For women only (in-person) (men are welcome to join virtually): If you are currently a homeschooling mom or considering homeschooling for your current or future children, this space is designed for you to learn, share, and grow as we nurture children who are grounded in faith and prepared for the world.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Saturday, August 2, 2025 | MCC Conference Room | Free | RSVP required for in-person attendance (women only); Register at mcceastbay.org/homeschool | All are welcome to watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
Optional lunch from Iniburger Pleasanton for $15 (chicken or beef burger with fries).
Please join us for the first-ever Muslim Homeschool Conference in the Bay Area—a day of inspiration, learning, and connection for families navigating or considering the homeschool journey. This conference offers you the opportunity to learn from some of the most respected voices in Muslim education and local homeschooling today.
Meet Our Esteemed Speakers:
- Shaheen Rasheed is a master educator, homeschool consultant, and curriculum developer with over 25 years of experience in both public and private Islamic education.
- Hana Khatib of Pepper and Pine is a Waldorf-inspired homeschooling pioneer whose global platform has supported thousands of families with thoughtful curricula and beautiful learning environments.
- Ustadha Leila Fakira is a deeply grounded student of Islamic studies, mother of two Huffaz (memorizers of the Holy Qur’an), and a veteran homeschooler whose story blends sacred knowledge with practical family wisdom.
- Rooya Ayubi is a passionate unschooling mother, life coach, and community leader who empowers families to follow a self-directed, holistic learning path.
Sponsored by Burooj Library & MCC East Bay.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
About the Presenters
Shaheen Rasheed is an educator’s educator. Her passion for holistic education has driven her 20+ year career as a private and public school teacher, turned parent homeschooler, and education consultant to families (through Kinza Academy) and private schools, such as Northstar, Peace Terrace, Garden of Knowledge, and the Islamic School of Miami. Along with her certifications in Teaching English as a Second Language and Early Childhood Education, her Master’s in Education, with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction, furthered her understanding of educational pedagogy and strengthened her resolve to work toward a more holistic approach to education. Shaheen Rasheed is an Instructional Designer for a technical training academy. She blogs and lectures about homeschooling, parenting, and alternative education. She is a founding member of the East Bay Muslim Homeschoolers group and an advisor to the Bay Area’s Silicon Valley Muslim Homeschoolers group. She has been published in various online and print magazines. She taught part-time at a local community college and taught many online classes. She strongly advocates changing the current education system to foster a holistic child through the revival of the traditional educational model. As an educational consultant, she runs the website Soulful Studies: http://www.soulfulstudies.com
Rooya Ayubi is a storyteller, life coach, wife, and mother. An immigrant woman who walked across the desert from Afghanistan to Pakistan when she was only 6 years old, Rooya is a survivor of trauma. Because of this, Rooya grew up with a deep sense of unworthiness, which led to a decade of depression. After embarking on a major self-healing journey, she emerged strong and healthy. Her dream and mission now is to guide women who have felt beaten down by life’s challenges in reawakening hope, reclaiming their power, and beginning to live a life of honor. Her work combines a vast array of diverse skills, including Powerful Non-Defensive Communication, Storytelling, Way of Joy Qigong, contemplative breathing methods, and Zhikr (remembrance), which focuses on the heart, to help her clients make the necessary shift to embrace a life worth living. She has also been an administrator for the East Bay Muslim Homeschooling group for nearly a decade. She frequently hosts workshops titled “Chasing The Dunya Effect” and other seminars on self-worth.
Hana Khatib is a veteran homeschool educator and the creator of Pepper and Pine, a widely loved platform dedicated to Waldorf-inspired homeschooling. Since 2015, she has shared hundreds of videos and resources across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, offering families insight, inspiration, and practical tools for homeschooling.
Her journey began in 2003 with two young children and minimal resources. At the time, homeschooling, especially within the Waldorf tradition, was a solitary path, with few accessible materials and little community support. Determined to build a nurturing and creative educational environment for her growing family, Hana spent years curating and adapting curriculum to fit her family’s evolving needs.
