Our Team

[cs_content _p=’4690′][cs_element_section _id=”1″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”2″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”3″ ][cs_text _bp_base=”4_4″]Click on each photo to read bios.[/cs_text][cs_element_headline _id=”5″ ][cs_content_seo]STAFF\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][cs_element_section _id=”6″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”7″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”8″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”9″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”10″ ][x_feature_box title=”Ari Agha, Ph.D, Development Officer” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”4992:medium” graphic_image_alt_text=”Leah Spelman, MPH” ]Ari (they/them) has worked in human services for over 15 years, focusing on fundraising, grantmaking, research/evaluation, and knowledge mobilization in non-profit organizations, government, think tanks, and academia. Their work focuses on reducing harm and enhancing psychosocial well-being for marginalized populations across various contexts. Most recently they worked in Affordable Housing and Preventative Social Programs with the City of Calgary and previously with the Vera Institute of Justice in Washington, DC. Ari has a Ph.D. in Sociology from Penn State University.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”12″ ][cs_content_seo]Ari Agha, Ph.DDevelopment Officer\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column_2][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”13″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”14″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”15″ ][x_feature_box title=”Mariana Alvarado, Survivors of Torture (SOT) Spanish Bilingual Case Manager” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”5237:medium” graphic_image_alt_text=”Biruktawit Bekele, LL.M. ” ]Mariana Alvarado is a Bilingual Case Manager at PTR. Prior to joining PTR, Mariana worked alongside their LGBTQIA+ Bay Area community as Clinical Case Manager. Mariana earned a BA in Interaction Design from California College of the Arts, where they worked for a decade at the intersections of technology and healthcare, education, and local government in small and large organizations. Mariana deeply cares about people, their stories, dreams, and joy. In their free time, Mariana enjoys pottery, eating, tending the garden, and finding hope in non-capitalist work.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_text _id=”17″ ][cs_content_seo]Mariana Alvarado
Case Manager\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”18″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”19″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”20″ ][x_feature_box title=”Aaruba Ayesha, APCC, Trauma Therapist” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”5203:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Biruktawit Bekele, LL.M. ” ]Aaruba Ayesha is a Trauma Therapist with PTR and has experience serving refugees, asylum seekers and survivors of torture. Her passion for working with these communities stems from experiences both locally and abroad. Beginning with volunteering with a local organization in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area, she then had the opportunity to work with the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. During her graduate school training, she completed an internship with Boston Medical Center’s Center for Refugee Health & Human Rights, a fellow member of the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Providers (NCTTP). These experiences shaped her desire to integrate inclusivity within the field while using a global approach to destigmatize mental health in migrant communities. Aaruba holds an MA in Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine from Boston University and is currently working towards her licensure. She is a native Bengali speaker and in her free time, is hopeful to continue improving her Spanish skills.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_text _id=”22″ ][cs_content_seo]Aaruba Ayesha, APCC Trauma Therapist\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”23″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”24″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”25″ ][x_feature_box title=”Biruktawit Bekele, LL.M., Director of Development and Operations” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”4405:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Biruktawit Bekele, LL.M. ” ]Biruktawit Bekele is a Human Rights Law professional with more than five years of experience working in women protection and empowerment programs in Europe and Africa. Ms. Bekele has firsthand experience working in the field with refugees from more than 7 African countries by delivering gender-based violence prevention and response interventions, and providing capacity-building trainings to multiple partner organizations. Ms. Bekele also worked at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Tanzania where she was able to conduct legal research and counsel on cases. After migrating to the United States, Ms. Bekele continued working with vulnerable populations, with the International Rescue Committee, assisting refugees and asylum seekers with adjusting to their new life in the United States. Ms. Bekele earned an International Law degree from Haramaya University, Master of Advanced Studies degree in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights from the Geneva Academy and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, with a special focus on refugee law, human rights law and humanitarian law, and a postgraduate certificate in Humanitarian Operations Programs from Oxford Brookes University. Ms. Bekele is an immigrant and a native Amharic speaker.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”27″ ][cs_content_seo]Biruktawit Bekele, LL.M.
