Connection is fundamental to us a spiritual beings.  When we are connected, we operate at our full capacity, and love and generosity permeates in everything we do.

OUR TEAM

Board Members

  • Dr. Nadia Katrangi

    CHAIRPERSON

  • Ayesha Husain

    TREASURER

  • Shatha Barbour

    SECRETARY

  • Dr. Chafeek Tomeh

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Dr. Shair Ahmed

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Archie Aquino

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Imam Mendes

    ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

  • Sameena Basha

    ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

Meet Our Board



​Some scholars have the gift of communication, others have a penchant for the written word. Nadia has the rare combination of both gifts. Growing up in Syria with a deep Muslim faith, Nadia was always drawn to both her religious and academic studies. She has been mentored and trained for over twenty years and has received multiple certifications by renowned scholars in Damascus, Syria and professional experts in the United States. Her training in Islamic Sciences included The Biography of The Prophet Mohammad, Quranic Sciences and Interpretation, Islamic History, Islamic Jurisprudence and the Sciences of Hadith. Dr. Katrangi also received a certification of memorization and “tajweed” recitation (Ijaza) from Sheikh Al-Kurdi may God bless his soul. While studying medicine and eventually moving into a career in pathology, she found her academics and faith continue to cross paths. Nadia prides herself on finding beauty in the Quran, provoking thoughtful conversations and encouraging an open space for all who attend Good Tree retreats, classes or camps. The most rewarding thing she sees time and time again is when someone connects to themselves, those around them and to their Creator. "There is so much love in the Divine. When you live your life from that place, you have that on your side."

Dr. Nadia Katrangi, Chairperson



​​Ayesha has never met a problem she didn’t want to solve or a challenge she didn’t want to conquer. This mindset has served her well as an IT consultant who thrives in helping organizations solve technical programs, bring people together and set best practices. Growing up in a Muslim household without access to Islamic education, Ayesha was particularly inspired when she met the women of Good Tree before the nonprofit was officially established. She loved the rich discussions. She loved the introspections. And most of all, she loved the challenge of better understanding her faith and values while also honoring the language of the Quran. “We, as human beings, tend to focus on the mechanics of religion, and not the true source,” she says. “Focusing on the true source has helped me grow as a human, and to understand wholeheartedly our purpose as human beings.” Ayesha serves as a board member of Good Tree, guiding strategy and fundraising as the organization grows.

Ayesha Husain, Treasurer

​When Shatha moved to Phoenix, she found herself in the same shoes as many new Good Tree members today: longing for a sense of community and to deeper explore her faith. “I remember being completely blown away,” Shatha said of the first time she saw the early seedlings of Good Tree being formed. She had never seen so many female leaders discuss the Muslim faith in such a progressive way. It was a spirit her and her husband wanted to bring to their children. Born in Syria, Shatha was lucky to have a father who pushed her academically and spiritually to become the best woman she could be. Family dinners were filled with thoughtful dialogue. Shatha now holds a healthcare degree and later became an entrepreneur. In her spare time, she enjoys trying new types of workouts and hiking Arizona’s scenic mountains.

Shatha Barbour, Secretary

​Chafeek Tomeh is a Phoenix native Syrian-American Muslim. He left Phoenix after college to pursue his training in medicine. He completed training in head and neck surgical oncology and moved back to his native Phoenix to raise his family. After attending Good Tree events, he was inspired by Dr. Nadia’s ability to help bring the Quran to life in his personal life. As a part of the board, he has enjoyed the satisfaction in learning to implement the Quran and seeing others pursue the same goal.

Dr. Chafeek Tomeh, Board Member

​After earning a medical degree from the University of Arizona and training at Brown University and Emory University for Thoracic Surgery, Shair began his professional career and married life in Arizona. His father, a founding member of ICNEV, was always a role model for him when it came to serving the community. In following this path, Shair and his wife began their own journey, seeking to find a personal connection with Islam. After losing such an influential presence in his life when his father passed away it was not until he attended his first Good Tree retreat that he was able to find a way to truly reconnect with the Quran. “It’s amazing how the Quran provides guidance for every aspect of life, if you choose to open your mind and heart to it. Surahs you have read for years have new meaning when you're ready and open to acceptance.” Shair believes the Quran contains timeless guidance that can guide every difficulty, adversity, and obstacle we face. His involvement in Good Tree has invigorated a spirit within him to help others find a similar path.

Dr. Shair Ahmed, Board Member

Archie is a licensed professional counselor with 18 years of experience in community mental health, specializing in domestic violence counseling with 14 years working with Native American communities. He was born in the Philippines, was raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and has been in Arizona since 1995. He graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor of science degree, majoring in psychology, and a masters degree in counseling. He Joined Good Tree Camps as one of the camp Elders (AKA youth counselor) in 2018 and he has been an essential team member ever since.  He gives thanks to Allah (SWT) for continuing to put him in places where he has amazing opportunities to grow and help others in new ways. 

Archimedes (Archie) Aquino, Board Member

​​Imam Mendes is the Resident Scholar and Imam at the Muslim Center of Greater Princeton. He is a native Ohioan of Yoruba, Brazilian, and African-American ancestry and spent some of his formative years in Nigeria and Texas. He has a background of working with interfaith, Muslim, academic, permacultural, and peace-building institutions. He received a degree in Arabic Language and Cultural Studies from the Ohio State University, and has been trained for over two decades in the spiritual, scholastic, and aesthetic traditions of Muslim civilization. Adeyinka is particularly passionate about uplifting youth, empowering women, and inspiring African-Americans with knowledge of their spiritual and intellectual legacy to build a more compassionate world. He currently resides in New Jersey with his wife and children.

Imam Adeyinka Mendes, Advisory Board Member

​Years ago, Sameena found herself longing for a good teacher in the Muslim faith. She prayed for this gift when she embarked on Hajj. Shortly after she returned, she found her teacher in Dr. Nadia. At the time, Good Tree hadn’t been formed yet, but the practices, discussions and community building had already begun. Sameena immersed herself with Nadia and the other women and finally got what she prayed for. “I’m a starter. I love to start things,” Sameena says. Much of what Good Tree has become today was started by Sameena and the other founders. Today, Sameena lives in Detroit but remains active in Good Tree as a board member and still still flies in for workshops and other special activities. Sameena is an attorney, working mostly with nonprofits on issues related to corporate governance and cultivating resources. She’s also personally dedicated to revitalizing neighborhoods in her community.

Sameena Basha, Advisory Board Member​