Meet The Team

Veronica holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, as well as two Master's degrees—one in Education and another in Clinical Mental Health. With over five years of experience at UC San Diego contracted with the Department of Corrections as a prison social worker, Veronica has cultivated a passion for helping those most vulnerable. Veronica also teaches for two local community colleges, in disciplines such as Sociology and Work Experience.

Veronica has found a deeper passion for teaching and mentoring college students. Veronica possesses a diverse academic background and practical experience in mental health which both enable her to provide valuable insights into the intersection of education and psychological well-being.

Mostly importantly, a strong faith in Christianity informs Veronica’s approach to both teaching and counseling, emphasizing compassion and support in fostering an inclusive learning environment. Veronica is dedicated to empowering students and community individuals to thrive both academically and personally.

With a decade of dedicated experience in higher education and over fifteen years in spiritual mentorship, Daphne Eissabake has cultivated a multifaceted career that encompasses academic advising and administrative roles in the California State University System and faculty responsibilities at Pepperdine University. Daphne is committed to foster student success, guiding individuals through their academic journeys, and enhancing institutional processes to better support learners.
 

In addition to her work in higher education, she has participated in supporting individuals through grief counseling for the largest hospice organization in Stanislaus County. This role has allowed her to contribute to vital support systems for families in need, reinforcing her belief in the importance of community engagement and compassionate care.
Her passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom as she serves as a teacher and mentor within her church at St. John Assyrian Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Through this work, she strives to inspire and empower others, sharing knowledge and values that foster personal and spiritual growth through the lens of Christian faith.
 

Together, these experiences reflect her commitments to education, community service, and mentorship, driving her ongoing efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
 

She holds a Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Communication Studies, a Masters of Arts in Counseling and currently is studying for her Doctor of Education. She continues to build her professional development and holds certificates through the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University.

Hayley Gappy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Management Information Systems and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Business Analytics. With a strong foundation in data analysis, she leverages her expertise to find data-driven ways to enhance the effectiveness of mental health support to better serve the ACS community. Hayley is passionate about prioritizing mental health, recognizing its crucial role in stress management, building relationships, and achieving goals. To maintain her own mental health, Hayley turns to prayer and her relationship with God, which help her cope with stress.

Ramy serves as the Fundraising Lead for ACSMH. He is a PharmD with 2+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry working in regulatory affairs. His experiences have given him a better understanding of what patients struggle with when attempting to seek care. Ramy is also very understanding and aware of the struggles our ethnic group and others face when seeking treatment. His strong academic and professional background combined with his compassionate and friendly demeanor help reinforce the goals of ACSMH.

Ninwa is an educator at ACSMH. Inspired by witnessing and experiencing injustices within her community, she pursued a degree in social work. She has a particular passion for helping youth navigate challenges such as mental health issues.

Empowerment, diversity-sensitive approaches, and advocating for others are among her key tools. With a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, experience in the work field and plans to attain her second Bachelor Degree in Inclusive Education and Remedial Teaching, she aspires to use her knowledge to make a meaningful contribution to our community.

Dorena is a researcher for ACSMH. Having personal experience with mental illness and advocating for herself and family members, Dorena’s mission in her professional career is to combine her cultural background and understanding with evidence based practice. She is currently getting two bachelors degrees in social work and psychology with plans to get her masters in social work. In the past, she has done research projects regarding stigma and competence surrounding mental illness in middle eastern culture. She hopes to help be a voice for mental wellbeing and breaking the stigma associated with mental disorders in the community.

Nina is responsible for the social media of ACSMH. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in marketing, with plans to further obtain a Master's in sociology. Nina got diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood and strives to break the stigma against mental illness in our ethnic community. She channels her high energy and creativity into raising awareness and promoting ACSMH. 

Christina Salem, the founder and director of Assyrian Chaldean Syriac Mental Health (ACSMH), founded the organization in 2024, though her dedication to nonprofit work dates back to 2017. Her role at ACSMH reflects her deep commitment to addressing the mental health needs of the Assyrian Chaldean Syriac community. Christina’s approach is informed by her training in trauma outreach workshops and life coaching certifications through Oakland University, and her survey presentations and workshops.

Her journalistic observations of the community, including the diaspora's migration experiences following ISIS in 2017 and her visits to the homeland in 2022 and 2024, have profoundly influenced her work and perspective of the needs of the community. Notably, she delivered her first mental health awareness conference to the youth of Mar Narsay Church in Duhok in 2024.

Her background in PR, international publishing, and entrepreneurship enriches her perspective and underscores her commitment to supporting and uplifting her community.

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Christina represented ACSMH at the Assyrian Conference in Orlando and discussed mental health resources, and will speak on behalf of the Assyrian Studies Association at the Middle Eastern Studies Association Conference in November.