At Tarbiya Academic Scholars Institute (TASI), our team consists of mothers, educators, mentors, and community members who love what we do. Each of us brings unique skillset, passion, experience, and heart to create a warm, engaging, Akhira-first academic learning environment for your child.
Sister Lauren | Executive Director, Co-Founder
Sister Lauren is a dedicated mother of two who brings a rich background in global leadership, operations, and purpose-driven initiatives. She spent over a decade launching digital platforms across 60+ countries in 30 languages and leading multimillion-dollar initiatives at the executive and VP level for brands like Apple, Disney, FDA, Kaiser, UNICEF, Warner Bros, and the CDC. As a Black-Mixed Race hijabi, she brings a unique perspective that informs her leadership and vision.
After her career in big tech and media, Lauren turned her focus to education, public health, and youth-based positive behavior change, applying the same systems, innovation, and operational rigor to initiatives that strengthen and serve the Ummah. Drawing on this experience, she founded TASI in 2025, intentionally designing it as a faith-centered learning environment rooted in our strong, Akhira-first Academics philosophy.
Beyond her professional work, Lauren is an avid birdwatcher, whale-watcher, and enjoys nature therapy, often integrating these experiences into exploring and appreciating Allah’s creation. She has also been featured in various nature articles and podcasts which combine her love of the outdoors with community learning.
Through her leadership, Lauren guides and mentors faculty, fostering a collaborative, inspired team whose dedication and expertise directly support students’ academic, social, and spiritual growth. Lauren’s vision shapes the Microschool’s culture, ensuring that success, excellence, faith, and purpose remain at the heart of everything we do, insha'Allah.
Sister Lamija | Education Director, Co-Founder
Sister Lamija is a devoted mother of two who brings a rich, multidisciplinary background in education, psychology, and youth development. Originally from Bosnia, she earned her BA in Psychology from UNLV as a first-generation graduate. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in School Psychology and is on the path to becoming a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), insha’Allah.
Prior to co-founding TASI, Lamija developed extensive experience across educational, research, and mental health settings. Her work includes private tutoring in homes, Title I schools, and learning centers; serving as a research assistant at the UNLV Auditory Cognition Lab; working as a Registered Behavior Technician providing ABA therapy to children and adolescents with autism and ADHD; and supporting patients as a mental health technician in a psychiatric treatment facility. She also taught English at Beacon Academy, where she navigated hybrid instruction during the COVID and post-COVID era. In addition, Lamija has remained deeply involved in community service through youth programming at Masjid Noor and as a co-founder of the Las Vegas chapter of Young Muslim (YM) Sisters.
Beyond her professional work, Lamija enjoys reading, writing poetry, spending time with family, and serving her community. She prioritizes both physical and spiritual well-being through hiking, pilates, and dhikr, has a love for travel and cultural exploration. She enjoys taking courses in Islamic Psychology and Prophetic Medicine. She is fluent in Bosnian and Serbo-Croatian and is currently learning Arabic.
Drawing on her education and experience, Lamija thoughtfully supports students’ academic, socio-emotional, and spiritual development, while also guiding faculty in implementing evidence-based practices for instruction, behavior management, and mentorship. Her leadership helps cultivate a learning environment rooted in best practices, structure, and intentional growth.
Sister Umna | Site Director, Tarbiya Instructor
Sister Umna is a devoted mother of three and a lifelong learner with a strong foundation in Islamic studies, youth education, and business management. She is a first-generation Palestinian-American and brings a unique perspective that informs her work in education and student development. Her professional background in leadership includes owning EnviroNuclear, an engineering consulting firm, serving as a former General Manager for brands such as Williams-Sonoma and Sundance, and previously owning a jewelry store in Vail, Colorado.
After years in business management, Umna shifted her focus toward education, youth development, and homeschooling, applying her organizational, strategic, and creative skills to supporting structured, engaging, and faith-centered learning environments. Her experience includes assisting in teaching primary grades at Omar Haikal Islamic Academy and Summerlin Academy, as well as supporting students through madrasah programs and summer camps at Masjid Al-Noor and Masjid Tawheed, where she is known for her patience, warmth, and ability to make learning meaningful.
Beyond her professional and educational work, Umna is passionate about growing in faith through Qur’an study, connecting with nature, reading, prayer, reflection, and volunteering. These values shape her approach to working with students, emphasizing curiosity, discipline, character, and intentional growth. She speaks conversational Arabic, and is passionate about her ongoing Qur’anic studies and engagement with Islamic learning.
Through her guidance and support, Sr. Umna helps foster a learning environment where students feel encouraged, engaged, and supported. Her approach contributes to TASI as a structured, creative, and nurturing space where academic growth, character development, and spiritual reflection remain at the heart of learning.
Sister Sajitha | Tarbiya Instructor
Sister Sajitha was born and raised in India, where she developed a strong foundation in language, education, and Islamic values. She holds an academic background in English Literature and Education, along with formal teacher training in early childhood and primary education in India. Her studies include specialized coursework in child psychology, counseling, and learning disabilities, which inform her thoughtful, developmentally appropriate approach to supporting students.
Her teaching experience spans early childhood, primary, and secondary education. Sajitha has also worked with an institute supporting homeschooling for a group of approximately 20 students, providing structured academic instruction across subjects. Sajitha brings particular strength in teaching English to both primary and secondary students, while also supporting learning in core academic areas.
In addition to her academic teaching, Sajitha previously served as a tutor at a Hifdh institute in India, where she worked with students of varying ages and learning levels. In this role, she supported children who attended regular school while memorizing the Qur’an, helping them balance academic responsibilities with Qur’anic studies. She is experienced in creating and adapting learning materials based on each child’s individual abilities and needs.
Sajitha has a strong interest in tarbiya-centered learning, with a focus on character development, nurturing adab, and fostering responsibility in students. As a parent to a school-aged child, she actively practices and teaches Islamic manners and values in daily life, bringing both professional insight and lived experience into her work. She is passionate about creating a calm, respectful, and supportive learning environment where children feel encouraged, respected, and supported in their academic and spiritual growth.