Director of Development and Operations\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”28″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”29″ ][x_feature_box title=”Amy Berlin, MD Consulting Psychiatrist” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”2610:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Amy Berlin, MD” ]Amy Berlin, MD is a psychiatrist in private practice in San Francisco and Berkeley. Her clinical practice includes psychoanalytic psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. She enjoys working with trauma and dissociation, and consulting with pregnant and post-partum women considering psychiatric pharmacotherapy, as well as working with new parents. She particularly enjoys collaborating with like-minded colleagues in a team- based approach to split treatment. Prior to entering private practice, she was on the faculty at UCSF, where she supervised psychiatry residents and served as the staff psychiatrist at the University of California Center on Deafness. Amy also has a background in health informatics, and has consulted to behavioral health providers and technology vendors. She previously served as the Secretary-Treasurer of HealthShare Bay Area, a Bay Area-wide community health information exchange. Dr. Berlin has a B.A. in French Literature from Cornell University. She attended medical school and completed her psychiatry residency at UCSF.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”31″ ][cs_content_seo]Amy Berlin, MD Psychiatrist\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”32″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”33″ ][x_feature_box title=”Kevin Cheng, Junior Salesforce Administrator” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”5343:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Kevin Cheng” ]Kevin is a Jr Salesforce Administrator. He is a self-taught programmer, data analyst and former researcher. Kevin holds a BS from Cornell University in Biological Sciences. He is a devoted cat dad and avid bicyclist.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”35″ ][cs_content_seo]Kevin Cheng
Junior Salesforce Administrator\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”36″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”37″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”38″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”39″ ][x_feature_box title=”Valeria Gonzalez, Clinical Coordinator” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”5291:medium” graphic_image_alt_text=”Leah Weinzimer, MSW Clinical Manager” ]Valeria has over 10 years of diverse experiences working in sectors such as mental health peer support, early childhood education, personal injury law, food justice, social services for undocumented Latin-American immigrants and first-generation college students. Since the age of seventeen Valeria has been passionate about empowering others in her community and was involved in grassroots community organizing for immigrant and workers’ rights among other causes. She is fluent in Spanish and has experience offering interpretation services at legal clinics and events. She is committed to supporting people during their healing journeys by providing trauma-informed, linguistically and culturally to accessible mental health services. She holds a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Sociology with a specialization in Cultures and Communities. In her downtime, she loves spending time with her three furry companions, enjoys gardening, attending concerts, reading novels, and trying out new vegan restaurants.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”41″ ][cs_content_seo]Valeria Gonzalez
Clinical Coordinator\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column_2][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”42″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”43″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”44″ ][x_feature_box title=”Melanie Liu, HR Generalist” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”5450:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Melanie Liu, HR Generalist” ]Melanie Liu is an HR Generalist and certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach with a passion for creating healthy and engaging workplaces. With experience in HR operations and HRIS systems, she focuses on optimizing employee experience and organizational efficiency. She is dedicated to integrating wellness into the workplace, supporting initiatives that enhance employee well-being, engagement, and productivity. Combining her HR expertise with a holistic approach to health, she helps foster a positive and supportive work environment. Outside of work, she enjoys cycling, yoga, and painting.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_text _id=”46″ ][cs_content_seo]Melanie LiuHR Generalist\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”47″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”48″ ][x_feature_box title=”Sandra Lopez, Grant Reporting Manager” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”3651:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Leah Spelman, MPH” ]Sandra Lopez brings organizational and capacity-building knowledge to the PTR team. Her prior work as a grants technician and program assistant for anti-poverty programs coordinated partnerships between various nonprofits and the local government in Billings, Montana. Ms. Lopez has volunteered with refugee resettlement agencies in assisting with cultural orientation, and worked with El Centro Humanitario para Los Trabajadores in Denver to advance domestic and day labor worker rights. She obtained a MA in International Human Rights from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver, and a BA in Political Science with an emphasis on International Affairs from the University of California, Riverside. Ms. Lopez comes from a large Mexican family and speaks fluent Spanish.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”50″ ][cs_content_seo]Sandra Lopez, MA Grant Reporting Manager\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”51″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”52″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”53″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”54″ ][x_feature_box title=”Jessica Lopez-Morales Interpreter Program Manager” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”4095:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Leah Weinzimer, MSW Clinical Manager” ]Jessica was born and raised in the Bay Area. Her parents were undocumented, and so from an early age, she began to partner with organizations whose mission was to further immigrant justice. Prior to joining PTR, Jessica worked as a freelance interpreter, providing services to asylum seekers at their affirmative asylum interviews at the San Francisco Asylum Office. She also worked at East Bay Sanctuary Covenant as Psychological Evaluations Coordinator, and a Refugee Rights Advocate and Paralegal. Here she assisted asylum seekers and U Visa holders with a range of immigration legal services, and coordinated psychological evaluations for clients with partner Bay Area agencies and psychologists. Jessica brings the unique perspective of an experienced interpreter and native Spanish speaker. Her role is to support interpreters in their professional and personal development as they bear witness to the stories and healing journeys of the people PTR serves. Jessica holds a BA in Sociology, with an emphasis on race relations, and a Latin American studies minor, from Mills College.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_text _id=”56″ ][cs_content_seo]Jessica Lopez-Morales
