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Egette Indelele, Chair and Founder
Egette Indelele, Chair and Founder
Egette Indelele, Chair and Founder
Egette was born and raised in a refugee camp in Tanzania, Africa. In 2021, she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from George Mason University and became the first person in her family to obtain both a high school diploma and a college degree. She also received her Master of Arts in Psychology with a focus in cognitive and
Egette was born and raised in a refugee camp in Tanzania, Africa. In 2021, she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from George Mason University and became the first person in her family to obtain both a high school diploma and a college degree. She also received her Master of Arts in Psychology with a focus in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience from George Mason University in 2022. Egette has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness.
Egette’s work with Safe Haven was inspired by her experience as a refugee. She founded Safe Haven Space, to empower and increase mental health resources and services to refugee families in the US . Egette’s passion for advocacy and humanitarianism extends to her work helping children worldwide. She served as President for George Mason’s chapter of UNICEF and on the Leadership Development Team for the UNICEF USA National Council.
Egette believes that Safe Haven Space will ease the transition to the American life. She also believes that it will help student perform better in school overall, while working on solving unresolved trauma and challenges.
Marissa Maurer, Vice Chair
Egette Indelele, Chair and Founder
Egette Indelele, Chair and Founder
Marissa is thrilled to be part of the dedicated and dynamic team at Safe Haven Space working to offer a safe space and well-being services to refugee and immigrant students and their families. She brings to the team 30 years of experience in diplomacy, strategic planning, public affairs, and program management. As a Foreign Service Off
Marissa is thrilled to be part of the dedicated and dynamic team at Safe Haven Space working to offer a safe space and well-being services to refugee and immigrant students and their families. She brings to the team 30 years of experience in diplomacy, strategic planning, public affairs, and program management. As a Foreign Service Officer with the Department of State, Marissa served in Washington DC and at several U.S. embassies and consulates overseas. She started her professional career as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand. In addition to her government service, Marissa has worked with several organizations focusing on refugee assistance, human rights, and education. She has degrees in National Security Studies (National Defense University), International Politics (American University), and Education (Bowling Green State University).
One of her favorite wellness activities is taking daily walks with her dog Tambi.
Juliana Zhou, Treasurer
Egette Indelele, Chair and Founder
Dr. Rosalind Ghafar Rogers, Board Member
Juliana has spent two decades moving across 5 countries in 3 continents as an immigrant, and speaks Japanese, Chinese and English. She is a CPA and has worked in public accounting and management consulting. She has used her personal experiences to publish a novel about the lives of immigrants in Japan, which explored themes such as cultur
Juliana has spent two decades moving across 5 countries in 3 continents as an immigrant, and speaks Japanese, Chinese and English. She is a CPA and has worked in public accounting and management consulting. She has used her personal experiences to publish a novel about the lives of immigrants in Japan, which explored themes such as cultural and linguistic adaptation, loss of homeland, belonging, and marginalization. She has a deep interest in promoting a beneficiary-centered approach to aid, and an agile and adaptive approach to financial controls as a treasurer. She believes in the value Safe Haven Space brings in promoting well-being and education for refugee communities, removing stigmas around mental health, and supporting community members to lead full and dignified lives. She is currently studying towards a Masters in International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins SAIS, and holds a M.S. in Accounting from American University, and a B.A. in Economics from University of Toronto.
Dr. Rosalind Ghafar Rogers, Board Member
Dr. Rosalind Ghafar Rogers, Board Member
Dr. Rosalind Ghafar Rogers, Board Member
Dr. Rogers is an Afghan American International Psychologist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, specializing in global mental health and trauma services. Currently, she is a professor, teaching graduate level courses in counseling at George Mason University and doctoral level courses in international psychology at The Chicago School of
Dr. Rogers is an Afghan American International Psychologist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, specializing in global mental health and trauma services. Currently, she is a professor, teaching graduate level courses in counseling at George Mason University and doctoral level courses in international psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
As a former Clinical Behavioral Health Subject Matter Expert with the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), she provided technical assistance, expertise, and training on trauma-informed and culturally responsive interventions and services that supported the mental health and psychosocial well-being of refugees. She also provided clinical expertise to build program-specific capacity and develop psychoeducational, curriculum, and implementation materials for refugees and refugee-serving providers.
