Meet the Development Team Behind EAP
The visionary team behind Elevate Adolescence is as diverse as it is passionate, bringing a wealth of experience and a personal commitment to adolescent empowerment.
Sana Imad A neuroscientist in another life, and mother of three girls, Sana founded Girls Rising Strong after recognizing a gap in content focused on character development for young adolescents. She created this program to empower girls and inspire them to grow with resilience and confidence. Building on this foundation, Boys Breaking Through is an extension of her mission, focusing on helping adolescent boys explore and understand their selves and identities. These programs have paved the way for the formation of the Elevate Adolescent Program (EAP), further enhancing support for young individuals in their journey toward self-discovery and personal growth.Ivana Zajkovska Founder of Youth360°, Ivana has dedicated her career to positive youth development. She was instrumental in organizing and enhancing EAP’s content, ensuring a cohesive, impactful learning experience. Ivana also developed the facilitator handbook to provide a structured, effective guide for program delivery.Sameera Omar With a background in psychology and community building, Sameera has extensive experience working with youth and co-created the foundational content for Girls Rising Strong. Her work in youth development combines a deep understanding of psychology with a passion for mentoring. Aminah Muhammad A Middle Grades Education student, Aminah has been actively involved in teaching and mentoring. Her structural and creative contributions to the content have been invaluable in making the program engaging and relevant for young teens. Sabeen Rana, LCSW, Consultant, and Advisor Sabeen is a Licensed Master of Social Work with a passion for healing and connection. She specializes in individual therapy, marital counseling, and premarital guidance. With expertise in attachment-based treatment, Sabeen emphasizes the transformative power of relationships in overcoming development trauma. She is committed to creating a supportive space that empowers you to tap into your courage, wisdom, and compassion as you strengthen your relationship with yourself and your loved ones.Carmen Bessant, LMFT, Consultant, and Advisor With over 16 years of experience as a licensed therapist, Carmen offers invaluable insights into family dynamics, relationships, and adolescent development. Her holistic, relationship-centered approach helps families find balance and unlock their potential.Samantha Helms An experienced educator and curriculum developer, Samantha has over a decade of expertise in child development. As a homeschooling mother, she blends professional insights with hands-on experience. She’s crafted impactful programs like Athena Camps and PerfectlyMe Camps, with a focus on evidence-based social-emotional learning that inspires both academic and personal growth. Dr. Rita Meneses A clinical psychologist with a PhD from the University of Birmingham, Dr. Rita specializes in empathy and attachment theory. She’s contributed to academic research and worked with youth associations to promote psychological and social well-being. Her approach emphasizes the power of meaningful relationships and active listening.Dr Marilyn Preston A seasoned expert in curriculum design, program evaluation, and research methodologies, with over a decade of experience driving social change through education and health equity. Holding a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies, she specializes in policy analysis, program development, and advocacy, all rooted in a strong commitment to social justice and anti-racist education. As the founder of Read the World Consulting, Marilyn provides tailored consulting services in curriculum design, program evaluation, DEI training, and leadership development. Her expertise in participatory evaluation and inclusive pedagogy ensures impactful, equity-driven solutions for organizations seeking sustainable change. Passionate about fostering civic engagement and systemic transformation, Marilyn is dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals with precision and empathy.Imam Vajid Pathan Born and raised in Connecticut, where his journey into Islamic scholarship and community leadership began. He studied at the University of Connecticut before pursuing advanced Islamic studies at the prestigious Islamic University of Madinah. There, he earned a diploma in Arabic and graduated from the College of Shari’ah. With a deep focus on comparative Fiqh, Aqeedah, Tafsir, and Hadith, Vajid also completed an advanced course in inheritance law at Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi. He also completed a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. With over 12 years of experience in teaching, community service, and leadership, Shaykh Vajid has served as the Youth Director in Connecticut and, most recently, as the Imam and Director of Religious Affairs at the Islamic Center of Morgantown, West Virginia. His innovative programming, including the establishment of a thriving Quran academy, has positively impacted hundreds of families and individuals. Now, as the resident scholar at the Worcester Islamic Center, Shaykh Vajid is excited to bring his passion for education, community building, and spiritual growth to his new role.Dr. Yousuf Raza, MD, PhD A Consultant Psychiatrist with a background in psychology and logotherapy, Dr. Yousuf Raza combines clinical practice with community outreach. His academic focus on the intersection of religion and psychology shapes his work in strengthening family and community connections, guided by the teachings of Allama Iqbal.Yahya Merchant, Assistant Content Contributor: With a BA in Psychology from Georgia State University, Yahya brings experience in customer service, management, and therapy support. He plans to pursue an MS/PhD at Georgia Tech, focusing on integrating psychology into community-based programs to enhance mental health.
Back to Top
