors is a great place to unleash our voices without a care in the world and AWI provides the perfect space for just that. 
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She is a proud mom of 4 children and is passionate about sharing the world of learning through music with your children.

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Safia Mullick
Language Arts
​Unit Studies Instructor

Safia Mullick during her childhood traveled vastly throughout the land. She was born in England and her parents eventually emigrated to America where they lived in a few east coast states (specifically Pennsylvania, New York). Finally, they all ended up in Sunny California during her Junior high years. Since then, the adventurous bug in her has never quieted down. She truly believes that exploring and traveling is the best learning experience for children.
While teaching under her mother’s tutelage (Meraj Academy) she watched her mom teach other children and noticed how similar and different her teaching style was. After completing her B.A. in International Development Studies at UCLA while teaching at New Horizons West LA, getting married to a wonderful man, and then completing her Master’s in Public Administration at CSUSB; she went back to her first love - teaching. She began work again at an Islamic School (New Dimensions). When her oldest son was born in 2009, she stayed home to take care and educate her three sons now 14, 11, 9.
She is now very excited to join the AWI team because of their teaching philosophy that is completely aligned with hers. That philosophy is that you cannot teach well being stuck between four walls and barely any windows to bring in fresh air. Engaging students with games, hands-on activities and active questioning and listening is essential. With AWI, Safia doesn’t feel like the odd ball out anymore but is surrounded by like-minded educators.
In Safia’s free time she likes to spend time traveling and hiking with her family and friends, reading non-fiction books, taking history and Arabic classes, cooking, watching musicals and other movies and hanging out with interesting people.

Dana Malas
​Preschool Instructor

I am a mother of two small children, a landscape designer and a newly minted TK teacher here at AWI.  At home I practice permaculture & living inter-connectedly and with spiritual intention.  I love to cook, bake and experiment, living a farm to table lifestyle which I do alongside Berlin & Pilot, my two and five year olds.  We enjoy our 10 chickens as well as their eggs and keep 4 outdoor cats for pest control. The newest addition to our family this summer are 3 Blanc de Hotot rabbits. Connecting with the Earth is a daily ritual for us and we strive to plant at least one seed every day. 
​ As a mother & TK teacher I believe in the commitment to seeking knowledge and staying curious.  I hope to embody those ideals and inspire wonder and discovery with your little ones.  I’m so happy to share the blessings of community of friends and family here at AWI. ​

Hind Museitef
Handworks Instructor

Hind, a village girl at heart, always and forever, embarking on adventures with Art and Wilderness institute revived her soul through connections with nature and wholesome people.
Hind obtained her bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in sociology from Birzeit University in Palestine.Upon arriving in the United States, she immediately engaged in community service in her small California town, working with domestic violence victims. After moving to central California, she found her community and started a Muslim Girl Scout troop, discovering her love for working with kids, creating, and connecting.

Naturally, after relocating back to Southern California and volunteering at her community's Sunday school, she noticed a need and started a digital safety class for students aged 9-14.
Hind approaches new seasons of life with creativity and enthusiasm. After homeschooling her kids she discovered her passion for art and its connection to her mental health background.

Yessenia Chavez
Art Instructor
​Unit Studies and Redwood Raven

Yessenia Chavez aka Ms. Yessy is the art instructor for Monday and Wednesday Unit Studies. You’ll also find her at Redwood Raven. Yessenia grew up in the Midwest, but now calls Irvine home. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Spanish. As an art teacher her goal is to paint alongside her students, challenge our creativity, and give kids free time in their sketchbooks to explore and express their ideas. When she’s not in school, Yessenia enjoys a rainy day at Crystal Cove, reading novels by Leila Aboulela, botanical printing, and spending quality time with her husband and cat. ​
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Sarah Congreve
Science Instructor
Unit Studies

Having lived abroad in Saudi Arabia and growning up moving often, I found a grounding presence in animals and nature. My deep connection to the natural world helped me adapt to various environments. I pursued an Associate Degree in Science and, as a type one diabetic, put a lot of care into balancing my mental, emotional and spiritual health to be the best example I can be for my two children. My love for emotional connections drives my educational philosophy that emphasizes the intelligence in children. My journey reflects a commitment to fostering connections, whether with nature, family, or through education, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of life's challenges.​

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Chef Shatha Al-Hussieni
Culinary Arts

My name is Shatha Al-Hussieni, a mother of three wonderful kids and a wife of an amazing supportive husband.
My passion started for cooking when I used to watch my mom cook and people enjoy her food.
I used to collect detailed recipes , but never tried cooking until I got married.
My husband was encouraging me all the time, telling me how much he enjoyed food. Then one day i had an opportunity to submit and compete in the first season of Masterchef arabia . I was doubtful of my capabilities to perform  under the pressure of the competition, but with the support of my husband who pushed me hard to finish through, II was able to place 6th in the competition.
That was the start of my journey in the culinary art .
I set myself on a mission to better myself by learning the different cuisines of the world. Then with the advent of social media, and posting my works, I found myself lacking in the department of photography. I set myself on a new mission to learn the tricks of food photography, and fell in love with trade.
I'm striving to achieve the knowledge and experience to one day leave an everlasting impact in the world of culinary arts in the region.

