Palm Mental Health

Our team

People who listen closely.

Our 14-clinician team includes psychologists, psychotherapists, psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioners, social workers, associate therapists, and behavioral health professionals supporting children, adolescents, adults, families, and older adults, with multilingual care and a range of evidence-based approaches.

Palm Mental Health team of nine people standing together at the El Cajon office.
Our team in El Cajon

The people behind Palm

A team with room for your whole story

You do not have to find the perfect words before you begin. We will meet you where you are.

Portrait of Bassam Ahmad Sinno, Psychiatrist | Supervising Physician for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
Bassam Ahmad Sinno, MD

Psychiatrist | Supervising Physician for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

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Board Certified20+ Years ExperienceMedication ManagementPsychotherapy
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Dr. Bassam A. Sinno is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience providing comprehensive mental health care to adolescents and adults. He currently serves as a supervising physician for our psychiatric nurse practitioners, supporting a collaborative and high-quality approach to patient care. Dr. Sinno earned his medical degree from the American University of Beirut, Faculty of Medicine, and completed his psychiatric training with extensive experience in inpatient, outpatient, and community mental health settings. He has been in practice for more than two decades, treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions. Dr. Sinno is committed to delivering individualized, compassionate care using evidence-based treatments, including medication management and psychotherapy. He works closely with our behavioral health team to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care and to support the professional development of our psychiatric nurse practitioners. His calm and thoughtful approach helps patients feel heard and supported throughout their mental health journey.

Languages spoken

EnglishArabic
Portrait of Kalpesh B. Bhavsar, Board-Certified Psychiatrist | Supervising Physician for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
Kalpesh B. Bhavsar, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist | Supervising Physician for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

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Board CertifiedCA License A111070General PsychiatryPsychopharmacology
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Dr. Kalpesh B. Bhavsar is a board-certified psychiatrist with extensive experience in general psychiatry, psychopharmacology, hospital-based care, and clinical leadership. He serves as a Supervising Psychiatrist for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners affiliated with Palm Mental Health and Talami Health & Wellness, supporting collaborative psychiatric care and clinical standards. In his supervisory role, Dr. Bhavsar provides psychiatric consultation and oversight to assigned psychiatric nurse practitioners, supports clinical decision-making and treatment planning, and collaborates on standardized procedures and professional practice requirements. His background also includes medical director roles at New U Therapy and Life Landscaping. Psychiatry Residency: Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, 2006 to 2010. Medical Degree: MBBS, Government Medical College, Surat, India, 1986 to 1992. Postgraduate Training: Diploma in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Government Medical College, Surat, India, 1992 to 1994. His documented affiliations include BHC Alhambra Hospital, Pomona Valley Medical Center, Canyon Ridge Hospital, and Antelope Valley Medical Center. His CV also identifies nurse practitioner training affiliations with Walden University and Azusa Pacific University. Board Certification: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. California Physician License: A111070. Clinical Specialties: General Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology.

Languages spoken

EnglishHindi
Portrait of Dr. David Tweedy, a smiling psychologist in a dark suit, white shirt, and purple tie.
Dr. David Tweedy, Ph.D., MHA

Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Director

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Clinical leadership and high-quality, client-centered mental health care.

David Tweedy, Ph.D., MHA is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Clinical Director at Palm Mental Health Care in El Cajon, California. With extensive experience spanning executive leadership, business development, and direct clinical services, Dr. Tweedy brings a comprehensive perspective to the delivery of high-quality mental health care. Throughout his career, Dr. Tweedy has been committed to advancing innovative treatment approaches, fostering organizational growth, and building compassionate, client-centered teams. The leadership at Palm Mental Health Care supports a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring that individuals and families receive the care they deserve.

