Meet The Team
Outreach Coordinator
Esabel Sadek
Esabel Sadek is the founder of INDIGO PR and brings over six years of experience managing public relations and marketing campaigns for forward-thinking brands and businesses. In addition to her work in public relations, she is a freelance writer, certified yoga instructor, and mental health advocate dedicated to increasing awareness and reducing stigma around mental health, particularly within culturally diverse communities.
Esabel takes a holistic approach to mental wellness, integrating her background in yoga to promote mindfulness, self-awareness, and the connection between mental and physical well-being. Through this lens, she encourages accessible and culturally sensitive conversations around mental health and healing.
She previously worked with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where she supported marketing initiatives that promoted mental health education, community programs, and access to critical resources. Through her professional work and advocacy, Esabel is passionate about fostering open dialogue around mental well-being and helping connect individuals and communities to meaningful support systems. Her experience in media outreach and strategic communications gives her a unique ability to amplify important conversations, expand visibility for ACS Mental Health initiatives, and help connect more people in the community to the resources and support they need.
Program Lead
Marel Parono
Marel Parono is a Mental Health Project Officer at STARTTS (NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors), working to improve mental health literacy and deliver biopsychosocial education programs with the Assyrian community. With a background in Neuroscience and Psychology, Marel combines academic expertise with the cultural nuances of the Assyrian identity to strengthen resilience, reduce stigma, and foster healing in the Assyrian community. This ranges from the facilitation of self-care and leadership workshops to the development of arts and fitness-based programs. Marel will lead program development with ACSMH.
Developmental Research Strategist
Isabella Anton
Isabella serves as a Developmental Research Strategist at ACSMH. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral and Biological Sciences and is currently completing her fourth year of medical school at Wayne State University School of Medicine. Her ultimate goal is to become a psychiatrist. Rooted in a commitment to challenging the stigma surrounding mental illness, Isabella is passionate about addressing the unique barriers to care faced by our ethnic communities. Through her role at ACSMH, she is especially interested in conducting research that responds to community needs and helps develop programs and resources that are both effective and culturally sensitive. She is dedicated to advancing awareness, reducing disparities, and expanding access to mental health care through both medical and therapeutic approaches.
Developmental Research Strategist
Veronica Netniss
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 extensive experience in social services and mental health, Veronica works as a psychotherapist, where she is dedicated to supporting individuals in navigating life’s challenges with empathy and evidence-based care.
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In addition to her clinical work, Veronica teaches at two local community colleges in the disciplines of Sociology and Work Experience. She has developed a deep passion for teaching and mentoring, helping students connect their academic growth to personal development and professional goals.
Veronica’s diverse academic background and practical experience in mental health allow her to bring unique insights into the intersection of education, psychological well-being, and social justice.
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Most importantly, her strong faith in Christianity informs her approach to both teaching and counseling, emphasizing compassion, inclusivity, and the empowerment of others to thrive academically, personally, and spiritually.
Spirtual Wellness Lead
Daphne Eissabake
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.
Data Analyst
Hayley Gappy
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.
Developmental Research Strategist
Ramy Bella
Ramy serves as the Developmental Research Strategist 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.
Education and Advocacy Lead
Ninwa Ilia
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.
Content Creating Strategist
Nina Ilia
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.
Founder and Director
Christina Salem
Christina Salem, the founder and director of Assyrian Chaldean Syriac Mental Health (ACSMH), founded the organization in 2023, 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 wellness coaching certification 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, 2024, & 2026, 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 Convention in Orlando 2024 and California 2025 and discussed mental health resources and research results. She has also spoken on behalf of the Assyrian Studies Association and ACSMH at the Middle Eastern Studies Association Conference in November 2024.
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Send us an email with your resume and experience! We are always looking for ways to grow.