Through USCRI’s Refugee Health Services Department, Dr. Rogers developed and managed mental health and psychosocial support programs for Afghan evacuees at safe havens (designated military bases and civilian locations) under Operation Allies Welcome (OAW), and for unaccompanied Afghan minors under the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).
Dr. Rogers has contributed to several research studies with the Global Collaboration on Traumatic Stress, one of which was published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology. She has been a guest speaker and subject matter expert for government agencies, NGOs, resettlement organizations, Afghan American community organizations, school districts, the American Counseling Association (ACA), and most recently on Sirius XM’s Doctor Radio, managed by NYU Langone Medical Center.
Natasha S. Christensen, Board Member
Dr. Rosalind Ghafar Rogers, Board Member
Natasha S. Christensen, Board Member
Natasha, has over 15 years of experience in the foreign policy, diplomatic, political-military affairs, national security and intelligence communities, having worked as a subject matter expert and analyst across multiple combatant commands, regions, and federal agencies.
Natasha is a skilled foreign policy and national security professiona
Natasha, has over 15 years of experience in the foreign policy, diplomatic, political-military affairs, national security and intelligence communities, having worked as a subject matter expert and analyst across multiple combatant commands, regions, and federal agencies.
Natasha is a skilled foreign policy and national security professional with extensive experience in strategic engagement, intelligence and geopolitical analysis. She most recently served as the Team Lead for Gulf/Iran in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Office of Near Eastern Affairs (DRL/NEA) at the U.S. Department of State, where she led U.S. government engagement on human rights and democracy priorities related to the Gulf region and Iran, coordinating policy, strategy, and collaboration.
Previously, she was the Senior Advisor for Assessments and Vulnerability Trends in the
Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, Homeland Defense and Global Security,
U.S. Department of Defense. Her government career began at the U.S. Department of State
in the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, where she oversaw the security
portfolio for refugee admissions and acquired a deep understanding of the link between the
diplomatic and defense communities in formulating and executing global policy.
She is the 2023 recipient of the U.S. Department of State Data for Diplomacy Group Award.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies from Elon
University and a Master of Science in Peace Operations Policy (Conflict Analysis and
Resolution) from George Mason University.
Christopher Hundley, Executive Director
Christina Anderson, Director of Talent & Culture
Christopher Hundley, Executive Director
Christopher Hundley is a mission-driven nonprofit executive and public affairs strategist with more than two decades of experience in government relations, organizational communications, and social impact leadership. As the volunteer Executive Director of Safe Haven Space, he helps guide the organization’s trauma-informed programming, par
Christopher Hundley is a mission-driven nonprofit executive and public affairs strategist with more than two decades of experience in government relations, organizational communications, and social impact leadership. As the volunteer Executive Director of Safe Haven Space, he helps guide the organization’s trauma-informed programming, partnerships, and long-term strategic direction.
Christopher also serves as Director of Public and Government Relations for SEIU Local 668, representing nearly 19,000 public sector workers across Pennsylvania. A former frontline caseworker, he brings personal understanding and policy expertise to the challenges faced by vulnerable youth, families, and the social service professionals who support them.
Christopher holds an MBA and MS in Marketing from Baruch College, and a BA in English from Howard University.
Karolina Hogan, Director of Programs
Christina Anderson, Director of Talent & Culture
Christopher Hundley, Executive Director
Karolina Hogan serves as Director of Programs at Safe Haven Space, where she supports the organization's mission to expand access to mental health education and resources for immigrant and refugee communities.
She graduated cum laude from Boston University with a degree in International Relations and minors in Public Health and Chinese. H
Karolina Hogan serves as Director of Programs at Safe Haven Space, where she supports the organization's mission to expand access to mental health education and resources for immigrant and refugee communities.
She graduated cum laude from Boston University with a degree in International Relations and minors in Public Health and Chinese. Her professional background spans global health, international development, research, and nonprofit leadership. Karolina previously served as a Peace Corps HIV/AIDS Capacity Building Volunteer in Botswana and worked as a Research Coordinator at the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, supporting international health programs and cross-functional research initiatives. She currently works in executive operations and stakeholder engagement at a Washington, D.C.-based international business association.
