Meet Our Trainers
Altaf Husain
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Topics of Expertise:
Healthy Families, Healthy Teen Relationships, Positive Communication, Pre-marital & Marriage, Islamic Perspective of Domestic Violence, Islamic Model of Healthy Families
Altaf Husain is a native of Cleveland, Ohio , and a double alumnus of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland , Ohio , having earned his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and his M.S. in Social Work. He received his Ph.D. in Social Work from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Dr. Husain's research interests include the mental health and integration of immigrant and refugee families, and especially Muslim adolescents, in the United States. He serves as Vice President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research and an advisory board member of the Peaceful Families Project - dedicated to the prevention of domestic violence. His past service to the community includes serving as a two-term national president of the Muslim Students Association (MSA National), an executive committee member of the Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA), a board member of the Peaceful Families Project and board member then Vice President of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). Dr. Husain and his family live in Northern Virginia.
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Topics of Expertise:
Healthy Families, Healthy Teen Relationships, Positive Communication, Pre-marital & Marriage, Islamic Perspective of Domestic Violence, Islamic Model of Healthy Families
Altaf Husain is a native of Cleveland, Ohio , and a double alumnus of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland , Ohio , having earned his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and his M.S. in Social Work. He received his Ph.D. in Social Work from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Dr. Husain's research interests include the mental health and integration of immigrant and refugee families, and especially Muslim adolescents, in the United States. He serves as Vice President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research and an advisory board member of the Peaceful Families Project - dedicated to the prevention of domestic violence. His past service to the community includes serving as a two-term national president of the Muslim Students Association (MSA National), an executive committee member of the Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA), a board member of the Peaceful Families Project and board member then Vice President of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). Dr. Husain and his family live in Northern Virginia.
Amina Mahmood
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Topics of Expertise:
Domestic Violence, Healthy Families, Mental Health, Sexual Violence, Healthy Teen Relationships, Positive Communication, Pre-marital & Marriage, Divorce, Islamic Perspective of Domestic Violence, Islamic Model of Healthy Families, Interfaith and Domestic Violence, Diversity and Multiculturalism (e.g. cross-cultural relationships) and healthy communication
Dr. Amina Mahmood is a licensed psychologist in the State of New York. She completed her PhD in counseling psychology from the University of Iowa in 2008. Her pre-doctoral internship was at University of South Florida’s Florida Mental Health Institute (2007-2008). She primarily provides clinical services at this time, and also serves as an adjunct professor at a local university/college. She continues to be active professionally and in the community. She has served on boards of several not-for-profit organizations, including: PEHCHAAN of Tampa Bay, MONSOON United Women of Iowa, and currently is President the Board of Directors of the Albany Interfaith Center, and President of New York State Psychological Association’s Division of Culture Race and Ethnicity. Dr. Mahmood’s professional interests include multicultural issues in psychology (specifically working with the Muslim population, ethnic minorities, immigrant and refugee populations), health psychology and relationship issues including interpersonal violence. Dr. Mahmood has an interest in mindfulness-based interventions, and this led her to become a registered yoga teacher. Dr. Mahmood is passionate about social justice and advocacy, and frequently gives her time to projects that seek to empower minorities, and marginalized populations.
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Topics of Expertise:
Domestic Violence, Healthy Families, Mental Health, Sexual Violence, Healthy Teen Relationships, Positive Communication, Pre-marital & Marriage, Divorce, Islamic Perspective of Domestic Violence, Islamic Model of Healthy Families, Interfaith and Domestic Violence, Diversity and Multiculturalism (e.g. cross-cultural relationships) and healthy communication
Dr. Amina Mahmood is a licensed psychologist in the State of New York. She completed her PhD in counseling psychology from the University of Iowa in 2008. Her pre-doctoral internship was at University of South Florida’s Florida Mental Health Institute (2007-2008). She primarily provides clinical services at this time, and also serves as an adjunct professor at a local university/college. She continues to be active professionally and in the community. She has served on boards of several not-for-profit organizations, including: PEHCHAAN of Tampa Bay, MONSOON United Women of Iowa, and currently is President the Board of Directors of the Albany Interfaith Center, and President of New York State Psychological Association’s Division of Culture Race and Ethnicity. Dr. Mahmood’s professional interests include multicultural issues in psychology (specifically working with the Muslim population, ethnic minorities, immigrant and refugee populations), health psychology and relationship issues including interpersonal violence. Dr. Mahmood has an interest in mindfulness-based interventions, and this led her to become a registered yoga teacher. Dr. Mahmood is passionate about social justice and advocacy, and frequently gives her time to projects that seek to empower minorities, and marginalized populations.
