Connection is at the heart of everything we do, guiding our work with love, generosity, and purpose.
Our Board
Dr. Nadia Katrangi, Chairwoman
Some scholars have the gift of communication, others excel in the written word. Nadia has the rare combination of both. Growing up in Syria with a deep Muslim faith, she 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 from renowned scholars in Damascus, Syria, and professional experts in the United States.
Her training in Islamic Sciences includes the Biography of the Prophet Muhammad, 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).
Nadia prides herself on finding beauty in the Quran, provoking thoughtful conversations, and creating an open space for all who attend Good Tree retreats, classes, or camps. The most rewarding thing she sees time and again is when someone connects with themselves, those around them, and their Creator. “There is so much love in the Divine. When you live your life from that place, you have that on your side.”
Imam Adeyinka Mendes, Advisory Board Member
Imam Mendes is the Resident Scholar and Imam at the Muslim Center of Greater Princeton. A native Ohioan of Yoruba, Brazilian, and African-American ancestry, he spent part of his formative years in Nigeria and Texas. He has worked with interfaith, Muslim, academic, permacultural, and peace-building institutions.
He earned a degree in Arabic Language and Cultural Studies from 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.
Shatha Barbour, Secretary
When Shatha moved to Phoenix, she found herself in the same shoes as many new Good Tree members today: longing for community and a deeper exploration of her faith. “I remember being completely blown away,” Shatha recalled, describing 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 she and her husband wanted to share with their children.
Born in Syria, Shatha was fortunate to have a father who encouraged 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 workouts and hiking Arizona’s scenic mountains.
Ayesha Husain, Treasurer
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, where she 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 deepening her understanding of faith and values while 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.
Dr. Chafeek Tomeh, Board Member
Chafeek Tomeh is a Phoenix-native, Syrian-American Muslim. He left Phoenix after college to pursue medical training, completing a specialization in head and neck surgical oncology, before returning to his hometown to raise his family.
After attending Good Tree events, he was inspired by Dr. Nadia’s ability to bring the Quran to life in his personal life. As a board member, he has found great satisfaction in applying the Quran in his own life and supporting others in pursuing the same goal.
Dr. Shair Ahmed, Board Member
After earning a medical degree from the University of Arizona and completing training in Thoracic Surgery at Brown University and Emory University, Shair began his professional and married life in Arizona. His father, a founding member of ICNEV, was a role model in community service. Following this path, Shair and his wife began their own journey to find a personal connection with Islam.
After losing his father, it was not until attending his first Good Tree retreat that he truly reconnected 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 for every difficulty, adversity, and obstacle. His involvement with Good Tree has inspired him to help others find a similar path of spiritual connection and growth.
Archimedes (Archie) Aquino, Board Member
Archie is a licensed professional counselor with 18 years of experience in community mental health, specializing in domestic violence counseling, including 14 years working with Native American communities. Born in the Philippines and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, he has been living in Arizona since 1995.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Arizona State University. Archie joined Good Tree Camps in 2018 as one of the camp Elders (youth counselors) and has been an essential team member ever since. He is grateful to Allah (SWT) for placing him in opportunities to grow and help others in meaningful ways.
Sameena Basha, Advisory Board Member
Years ago, Sameena found herself longing for a good teacher in the Muslim faith. She prayed for this guidance while on Hajj, and shortly after returning, she found her teacher in Dr. Nadia. At that time, Good Tree hadn’t yet been formally established, but the practices, discussions, and community-building had already begun. Sameena immersed herself with Nadia and the other women, finally receiving what she had 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, flying in for workshops and other special activities. She is an attorney, working mostly with nonprofits on corporate governance and resource cultivation, and is personally dedicated to revitalizing neighborhoods in her community.