Basimah Shalash, Assistant Principal
Head of Middle School
Head of Pre-K School Program
Basimah began her journey at LUA shortly after moving to Lexington in 2010. She advanced her career within LUA, starting as a substitute teacher in 2010, then serving as a long-term substitute for middle school science in 2011. She transitioned to a full-time role as a middle school science and math teacher for seven years, became the Academic Director in 2018, and assumed the position of Assistant Principal in 2022. Concurrently, she pursued her own educational goals, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a pre-med focus, a master’s degree in education with teaching certification in 2015, and a second master’s degree with P-12 school administration certification (principalship) in 2018, achieving Rank 1.
In addition to her dedication to LUA, she places a strong emphasis on family. She cherishes spending time with her loved ones and takes pride in her cultural heritage. She makes it a point to stay connected to events, friends, and relatives in my hometown. She also enjoy attending her children’s soccer and basketball games, as well as traveling back to Ohio.
Briana Raissi, Head of Lower School
Briana Raissi's teaching career began in 1999 at an American school in Spain, where she taught 1st-5th grades over a six year period. She then taught middle school language arts and high school ESL in the US before switching over to educational administration in 2007. While she loves being in the classroom with the kiddos, she equally loves the admin side of school and is looking forward to leading the lower school to continued success this school year. She has an undergraduate degree in government and English literature, a TESL certification, and a Master's in Education.
She has served multiple roles in the LUA community, including PTO member, PTO president, substitute teacher, and Middle School Language Arts teacher. When she's not at school, she's out on the soccer field six days a week. She also love traveling, cooking, and reading.
Ameal "Hope" Omran, Office Manager
Hope Omran was born in Illinois and moved to Lexington at the young age of three. She graduated from Tates Creek High School and attended the University of Kentucky. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Business Administration. She started working at Lexington Universal Academy (LUA) in November of 2007 as a part time assistant to the treasurer. In June 2008 she became the office manager. She has 5 children and 2 grandchildren. Her youngest child attended LUA from kindergarten to eighth grade. . She is deeply committed to the vision of LUA.
Lubna Shalash, Office Assistant
She was born in Jerusalem and relocated to the United States at the age of two. She lived in Illinois, Michigan and have resided in Lexington over 15 years ago. She graduated from Everest College in Illinois with a degree as a Medical Assistant. She has been happily married for nearly 23 years and am grateful to have three sons and one daughter, who is currently attending LUA. Alhamdulillah, she is blessed to be part of the LUA community for 3 years. LUA offers an extraordinary work environment. Her favorite part of my job is welcoming students as they arrive in the morning and being able to connect with them by name.