Our Team

Dedicated professionals committed to Muslim mental health.

Executive Team

Dr. Zain Shamoon, PHD

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.

Eleanor Bautista

Eleanor joined IMMH in 2023 and serves as the Administrative Lead, overseeing administrative operations, marketing, project management, and recruitment. She is the primary point of contact for the organization and supports coordination across teams. Eleanor also serves on the Editorial Team for the Journal of Muslim Mental Health, managing editorial processes and communications. Outside of her work, she loves caring for cats and dogs, feeding strays, and advocates for their well-being, with hopes of one day opening a rescue shelter.

Marwa Ibrahim

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.

MUBEEN QURESHI

SAADIA Z. YUNUS, LMFT

SARAH SOOFI, MA LLP

Sarah is the newest board member of IMMH and now serves as the Director of Mentorship. She enjoys working with the team and values the insight everyone brings. For her, nature hikes are a form of therapy—where she untangles her thoughts and finds peace.

Aquila Hussain, LPC, NCC

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.

Program Leads

Hira Asif Momin, LPC

Hira has been working in the mental health field as a licensed clinician for 8 years. Hira joined IMMH as Program Development Lead to continue her mission of spreading knowledge and destigmatizing mental health in the community

Sarah Masad

Sarah Masad is a Clinical Psychologist at MY Mental Wellness who primarily works with children and young adults. She provides trauma-informed, holistic care, integrating evidence-based practices, mindfulness, and Islamic principles, and is actively involved in community support groups and wellness events.

Tuka Almusawi

Tuka is a Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to supporting individuals and families through culturally responsive and evidence-based care. As the Northwest Regional Events Lead, she works to foster meaningful community connection and engagement across the region.

Wafaa Ateyah, M.S

Board of Advisors

DR. HAMADA HAMID ALTALIB, DO, MPH, FAES

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. AHMAD ALRAWI, PHARMD

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

DR. AMINAH AL-DEEN, PHD

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. BILAL ANSARI, D.MIN

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. NISA MUHAMMAD, PHD

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. SANA F. ALI, MD

Dr. Sana F. Ali joined the IMMH team in 2020 as the Director of Mentorship and now serves as an advisor. She is passionate about global mental health research and supports the Muslim mental health professional community through mentorship and resource development.

HAMMAD ALI, MMS

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.

RIYAZ BHURA

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

Board of Trustees

— Dr. Aminah Al-Deen, PHD

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. Bilal Ansari, D.Min

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.