Drawing on her experiences working across cultures and communities, Karolina is passionate about advancing health equity, strengthening community-based support systems, and ensuring that immigrant and refugee families have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Christina Anderson, Director of Talent & Culture
Christina Anderson, Director of Talent & Culture
Christina Anderson, Director of Talent & Culture
Christina is a dynamic professional whose experience spans the military, federal, and civilian sectors. Before graduating college, she enlisted in the U.S. Army to further her education. After graduating from Western Carolina University with her B.S. in Communication (PR & Journalism), she spent the next 8 years on active duty as an I.T.
Christina is a dynamic professional whose experience spans the military, federal, and civilian sectors. Before graduating college, she enlisted in the U.S. Army to further her education. After graduating from Western Carolina University with her B.S. in Communication (PR & Journalism), she spent the next 8 years on active duty as an I.T. Specialist in various locations including living in South Korea on multiple occasions. Before separating from the military, she obtained two additional degrees from Liberty University, M.A. in Strategic Communication, and an M.B.A. in Human Resources.
Christina enjoys working in spaces where opportunities have historically been inaccessible to underrepresented communities, and has volunteered with the USO, local food pantries, Dimensions Sciences Inc., and more.
Fast forward, Christina now works for a regional hospital as a Talent Acquisition Specialist II but is determined to pivot into program/project management in a couple of years. Her professional membership includes the National Association for Healthcare Recruitment and the Project Management Institute.
Kathleen Khong, Mental Health Specialist ( George Mason Civic Fellow)
Kathleen Khong, Mental Health Specialist ( George Mason Civic Fellow)
Kathleen Khong, Mental Health Specialist ( George Mason Civic Fellow)
Kathleen Khong is currently a doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program at George Mason University. Prior to her graduate studies, she was involved in community-based research on stress, emotion regulation and mental health among refugees in Malaysia. She also volunteered with the Women’s Aid Organization in projects that aim to
Kathleen Khong is currently a doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program at George Mason University. Prior to her graduate studies, she was involved in community-based research on stress, emotion regulation and mental health among refugees in Malaysia. She also volunteered with the Women’s Aid Organization in projects that aim to reintegrate survivors of domestic violence into society and served as a crisis support hotline officer. Witnessing refugees and survivors of interpersonal violence (IPV) struggle with stress, PTSD, and societal stigma stirred a desire within her to use research and clinical skills toward shaping programs and policies to make services more accessible and culturally responsive to marginalized communities. Her current training in clinical psychology with a community-based approach further led her to recognize the importance of centering refugees’ experiences and strength-based approaches in her work. Through Safe Haven Space, she hopes to deepen her understanding of refugee mental health needs while contributing to the organization’s efforts in destigmatizing mental health.
Iman Mostafa, Wellness Program Coordinator/Facilitator
Kathleen Khong, Mental Health Specialist ( George Mason Civic Fellow)
Kathleen Khong, Mental Health Specialist ( George Mason Civic Fellow)
Iman Mostafa is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at George Mason University, and recently joined Safe Haven Space to assist in the creation and delivery of impactful community-centered programming. She looks forward to facilitating group sessions that foster connection and healing by using creative, pers
Iman Mostafa is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at George Mason University, and recently joined Safe Haven Space to assist in the creation and delivery of impactful community-centered programming. She looks forward to facilitating group sessions that foster connection and healing by using creative, personalized methods that draw upon participants' unique interests and strengths.
Iman is eager to learn directly from the youth and young adults she serves, honoring their lived experiences and resilience with warmth and enthusiasm. She is equally thrilled to work alongside and learn from Safe Haven Space's passionate and deeply committed staff. Outside of her studies and volunteer work, Iman enjoys visiting national parks, exploring global cuisines, and deep diving into her rotating hobbies of interest.
Cassandra Do, Wellness Program Coordinator
Kathleen Khong, Mental Health Specialist ( George Mason Civic Fellow)
Cassandra Do, Wellness Program Coordinator
Cassandra has always been drawn to understanding people — the inner patterns that shape how we think, and the larger systems that shape how we live. Her worldview was formed early, through the stories of her parents, who immigrated from Vietnam to the United States after the war, and the wider community whose experiences taught her what r
Cassandra has always been drawn to understanding people — the inner patterns that shape how we think, and the larger systems that shape how we live. Her worldview was formed early, through the stories of her parents, who immigrated from Vietnam to the United States after the war, and the wider community whose experiences taught her what resilience and displacement truly mean.
