Lexington Universal Academy

Staff Category: Islamic Studies, Arabic, & Quran

  • Nowal Allouch

    Nowal Allouch

    nallouch@luaky.org

     

    Ustathah Nowal Allouch is the kindergarten teacher here at LUA. She has lived in Kentucky all her life and has always wanted to become a teacher. She received her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the University of Kentucky. She also obtained her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kentucky. This is her 17th year at LUA. During her first year, she completed the Kentucky Teacher Internship Program at Lexington Universal Academy. She began working at LUA in 2009, as an assistant teacher and office assistant. She began working as a first grade teacher in 2010. She taught first grade for seven years and this is her eighth year teaching kindergarten. She is married and has two children, one of whom attends LUA in fourth grade. She has been so blessed to be part of a wonderful school that is preparing our children to have a strong Muslim identity and become productive members of society.

  • Ali Shalash

    Ali Shalash

    alishalash@luaky.org

     

    Ustadh Ali Shalash is a Palestinian-American who was born and raised in Lexington. He studied in LUA from first till eighth grade. Ali completed his high school education alongside completing the memorization of the Quran and revision at the Michigan Islamic Institute. He continued studying there joining their 7 year Aalimyah (scholar) program with a deep study in all the Islamic sciences (Arabic, Fiqh, Aqeeda, Hadith, Tafseer, and more). He graduated in July 2026.

    During his studies, Ali had ample opportunities to lead and serve different communities throughout the country through Dawah work and Ramadan Taraweeh programs. His studies and devotion to Quran and Islam led him to study tajweed at Masjid Al Nabawi in Madina under a great scholar of Quran. He has also had the opportunity to travel to Pakistan with scholars and teachers to continue dawah work.

    Ustadh Ali is excited to return home and serve his very own community here in Lexington, through various youth programs and teaching at LUA.

  • Fathia Shalash

    Fathia Shalash

    fshalash@luaky.org

     

    Ustathah Fathia Shalash is an Arabic, Quran, and Islamic Studies teacher at Lexington Universal Academy. She was born and raised in Kuwait, where she completed her high school education. She then earned a degree in Mathematics and certificate in Islamic Studies and Tajweed. She moved to the United States and continued her dedication to education and community service.

    She worked at the Lexington Weekend Islamic School for one year before beginning her career in public education. In 2010, Ustatha Fathia joined Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) as a special needs educator. The following year, she joined Lexington Universal Academy as an assistant teacher in the kindergarten classroom. She has since continued her journey at LUA and is now in her 15th year teaching Arabic, Quran, and Islamic Studies.

    Ustathah Fathia is also a proud mother of four children, all of whom attended and graduated from Lexington Universal Academy. Her family’s connection to LUA has made the school an especially meaningful part of her life. Ustatha Fathia is passionate about creating a loving and nurturing learning environment where children can grow academically, spiritually, and personally. She believes that teaching is not only about sharing knowledge, but also about helping children develop strong character, good manners, and a lasting connection with Allah (SWT).

  • Lubna Shalash

    Lubna Shalash

    lshalash@luaky.org

     

    Mrs. Lubna Shalash is usually the first face you see when you come to the school. She has been the office assistant for six years and has loved getting to know all the families, watching the school grow, and working alongside so many amazing people. Mrs. Lubna has been married for almost 25 years and has four children, the youngest of which attends LUA. She’s grateful for the life she’s built and the opportunity to be part of LUA’s journey.

  • Hope Omran

    Hope Omran

    office@luaky.org

     

    Mrs. 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.  Mrs. Hope is the wife of Mahmoud Omran and the mother of five children: Sajidah, Jadallah, Dua’a, Nasreen and Jalaal. Jalaal attended LUA from kindergarten to eighth grade. She has two grandchildren, one of whom attends LUA. She is also a current ISCK Board member. She is deeply committed to the vision of LUA.

  • Briana Raissi

    Briana Raissi

    braissi@luaky.org​

     

    Ms. Briana has worked in the education field as a teacher and administrator for over 20 years, teaching at the elementary, middle, high school, and post secondary levels. She holds a Masters in Education and a TESL certificate. 

    She worked at LUA as the Middle School Language Arts teacher for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years, and is thrilled to be back in educational administration as the Lower School Dean. Prior to working full time at LUA, she was active in the school by subbing and serving as the PTO president. 

    In her free time she loves to travel and cook, but is often found on the sidelines of the soccer field cheering her kids on every weekend!

  • Basimah Shalash

    Basimah Shalash

    bshalash@luaky.org

     

    Basimah Shalash has been part of the LUA staff since 2010. She began as a long term substitute for middle school math and science. Then joined as a full time teacher in 2011. She taught for 7 years before becoming Academic Director in 2018. In 2022, she became Assistant Principal and now serves as the Middle School Dean and Preschool Director.

    She is a Lexington native but moved to Dayton, OH as a child and graduated from Wright State University in 2007 with and Bachelors of Science in Chemistry. Then she relocated to Lexington in 2010. She received a Master’s of Education in 2015 and a second Master’s of Arts in Education with P-12 school administration certification from Georgetown College.

    She has been happily married for 16 years and is a mother of four children, two LUA alumnus and two currently enrolled. She is looking forward to an exciting school year of allowing students to gain academic and Islamic knowledge to apply in their everyday lives.