Interpreter Program Manager\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”57″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”58″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”59″ ][x_feature_box title=”Jeanine Mangabu, African Communities Wellbeing Coordinator” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”150px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”5218:full” ]Jeanine Mangabu is an M.D. and Public Health Specialist with a diverse background in medical practice, public health research, health education, and health advocacy. Her career has been dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes across various communities. Her work spans multiple countries and healthcare settings, reflecting her commitment to fostering a global understanding of health issues. She holds an M.S. in Integrated Management of Health Risks from the University of Liege, Belgium, and an M.D. from the University of Kinshasa, D.R. Congo. Dr. Mangabu is fluent in French, Swahili, Lingala, and Tshiluba.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_text _id=”61″ ][cs_content_seo]Jeanine MangabuAfrican Communities Program Wellbeing Coordinator\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”62″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”63″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”64″ ][x_feature_box title=”Penélope Mato Vilar, MA, LMFT Counseling Program Manager” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”3216:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Annika Sridharan, MSW, Psy.D Founder, Clinical and Training Director” ]Penélope Mato Vilar is a Marriage and Family Therapist with international experience in organizational development and counseling psychology in Venezuela, Spain and the United States. Ms. Mato Vilar was a consultant and trainer at the Institute for Social and Organizational Innovation in Barcelona, and also worked as a teacher and mentor for migrants arriving in Europe from Africa and the Middle East. She has worked with Latin American immigrant families and children as a mental health specialist at the Instituto Familiar de la Raza in San Francisco. Ms. Mato Vilar obtained a MA in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, and a Master of Psychology from the University of Barcelona. She also has a Postgraduate Diploma in Organizational Development Consulting from the University of Barcelona, and a BA in Industrial Relations from the Andrés Bello Catholic University in Caracas, Venezuela. Ms. Mato Vilar is a native Spanish speaker.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_text _id=”66″ ][cs_content_seo]Penélope Mato Vilar, MA, LMFT Counseling Program Manager\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”67″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”68″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”69″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”70″ ][x_feature_box title=”Gianina Pellegrini, Ph.D – Executive Director” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”3002:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Annika Sridharan, MSW, Psy.D Founder, Clinical and Training Director” ]As an independent researcher and consultant, Dr. Gianina Pellegrini’s work has primarily focused on violence against women, sexual gender-based violence, and women’s involvement in conflict resolution, post-conflict redevelopment, and reconciliation. Her work reflects her deep commitment to defending human rights and social justice, supporting survivors of violence and trauma, and providing direct service to protect and empower women and children affected by war and violent conflict. For over a decade, Dr. Pellegrini has dedicated herself to providing holistic, comprehensive support and care management to individuals and families with complex needs in the San Francisco Bay Area. She also has experience working, volunteering, and conducting research internationally. Dr. Pellegrini holds a Ph.D. in psychology, with a specialization in Transformative Social Change and a certificate in Peace and Conflict Resolution, from Saybrook University. She also holds a certificate in International Conflict Management from the International Peace and Security Institute. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict, and Violence (American Psychological Association’s Division 48), where she chairs a Women, Peace, and Security working group. Dr. Pellegrini is a member of Psychologists for Social Responsibility and the Peace and Justice Studies Association. In addition to serving as PTR’s Development Coordinator, she is also a faculty member at Saybrook University.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_text _id=”72″ ][cs_content_seo]Gianina Pellegrini, Ph.D Executive Director\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”73″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”74″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”75″ ][x_feature_box title=”Salomé Ragot, HRC Coordinator” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”5197:medium” graphic_image_alt_text=”Leah Spelman, MPH” ]Salomé joins PTR with experience working in immigration advocacy and refugee rights. She previously worked at Catholic Charities of San Francisco, assisting asylum-seekers in deportation proceedings, and at Freedom for Immigrants, supporting detained immigrants suffering from medical issues. Most recently, Salomé worked in Egypt at St Andrews Refugee Services, where she interviewed refugees to assess their protection and resettlement needs. She is excited to return to the Bay Area to provide care and support to patients at the Human Rights Clinic. Salomé holds a BA in Spanish and Global Studies, with an emphasis on Peace & Conflict, from UC Berkeley. She is French, grew up in Oakland, and speaks French and Spanish.