Meet Our Team

I am Nicole Edwards, the President of Ummah Jameelah Islamic Education. 
With a Bachelor of Education and currently completing a postgraduate degree in Islamic Education, I am committed to providing children with a nurturing environment grounded in Islamic values. 
My teaching career has taken me to diverse locations, including Europe and the Bahamas, enriching my perspective on education. Over the past 15 years, I have had the privilege of running Islamic playgroups, a journey that has been profoundly transformative as a revert to Islam. The friendships and experiences gained during this time have been life-changing for both myself and my children. 
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy travelling and camping with my six wonderful children. My passion for Islamic education drives me to build strong community bonds and empower the next generation with the knowledge and values essential for thriving in a strong Islamic community

As-salaam alaikum everyone! I’m Jenny Hickson (Umm Noor) and I’m the treasurer at Ummah Jameelah (UJ). My role involves managing the organisation’s income and expenditure, budget planning, and preparing the UJ annual financial statements for Consumer Affairs Victoria.
I hold a bachelor degree in pharmacy and I currently spend some of my time as a mathematics tutor at a local school.
I first learnt about Islam many years ago whilst working as a pharmacist in hospitals in the Middle East and it was during this time, more than 25 years ago, that I reverted to Islam.
My introduction to UJ came when I was a new resident of Melbourne, not knowing anybody and with no family nearby. I found, pinned to a local shopping centre noticeboard, an advertisement for an Islamic playgroup, and the rest is history! My daughter was 3 at that time, and she is now about to turn 18, mashaAllah!
Being part of UJ grants me an opportunity to serve Allah, while having the privilege of belonging to a precious and unique organisation.
I love travel, reading (fiction and non-fiction) and going on adventures with my daughter.

Assalam Alaykum, I’m Jean. 
I have been a facilitator at Ummah Jameelah for 10 years now and have been blessed to have taught over 300 students! Prior to this my own son attended the program. 
My background was formally in the travel industry but Allah is the best of planners and after embracing Islam in 2002 I now find myself in a role that combines work and worship Alhamdulilah. I see my role as a nurturer of our little Muslims as they begin their journey as life-long learners on the path towards knowing Allah. I love the play-based approach of our program, making learning fun. So many parents tell us how Ummah Jameelah is their child’s favourite activity of the week. 
Outside of work I love op-shopping and going to the market. I enjoy trying different cuisines, especially anything spicy. I collect all things sparkly, like taking daily walks with my husband and going to the gym.

My name is ​Rania El-Mughayar,I am a dedicated facilitator with UJ.
Currently running four engaging sessions at Fawkner. With a strong academic and professional background, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, a Diploma in Education Support, and a Diploma in Childcare. Additionally, I have completed a Montessori course, further enriching my expertise in early childhood education. 
My career spans 13 years, beginning in childcare and progressing to a role as a teacher aide in schools. For the past 8 years, I have been fortunate to work with UJ, a role I find incredibly fulfilling. I am passionate about working with children, who never fail to impress with their natural humor and intelligence. 
My primary goal is to instill Islamic knowledge in children while creating a fun and safe learning environment. I strive to make each learning experience both enjoyable and educational, ensuring that every child feels valued and inspired.

My name is Fida Taha, I am the Facilitator of Ummah Jameelah Islamic Education at the Australian Bosnian Islamic Centre. 
I hold a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and a Diploma in Education Support.   I am a mother who had her children attend Ummah Jameelah and loved the community spirit, and dedication provided by the founders and facilitators. It gave me an opportunity to belong somewhere after moving to Melbourne from Sydney. 
I am committed to giving children a loving and nurturing environment that aligns with their islamic beliefs as well as developing bonds with their mothers in an endeavour to have a village that we can all thrive in.   
I aim to instil little seeds of Islamic knowledge in our youth that, with your help, will help them to flourish and grow into strong Muslim individuals with high morals and commitment towards Allah. 

