Faculty & Staff

Dr. Faas brings a wealth of experience as a dedicated educator, mentor, and leader. She previously served as an Associate Professor and Department Chair of Psychology at Mount St. Mary’s University, where she supported students and faculty with compassion and purpose—earning the 2019 Career Champion Award for her outstanding commitment to student success.

Caitlin Faas, Ph.D.

Qadan, a proud member of the second cohort of Abaarso graduates, studied psychology at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. After graduating, she returned home to help establish Kaabe Schools, which now boast three Hargeisa campuses and one Berbera. Over the past four years, Qadan has served as a lead teacher and school leader at Kaabe, significantly contributing to the institution's growth and success. This year, she achieved a major milestone by completing a Master's in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Pennsylvania.

Passionate about student-centered learning, Qadan is excited to join a dedicated team of teachers, management, and community at Noor Academy.

Qadan Mohamed

I graduated from Smith College in 2022 with a bachelor of arts in Computer Science and Physics. After graduation, I started working as a software engineer for an information technology company in the healthcare market. Additionally, I worked as an after school science instructor in Fairfax County, VA. I have started my teaching career in high school, where I was volunteering for two educational supplement programs. In college, I worked as a tutoring for three departments: Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science. I am passionate about teaching and working with children, and excited about my new teaching position at Columbus Noor Academy. I believe that one good teacher can make a difference in their students' lives, and Columbus Noor Academy will make a positive impact in the Columbus community.

Omema Ibrahim

Ric Angelo M. Dagdagan is a licensed professional teacher from the Philippines with over six years of experience in elementary education. He holds a Bachelor of Elementary Education with a Certificate in Preschool Education, and has worked with a wide range of learners across different grade levels.

This year, he is excited to join Columbus Noor Mastery Academy as a STEAM and Social Studies teacher, where he looks forward to inspiring creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking in his students.

Mr. Dagdagan is known for his engaging teaching style, strong classroom management, and commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. His skills include lesson planning, hands-on learning, child development, and cross-curricular instruction.

Ric Angelo M. Dagdagan

Krizelle Tan, from the Philippines, holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Teaching, major in English. She has been recognized as Best Teacher of the Year for two consecutive years, a testament to her passion and excellence in teaching. Currently serving as the English Language Arts (ELA) teacher at Noor Academy, Ms. Tan is a dedicated elementary educator and a committed reading advocate. She creates a nurturing and engaging classroom environment that encourages proactive learning and inspires a love for reading and lifelong learning among her students.

Krizelle Tan

Saeed A Abokor. Majored in Economics and minored in philosophy at Tufts University. Teaching math at Columbus Noor. Committed to fostering a love for learning in students, creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment.

Saeed Abokor

Najma Abdullahi currently works as a math teacher at Columbus Noor Academy. She has previous experience teaching English and math to students in Somaliland and abroad. Najma graduated with a Bachelor in Business Administration, specializing in Information System and Operational Management.

Najma Abdullahi

We are hiring!

We are searching for passionate, driven founding team members.

Our mission is to develop all students for academic and life success, and our faculty is on the front lines. CNMA is designed to provide the system, training, and support you’ll need to thrive. What’s required of you is your mind, your tenacity, and your integrity.

Our founding team will be tasked with leading students through an active learning journey that meets children at their current level and then builds the foundation from which they can soar. Rather than worksheets and textbooks, our students learn from games, experiments, technology, and rigorous intellectual discussion that stimulate their enjoyment while challenging their brains. Instead of traditional grading, CNMA uses an expansive mastery tracking system that includes key life skills such as executive function, strategic thinking, and community building. At CNMA, the faculty inspire, emotionally develop, and bring out the type of higher-level thinking that students will need for lifetime success.

If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you!

Send the following application materials to CFAAS@noormastery.org, and we will be in touch with next steps:

  • Resume
  • Copies of all college transcripts (unofficial)
  • Three references with name, phone, email, and relationship to you