Portrait of Ammar Khaleel, a smiling man with a short beard in a navy suit and burgundy tie.
Ammar Khaleel, MSW, LCSW

Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor

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Ammar Khaleel, MSW, LCSW, holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and graduated from San Francisco State University with a bachelor's in philosophy. Over the past 10 years, Ammar has worked with underserved communities providing mental health and social work services. Ammar has held many key leadership positions in the retail, hospitality and financial industries. He was also an entrepreneur and an active member in his community. Ammar was born in Baghdad, Iraq, grew up in New York City and spent the past 25 years in California where he started his family. Ammar joined Palm Mental Health in January as a Psychotherapist and a Clinical Supervisor. He is working on achieving his dream of becoming a successful social worker, a mental health clinician and a mentor who is passionate and committed to positively impacting the well-being of deserving families in his community and leading his colleagues to be great mental health providers.

Portrait of Shadi Haddad, a smiling social worker in a navy suit and tie.
Shadi Haddad, MSW, ASCW

Experienced Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Program Coordinator

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Cultural dynamics, adults and older adults, CBT, and trauma-focused care.

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Shadi Haddad, MSW, ASCW, is an experienced social worker, psychotherapist, and program coordinator with extensive experience practicing in San Diego since 2008. He currently serves as a psychotherapist at Palm Mental Health, providing various treatment modalities. Since 2000, he has dedicated himself to supporting orphaned children, managing mental health programs, and enhancing elderly care and nonprofit initiatives. His work with SOS Children's Villages, supporting orphans, highlights his deep commitment to vulnerable populations. Holding a master's degree in social work from Western Kentucky University, he specializes in cultural dynamics and bridging societal divides. Additionally, he has specialized in working with adults and older adults, providing tailored mental health support to meet their unique needs. As a multilingual professional, he is able to connect with diverse populations, ensuring inclusive and effective care across different communities. He is also a licensed-eligible clinical social worker with the Board of Behavioral Sciences of California, demonstrating his qualifications and dedication to professional excellence. Furthermore, he is trained and skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), applying evidence-based techniques to support individuals through their healing journey. Beyond his professional contributions, Shadi enjoys soccer, outdoor cooking, biking, and morning jogs. A devoted husband and father, he embodies compassion and a commitment to meaningful change.

Approaches

CBTTrauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
Portrait of Nick Contarino, a smiling man with dark hair and a full beard in a navy suit, white shirt, and dark tie.
Nick Contarino, M.S., BCBA

BACB 1-21-52360, PSY Associate 94028461

Psychological Associate, Psychotherapist, ABA Program Manager

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Behavioral and emotional difficulties, life transitions, trauma, and neurodiverse support.

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Born in Italy and immigrating to the U.S. as a child, I bring a unique cultural perspective to my work as a psychological associate and psychotherapist. I hold a Master of Science degree, am a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and am currently pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am practicing under the supervision of Dr. David Tweedy. My clinical work focuses on supporting individuals experiencing behavioral and emotional difficulties, navigating life transitions, processing trauma, and building positive momentum toward their goals. I have experience treating a range of mental health concerns including generalized anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder. I work with a wide range of ages and cultural backgrounds and value the richness that diversity brings to the therapeutic space. My approach is always client-centered and tailored to the individual's unique needs and symptoms. I draw from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed care, strength-based therapy, internal family systems, motivational interviewing, exposure therapy, and solution-focused strategies. With a foundation in applied behavior analysis, I bring a practical understanding of behavior change for those seeking concrete, goal-oriented support. I'm passionate about helping people develop self-awareness, process difficult experiences, build coping skills, and move through periods of change with resilience. I also have a strong commitment to supporting neurodiverse individuals in understanding themselves more fully and strengthening their relationships with others. I understand that entering the mental health space can feel intimidating, whether it's your first time in therapy or a return to the process. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and supported as we explore what matters most to you. Together, we'll work to draw meaning from your past experiences, take intentional action in the present, and build toward a more hopeful and empowered future. Therapy is not always easy, but it can be deeply rewarding, and I'm here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Approaches

CBTDBTACTtrauma-informed carestrength-based therapyinternal family systemsmotivational interviewingexposure therapysolution-focused strategiesapplied behavior analysis
Portrait of Farooque Azam, a man wearing black glasses, a dark suit, white shirt and blue tie.
Farooque Azam

Board-Certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)

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Holistic psychiatric care and medication management for adults and adolescents.