Deana Helmy
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Topics of Expertise:
Healthy Families, Mental Health, Healthy Teen Relationships, Positive Communication, Pre-marital & Marriage, Islamic Perspective of Domestic Violence, Islamic Model of Healthy Families,
Interfaith and Domestic Violence
Deana Helmy is a Licensed Marriage and Therapist and is the Director of Counseling Services at ICNA Relief’s Crescent Counseling Center in Anaheim. She also works in Behavioral Health Training Services for the County of Orange Health Care Agency. Deana holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Social Behavior and a teaching credential from UC Irvine, a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Cal State Fullerton, and is currently pursuing an MBA from UC Irvine at the Paul Merage School Of Business. Deana was born in Southern California and has been very involved in the Muslim community. Her passion is in positive psychology and personal development, and she uses her skills to not only promote positive mindsets and lifestyles, but to empower her community to create a new narrative for American Muslims – one built on mutual respect, understanding, and connectedness.
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Topics of Expertise:
Healthy Families, Mental Health, Healthy Teen Relationships, Positive Communication, Pre-marital & Marriage, Islamic Perspective of Domestic Violence, Islamic Model of Healthy Families,
Interfaith and Domestic Violence
Deana Helmy is a Licensed Marriage and Therapist and is the Director of Counseling Services at ICNA Relief’s Crescent Counseling Center in Anaheim. She also works in Behavioral Health Training Services for the County of Orange Health Care Agency. Deana holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Social Behavior and a teaching credential from UC Irvine, a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Cal State Fullerton, and is currently pursuing an MBA from UC Irvine at the Paul Merage School Of Business. Deana was born in Southern California and has been very involved in the Muslim community. Her passion is in positive psychology and personal development, and she uses her skills to not only promote positive mindsets and lifestyles, but to empower her community to create a new narrative for American Muslims – one built on mutual respect, understanding, and connectedness.
Denise Berte
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Topics of Expertise:
Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Sexual Violence, Positive Communication, Divorce, Islamic Perspective of Domestic Violence, Interfaith and Domestic Violence, Trauma
Dr. Denise Ziya Berte is a licensed doctoral level clinical psychologist with over 25 years experience in forensic psychology and trauma (including domestic violence) and international issues related to mental health , war and refugees. Dr. Berte graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and from the State University of New York at Albany with a Masters and Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. She is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania, Delaware and the State of Palestine. Dr. Berte was previously the Director of the Liberty Center for Survivors of Torture and the Clinical Director of An Najah Child Institute in Nablus, Palestine as well as a visiting professor for over five years at the Medical faculty at An Najah National University of Palestine. Dr. Berte has worked in Latin America, West Africa, the Middle East and Asia. She speaks Spanish and English fluently and French and Arabic with moderate fluency. Dr. Berte had published over 17 articles in professional journals and three book chapters. Dr. Berte is an international trainer in the areas of Mental Health and Trauma presenting to community and professional audiences on a regular basis. Dr. Berte is currently practicing in the PA, NJ and DE areas. Dr. Berte is a practicing Muslim and strives to enrich and enhance Muslim communities whenever possible.
