Our Story
Welcome to Rahmah House
As-salamu alaykum. I'm Farah — a Muslim-American mother of four, born and raised in Virginia.
Growing up in public schools, I remember an uncomfortable tension as I entered my teenage years. At times, my American and Muslim values aligned, and at other times, they were completely at odds. In high school, I secretly prayed Dhuhr in the library between classes. On Sundays, I attended Islamic school. if I showed up with nail polish on, I might get scolded by the teacher. I often felt a sense of never fully belonging in any space.
So when my own children reached school age, I learned that they faced many of the same challenges. I tried homeschooling, but my kids missed being in community with others and felt isolated.
I longed for a place where academic excellence and one's Muslim identity weren't in competition-- a place where the influences of growing up Muslim in America could be met with patience and empathy, not shame. And then, I stopped waiting for someone else to build it.
Rahmah House is in its founding stage. Long term, we envision a place where American Muslim youth can learn the way that education was meant to be - hands-on, interactive, and relatable; but for now, we're focused on building the community around existing curriculum.
If this resonates with you, we invite you to join us in this journey insha'Allah.
— Farah, Founder · Rahmah House
Farah, center with her husband and four children.
meet our team
Farah Salam Hottle, Founder
Sheima Sumer, Ed.S., Student Success & Wellness Advisor
Dr. Shaheed Coovadia PhD, Senior Advisor
Farah is a trainer, facilitator, and coach,with more than fifteen years of experience in corporate leadership and community building. She has delivered hundreds of trainings and workshops on topics ranging from Anti-Muslim Hate & Islamophobia to Empathy and Communication.
She was previously the the Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusi
Farah is a trainer, facilitator, and coach,with more than fifteen years of experience in corporate leadership and community building. She has delivered hundreds of trainings and workshops on topics ranging from Anti-Muslim Hate & Islamophobia to Empathy and Communication.
She was previously the the Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for a high-growth, $1.3 billion portfolio company, where she led dialogue and listening sessions during times of national crisis, creating spaces where people could think critically, engage respectfully, and build stronger relationships across differences.
Farah's passion for developing others began long before her professional career. From the age of 18, she taught Islamic Studies in Sunday school and later founded Aisha's Explorers, a girls' leadership and enrichment group for Muslim girls ages 9–13.
She graduated from the Honors College at Virginia Commonwealth University (B.A. Political Science) and completed post-graduate studies in Organization Development and Change at Penn State University.
Dr. Shaheed Coovadia PhD, Senior Advisor
Sheima Sumer, Ed.S., Student Success & Wellness Advisor
Dr. Shaheed Coovadia PhD, Senior Advisor
Dr. Shaheed Coovadia is an imam, resident scholar, professor, and experienced community leader with decades of service in Islamic education and religious leadership. He holds a Ph.D. in Modern Arabic Literature and a master’s degree in Arabic and Religious Literature from the University of Manchester, as well as a bachelor’s degree with
Dr. Shaheed Coovadia is an imam, resident scholar, professor, and experienced community leader with decades of service in Islamic education and religious leadership. He holds a Ph.D. in Modern Arabic Literature and a master’s degree in Arabic and Religious Literature from the University of Manchester, as well as a bachelor’s degree with honors in Arabic Linguistics and Islamic Studies from the Islamic University of Madinah.
Dr. Coovadia has taught Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Qur’anic Studies at numerous colleges, universities, and Islamic educational institutions. His experience includes curriculum development, teacher training, academic assessment, community education, and interfaith engagement. He previously served as Director and Imam of the Islamic Center of Virginia and has held leadership and scholarly roles within Muslim communities in Virginia and Kentucky.
As an advisor to Rahmah House, Dr. Coovadia provides guidance on Islamic Studies programming and helps ensure that its religious education remains grounded, thoughtful, and aligned with sound Islamic principles. He also serves as a trusted advisor on the broader spiritual vision and development of the Rahmah House community.
Sheima Sumer, Ed.S., Student Success & Wellness Advisor
Sheima Sumer, Ed.S., Student Success & Wellness Advisor
Sheima Sumer, Ed.S., Student Success & Wellness Advisor
Sheima Sumer is an educator, counselor, and author with over two decades of experience helping students thrive. She holds a master's degree in Counselor Education from the University of South Carolina (Educational Specialist/Ed.S.).
A lifelong high achiever herself, Sheima graduated as the salutatorian of her high school class and earned
Sheima Sumer is an educator, counselor, and author with over two decades of experience helping students thrive. She holds a master's degree in Counselor Education from the University of South Carolina (Educational Specialist/Ed.S.).
A lifelong high achiever herself, Sheima graduated as the salutatorian of her high school class and earned a full academic scholarship to pursue her undergraduate education. She has extensive experience in tutoring, academic advising, student mentoring, and social-emotional development, equipping students with the tools they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Sheima is also the author of "How to Be a Happy Muslim" and "The Basic Values of Islam," reflecting her passion for nurturing both emotional well-being and Islamic character. Her work integrates evidence-based counseling principles with an Islamic worldview to help young people develop resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose.
At Rahmah House, Sheima provides academic coaching and advising and social-emotional guidance. She works closely with students to identify their strengths, overcome challenges, build healthy learning habits, and flourish academically, emotionally, and spiritually.