CARE TEAM

The CARE team contributes to Creating A Resilient Environment at AAC as members of our diaspora who possess training and experience on mental and physical health

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. Go to Mobile App and contact number: 402-781-4493

2. Please provide a number along with a short explanation of what care you need. 

3. Request will be received by the CARE Team and will be confidential. 

4. A member of the CARE Team will contact the individual through Google Voice and coordinate either a place to meet or speak over the phone. 

5. The meeting place or conversation shall happen in a confidential setting

*CARE Team will be available for the hours of the Conference. 

ISMATT REZA NIAZI, CARE Team Lead

Ismatt Reza Niazi, MD, is a double board-certified adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist, co-founder of a1 Family Psychiatry in Lincoln, Nebraska, and a proud first-generation Afghan American. Living with ADHD himself and raised alongside a younger brother with nonverbal autism, Dr. Niazi brings both deep personal lived experience and clinical expertise to his practice.

He has a history of dedicated work to the Afghan diaspora, addressing intergenerational trauma, neurodivergence, and mental health stigma through community workshops, support groups, and AAC presentations. Dr. Niazi is honored to lead this year's session on mental health and neurodivergence, advocating for compassionate, holistic care across the lifespan.

ANGELA ALIMI

Angela Alimi was born and raised in a small town in North Carolina with a population of approximately 15,000. As part of the only Afghan family in her town, Angela had a unique experience growing up and navigating her Afghan-American identity. She is a practicing mental health therapist specializing in teenagers and adolescents and has worked as a social worker for approximately 10 years.

MINA JAHAN

Mina Jahan cofounded Attanistan, an organization dedicated to preserving and teaching the Attan, Afghanistan's national dance. Attanistan has had the privilege of teaching Attan to more than 250 people from coast to coast.

For Mina, learning/performing the Attan is a form of resistance. She dedicates her classes to those who are not at liberty to play instruments or dance in our Watan. The responsibility lies with the Afghan diaspora to preserve our music and dance. 

Mina enjoys Tex-Mex and playful banter with her husband and cat. She works as a pediatric ICU nurse in Houston.

MARYAM RASOULI

Maryam is an Afghan American who grew up in Southern California. She came to the United States as a refugee with her family and has since come full circle by providing mental health services to refugee and asylum communities. From an early age, Maryam’s parents instilled in her the importance of education, which inspired her to pursue a career in psychology and mental health. In 2015, Maryam participated in the inaugural Afghan American Conference (AAC) as part of its alumni group. The experience allowed her to connect with and be inspired by Afghan students and professionals from across the United States, further strengthening her commitment to serving and uplifting the Afghan community.

Maryam is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 15 years of experience working across a variety of organizations and settings. Her areas of experience include trauma, abuse, domestic violence, depression, anxiety, PTSD, school issues and premarital and marital concerns.  She is also a frequent speaker on topics related to psychology, mental health, and counseling at colleges, high schools, elementary schools, and community events.Maryam currently serves as a Clinical Supervisor at ICNA Relief Crescent Counseling Center in Orange County and as a Behavioral Health Care Manager at Centene. She is fluent in Farsi and Dari.

AAC CARE Team Notice & Service Boundaries

The CARE Team provides short-term emotional grounding, peer support, and comfort for conference attendees who may feel overwhelmed during the event.

Important Scope of Service & Legal Disclaimer:

The CARE Team—including its volunteer members who may hold professional credentials outside the conference—does not provide clinical treatment, medical diagnosis, psychiatric evaluation, or psychotherapy at this event. Interactions with the CARE Team do not establish a professional therapist-patient or physician-patient relationship.

The CARE Team provides non-clinical support intended solely to help participants regain emotional stability. As part of our duty of care, if our assessment indicates that an attendee requires formal clinical intervention or urgent medical care, our team may recommend an evaluation at a local medical facility or emergency room and assist in connecting with emergency services.