Upon request, the CARE Team is available to meet one-on-one with any conference attendee to address health concerns that arise throughout the weekend. CARE Team members may respond to instances of anxiety, emotional distress/triggers, and wellness checks. They are available to support you in being your fullest self at AAC!

How to Connect with the CARE Team:

1. Send a text to (949)415-4207. Please include your name and a brief message explaining your need (wellness check, emotionally vulnerable, just need to talk/decompress, etc.).

2. An available CARE Team member will contact you as soon as possible to coordinate a designated place to meet or set up a phone call.

ARYAN AFSHAR, CARE Team Lead

Aryan is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) who works at a non-profit community mental health agency in Southern California dedicated to working with underserved children and adolescents with moderate to severe impairments in functioning. Aryan has a master's in clinical psychology from Cal State Fullerton and her thesis on First Generation Afghan American Refugee Experiences and Resilience won the Giles T. Brown Award and has been published as a chapter in a textbook highlighting advances in psychology research. Aryan is currently studying for her licensure exam (wish her luck!) and hopes to continue working with children, support Afghan refugees and uplift her community.

FARIA ALAMKHEL

Faria is a licensed psychotherapist based in the Bay Area, CA. She specializes in trauma recovery, PTSD, anxiety, addiction, and family systems. Born in Kabul, she immigrated to the U.S. shortly after 9/11-an experience that continues to shape her work around identity, resilience, and community healing. 

Faria integrates EMDR, ISF, and trauma-informed care with a holistic approach that honors mind, body, and soul. Her work supports individuals and families in healing deep wounds, reconnecting with their inner strength, and transforming their lives. Faria's approach is compassionate, culturally grounded, and centered on lasting change. 

HUDIA HASHEMEYAN

Hudia holds many identities that have shaped how she moves through the world. She is the first in her family to be born in the U.S., still living in between cultures and learning to make that space feel like home.

She is the third daughter and the middle child of four. Hudia is also a proud khala to two little nieces she adores—watching them grow has been one of the greatest joys in her life.

Professionally, she is a licensed clinical social worker. She currently works for a healthcare organization where she provides short-term individual therapy for adults.

Outside of work, Hudia spends time with her family and friends, writes poetry, and creates community around healing and identity.

This is her first time attending AAC, and she is looking forward to making new connections and being a support to anyone who might need it throughout the conference weekend.

WICE NIAZI

Wice is a Doctor of Psychology, PsyD, based in the Bay Area. Dr. Niazi’s passion for psychology began with a deep desire to understand the soul of a human being—a pursuit that has not only shaped clinical work but also deepened a connection to humanity.

Dr. Niazi works primarily with marginalized communities and people of color from diverse backgrounds, integrating psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral approaches while meeting each client where they are. This work is rooted in empathy, cultural humility, and the belief that healing begins with being seen and understood.

Dr. Niazi’s completed doctoral research, titled Intergenerational Trauma in Second-Generation Afghan American Males, explored the complex transmission of trauma across generations within the Afghan diaspora. The study was both an academic endeavor and a reflection of a personal journey, weaving Dr. Niazi’s own story into the research to reconnect with culture and community.

In the pursuit of continuous study and the sharing of psychological knowledge, Dr. Niazi also serves as an adjunct professor at Chabot College, teaching psychology courses with the goal of inspiring the next generation of thinkers, healers, and advocates. For Dr. Niazi, psychology is not only a science but a sacred path toward collective healing and deeper understanding.

SABRINA PERRINO

Dr. Sabrina Perrino is a board-certified pediatrician, wife/mother, and muslima. She has served on the AACO executive board and as the Director of Professional Development. She has also served on the executive board of the American Academy of Pediatrics-CA3 chapter. She currently works for UC San Diego.