Meet Our Team
CONTACT USLet’s launch their lifelong love of learning together. Contact us to visit Celebree School of Alexandria!
Let’s launch their lifelong love of learning together. Contact us to visit Celebree School of Alexandria!
Mohammad and Ayesha are the Owner-Operators of the Celebree School of Alexandria. Mohammad grew up in Northern Virginia and Ayesha grew up in Toronto, Canada. Ayesha moved down to Northern Virginia recently after completing her residency in internal medicine. They first met in 2017 at a friend’s wedding, where Mohammad feverishly attempted to get Ayesha’s phone number. Five years later, they are happily married and are expecting their first child later this year.
Mohammad is actively involved in all operations of the Celebree School of Alexandria and is committed to using the skills from his professional background to serve the families who live and work in the Alexandria community. Mohammad is a CPA and has over 8 years of experience in financial statement audits. Ayesha will continue her career as a primary care physician with the Virginia Hospital Center in Alexandria. Although you may not see her daily, she will be very involved behind the scenes helping with the school. They are both very excited to have the opportunity to provide the very best childhood education experience for students, while creating a true sense of community within the school.
In their free time, Mohammad and Ayesha enjoy finding new local restaurants to try, hanging out with family and friends, and spoiling their nephews.
Joshua Christian is the District Director of Celebree School of Alexandria. He brings a journey of serendipity and love for education that emerged from the diverse tapestry of his childhood. Hailing from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Joshua, a military child, gracefully navigated seven moves across states, shaping his resilience and adaptability. In the symphony of life, Joshua finds joy in engaging in competitive gym competitions, curating soulful music playlists to reflect his various moods, exploring new eateries across the DMV as a dedicated pescatarian, and savoring the wonders of travel. His roots trace back to the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Linguistics. An unexpected turn led him to an internship in teaching English as a second language, an experience so rewarding that it sparked a transformative shift in his career trajectory. Subsequently, he attended Johns Hopkins University to receive his Master’s degree. Fast forward six years, and Joshua is on the brink of obtaining his Doctoral degree from Grand Canyon University, a testament to his unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth.
Joshua’s journey in education began with teaching K-3 literacy, middle school science, and secondary mathematics. Evolving into various leadership roles, including Instructional Coach, Instructional Specialist, Assistant Principal, Interim Principal, and Regional STEM Achievement Manager, he credits his success to a growth mindset and a guiding motto: entering the classroom with a vision of fostering academic intellect, instilling character-building strategies through SEL, and promoting overall well-being. As Joshua approaches the culmination of his academic journey, he remains steadfast in his commitment to being a transformational leader, leaving an indelible mark on the world and the lives he touches within the Celebree School community.
“Wealth, if you use it, comes to an end; learning, if you use it, increases.” ~ Swahili proverb
Rakeisha Heckstall hails from the vibrant city of Richmond, VA, but her journey in education has taken her far beyond its borders. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, she ventured to New York, where she embraced the role of an International Baccalaureate (IB) teacher and residential advisor at an esteemed international boarding school.
Her passion for education and innate leadership qualities quickly propelled her into the role of a grade-level lead. Here, she discovered her true calling: crafting and implementing a comprehensive advisory curriculum that fostered social and emotional learning and championed inclusivity for all students. Her dedication to creating an environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued has left an indelible mark on the school community.
Ms. Heckstall’s dedication to education knows no bounds. Following her impactful tenure as an IB teacher in New York, she transitioned into a pivotal role as the founding Site Manager for Extended Learning. In this capacity, she played a crucial role in shaping and expanding the educational opportunities available to students beyond the traditional classroom setting. Her commitment to education and business acumen came together when she assumed the role of Business Operations lead. In this capacity, she co-ran a charter elementary school in Southeast Washington, DC, demonstrating her ability to balance the operational aspects of the school with her dedication to fostering a nurturing and enriching learning environment for all students. Ms. Heckstall’s multifaceted contributions to education exemplify her visionary leadership and unwavering passion for creating positive change. Whether pioneering extended learning initiatives or spearheading the operational aspects of a school, her impact resonates deeply within the communities she serves, leaving an enduring legacy of educational excellence and empowerment.