What started as a personal project blossomed into a global community. Through Pepper and Pine, Hana has connected with thousands of families, offering transparency and encouragement through every season of homeschooling, from early childhood to college preparation.
Today, she continues her mission by developing an original curriculum rooted in her decades of experience, aiming to make homeschooling more beautiful, accessible, and fulfilling for others. Her work reflects a deep commitment to faith, intentional living, and empowering others on their educational journey.
Ustadha Leila Fakira was born and raised in the US. Leila Fakira has lived most of her life in California. After an inspiring first trip to the Holy Lands, Leila left her job as a Business Systems Analyst, having spent more than 14 years in accounting, to focus more intently on her Islamic Studies and be more involved in her children’s education. Allah blessed her with a yearning to learn her deen, and Allah granted her tawfeeq by guiding her to Zaytuna Institute, where she studied Arabic, Shafi’ Fiqh, Shamail, Seerah, and more.
Leila has a strong background in Shafi’i Fiqh and was encouraged to teach by Imam Zaid Shakir, Dr. Rania Awad, and Shaykh Yahya Rhodus after studying “Reliance of the Traveler,“ “Fiqh Al-Ibaddat,” and “Safinat Al-Nijah,“ respectively. She also studied Rislat Al-Jamia’a with Shaykh Abdur Karim Yahya, Abu Shuja with Imam Jamal Hysaw, and other Shafi’i teachers, male and female, online.
Leila studied and completed the Tajweed reading of the Qur’an several times with Ustadha Noha and Ustadha Aya from Egypt. Additionally, she undertook her initial reading of the Qur’an with Ustadha Nawar Taleb-Agha and was subsequently permitted to teach basic Qur’an reading and basic tajweed.
Leila has studied Arabic with Imam Zaid Shakir, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus, Ustadha Aya (from Egypt), and Ustadh Usama Canon, Seerah & Shama’il with Shaykh Yahya Rhodus & Almaqasid, and Tafsir and Inner Sciences with Imam Zaid Shakir, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus, and Habib Hussain (online). She continues to study online with various teachers overseas to further her Arabic studies and explore the Inner Sciences.
Muslim parents are increasingly turning to full-time Islamic schools or homeschooling as a haven for their children from public schools antagonistic to their values. As waitlists grow at Islamic schools, frustrated parents are unsure of what to do next.
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is an educational approach where parents or guardians choose to educate their children at home instead of sending them to a traditional public or private school. It involves providing a comprehensive education to children within the comfort of their own homes.
In homeschooling, parents typically take on the role of primary educators. They develop or choose a curriculum, create lesson plans, and teach the material to their children. Parents can also choose to outsource the teaching to qualified tutors and resources to help with teaching their children. Homeschooling can be tailored to meet every child’s unique needs, interests, and learning styles.
Why Homeschool?
The reasons for homeschooling vary from family to family. Some common motivations include a desire for religious or moral education, a more personalized approach to teaching, concerns about the school environment or curriculum, the child’s unique needs, the family’s financial situation, or the need for flexibility in scheduling.
Is Homeschooling legal?
The legality of homeschooling depends on the country and sometimes the specific region within a country. Laws and regulations regarding homeschooling can vary significantly.
In many countries, homeschooling is legal and recognized as a legitimate educational option. Some countries have specific homeschooling laws that outline the requirements and procedures parents must follow. These laws may include provisions such as mandatory notifications to educational authorities, periodic assessments, curriculum standards, or teacher qualifications.
It is crucial for parents considering homeschooling to research the laws and regulations in their specific country, state, or region to ensure compliance with local requirements. Local homeschooling organizations, support groups, or Education consultants, such as Soulful Studies, can provide valuable information and guidance regarding the legal aspects of homeschooling in a particular area.