TEAM MEMBERS

Nathalie founded First Aid of the Soul in February 2022 shortly after the full on invasion of Russia's war against Ukraine.

Anastasia is a California-based licensed professional clinical counselor and psychotherapist with 14 years of experience working with anxiety and depression reduction, stress management, and coping with trauma. She utilizes a trauma-informed holistic approach and has received comprehensive training in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, and Expressive Arts Therapy.

Maksym was and is engaged as an interpreter in grassroots trainings for various capacities all around Ukraine. Currently, he works in the language department, supporting counselors, therapists, and psychologists from all over Ukraine.

Joanna is a visual artist, expressive arts therapist, and Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation) teacher based in Belgium. She holds a Ph.D. degree in visual arts and an MA degree in Expressive Arts Therapy with a minor in Psychology.

Susie is supporting our FAS Communications Team by creating our monthly newsletter, which helps give our supporters updates! This role is essential.

I hold a Registered Psychotherapist(Qualifying) license from the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a Registered Nurse license from the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). These two distinct but meaningful and enriching professions, are a reflection of my identity and the work I provide as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).

I am Sofiia, a graphic designer from Ukraine. Since 2022, I have been working with Ukrainian cultural and human rights organizations, as well as charitable foundations and some volunteer projects. I really appreciate and try to join initiatives aimed at helping Ukraine and Ukrainians in our fight for freedom. Also, since I live in Ukraine, I understand how important mental health is for a normal and effective life and how difficult it is sometimes to go through the path of recovery from trauma on your own. Therefore, I consider this project as definitely necessary and very important. I support it and hope that it will help everyone who needs it.

Yi Jen Chang
MA Cand. Expressive Arts Therapy, MSc. Neuroscience

I come from Taiwan, a country that, like Ukraine, has long faced threats from powerful nations. This shared struggle deepens my empathy for Ukraine and for all those resisting oppression and striving to live with dignity. I hope to do my part in supporting justice and contributing to the cause of freedom and peace.

As an expressive arts facilitator, I believe in creativity’s transformative power to heal, empower, and drive social change. I earned my certification from the Expressive Arts Institute Berlin in 2023 and am currently pursuing a Master’s in Expressive Arts Therapy at the European Graduate School. My passion lies in using creative approaches to foster social justice, restore dignity, and promote peacebuilding and systemic change. This calling led me to the Icelandic Red Cross, where I support refugees and asylum seekers through expressive arts. I am also part of The Liminal Expressive Arts Collective in Berlin, where I lead themed workshops that encourage self-exploration and connection, supporting individuals in navigating their personal journeys through arts and embodied practices.

Before transitioning to expressive arts, I spent a decade in life sciences and hold a Master’s in Neuroscience from the Charité Berlin. From pursuing the beauty of precision to embracing wholeness of human experience, from seeking meaning behind data to seeing things as they are, I’ve found these two disciplines nourish each other beautifully, offering fresh insights into how we engage with life.

I am curious how neuroscience-informed practices can deepen our work and am committed to a lifelong research on creativity’s role in transformation. How can poiesis facilitate change in a tender, generative, and deeply human way? Can creativity be a universal language—one that transcends differences and invites curiosity, play, and compassion into how we make sense of the world and connect with one another? These questions continue to shape my work and exploration.

Mariia Khristenko is currently an intern at First Aid of the Soul, where she contributes to organizational initiatives exploring psychology and human development.

She is pursuing a B.A. in Psychology at American University Kyiv. Earlier, Mariia studied in the United States at The Hill School in Pennsylvania on a full scholarship, where she deepened her international perspective and academic curiosity.

In addition to her academic work, Mariia serves as Executive Assistant at the Snake Island Institute, a Ukrainian defense-focused think tank. There, she supports institutional leadership in financial and contractual management, organizational coordination, and strategic communications.

Natasha is a caring psychotherapist who provides mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. She received her master’s in Clinical Counseling from Alliance Graduate School of Counseling, Nyack College, N.Y.

Eden holds a masters's Degree in Art Psychotherapy and has specialist multidisciplinary training in Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Equine Lead Psychotherapy, Trauma Sensitive Yoga, and is soon to complete EMDR training.

Iryna manages communications and outreach, builds relationships with partners and supporters, and helps share the stories and impact of the organization’s work.

Anna is a New York-Based Art Therapist and Educator. After almost a decade of a successful career as a designer, she decided to dedicate herself to Art Education and then, eventually, to Art Therapy. Anna realized that she wanted to help others understand themselves better, find ways to express their feelings thoroughly, and ultimately reach their full creative potential.

After a former career as a programmer/analyst in university environmental health research, I am a lifelong artist and musician and a survivor of workplace trauma, graduated in 2014 from Lesley University with a Master's in Expressive Therapy specializing in Music Therapy and Mental Health Counseling; I am a board-certified music therapist.

Після попередньої кар'єри програмістки / аналітика в університетських дослідженнях в галузі охорони навколишнього середовища я є художницею і музиканткою, а також тою, яка пережила травму на робочому місці. У 2014 році я закінчила університет Леслі зі ступенем магістра в області експресивної терапії, зі спеціалізацією на музичній терапії та консультуванні з питань психічного здоров'я; я сертифікована музична терапевтка.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Board Certified Counselor. I specialized in using Sand Tray Therapy and am also trained in Trauma Resiliency Model, Mind-Body Medicine, EMDR, EFT/TTT, expressive art, and Capacitar International.