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_text _id=”77″ ][cs_content_seo]Salomé Ragot HRC Clinical Coordinator\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”78″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”79″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”80″ ][x_feature_box title=”Mariyam-Ifteam Rufael, MA African Communities Mental Health Specialist” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”4519:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Leah Spelman, MPH” ]Ms. Rufael is an Eritrean immigrant, trained in the Therapist in Residence Program through the Association of Black Psychologists. She is dedicated to working with people of color utilizing the tools of Black Psychology to help people on their journey of self discovery and healing. She has a passion for educating communities about optimal mental health and empowerment. Ms. Rufael works with clients to better understand systems of oppression, how those systems negatively impact mental health and how to navigate those systems. She has worked with the immigrant transitional age youth (TAY) population, and is also committed to working with families and doing individual sessions with adults of various backgrounds.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_text _id=”82″ ][cs_content_seo]Mariyam-Ifteam Rufael, MA African Communities Mental Health Specialist\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”83″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”84″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”85″ ][x_feature_box title=”Larisa Sajous, Psychosocial Care Program Manager” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”4986:full” ]Larissa has an extensive background in customer relations, case processing, and policy interpretation from her experience with the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service. She has also worked as Social Services Director at Excell Health Care Center in Oakland to identify barriers related to employment, substance abuse, and mental health. Larissa holds a BA in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley, and is fluent in Haitian Creole, French, and English. Larissa is a proud Haitian who understands the complexities and challenges of emigration and the acculturation journey on foreign soil. With her skills, she wishes to incorporate empathy, relatability, and resourcefulness to empower her community. [/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”87″ ][cs_content_seo]Larissa Sajous
Psychosocial Care Program Manager\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”88″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”89″ ][x_feature_box title=”Jason Straussman, LCSW Trauma Therapist” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”150px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”hsl(0, 63%, 49%)” align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”4974:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Jason Straussman” ]Jason Straussman is Licensed Clinical Social Work who has been working in the field of trauma for over five years. His background includes supporting refugees and immigrants in Chicago, where he received his social work degree. His prior experience also includes global development work in India, Indonesia, and Central America. Jason uses a culturally humble framework and believes in the fundamental power of healing that exists in each person. Jason completed a clinical fellowship at UC Berkeley and supported students who are parents, as well as their family members. Jason has been involved in youth homeless advocacy in Oakland with Youth Spirit Art Works and has worked as a school counselor at multiple sites in the Greater Chicago Area. When he’s not at work you’ll find Jason biking and hiking around the Bay, playing music, and trying new vegan recipes.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”91″ ][cs_content_seo]Jason Straussman, LCSW
Trauma Therapist\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”92″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”93″ ][x_feature_box title=”Sonya Svoboda, Clinical Director” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”5167:thumbnail” graphic_image_alt_text=”Sonya Svoboda” ]Sonya Svoboda has over 14 years of experience working as a clinician with refugees, asylum seekers, and unaccompanied refugee minors, as well as other trauma-affected populations in the United States. Her work encompasses providing therapy through various somatic, art-based, and psychodynamic modalities and mentoring, training, and supervision to clinical staff. In addition, Sonya has provided consultation and training to programs working with war-affected populations in Afghanistan and Ethiopia and community-based providers working with refugee populations in the United States. She is a passionate advocate for staff well-being and mentoring the next generation of clinicians and leaders while maintaining expertise in trauma-focused supervision, clinical care, and program management. Sonya has a Masters in Social Work from the University of Washington and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. [/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”95″ ][cs_content_seo]Sonya Svoboda
Clinical Director\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”96″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”97″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”98″ ][x_feature_box title=”Tizita Tekletsadik, LLB, MA African Communities Program Manager” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”3679:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Leah Spelman, MPH” ]Tizita Tekletsadik has worked for the past decade in women’s empowerment, gender and child protection, and community wellbeing in both emergency and refugee settings in the Horn of Africa. Ms. Tekletsadik led the IRC’s Community Wellbeing Initiative (CWI) program in Ethiopia, supporting refugee women and girls from throughout Africa in refugee camps around the country. She provided technical support and training for national and refugee staff conducting case management for survivors of gender-based violence and helping empower women and girls. Ms. Tekletsadik oversaw an adolescent girls’ multi-country program within IRC’s CWI involving refugee and host communities, and co-facilitated training with the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT). She also authored a book entitled “Violence beyond Control in the 21st Century” about Ethiopian domestic workers in the Middle East. Ms. Tekletsadik obtained a Masters in Gender Studies from the School of Development, and an LLB from the Law Faculty at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. She is a native Amharic speaker.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”100″ ][cs_content_seo]Tizita Tekletsadik, LLB, MA African Communities Program Manager\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”101″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”102″ ][x_feature_box title=”Fresnia Vu, Administrative Assistant” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”5453:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Fresnia Vu” ]Fresnia Vu is an Administrative Assistant at PTR. With over a decade of experience supporting nonprofit organizations, she has a strong commitment to serving communities in the areas of mental health and wellness. She thrives in roles that create a meaningful impact. She is currently pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration/Management at San Francisco State University. Outside of work and studies, she finds joy in exploring new destinations, taking long scenic walks, and immersing herself in different cultures through travel.