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Topics of Expertise:
Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Sexual Violence, Positive Communication, Divorce, Islamic Perspective of Domestic Violence, Interfaith and Domestic Violence, Trauma
Dr. Denise Ziya Berte is a licensed doctoral level clinical psychologist with over 25 years experience in forensic psychology and trauma (including domestic violence) and international issues related to mental health , war and refugees. Dr. Berte graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and from the State University of New York at Albany with a Masters and Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. She is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania, Delaware and the State of Palestine. Dr. Berte was previously the Director of the Liberty Center for Survivors of Torture and the Clinical Director of An Najah Child Institute in Nablus, Palestine as well as a visiting professor for over five years at the Medical faculty at An Najah National University of Palestine. Dr. Berte has worked in Latin America, West Africa, the Middle East and Asia. She speaks Spanish and English fluently and French and Arabic with moderate fluency. Dr. Berte had published over 17 articles in professional journals and three book chapters. Dr. Berte is an international trainer in the areas of Mental Health and Trauma presenting to community and professional audiences on a regular basis. Dr. Berte is currently practicing in the PA, NJ and DE areas. Dr. Berte is a practicing Muslim and strives to enrich and enhance Muslim communities whenever possible.
Hasnaa Mokhtar
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Topics of Expertise:
Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, Islamic Perspective of Domestic Violence, Interfaith and Domestic Violence
Hasnaa Mokhtar is a writer, Fulbright alumna, and Ph.D. candidate at Clark University. After graduating in 2015 with a M.A. in International Development and Social Change, Hasnaa developed a passion for transdisciplinary approaches to addressing gender-based violence in Muslim communities. Her research, writings, and activism focus on amplifying the voices of Muslim women and tackling the injustices of gendered violence. Hasnaa is a storyteller at heart. In 2006, she worked as a journalist in Arab News, and later her articles appeared in several publications including Fortune, Yahoo, Bustle, and Muslim Girl. You can read her work at www.hasnaamokhtar.com. Previously, Hasnaa served as the executive director of the Center for Nonviolent Solutions in Worcester, MA. Hasnaa is passionate about life, personal growth, spirituality, and everything in between.
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Topics of Expertise:
Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, Islamic Perspective of Domestic Violence, Interfaith and Domestic Violence
Hasnaa Mokhtar is a writer, Fulbright alumna, and Ph.D. candidate at Clark University. After graduating in 2015 with a M.A. in International Development and Social Change, Hasnaa developed a passion for transdisciplinary approaches to addressing gender-based violence in Muslim communities. Her research, writings, and activism focus on amplifying the voices of Muslim women and tackling the injustices of gendered violence. Hasnaa is a storyteller at heart. In 2006, she worked as a journalist in Arab News, and later her articles appeared in several publications including Fortune, Yahoo, Bustle, and Muslim Girl. You can read her work at www.hasnaamokhtar.com. Previously, Hasnaa served as the executive director of the Center for Nonviolent Solutions in Worcester, MA. Hasnaa is passionate about life, personal growth, spirituality, and everything in between.
Khalid Iqbal
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Topics of Expertise:
Domestic Violence, Healthy Families, Healthy Teen Relationships, Positive Communication, Pre-marital & Marriage, Divorce, Islamic Perspective of Domestic Violence, Islamic Model of Healthy Families
Khalid Iqbal was born in India and raised in Karachi, Pakistan. He is a Mechanical Engineer by profession with an expertise in Metallurgy and failure analysis. He completed his graduate studies in Canada. For the past 20 years he dedicated himself to non-profit work. His passion for family development lead him to the creation of Rahmaa Institute, an organization that is dedicated to the issues that are involved in Muslim marriages, conflict resolution, divorce, domestic violence and anger prevention. He has developed a comprehensive 8 hour premarital counseling course based on Islamic guidance and has used these resources to help hundreds of individuals and couples in overcoming their marital issues. He has also developed a 16 session domestic violence and anger prevention course based on the Quran and Sunnah that has helped dozens of individuals and couples with positive results. He travels all over the country and internationally to present family development seminars and workshop. He also conducts short training workshops on how to deliver premarital and anger courses and on other topics to the Imams, community leaders and social workers. He volunteers for the Peaceful Family Project. Currently he is part of the Imams council of Michigan where he recently organized a comprehensive Domestic violence prevention and premarital counseling workshop for the Imams. (Please note that “Imam” is term used for Muslim clergy).He has been married for 47 years, have three wonderful children and ten grandchildren.
