Executive Board

Dr. Zain Shamoon is a graduate professor in couple and family therapy. He is dedicated to the creation of spaces where people can tell their personal stories en route to their own wellness. He currently practices therapy online at Northwest Relationships in Tacoma, and is also the host and founder of the Narratives of Pain storytelling showcase. He received his Ph.D. in human development and family studies, as well as his Master's degree in Couple and Family Therapy from Michigan State University. His research focused on domestic violence in South Asian communities and how survivors’ personal stories help address service needs.
Dr. Zain Shamoon is a graduate professor in couple and family therapy. He is dedicated to the creation of spaces where people can tell their personal stories en route to their own wellness. He currently practices therapy online at Northwest Relationships in Tacoma, and is also the host and founder of the Narratives of Pain storytelling showcase. He received his Ph.D. in human development and family studies, as well as his Master's degree in Couple and Family Therapy from Michigan State University. His research focused on domestic violence in South Asian communities and how survivors’ personal stories help address service needs.

       DR. ZAIN SHAMOON, PHD 

      President

Dr. Sana F. Ali joined the IMMH team in 2020. She has a passion for global mental health research and supports the Muslim mental health professional community through mentorship and resource development.
Dr. Sana F. Ali joined the IMMH team in 2020. She has a passion for global mental health research and supports the Muslim mental health professional community through mentorship and resource development.

       DR. SANA F. ALI, MD

      Director of Mentorship

Aquila Hussain joined the IMMH team in 2023. She has a passion for de-stigmatizing Muslim Mental Health and increasing its accessibility to professionals, trainees, and the community at large.
Aquila Hussain joined the IMMH team in 2023. She has a passion for de-stigmatizing Muslim Mental Health and increasing its accessibility to professionals, trainees, and the community at large.

       AQUILA HUSSAIN, LPC, NCC

      Director of Membership

Wafaa Ateyah joined the IMMH team in 2023. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, and her main interests are in research, clinical, and community work. She has a passion for empowering and uplifting marginalized communities through scholarship, activism, and advocacy.
Wafaa Ateyah joined the IMMH team in 2023. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, and her main interests are in research, clinical, and community work. She has a passion for empowering and uplifting marginalized communities through scholarship, activism, and advocacy.

       WAFAA ATEYAH, MS

      Director of Education

Eleanor joined the IMMH team in 2023 as the Administrative Lead. She is in charge of managing the organization's overall administrative functions, including social media engagement, marketing, serving as the Journal Assistant Editor, and assisting in recruitment. She also serves as the primary point of contact for the organization.
Eleanor joined the IMMH team in 2023 as the Administrative Lead. She is in charge of managing the organization's overall administrative functions, including social media engagement, marketing, serving as the Journal Assistant Editor, and assisting in recruitment. She also serves as the primary point of contact for the organization.

       ELEANOR BAUTISTA

      Senior Administrator

Marwa Ibrahim joined the IMMH team in 2025. Marwa is passionate about providing mental health services to stigmatized communities. As IMMH's Blog Editor and aspiring mental health counselor, she’s dedicated to developing strategies to raise awareness for Muslim mental health.
Marwa Ibrahim joined the IMMH team in 2025. Marwa is passionate about providing mental health services to stigmatized communities. As IMMH's Blog Editor and aspiring mental health counselor, she’s dedicated to developing strategies to raise awareness for Muslim mental health.

       MARWA IBRAHIM

        Blog Editor

Board of Advisors

Dr. Hamada H. Altalib is one of the founding members of the Institute of Muslim Mental Health and currently the Chief Editor of the Journal of Muslim Mental Health.
Dr. Hamada H. Altalib is one of the founding members of the Institute of Muslim Mental Health and currently the Chief Editor of the Journal of Muslim Mental Health.

       DR. HAMADA HAMID ALTALIB,

      DO, MPH, FAES

     

Ahmad Alrawi draws from his extensive experience in marketing from the pharmaceutical industry to support the Institute of Muslim Mental Health.
Ahmad Alrawi draws from his extensive experience in marketing from the pharmaceutical industry to support the Institute of Muslim Mental Health.

       DR. AHMAD ALRAWI, PHARMD

      

Dr. Nisa Muhammad is Howard University's Assistant Dean for Religious Life. She is responsible for programming that serves the Howard University community's faith, service, and justice needs. Dr. Muhammad is the president of the ACSLHE (Association for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Life in Higher Education). She is the past president of the Association of Muslim Chaplains.
Dr. Nisa Muhammad is Howard University's Assistant Dean for Religious Life. She is responsible for programming that serves the Howard University community's faith, service, and justice needs. Dr. Muhammad is the president of the ACSLHE (Association for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Life in Higher Education). She is the past president of the Association of Muslim Chaplains.

       DR. NISA MUHAMMAD, PHD 

      

Hammad Ali is the founder and executive director of an education consulting company whose work focuses on academic tutoring, youth mentorship, and curriculum development. Hammad has a passion for education and mental health advocacy, particularly among adopted and foster care youth. He joined IMMH in 2014 and served as the Director of Education from 2016 to 2023.
Hammad Ali is the founder and executive director of an education consulting company whose work focuses on academic tutoring, youth mentorship, and curriculum development. Hammad has a passion for education and mental health advocacy, particularly among adopted and foster care youth. He joined IMMH in 2014 and served as the Director of Education from 2016 to 2023.

       HAMMAD ALI, MMS

     

Riyaz Bhura has over 15 years of experience in healthcare data analysis and reporting. He is currently working in the pharmaceutical industry.
Riyaz Bhura has over 15 years of experience in healthcare data analysis and reporting. He is currently working in the pharmaceutical industry.

       RIYAZ BHURA

      

Board of Trustees

Dr. Al-Deen is professor emerita of Islamic Studies in the Department of Religious Studies at DePaul University. She brings 30+ years of Islamic Studies and Islamic law along with degrees in healthcare to the board of IMMH.
Dr. Al-Deen is professor emerita of Islamic Studies in the Department of Religious Studies at DePaul University. She brings 30+ years of Islamic Studies and Islamic law along with degrees in healthcare to the board of IMMH.

      DR. AMINAH AL-DEEN, PHD

      

Dr. Bilal Ansari is one of the founding members of the Association of Muslim Chaplains and currently Director of Islamic Chaplaincy at Hartford International University.
Dr. Bilal Ansari is one of the founding members of the Association of Muslim Chaplains and currently Director of Islamic Chaplaincy at Hartford International University.

      DR. BILAL ANSARI, D.MIN