With over 15 years of firsthand experience in tech support and training within the healthcare and biotech sectors, Konstantin brings a solution-focused approach and problem-solving skills to FAS, providing behind-the-scenes organization and technical support.

Jana DeSimone Wozniak, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who currently lives and practices in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. She received her doctorate from Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington, USA, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in General Mental Health/Primary Care Behavioral Health Clinics in the Department of Veteran’s Affairs Boston Healthcare System. Currently, Dr. Wozniak works in an academic medical setting at Cambridge Health Alliance in Boston and holds an appointment as an Instructor in Psychology from Harvard Medical School. Dr. Wozniak’s clinical work has always centered on the provision of trauma-informed therapy in several diverse populations within the United States (e.g., active-duty service members, veterans, and immigrant/refugee populations). Because of her background in behavioral medicine, she is especially passionate about the implementation of practical or behavioral interventions that capitalize on the individuals’ own strengths in the service of fostering or enhancing resilience in the context of trauma.

Marlene is FAS's Disaster Mental Health and Training Director. She has been part of FAS since the beginning and involved as a team member and advisor on various projects online and offline in Ukraine.

Marlene is a Member of the Council of Scholars Clinical Practice Group, a select group of EMDR Therapy leaders. She is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant, EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Project facilitator, and R-TEP Trainer in -training.

I have a Ph.D. in counseling and supervision, and an MA in marriage and family counseling. Additionally, I have specialty training in Distance Counseling Credentialing, I am a Certified Daring Way Facilitator, and have training in Emotion-Focused Therapy and EMDR.

У мене є ступінь доктора філософії в галузі консультування та наставництва, а також ступінь магістра в галузі консультування з питань шлюбу та сім'ї. Крім того, я пройшла спеціальну підготовку з сертифікації дистанційного консультування, я сертифікована фасилітаторка Daring Way, а також пройшла навчання емоційно-орієнтованої терапії та EMDR.

Emiliia Melnyk is a clinical psychologist, trauma therapist, supervisor, author of the training program “The Power of Small Steps”, trainer in psycho/trauma education, member of EMDR Ukraine and BACP. Emiliia is a director for the Nadiiya Project in Ukraine, developed by First Aid of the Soul.

Marsha is a BPC-registered psychoanalytic psychotherapist and a UKCP-registered Integrative psychotherapist and supervisor. She is a founding member of The Relational School and founding member of The London Psychotherapy and Trauma Centre. She has over 35 years of clinical experience working with adults, specializing in trauma and couples work.

I hold an MA in Expressive Arts Therapy for Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding from the European Graduate School (2020) and a BA in International Communications from American University in Washington, DC (2013). I have a multifaceted practice which includes coaching individual clients through expressive arts, facilitating international projects in conflict zones, and offering trauma competency consulting for organizations and government entities. Emma’s work focuses on the impact of trauma, whether experienced directly or vicariously, utilizing psychoeducation, somatic practices, and the arts as tools for restoration and healing. 

Fialkora is a highly qualified clinical psychologist with a master's degree in Clinical and Rehabilitation Psychology from Lviv National University. She possesses extensive clinical experience gained across different regions of Ukraine, where she has been dedicated to addressing a wide range of patient needs. Her expertise includes helping individuals recover from traumatic experiences and grief, fostering interpersonal relationships, identifying life values, achieving personal goals, tapping into inner resources, and more.

Furthermore, Fialkora holds certifications in Brief Solution-Focused Therapy (BSFT) and is a certified master of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP Master). Her therapeutic approaches are always trauma-informed, emphasizing sensitivity to the psychological impact of trauma on individuals.

She is a professional member of the Society of Systemic Psychotherapy and a member of the National Psychological Association of Ukraine. Fialkora has received specialized training in counseling members of the LGBTQ+ community and individuals with disabilities, which is particularly relevant as she herself deals with multiple sclerosis.

In her practice, Fialkora actively integrates Art Therapy to aid in adaptation and utilizes her extensive training related to trauma and PTSD. She has studied Cue Centered Therapy at Stanford Medical Institute, which further enhances her ability to work with trauma.

Despite currently residing as a refugee in another country, Fialkora maintains a deep connection with her homeland, Ukraine, and its people. Her commitment to providing psychological support and making a positive impact remains unwavering.

Fialkora is a therapeutic team member with FAS.

Dr. Anna Redding is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, accredited EMDR therapist, Executive Coach, and co-founder and director of Avenue Therapies. She has worked in the NHS and public sector since 2004, specializing in trauma and supporting individuals with severe mental health difficulties.
In 2015, Anna co-founded Avenue Therapies, now a growing community of over 50 therapists providing evidence-based assessment and therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

Alongside her clinical work, Anna is passionate about making psychological support accessible and effective. She provides training and consultation to organizations—including the NHS, county councils, police departments, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses—helping them adopt trauma-informed approaches that improve outcomes for both clients and staff.

Anna also serves with First Aid of the Soul as a clinical supervisor, trainer, and therapeutic team lead.

Jennifer is a teaching artist and mixed media artist creating incorporating organic movement into pieces. She supports our Communication Outreach in creative ways.