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Topics of Expertise:
Domestic Violence, Healthy Families, Healthy Teen Relationships, Positive Communication, Pre-marital & Marriage, Divorce, Islamic Perspective of Domestic Violence, Islamic Model of Healthy Families
Khalid Iqbal was born in India and raised in Karachi, Pakistan. He is a Mechanical Engineer by profession with an expertise in Metallurgy and failure analysis. He completed his graduate studies in Canada. For the past 20 years he dedicated himself to non-profit work. His passion for family development lead him to the creation of Rahmaa Institute, an organization that is dedicated to the issues that are involved in Muslim marriages, conflict resolution, divorce, domestic violence and anger prevention. He has developed a comprehensive 8 hour premarital counseling course based on Islamic guidance and has used these resources to help hundreds of individuals and couples in overcoming their marital issues. He has also developed a 16 session domestic violence and anger prevention course based on the Quran and Sunnah that has helped dozens of individuals and couples with positive results. He travels all over the country and internationally to present family development seminars and workshop. He also conducts short training workshops on how to deliver premarital and anger courses and on other topics to the Imams, community leaders and social workers. He volunteers for the Peaceful Family Project. Currently he is part of the Imams council of Michigan where he recently organized a comprehensive Domestic violence prevention and premarital counseling workshop for the Imams. (Please note that “Imam” is term used for Muslim clergy).He has been married for 47 years, have three wonderful children and ten grandchildren.
Salma Abugideiri
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Salma Elkadi Abugideiri is a founding board member of PFP, currently serving on the Advisory Board and as the primary trainer for PFP programs. She provides workshops and training for community leaders, imams, faith communities, domestic violence service providers and mental health professionals on Healthy Relationship Dynamics, Muslim Mental Health and Domestic Violence Prevention. She has presented at national and international conferences on these topics. Among her numerous publications in the fields of domestic violence and mental health, she authored the facilitator guide for the training program Garments for One Another: Ending Domestic Violence in Muslim Families, and the chapter entitled Domestic Violence in Counseling Muslims: Handbook of Mental Health Issues & Interventions. She has co-authored What Islam Says About Domestic Violence: A Guide for Helping Muslim Families, and Before You Tie the Knot: A Guide for Couples. Salma is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice, specializing in couples counseling and the treatment of trauma. Her passions include the prevention of relationship and mental health issues, and integrating spirituality into prevention and treatment approaches.
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Salma Elkadi Abugideiri is a founding board member of PFP, currently serving on the Advisory Board and as the primary trainer for PFP programs. She provides workshops and training for community leaders, imams, faith communities, domestic violence service providers and mental health professionals on Healthy Relationship Dynamics, Muslim Mental Health and Domestic Violence Prevention. She has presented at national and international conferences on these topics. Among her numerous publications in the fields of domestic violence and mental health, she authored the facilitator guide for the training program Garments for One Another: Ending Domestic Violence in Muslim Families, and the chapter entitled Domestic Violence in Counseling Muslims: Handbook of Mental Health Issues & Interventions. She has co-authored What Islam Says About Domestic Violence: A Guide for Helping Muslim Families, and Before You Tie the Knot: A Guide for Couples. Salma is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice, specializing in couples counseling and the treatment of trauma. Her passions include the prevention of relationship and mental health issues, and integrating spirituality into prevention and treatment approaches.
Saman Quraeshi
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Topics of Expertise:
Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, Healthy Teen Relationships, Divorce
Saman Quraeshi is the Program Director at Ikram Foundation. She received her Bachelors at the University of North Florida in Communications, and is currently pursuing her masters in Social Work and Conflict Analysis. Saman is interested in gender based violence and healthy relationships. She has been working in the non-profit sector for over 10 years and feels passionately about the empowerment of Muslim women. She worked for the national civil rights organization, CAIR (Council on American Islamic Relations), as the Community Relations Director, and was also the youngest board member for the Jacksonville chapter of The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ).