About Me: Teni
I am an enthusiastic Islamic kinder facilitator with a passion for teaching 3 and 4-year-olds about Islam. 
My approach to education is nurturing and engaging, aiming to instill strong moral values and a love for learning in young minds. In addition to my professional role, I am a dedicated mother who homeschools. Balancing my family life with my educational pursuits, I am currently studying for my bachelor’s degree in primary education. 
I am committed to deepening my knowledge through online Islamic classes. I have a love for camping, bike riding, and anything that gets me and my family outside and active. 
My goal is to combine my love for Islam, teaching, and the outdoors to provide a holistic and enriching educational experience for both my own children and the young ones I facilitate

Assalamu Aleykum, My name is Nina (UmmAdam), 
I am a loving mother of four. My journey with Ummah Jameelah started with my first child joining the playgroup, aiming to foster social connections in an Islamic setting. Little did I know that I would not only achieve that but also form lifelong bonds with fellow mothers, enriching my life in ways I never imagined, Alhamdulillah. 
Through Ummah Jameelah, I found a sense of unity, support, and belonging that shaped my children's upbringing and nurtured my own well-being. In a society marked by disconnection, being part of this community has been a transformative experience for me, inspiring me to pay it forward. 
I now facilitate a playgroup session, aiming to extend the same warmth and guidance to other mothers and their little ones. I have a background in Medical Administration and am currently in the process of studying Early Childcare Education and Care. Family moments are the gems of my life. I enjoy reading and love the serenity of nature, hiking being my escape from the city chaos and part of my self care efforts :) 

Assalamu alaykum my name is Aleah Moralli and I’m the playgroup facilitator at Newport.
My journey with Ummah Jameelah started over 10 years ago when I attended as a young mother with my sons. A few years later I was invited to complete a playgroup leadership program and run playgroups with Ummah Jameelah.
What I love most about running a playgroup is watching my mums and their children forming lifelong, genuine friendships at our playgroup. I love being in service to our community and inshallah I hope to be so for many more years to come.
I have a diploma in education support and
I’m a mum of 4 children.
In my spare time I enjoy gardening and going for walks around the neighbourhood admiring other people’s gardens. I love all things vintage and I’m always up for trying new things whether it’s an experience, travel or food.

Salamu Alaikum everyone! My name is Yuser Hussein, and I’m a mother of four young children—three boys and one girl. I recently joined the team at Ummah Jameelah as a playgroup facilitator based in Truganina. Ummah Jameelah has been instrumental in my parenting journey, with three of my children having attended the Kinder and myself participating in the playgroups over the last two years. This community has allowed me to forge lifelong, meaningful connections. I’m passionate about creating an Islamic environment where women can find their village while our children build friendships and make lasting connections. I truly believe in the strength of our Ummah when we come together for the sake of Allah. Outside of playgroup, I am passionate about child development, fitness, and nutrition. I enjoy rollerblading, playing soccer, and spending time in nature with my children and my friends. I look forward to getting to know all of you and sharing this journey together!

My name is Christine Crnogorac
I am 38 years old with 3 kids,Bachelor in Civil Engineering

I have a Certificate IV in School Based Education Support,Qualified Lead Auditor

I am so excited to be joining the ummah jammelah family and can’t wait to meet your little ones!!

Assalamu Alaykoum,
My name is Teesha and I’ll be facilitating Monday morning preschool sessions in Deer park. As a mother, I have gone through the many different learning stages of a child, and by far, the most fun and exciting stages in my opinion, are when our little ones are learning through play, and being hands on. So I endeavour to incorporate as much play based learning and arts & crafts into our weekly sessions as I can. This, in conjunction with learning about Islam, is a recipe for success.
May Allah bless it for us all, ameen!

Assalamu Alaykum my name is Elif, I have been involved with Ummah Jameelah playgroups since 2014, initially co-running the mums & bubs session then transitioning to volunteer iqra teacher on and off over the past 8 years. Alhamdulillah it’s been a privilege to be a part of the beautiful community and see it grow so rapidly. I am excited to be joining the team of facilitators in 2025 and hope, by the will of Allah, that we can continue to make a positive difference for the little Muslims in our community.