That foundation gave her a deep empathy for immigrant and refugee communities, and a lifelong commitment to serving their mental health. She earned her degree in Psychology and Sociology from Fordham, and is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health at George Mason. In her role at Safe Haven Space, she brings both a personal and academic lens to her work, one that holds space for the individual while never losing sight of the systems around them.
Nadia Gray, Program Coordinator
Kathleen Khong, Mental Health Specialist ( George Mason Civic Fellow)
Cassandra Do, Wellness Program Coordinator
Nadia Gray is a Program Coordinator at Safe Haven Space and an Honors student at Temple University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology on the pre-dental track. Alongside her studies, she holds several leadership roles on campus and is passionate about making a positive impact in her community.
As an African American wom
Nadia Gray is a Program Coordinator at Safe Haven Space and an Honors student at Temple University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology on the pre-dental track. Alongside her studies, she holds several leadership roles on campus and is passionate about making a positive impact in her community.
As an African American woman with Afghan and Pakistani heritage, Nadia understands the importance of creating supportive environments where young people can succeed. She joined Safe Haven Space because she knows firsthand that school can be challenging, and she believes students should not have to navigate mental health struggles without support. She is passionate about expanding access to mental health resources so that every student has an equal opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
After graduation, Nadia plans to attend dental school and build a career providing compassionate, accessible care while continuing to give back to underserved communities.
Vyshnavi Ravipati, Outreach Coordinator
Mahlaqa Mubasher, Communications and Research Assistant
Mahlaqa Mubasher, Communications and Research Assistant
Vyshnavi is an undergraduate at VCU, majoring in psychology on the pre-med track. She is passionate about accessible health care, especially mental health care. She aspired to be a psychiatrist in the future and looks forward to helping people with their mental health.
She has been looking for opportunities to give back to the community a
Vyshnavi is an undergraduate at VCU, majoring in psychology on the pre-med track. She is passionate about accessible health care, especially mental health care. She aspired to be a psychiatrist in the future and looks forward to helping people with their mental health.
She has been looking for opportunities to give back to the community and when she found SHS it felt like the perfect fit. She is first generation here and mental health is heavily stigmatised in the Asian community so she has grown up feeling the effects of it. It has made her passionate about making mental care accessible to all, even in communities where it may not be prioritised or normalised.
Mahlaqa Mubasher, Communications and Research Assistant
Mahlaqa Mubasher, Communications and Research Assistant
Mahlaqa Mubasher, Communications and Research Assistant
Mahlaqa received an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto. She always tries to find ways
to work where she is able to help in strengthening communities, to allow them to become even better.
Mental health is not a topic that is commonly spoken about in the South Asian community. Within the
community she has seen the amoun
Mahlaqa received an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto. She always tries to find ways
to work where she is able to help in strengthening communities, to allow them to become even better.
Mental health is not a topic that is commonly spoken about in the South Asian community. Within the
community she has seen the amount of courage it takes for someone to talk about their emotions or
share their struggles with mental health.
She hopes to help Safe Haven Space in achieving their goal and destigmatize mental health in refugee
communities. She hopes to spread awareness on mental health to make discussions easier and safe to
have.
Larry Yang, Technology and Data Advisor
Larry Yang was an accomplished Customer Success and Program Management leader with 40 years of experience delivering IT solutions for federal and commercial clients. He signed up to serve as Technology and Data Advisor for Safe Haven Space in May 2026, and is helping the organization to develop its IT governance policies. Retired in 2025,
Larry Yang was an accomplished Customer Success and Program Management leader with 40 years of experience delivering IT solutions for federal and commercial clients. He signed up to serve as Technology and Data Advisor for Safe Haven Space in May 2026, and is helping the organization to develop its IT governance policies. Retired in 2025, Mr. Yang spends most of his time in leisure activities such as wine tasting, travelling, and woodworking outside of the Safe Haven Space volunteer work. An immigrant himself, Mr. Yang understands the stigmas that an immigrant/refugee youth could face, and appreciates the opportunity to be a member of the Safe Haven Space team to deliver programs to the affected youth community.