Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Zahra Ahmadi

Houston

Summary

Experienced educator, program facilitator, and mental health advocate specializing in refugee education, early childhood development, and trauma-informed practices. Skilled in curriculum design, community engagement, and workshop facilitation. Passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments and leveraging digital tools for impactful program delivery.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Early Childhood Development Facilitator & Brain Builder Facilitator

Rupani Foundation
04.2024 - Current
  • Develop and implement innovative early childhood education programs to enhance cognitive, emotional, and social development for children in underserved communities.
  • Lead "Brain Builders" workshops, training parents and caregivers on mental and emotional health support strategies.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to align program objectives with community needs and organizational goals.

Art therapy Intern

Leaf Art
09.2021 - 05.2022
  • Facilitated art therapy sessions for refugee children and adults, promoting emotional healing and resilience.
  • Designed and implemented trauma-informed activities to enhance self-expression and mental well-being.
  • Worked with psychologists and counselors to tailor therapeutic approaches for different age groups.

Refugee Assistance Intern

UNICEF
03.2020 - 01.2021
  • Coordinated refugee case management efforts, providing housing, education, and healthcare referrals.
  • Conducted needs assessments to connect families with appropriate social services.
  • Assisted in the logistical planning and execution of humanitarian aid distributions.

Founder & Program Director

Himayat Organization
06.2018 - 08.2019
  • Founded a mental health and support network for Afghan women, reaching over 500 participants in one years.
  • Organized group counseling sessions, educational workshops, and advocacy events to address mental health stigma.
  • Trained local volunteers and professionals to sustain long-term mental health initiatives.
  • Secured funding through partnerships with international NGOs, ensuring program sustainability.

TOEFL Instructor

Kardan University
02.2017 - 08.2019
  • Provided free TOEFL preparation classes for women seeking language proficiency to apply for scholarships.
  • Designed tailored lesson plans focusing on reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
  • Offered test-taking strategies and personalized feedback to improve student performance.

Education

B.A. - Media And Communication, Minor in Sociology

American University of Beirut
Beirut, Lebanon
06-2023

TOEFL Instructor -

Kardan University
01.2019

Teaching Assistant -

American University of Beirut
01.2019

Skills

    Education & Program Development:
  • Early Childhood Development & Curriculum Design
  • Refugee Assistance & Program Coordination
  • Workshop Design & Facilitation
  • Art Therapy & Trauma-Informed Practices
  • Mental Health & Advocacy:
  • Mental Health Counseling & Community Wellness
  • Group Counseling & Support Networks
  • Public Speaking & Awareness Campaigns
  • Technical & Digital Skills:
  • Digital Marketing & Website Development
  • Video Editing & Filmmaking
  • Graphic Design (Canva, Adobe Suite)
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Accomplishments

  • Certified Community Health Worker (University of Houston)
  • Certified Infant & Early Childhood Development (ECD) Facilitator
  • Brain Builders Facilitator Certification
  • CPR & First Aid Certified
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification
  • Community Wellness Certification (U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants)

Certification

  • Certified Community Health Worker - University of Houston
  • Certified IP and ECD Facilitator
  • Brain Builders Facilitator
  • CPR Certification
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification
  • Community Wellness Certificate, U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Dari/Farsi
Native or Bilingual
Pashto
Professional Working
Hindi/Urdu
Native or Bilingual
Arabic
Limited Working

Timeline

Early Childhood Development Facilitator & Brain Builder Facilitator

Rupani Foundation
04.2024 - Current

Art therapy Intern

Leaf Art
09.2021 - 05.2022

Refugee Assistance Intern

UNICEF
03.2020 - 01.2021

Founder & Program Director

Himayat Organization
06.2018 - 08.2019

TOEFL Instructor

Kardan University
02.2017 - 08.2019

TOEFL Instructor -

Kardan University

Teaching Assistant -

American University of Beirut

B.A. - Media And Communication, Minor in Sociology

American University of Beirut
Zahra Ahmadi