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”104″ ][cs_content_seo]Fresnia VuAdministrative Assistant\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”105″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”106″ ][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”107″ ][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”108″ ][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][cs_element_section _id=”109″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”110″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”111″ ][x_gap size=”30px”][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][cs_element_section _id=”113″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”114″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”115″ ][cs_element_text _id=”116″ ][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][cs_element_section _id=”117″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”118″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”119″ ][x_gap size=”30px”][x_gap size=”30px”][cs_element_headline _id=”122″ ][cs_content_seo]REFUGEE VOICES INTERPRETER TEAM\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][cs_element_section _id=”123″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”124″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”125″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”126″ ][x_image type=”none” src=”253:full” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_text _id=”128″ ][cs_content_seo]Faten Kamel Arabic Interpreter\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”129″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”130″ ][x_image type=”none” src=”253:full” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_text _id=”132″ ][cs_content_seo]Hoi Lam Chung (Karena) Cantonese, Mandarin Interpreter\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”133″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”134″ ][x_image type=”none” src=”253:full” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_text _id=”136″ ][cs_content_seo]Enieh Yazdanpanah Farsi & Dari (Persian) Interpreter\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”137″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”138″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”139″ ][x_image type=”none” src=”253:full” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_text _id=”141″ ][cs_content_seo]Mouneissa French Interpreter\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”142″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”143″ ][x_image type=”none” src=”253:full” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_text _id=”145″ ][cs_content_seo]Issiaka Dembele French Interpreter\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”146″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”147″ ][x_image type=”none” src=”253:full” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_text _id=”149″ ][cs_content_seo]Alta Bayanjargal Mongolian Interpreter\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”150″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”151″ ][x_image type=”none” src=”253:full” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][cs_element_text _id=”153″ ][cs_content_seo]Myriam Da Silva French, Spanish, Portugese Interpreter\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”154″ ][x_image type=”none” src=”253:full” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][cs_element_text _id=”156″ ][cs_content_seo]Robin Nazarian Spanish, Portugese & French Interpreter\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”157″ ][x_image type=”none” src=”253:full” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][cs_element_text _id=”159″ ][cs_content_seo]Cristina Ceballos Spanish Interpreter\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”160″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”161″ ][x_image type=”none” src=”253:full” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][cs_element_text _id=”163″ ][cs_content_seo]Dalia Lizbeth Nava Jacobo Spanish Interpreter\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”164″ ][x_image type=”none” src=”253:full” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][cs_element_text _id=”166″ ][cs_content_seo]Gisslle Perez-Leon Spanish Interpreter\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”167″ ][x_image type=”none” src=”253:full” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][cs_element_text _id=”169″ ][cs_content_seo]Joanna Oyarzabal Spanish Interpreter\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”170″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”171″ ][x_image type=”none” src=”253:full” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][cs_element_text _id=”173″ ][cs_content_seo]Yanett Kenney Spanish Interpreter\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”174″ ][x_image type=”none” src=”253:full” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][cs_element_text _id=”176″ ][cs_content_seo]Yolando Romo
Spanish Interpreter\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”177″ ][x_image type=”none” src=”253:full” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][cs_element_text _id=”179″ ][cs_content_seo]Eugnia Arbol Spanish Interpreter\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”180″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”181″ ][x_image type=”none” src=”253:full” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][cs_element_text _id=”183″ ][cs_content_seo]Aidan Muñoz-Christian Spanish Interpreter\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”184″ ][x_image type=”none” src=”253:full” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][cs_element_text _id=”186″ ][cs_content_seo]Irene Spanish Interpreter\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”187″ ][x_image type=”none” src=”253:full” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][cs_element_text _id=”189″ ][cs_content_seo]Kisanet Tekie Tigrinya, Italian Interpreter\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”190″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”191″ ][x_image type=”none” src=”253:full” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][cs_element_text _id=”193″ ][cs_content_seo]Tsgereda A. Syoum Tigrinya Interpreter\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”194″ ][cs_element_text _id=”195″ ][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”196″ ][cs_element_text _id=”197″ ][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][cs_element_section _id=”198″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”199″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”200″ ][x_gap size=”30px”][cs_element_headline _id=”202″ ][cs_content_seo]BOARD OF DIRECTORS\n\n[/cs_content_seo][cs_text _bp_base=”4_4″]Apply to join our Board of Directors[/cs_text][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][cs_element_section _id=”204″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”205″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”206″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”207″ ][x_feature_box title=” Joseph Asunka – CEO, Afrobarometer” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”3652:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Leah Spelman, MPH” ]Mr. Asunka brings his experience in policy advocacy and international development in the international arena. He manages a portfolio of grants that support efforts to increase transparency and accountability in fiscal governance and foster citizen participation to improve the quality and availability of public services in Africa. Before joining the foundation, Mr. Asunka was a lecturer in political science at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he taught courses on African politics, political economy of development, research methods, and data analysis. Prior to that, he was program officer at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development, a governance research and advocacy think tank based in Accra. Mr. Asunka’s research interests are in distributive politics, elections, civic engagement and government responsiveness, and migration. He has published in journals such as the British Journal of Political Science, Research & Politics, Journal of Modern African Studies, Social Science & Medicine, and Population Research and Policy Review. Born in Ghana, he holds a Ph.D. in political science from UCLA.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”209″ ][cs_content_seo]Joseph Asunka, Ph.D
CEO, Afrobarometer\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”210″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”211″ ][x_feature_box title=”Gauri Bhardwaj Board Treasurer, Director of Operations at Toronado Capital Management” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”5187:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Annika Sridharan, MSW, Psy.D Founder, Clinical and Training Director” ]Gauri brings over 15 years of professional experience in financial operations and trading to PTR. She currently serves as the Director of Operations at Toronado Capital Management, a hedge fund investing in a concentrated portfolio of leading technology-enabled businesses in San Francisco. Previously she was a trader at Palo Alto Investors LP, a healthcare-focused hedge fund in Palo Alto. Prior to this, she held various roles in trading and operations at Wellington Management Company LLP, a large institutional asset manager in Boston. One of her deepest passions is exploring the world to learn about international cultures and cuisines. This love has brought her to 20 countries thus far and counting. She also has a deep passion for helping underserved communities, and previously served on the board of Breakthrough Greater Boston (BTGB), an organization transforming urban education for students and teachers through six years of intensive, tuition-free programming outside the classroom. Gauri graduated from Boston University with a degree in finance and marketing and a MBA in finance and strategy.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”213″ ][cs_content_seo]Gauri Bhardwaj, MBA PTR Board Chair
Director of Operations at Toronado Capital Management\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”214″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”215″ ][x_feature_box title=”Cathy Chen, MPH Co-Chair Director, Medicare Strategy and Operations, Kaiser Permanente” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”4335:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Leah Spelman, MPH” ]Cathy brings to Partnerships for Trauma Recovery her years of experience in healthcare, business management, and strategy. She is the currently the Director, Medi-Cal Strategy and Operations at Kaiser Permanente. Her diverse healthcare career includes improving care for vulnerable populations, elder care technology innovation, strategic planning, analytics, and medical group administration. She has served on Boards of several non profit community health clinics, and a non-profit trilingual pre-school. Through these experiences, she brings compassion, empathy, and commitment to her work. Her love of travel has brought her to more than 30 countries appreciating the various cultures, people, and landscapes. Cathy has a MPH in health policy and management from Yale University and holds a BS in Business Management and Applied Mathematics (Operations Research) from Carnegie Mellon University.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”217″ ][cs_content_seo]Cathy Chen, MPHRegional Director, Continuum of Care, Kaiser Permanente\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”218″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”219″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”220″ ][x_feature_box title=”Alex Cook, Senior Director of Product Management” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”5172:thumbnail” ]Alex Cook has served on the PTR Board of Directors since November 2023 and is currently a Senior Director of Product Management with a Series C technology Company in Silicon Valley. Alex brings with him years of success in leading development and launch of high-impact technology and digital consumer experiences as well as years of Finance and strategic development experience. Alex is passionate about mental health and social justice causes and has served on several nonprofit boards, including environmental, arts and LGBTQ-focused organizations. He believes strongly in the enrichment, development and support of the refugee community and supports deliberate investment in diverse communities of the Bay Area, and beyond. Alex graduated from Dartmouth and outside of work enjoys the art, food and social scenes of San Francisco.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”222″ ][cs_content_seo]Alex Cook
PTR Board Treasurer
Senior Director of Product Management\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”223″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”224″ ][x_feature_box title=”Julianne Orr, Esq.” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”5194:thumbnail” graphic_image_alt_text=”Julianne Orr” ]Julianne brings to Partnerships for Trauma Recovery her varied background in supply chain and operations, finance, policy work, and experience navigating complicated regulatory landscapes. She currently practices law at Cooley LLP focusing on general corporate and securities law, with an emphasis on representation of emerging companies and venture capital funds. Julianne provides a variety of pro bono services in her practice, but is especially passionate about immigration and asylum work. Julianne holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”226″ ][cs_content_seo]Julianne Orr, Esq.