Adeel Syed
​Woodshop Instructor
Bushcraft Instructor
​Backpacking Instructor

Meet Adeel Syed, a multi-talented individual who wears many hats in life. As a woodshop instructor and camp-out leader, he is dedicated to sharing his passion for woodworking and survival skills with others. You will find few who know and love tying knots like he does.

When he's not teaching or leading camp-outs, Adeel can often be found exploring the great outdoors with his family. A true nature enthusiast, he is an avid hiker and backpacker, always seeking new adventures and challenging trails. Recently, he accomplished a remarkable feat by conquering the snowy peaks of Mt. Whitney, showcasing his determination and love for mountaineering.

In addition to his outdoor pursuits, Adeel is a skilled software engineer, bringing innovation and creativity to the tech world. His diverse interests also extend to teaching Arabic, which allows him to connect with others and spread linguistic knowledge.

Furthermore, Adeel is a dedicated runner, finding solace and rejuvenation in the rhythmic motion of his feet hitting the pavement. His disciplined approach to running reflects his strong work ethic and determination in all aspects of his life.

Overall, Adeel Syed's life is a harmonious blend of outdoor adventures, woodworking, teaching, and technological expertise. He embraces every opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others, leaving a positive impact on everyone he encounters.

Jameel Hussein
Bushcraft Instructor
Backpacking Instructor

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Jameel has always had a great appreciation for nature and its preservation. He uses his background in engineering to approach nature with curiosity, creativity, and paying close attention to details. 
Jameel is passionate about building a relationship with nature and the environment that surrounds us and is looking forward to sharing this passion of the outdoors with people of all ages! 
In addition to the great outdoors, Jameel enjoys traveling, racing motorcycles, golfing, spending time with his family, and cooking.

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Haaris Syed
Bushcraft Instructor
Backpacking Instructor

Haaris is a trial attorney with the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office where he has served since 2005, handling the most serious and violent criminal cases. He has served the office as a trainer in the misdemeanor training program and was honored with the Judy Schecter Award by the Los Angeles Public Defenders Association for Juvenile Attorney of the Year. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles and his Bachelor’s degrees in Comparative Literature and Philosophy from the University of California, Irvine. 


He is an active member of the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter on backpacking trips and hiking the tallest peaks in Southern California. He leads backcountry trips and has completed courses in backcountry navigation and survival, the Wilderness Travel Course, Advanced Mountaineering Program, First Aid/CPR, Wilderness First Aid Course, snow travel and rock climbing. He enjoys working with children having taught since his youth as a summer camp counselor for preschool and day care, a counselor with the Muslim Youth Camp, a teacher at the Explore Islam school, and founded the boys youth group at the Islamic Center of South Bay. He enjoys exposing himself and his family to "hard stuff" having recently taken his two kids to the Summit of Mt. Whitney through the mountaineer's route with crampons and ice axes and, likely as you're reading this, celebrating his 20th wedding anniversary with his wife on a 110-mile thru-hike of the Alps through France, Italy and Switzerland.
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Christopher Nyerges
Bushcraft Instructor

Nyerges has a lifelong passion for wild foods, self-reliance, and survival skills. He began to teach Wild Food Outings in 1974, sponsored by WTI, and over 34,000 students have attended the classes in the last 40 years. Nyerges was editor of Wilderness Way for 7 years, and outdoor columnist for over 12 years, and the author of numerous books ("Guide to Wild Foods," "How to Survive Anywhere," "Self-Sufficient Home," and more - CLICK for online STORE. see the Store). Christopher and his wife Dolores started the School of Self-reliance as a means to share practical real-life everyday skills with average city-dwellers via classes and publications. Though Dolores passed away in 2008, Nyerges continues to share unique and life-changing classes with an astounding array of world-class itinerant teachers, each of whom Nyerges considers not just associates but close friends.

Saira Sayeed
Teacher Aid- Redwood Raven 

Saira is the proud mama of 4 adult children, two of which were homeschooled and wished AWI existed back then. Saira has a BA in Sociology and Admin studies from Canada, where she grew up, and was a Kindergarten teacher’s assistant for the Culver City School District for fifteen years until she retired in 2021.

Saira now volunteers at her local senior center’s lunch program and is a story teller at her local library. When not volunteering she enjoys crocheting, sewing and anything arts and crafts, cooking, baking and gardening. In 2020 when she moved to her new home she pulled out the grass and installed a drought tolerant garden and keeps busy tending
to it.

She believes every child develops and learns at their own pace and needs not only traditional school model, but needs nontraditional avenues to truly excel in life and is so very honored and excited to be part of AWI.​

Farah Ashraf
​PTO Chair

Farah was raised loving animals, music, and art. She finds healing in nature.

She holds a degree in Linguistics from CSUF. She is certified in the Social and Emotional Arts program from UCLArts and Healing. She is a homeschooling mom to four energetic kids and loves to sing songs with them in the car. She will be teaching the mommy and me program using tried and tested techniques that make her own kids giggle. She also spends her time raising her 4 chickens and riding her bicycle when the weather is nice.

INTERNS

    We would love to hear from you!

For direct inquiries, please contact:
[email protected]
909-206-2226
Art and Wilderness Institute LLC
[email protected]
(909) 206-2226