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Farooque Azam's extensive expertise in psychiatric and mental health care is evident from his comprehensive background. As a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), he has a decade's experience in providing specialized care to psychiatric patients across various age groups. His areas of specialization include treating adults and adolescents suffering from a range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and other related conditions. Farooque's approach to treatment is holistic, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive care in managing these illnesses. His professional journey has taken him through various psychiatric settings, including inpatient and emergency units across different facilities. This experience has been instrumental in shaping his focus on achieving successful outcomes for his clients. One of the key insights Farooque gained through his practice is the significance of providing individualized care and the power of listening to patients' "unlived life," the aspects of their experiences and desires that have not been fully expressed or realized. Farooque is a strong advocate for combining medication management with therapy. He believes this integrated approach not only helps in treating the immediate symptoms but also contributes significantly to motivating patients to explore new directions in their lives. This philosophy is rooted in his understanding of the complexities of mental health and the uniqueness of each individual's journey. His commitment to his patients is unwavering. Farooque views each patient as a dynamic, unique individual with their own set of life experiences. His primary goal is to provide the best possible care, ensuring that the needs, voices, and opinions of his patients are at the forefront of his practice. This patient-centered approach underpins his dedication to the field of mental health and psychiatric care.

Portrait of Nazmi Hamid, a smiling man with dark hair and a beard wearing a black suit.
Nazmi Hamid, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

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Nazmi Hamid is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a strong background in psychiatric nursing, acute care, and healthcare leadership. His experience across medical, psychiatric, and rehabilitation settings has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between mental and physical health. He is dedicated to delivering compassionate, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive psychiatric care to individuals from diverse backgrounds. His clinical expertise includes psychiatric evaluations, mental health assessments, diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, medication management, and crisis intervention. Nazmi emphasizes understanding each patient's unique circumstances, emotional well-being, and personal goals while developing treatment strategies that support long-term mental health. Throughout his career, Nazmi has gained valuable experience at UC San Diego, Select Specialty Hospital, and Granite Hills Rehabilitation Center, where he served as Director of Nursing. These roles strengthened his clinical judgment, leadership, and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. Caring for patients with complex medical and psychiatric needs has shaped his holistic approach to mental healthcare. Nazmi earned his Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from National University. His advanced psychiatric training included 600 clinical hours in psychiatric settings, focusing on mental health assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, therapeutic approaches, medication management, and crisis intervention across the lifespan. An advocate for personalized and collaborative care, Nazmi recognizes that effective mental health treatment involves more than addressing symptoms alone. He values listening carefully to patients, understanding their experiences, and integrating appropriate medication management with therapeutic support and patient education. Fluent in English, Farsi, Hindi, Urdu, and Russian, Nazmi is committed to reducing language and cultural barriers in mental healthcare. His multilingual abilities help him connect with patients from diverse communities and foster an environment in which individuals feel understood, respected, and supported. Nazmi's goal is to empower patients to take an active role in their mental health journey through compassionate care, open communication, and individualized treatment. He believes every patient deserves to be heard and treated with dignity, respect, and understanding.

Languages spoken

EnglishFarsiHindiUrduRussian
Portrait of Nadine Nasser, a woman with long brown hair wearing a black-and-white striped blouse.
Nadine Nasser, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

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Depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship difficulties for children, teens, and adults.

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A licensed mental health therapist (LMFT) at Palm Mental Health, where I support individuals in navigating life's challenges, especially during times when things feel overwhelming or stuck. I offer a warm, supportive space to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected. Together, we'll explore what's getting in the way and build on your strengths to create meaningful, lasting change. I work with children, teens, and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship difficulties, and I provide therapy in both English and Arabic. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and rooted in evidence-based practices tailored to your unique needs and goals. In our sessions, you'll have the space to slow down, reflect, and feel fully seen, without judgment. Wherever you are in your journey, I'll meet you there. If you're ready, I'd be honored to walk alongside you.