PTR Board Secretary
Law Practitioner, Cooley LLP.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”227″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”228″ ][x_feature_box title=”Stephanie Wu, Operations Expert” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”5027:medium” graphic_image_alt_text=”Annika Sridharan, MSW, Psy.D Founder, Clinical and Training Director” ]Stephanie Wu brings a background in operations, learning & development, product design, and management. Her diverse career includes co-founding a renewable energies non-profit based in Malawi, Africa, designing user experiences at Pastel, Hover and Fireside, managing the Global Learning Design team at Tesla, and caseworking for a Member of Parliament. She has volunteered, mentored, and/or fundraised for organizations like Amor Ministries, Youth Entrepreneurs at Haas, Alpha Chi Omega, and Emergency Design Collective. Stephanie graduated from University of California, Berkeley, with B.A. degrees in Mass Communications and Interdisciplinary Studies, and a minor in Public Policy. She was a Hansard Society Scholar at London School of Economics (LSE). Aside from her work, she is an amateur ceramicist and casual gravel biker, and can speak Mandarin and French conversationally.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”230″ ][cs_content_seo]Stephanie Wu
Operations Expert
\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”231″ ][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][cs_element_section _id=”232″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”233″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”234″ ][x_gap size=”30px”][cs_element_headline _id=”236″ ][cs_content_seo]ADVISORY BOARD\n\n[/cs_content_seo][cs_text _bp_base=”4_4″][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][cs_element_section _id=”238″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”239″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”240″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”241″ ][x_feature_box title=”Nahid Fattahi Research Associate at Kaiser Permanente Division of Research” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”616:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Leah Spelman, MPH” ]Ms. Fattahi is a Marketing Consultant at Kaiser and a psychology/marriage and family therapist graduate student at Santa Clara University. Her recent research on the correlation between diet and sleep patterns with Dr. Kroth at Santa Clara University was accepted and presented at the 2015 Western Psychological Association Conference. Ms. Fattahi is a human rights activist, writer, active blogger and published poet. A former Afghan refugee herself, with a deep concern for humanitarian and social issues, she brings her first-hand knowledge to refugee and migration issues, mental health, and the long-term effects of armed conflict on refugees’ mental and physical health. She recently applied this passion, along with her language and cultural skills, to independently volunteer in Lesvos, Greece to help address the refugee crisis in Europe. She subsequently conducted community outreach back in the Bay Area to continue to raise awareness of the plight of this population. She speaks Farsi, Dari, Hindi and Urdu.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”243″ ][cs_content_seo]Nahid Fattahi Research Associate at Kaiser Permanente Division of Research\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”244″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”245″ ][x_feature_box title=”Tara Ghassemikia Strategy and Implementation Consultant” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”4504:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Tara provides strategic advisory and advocacy planning for PTR. She has a similar passion as PTR for mental health advocacy, refugee rights, and empathetic community-based care. Her background is in advisory and technical assistance to government agencies, foundations, and non-profit organizations focused on health and social services. Previously, Tara's work spanned across over a dozen countries in East Africa, West Africa, and South Asia. Currently, she is a Harvard Fellow for the Government Performance Lab working on implementing systemic change locally for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.” ]Tara provides strategic advisory and advocacy planning for PTR. She has a similar passion as PTR for mental health advocacy, refugee rights, and empathetic community-based care. Her background is in advisory and technical assistance to government agencies, foundations, and non-profit organizations focused on health and social services. Previously, Tara’s work spanned across over a dozen countries in East Africa, West Africa, and South Asia. Currently, she is a Harvard Fellow for the Government Performance Lab working on implementing systemic change locally for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”247″ ][cs_content_seo]Tara Ghassemikia Strategy and Implementation Consultant\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”248″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”249″ ][x_feature_box title=”Caroline Powell Donelan Partner, Labor & Employment, Blank Rome” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”3734:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Leah Weinzimer, MSW Clinical Manager” ]Ms. Donelan is a Partner in Labor & Employment at Blank Rome. She is passionate about children’s rights and focuses her pro bono practice entirely on initiatives directed towards serving children and their families. In her work with PTR, she helps navigate the complex legal and operational issues all employers in California face so that PTR can better focus on its core mission: to address the psychosocial impacts of trauma caused by war, torture, forced displacement, and persecution due to identity and beliefs.