Team Members
Rami Khader
Founder & Executive Director
Dara Rafeedie
Psychosocial Support Unit Coordinator
Celina Jarayseh
Admin & Finance Officer
Jiana Isead
Psychosocial Support Counselor
Sahar Mohammad Shadfan
Psychosocial Support Counselor
Shaden Abuzuluf
Projects Coordinator
Discover the specialists
About Our Team
Rami Khader: A humanitarian, artist, and activist from Bethlehem, Palestine, with a wide-ranging professional background. He founded several prominent initiatives and organizations, including Diyar Theatre, Diyar Academy for Children and Youth, the Bethlehem International Performing
Arts Festival, and Anar Organization for Psychosocial Support. Rami’s expertise spans humanitarian response, psychosocial support, arts-based healing, MHPSS capacity-building, and grassroots community empowerment. A strong advocate for collective justice as a key element of healing
from individual and intergenerational trauma, his impactful work was recognized in 2015
Arab World Social Innovator Award by the Synergos Institute.
Dara Rafeedie: is a clinical psychologist with an artistic background in theatre. Dara’s expertise lies primarily in working with children and caregivers in different contexts, such in clinics with those living with intellectual disabilities, refugee camps where children experience daily oppression, and crisis emergency contexts. Dara believes in art’s power that lies within its flexibility to be applied in all contexts, no matter what available resources. This makes it a fitting tool to be used while working in psychosocial support with communities, especially for children, where imagination and free body movement lead their behaviors, in which art is used to motivate their healthy well-being, social growth and enhance their resilience and planting a hopeful-driven attitude towards healing and the future.
Celina Jarayseh: is an accounting professional with a BSc in Accounting from Bethlehem University and extensive experience in external auditing and financial analysis. She has worked with local businesses and NGOs, focusing on financial reporting, transaction reconciliation, and budgeting. Known for her strong analytical and organizational skills, Celina excels in regulatory compliance
and improving decision-making processes. She is dedicated to delivering outstanding results
and ensuring financial integrity in every role. At Anar, Celina oversees HR, Procurement, and Finance.
Shaden Abuzuluf: from Beit Sahour, Palestine, has a deep passion for the helping professions and extensive experience in project management, honing her communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills. An active community leader and talented football player, she has represented the Palestinian national team since 2010. Shaden is dedicated to making a positive impact, believing that social work and psychosocial support are shared responsibilities. With a BA in Information Technology and a minor in Business Administration from Bethlehem University, her blend of technical expertise, leadership, and commitment to social transformation drives her impactful work.
Sahar Mohammad Shadfan: is a Psychosocial Support Counselor at Anar, based in Hebron Governorate. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Hebron University in 2011 and has since gained valuable experience working in schools under the Ministry of Education in Hebron Governorate. Sahar has also contributed to the Relief and Services Department of UNRWA in Bethlehem and worked with various institutions providing psychosocial support and empowerment services. At Anar, she is dedicated to supporting children, caregivers, and the Emergency Response Team.
Jiana Isead: is a psychosocial support counselor with extensive experience working with children, parents, and disadvantaged communities. She specializes in therapy for children with disabilities, using techniques like drama, music, art, and play therapy in both individual and group settings. Currently pursuing a master’s in Community Mental Health – Psychotherapy from Al-Quds University, she also holds a BA in Psychology from Bir Zeit University. Jiana is dedicated to supporting children affected by trauma and occupation, providing emotional support, home visits, and leading community projects to foster resilience and hope.