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Topics of Expertise:
Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, Healthy Teen Relationships, Divorce
Saman Quraeshi is the Program Director at Ikram Foundation. She received her Bachelors at the University of North Florida in Communications, and is currently pursuing her masters in Social Work and Conflict Analysis. Saman is interested in gender based violence and healthy relationships. She has been working in the non-profit sector for over 10 years and feels passionately about the empowerment of Muslim women. She worked for the national civil rights organization, CAIR (Council on American Islamic Relations), as the Community Relations Director, and was also the youngest board member for the Jacksonville chapter of The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ).
Unaiza Malik
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Unaiza Malik completed her Masters from the University of South Florida in the field of Mental Health Counseling with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy. Currently working as a Mental Health Counselor in the private practice sector, Unaiza utilizes evidence-based approaches to provide therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds. With the aim of educating her community and promoting positive mental health at the communal level, Unaiza organizes and conducts psychoeducational workshops and group counseling sessions. Outside of the work setting, Unaiza can be found offering religious instruction to young women in the community and organizing knowledge and spirituality-based programs for both youth and adults. She has a taught a women's halaqa at the local university for the past seven years.
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Unaiza Malik completed her Masters from the University of South Florida in the field of Mental Health Counseling with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy. Currently working as a Mental Health Counselor in the private practice sector, Unaiza utilizes evidence-based approaches to provide therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds. With the aim of educating her community and promoting positive mental health at the communal level, Unaiza organizes and conducts psychoeducational workshops and group counseling sessions. Outside of the work setting, Unaiza can be found offering religious instruction to young women in the community and organizing knowledge and spirituality-based programs for both youth and adults. She has a taught a women's halaqa at the local university for the past seven years.
Zahra Rehman
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Topics of Expertise:
Domestic Violence, Healthy Families, Mental Health, Sexual Violence, Healthy Teen Relationships, Interfaith and Domestic Violence
Zahra Rehman is a High School Teacher and Learning Specialist in Brooklyn, NY. She completed her B.Sc. in both English and Biology and her Masters in Anatomical Sciences from The George Washington University. Her studies focused in disabilities studies and how trauma affects the adolescent brain. Zahra worked for the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence Center for seven years as a Crisis Line Volunteer and worked closely with the county as a Crisis Line Specialist, focusing on community outreach. Zahra has been in the field of education for the last three years with a focus on working with students with learning and behavioral disabilities. Zahra utilizes evidence-based approaches to provide her students with educational equity and accessibility. In addition to her work as a teacher, Zahra's aim is to be conscious of the diversity of her student population, especially when it comes to trauma and how it affects the learning brain. Her aim is to educate her community and promote positive mental health by starting off with the youth. Outside of the work setting, Zahra has worked with and educated herself across many different countries and communities to begin an interfaith dialogue. Her long-term goals include promoting education about DV & SV to Muslim families, providing a safe space for adolescents across diverse communities, and serving inner-city communities with equity in mental health accessibility.
Trainer
Peaceful Families Project
Topics of Expertise:
Domestic Violence, Healthy Families, Mental Health, Sexual Violence, Healthy Teen Relationships, Interfaith and Domestic Violence
Zahra Rehman is a High School Teacher and Learning Specialist in Brooklyn, NY. She completed her B.Sc. in both English and Biology and her Masters in Anatomical Sciences from The George Washington University. Her studies focused in disabilities studies and how trauma affects the adolescent brain. Zahra worked for the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence Center for seven years as a Crisis Line Volunteer and worked closely with the county as a Crisis Line Specialist, focusing on community outreach. Zahra has been in the field of education for the last three years with a focus on working with students with learning and behavioral disabilities. Zahra utilizes evidence-based approaches to provide her students with educational equity and accessibility. In addition to her work as a teacher, Zahra's aim is to be conscious of the diversity of her student population, especially when it comes to trauma and how it affects the learning brain. Her aim is to educate her community and promote positive mental health by starting off with the youth. Outside of the work setting, Zahra has worked with and educated herself across many different countries and communities to begin an interfaith dialogue. Her long-term goals include promoting education about DV & SV to Muslim families, providing a safe space for adolescents across diverse communities, and serving inner-city communities with equity in mental health accessibility.