Our Team Members

Rami Khader
Founder & Executive Director

Rami Khader
Founder & Executive Director
Rami Khader, a humanitarian, artist, and activist from Bethlehem, Palestine, has a wide-ranging professional background. He is the founder of several prominent initiatives and organizations, including Anar for Empowerment and 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 both individual and intergenerational trauma, Rami was recognized with the 2015 Arab World Social Innovator Award by the Synergos Institute.

Dara Rafeedie
Psychosocial Support Unit Coordinator

Dara Rafeedie
Psychosocial Support Unit Coordinator
Dara is a therapist with a master's degree in clinical psychology from the University of Sussex, UK. 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
Admin & Finance Officer

Celina Jarayseh
Admin & Finance Officer
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.

Edmon Rishmawi
Administrative Assistant

Edmon Rishmawi
Administrative Assistant
Edmon Rishmawi is an Administrative Assistant at Anar, with a rich background as a licensed Holy Land tour guide in both English and Arabic. He holds a diploma in Palestinian Tour Guiding from Dar Al-Kalima College and has been guiding visitors through historical and religious sites since 2017. With over seven years of experience in tourism and hospitality, Edmon brings strong organizational skills and cultural insight to his administrative work. As the tourism sector in Palestine faces ongoing challenges, he is committed to applying his experience in service to support impactful initiatives and ensure smooth operations at Anar.

Shaden Abuzuluf
Projects Coordinator

Shaden Abuzuluf
Projects Coordinator
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

Nagham Jubran
Projects Coordinator

Nagham Jubran
Projects Coordinator
Nagham Jubran is a highly skilled civil engineer with a bachelor's degree from Birzeit University, graduated in 2017. She has over seven years of experience in the engineering field, working with various contracting companies. Nagham holds several specialized certifications, including PMP, Structural Analysis and Design, and Project Management Application. She also has a certification in Site Planning and Management of Conservation Projects. In 2024 and 2025, she focused on advancing her career in Project Management and Public Relations.

Jiana Isead
Psychosocial Support Counselor

Jiana Isead
Psychosocial Support Counselor
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.

Sahar Mohammad Shadfan
Psychosocial Support Counselor

Sahar Mohammad Shadfan
Psychosocial Support Counselor
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.

Maram Al-Barri
Psychosocial Support Counselor

Maram Al-Barri
Psychosocial Support Counselor
Maram Al-Barri is a psychosocial support counselor at Anar in the Nablus Governorate. With a bachelor's degree in psychology and a Minor in Psychological Counseling from An-Najah National University (2023), Maram is dedicated to social justice and empowering communities. Maram views mental health as a tool for empowerment and resilience, focusing on creating safe environments for personal growth. With extensive experience in programs like “Child Protection” and “Youth Empowerment,” Maram has facilitated sessions for children, youth, and caregivers, enhancing their ability to protect themselves. Maram's work with PTSD and depression cases has provided comprehensive experience in offering psychological support at both individual and group levels.

Hanadi Jawabreh
Psychosocial Support Counselor

Hanadi Jawabreh
Psychosocial Support Counselor
Hanadi Jawabreh is a psychosocial support Counselor with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Al-Quds Open University and a master's degree in Psychological and Educational Counseling from Al-Quds University. Additionally, Hanadi has completed numerous specialized training courses in the field of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support. Hanadi has worked for over eight years as a counselor in different organizations such as UNRWA, the Palestinian Counseling Center, and SOS Children's Village. This experience has allowed Hanadi to work with diverse groups and multiple needs, significantly enhancing their professional and humanitarian skills.

Mahmoud Kitanneh
Psychosocial Support Counselor

Mahmoud Kitanneh
Psychosocial Support Counselor
Mahmoud Kitanneh is a senior psychosocial Counselor in the Tulkarem governorate. With a rich background in psychosocial counseling and social work, Mahmoud has extensive experience working with various organizations, including the Arab Orphans Society and the Youth Men Christian Association (YMCA) in Tulkarem. He holds a BA in Social and Family Development from Al Quds Open University and a Professional Diploma in Professional Supervision from the Palestinian Counseling Center12. Mahmoud's commitment to supporting and advocating for individuals, particularly those with disabilities, children who have experienced violence, child detainees, and their caregivers, is evident through his long experience in the field. He is known for his high communication skills, ability to work under pressure, and dedication to improving the lives of those he serves.

Waleed Abed
Psychosocial Support Counselor

Waleed Abed
Psychosocial Support Counselor
Waleed Abed is a Senior Psychosocial Support Counselor in the Hebron Governorate with extensive experience in educational guidance. He has been a counselor in the Palestinian Ministry of Education since September 2000. Waleed holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from An-Najah National University and diplomas in School Counseling and Professional Supervision from Birzeit University. He has conducted numerous training sessions in Palestine and Jordan on mental health, human rights, and positive education. Waleed has also lectured at Al-Quds Open University and Palestine Polytechnic University. He served two terms as President of the Palestinian Association of Social Workers and Psychologists in Hebron (2019-2025) and has been a board member of several institutions in Palestine.

Emil Mitri
Expressive Arts Unit Coordinator

Emil Mitri
Expressive Arts Unit Coordinator
Emil Mitri is the Expressive Arts Unit Coordinator at Anar in Bethlehem. With a degree in Youth Formation and Leadership from Bethlehem University, Emil has been active in theater since 2008, focusing on children’s emotional expression and resilience. As an actor, writer, and director, he has created and led numerous plays across schools and community centers. He also trains children and youth in leadership and theater, integrating psychosocial support techniques into his creative work, driven by his belief in the healing power of the arts.