Languages spoken

EnglishArabic
Portrait of Vian Asmaro, Associate Clinical Social Worker | Mental Health Therapist
Vian Asmaro, ACSW

Associate Clinical Social Worker | Mental Health Therapist

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Anxiety and depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relationship challenges.

Vian Asmaro is a dedicated mental health therapist with over 10 years of experience providing compassionate, client-centered care to adults from diverse cultural and personal backgrounds. Her approach focuses on creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their concerns, gaining insight, and working toward meaningful change. Her areas of focus include anxiety, depression, stress management, trauma, grief, life transitions, relationship challenges, and emotional difficulties. She incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-informed techniques, person-centered therapy, and trauma-informed care. Vian tailors her therapeutic approach to each individual's unique needs, strengths, and goals. She works collaboratively with clients to develop effective coping strategies, build resilience, strengthen emotional well-being, and achieve a greater sense of balance and fulfillment in their lives. Fluent in English, Arabic, and Aramaic, Vian is committed to culturally responsive care that helps individuals from diverse communities feel heard, respected, and supported.

Education: Master of Social Work (MSW), San Diego State University

License: ACSW #104499, California Board of Behavioral Sciences

Languages spoken

EnglishArabicAramaic

Approaches

CBTDBT-informed techniquesperson-centered therapytrauma-informed care
Portrait of Sharmineh Vakili, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Sharmineh Vakili, AMFT

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

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Stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, and culturally responsive care.

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I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT 143406) dedicated to supporting individuals, families, and couples in navigating life's challenges. With a deep commitment to culturally responsive and trauma-informed care, I specialize in helping clients manage stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, and the unique experiences of immigrants and refugees. I also work with military families, providing a safe space to address the complexities of their experiences. With specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), couples therapy, and grief counseling, I am equipped to guide clients through transformative healing processes. My approach integrates evidence-based therapeutic techniques with a strong emphasis on empathy, understanding, and respect for each individual's background and experiences. I offer services in both English and Farsi, ensuring that clients from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds feel heard and supported. Whether you're dealing with the weight of past trauma, adjusting to new life transitions, or navigating the challenges of daily stress, I am here to help you find clarity, resilience, and peace.

Languages spoken

EnglishFarsi

Approaches

CBTcouples therapygrief counseling
Portrait of Ranya Razooky, a therapist with long dark hair wearing a black blazer.
Ranya Razooky, M.S., LPCC 20324

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

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Individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, and transitional-aged youth.

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My name is Ranya Razooky and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor at Palm Mental Health Clinic. I provide individual and family therapy services for children, adolescents (ages 5 to 18), and transitional-aged youth. I hold a Master of Science in Child Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood Mental Health from San Diego State University. With a Middle Eastern background, I am committed to providing culturally responsive and inclusive care that honors each family's values, traditions, and lived experiences. I strive to create a nurturing, supportive, and collaborative environment where every child and caregiver feels seen, heard, and empowered to begin their healing journey. Grounded in trauma-informed care, I understand how early experiences shape our sense of safety, self-worth, and ability to trust and connect with others. I am passionate about working alongside families to build secure parent-child relationships, foster resilience, and develop healthy coping mechanisms to navigate behavioral challenges. My therapeutic approach incorporates evidence-based modalities and client-centered care, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and play-based and art-based interventions. My work focuses on supporting children who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, family conflict, bullying, emotional dysregulation, communication difficulties, and anger management. I believe in the power of relationships in the healing process and remain dedicated to reducing the stigma around mental health, especially within marginalized communities. Together, we will create a compassionate and empathetic space to strengthen connection and restore physical and emotional safety.