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”251″ ][cs_content_seo]Caroline Powell Donelan Partner, Labor & Employment, Blank Rome\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”252″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”253″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”254″ ][x_feature_box title=”Molly McCoy, Esq., MPH, JD Chief Privacy Official and Privacy Counsel at Blue Shield” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”2082:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Leah Spelman, MPH” ]Molly McCoy, Esq., CIPP/US, is Chief Privacy Official and Privacy Counsel at Blue Shield of California. Prior to joining Blue Shield, Molly was Associate General Counsel for Privacy and HIPAA Security at Anthem where she served as lead in lead in-house privacy and compliance counsel on the Anthem cyberattack. Molly has worked as a lawyer in health care and health care compliance since 1997. Molly’s practice areas have focused primarily on federal and state privacy and security law, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH). Molly has a JD from the City University of New York and an MPH from Columbia University. Molly is also a contributing editor to “Information Security and Privacy: A Guide to Federal and State Law and Compliance” (West 2006-2015).[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”256″ ][cs_content_seo]Molly McCoy, Esq., MPH, JD Chief Privacy Official and Privacy Counsel at Blue Shield\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”257″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”258″ ][x_feature_box title=”Gilbert Newman, Ph.D. Dean and Director of Clinical Training, Wright Institute” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”703:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Annika Sridharan, MSW, Psy.D Founder, Clinical and Training Director” ]Dr. Gilbert H. Newman oversees the Wright Institute’s clinical services network and helps develop behavioral health services in community health centers though the Wright Institute’s Integrated Health Psychology Training Program. Dr. Newman serves as a part of the medical staff providing primary care psychological services at Contra Costa Health Services where many of the patients he serves have been victims and/or perpetrators of trauma. Dr. Newman also helps direct the Wright Institute’s Sanctuary Project providing psychosocial assessments to asylum seekers in the United States. Dr. Newman is currently a member of the American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation and is a Federal Education Advocacy Coordinator for Region 9. He is a former President of the California Psychological Association (2006) and has served as Chair for the APA Board of Educational Affairs (2007-2008) and Chair of the APA Committee of State Leaders (2010). Dr. Newman also served on the APA Good Governance Project and Implementation Team intended to amend APA’s governance structure. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 1996.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”260″ ][cs_content_seo]Gilbert Newman, Ph.D. Dean and Director of Clinical Training, Wright Institute\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”261″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”262″ ][x_feature_box title=”Monika Parikh, MA, MPA Founder, Board Chair” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”2784:large” graphic_image_alt_text=”Leah Spelman, MPH” ]Combining her experience in human rights and international development with clinical training in trauma-informed psychotherapy, Ms. Parikh launched Partnerships for Trauma Recovery in 2015. Her professional career includes human rights program development with on-the-ground work in South Asia, West Africa and Latin America, as well as psychosocial treatment for refugees and immigrants in the United States. As the Director of Partnerships for Free the Slaves, Ms. Parikh led the development of the organization’s global partnerships program. She has also conducted policy research and advocacy on a variety of human rights issues including armed conflict, United States foreign policy, modern slavery and multinational financial institution accountability, for organizations such as the Rockefeller Foundation, the Center for International Policy and Humanity United. Prior to joining the nonprofit sector, she worked in management consulting and investment banking in New York City. She holds an MA in public and international affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University, a second MA from the Wright Institute, and a BA in finance from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. She speaks Gujarati and Spanish.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”264″ ][cs_content_seo]Monika Parikh, MA, MPA PTR Co-Founder\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”265″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”266″ ][cs_element_layout_modal _id=”267″ ][x_feature_box title=”Jonathan Rico Software Engineer, Salesforce” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”120px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=”4013:full” graphic_image_alt_text=”Leah Weinzimer, MSW Clinical Manager” ]Jonathan Rico is a Software Engineer with years of experience in Cloud Computing and Integrations. Coming from a consulting background, he gained expertise analyzing existing processes in organizations and translating these into maintainable and scalable solutions that leverage on-demand computing platforms. He has led design and implementation of several business solutions for large scale companies in Mexico and the US, he currently leads one of the Service Cloud engineering teams at Salesforce in San Francisco and is also the creator and maintainer of several open-source projects used by the Salesforce community. He holds a bachelor degree in Electronics Systems Engineering from ‎Tecnológico de Monterrey.[/x_feature_box][/cs_element_layout_modal][cs_element_text _id=”269″ ][cs_content_seo]Jonathan Rico Software Engineer, Salesforce\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][cs_element_text _id=”270″ ][/cs_content]