Education: Master of Science in Child Development, emphasis in Early Childhood Mental Health, San Diego State University

Approaches

CBTDBTSolution-Focused Therapy (SFT)Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)play-based and art-based interventions
Portrait of Angelica Cervantes, a therapist with long brown hair and glasses, wearing a black blazer.
Angelica Lucia Cervantes Verduzco, LMFT, LPCC

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

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18+ years in healthcare and mental health; supports clients navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, PTSD, relationships, life transitions and self-esteem.

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Hi, I'm Angelica! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), with over 18 years of experience in the healthcare and mental health fields. I'm also bilingual in English and Spanish, which allows me to connect with and support individuals and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. Throughout my professional journey, I've developed a genuine passion for helping people navigate life's challenges, heal from difficult experiences, and reconnect with their strengths. I believe everyone has a unique story, and sometimes we just need a safe space, a little guidance, and the right support to begin creating meaningful change. What I find most rewarding about being a therapist is having the privilege of walking alongside individuals during vulnerable moments and witnessing them discover strengths they may not have recognized in themselves. I believe healing is not about becoming a completely different person, but about reconnecting with who you are, understanding your experiences, and learning to move forward with greater self-compassion, confidence, and hope. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. I strive to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where you can feel comfortable being yourself, sharing your experiences, and exploring your emotions at your own pace. I integrate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Strengths-Based Therapy. I believe therapy isn't one-size-fits-all, so I tailor our work to your individual needs, values, and goals. I work with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, couples, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, PTSD, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and self-esteem challenges. I'm particularly passionate about helping individuals process past experiences, better understand their emotional patterns, develop healthier relationships, and rediscover a sense of purpose and direction in their lives. Outside of my work as a therapist, I enjoy being a mother, spending time with my family, outdoor activities and connecting with nature.

Languages spoken

EnglishSpanish

Approaches

CBTSolution-Focused TherapyEMDRTrauma-Focused TherapyStrengths-Based Therapy
Portrait of Hala, a smiling woman with long brown hair wearing a brown suit.
Hala, AMFT, APCC

California-registered AMFT and APCC

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist | Associate Professional Clinical Counselor

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AMFTAPCCVeteran Mental Health

Trauma, PTSD, depression, life transitions, emotional wellness and veteran mental health.

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As a California-registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), Hala is dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally sensitive, and client-centered mental health care. She strives to create a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their healing journey. Her clinical experience includes supporting individuals experiencing trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, emotional challenges, and significant life transitions. As a military veteran, she brings a personal understanding of the unique experiences and challenges faced by service members, veterans, and their families. Her therapeutic approach integrates person-centered therapy and psychodynamic principles, emphasizing self-awareness, emotional exploration, and meaningful personal growth. Hala believes every individual is the expert on their own experiences, and her role is to provide guidance, support, and a collaborative therapeutic relationship that encourages healing and positive change. Cultural awareness and inclusivity are central to her practice. As a bilingual clinician fluent in Arabic and English, she recognizes the important roles that culture, family, identity, and lived experiences play in emotional well-being. She is committed to providing respectful, culturally responsive care to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Hala believes therapy is an opportunity to better understand ourselves, process difficult experiences, develop healthier emotional patterns, and build a more fulfilling life.

Languages spoken

EnglishArabic

Approaches

Person-Centered TherapyPsychodynamic TherapyCulturally Responsive Care

Social services team

Help beyond the therapy room

Our social services staff help clients and families navigate systems, paperwork, and community resources.

Portrait of Samira Yalda, Case Manager | Social Services & Community Resource Specialist
Samira Yalda

Case Manager | Social Services & Community Resource Specialist

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EnglishArabicAramaicTurkish

16+ years in social services, mental health support, interpretation and community assistance.

Portrait of Media Younus, BASW, Bachelor of Arts in Social Work · San Diego State University
Media Younus, BASW

Bachelor of Arts in Social Work · San Diego State University

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Over seven years of experience helping people access social services, healthcare and community resources.

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