Dayirai (Dye-Rye) is a Public Health Promotion and Sociobehavioral Sciences doctoral student at the University of Alberta, co-supervised by Dr. Elizabeth Onyango and Dr. Sophie Yohani. She is a WCHRI Graduate Student Awardee. With over 15 years of experience as a clinical social worker and consultant, she specializes in trauma-informed care and culturally responsive practices. Dayirai holds a Master of Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Bachelor of Social Work with a BA in Sociology from McMaster University.

Her research focuses on the occupational health outcomes of racialized Black women healthcare workers in Alberta, exploring intersectionality and critical race theory. She received the 2024 Best PhD Research Poster Award at the University of Alberta.

As the founder of Journeys of Life Counselling Services Inc., Dayirai provides virtual, culturally affirming therapy and wellness consulting. She works towards decolonizing mental health care and promoting holistic well-being. She authored several therapeutic tools, including 'Colour Calm Create: A Workbook of Doodles and Affirmations,' and was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025 for her community contributions.

Dayirai actively mentors in the Health Equity Adaptive Mentorship Network and volunteers with social justice initiatives. She loves her son, siblings, and family and enjoys spending time with loved ones through music, dancing, singing, crafting, and walking.

PUBLICATIONS

Kapfunde, D. K. (2024). Colour Calm Create: A Workbook of Doodles and Affirmations. BK Royston Publishing. https://www.amazon.ca/Colour-Calm- Create-Workbook-Affirmations/dp/1963136551

Onyango, E.; Olukotun, M.; Olanrewaju, F.; Kapfunde, D.; Chinedu-Asogwa, N.; Salami, B. Transnationalism and Hegemonic Masculinity: Experiences of Gender-Based Violence Among African Women Immigrants in Canada. Women 2024, 4, 435-452.

Kapfunde, D. K. (2023). Fearfully and Wonderfully Made. BK Royston Publishing. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1959543393

Kapfunde, D. K. (2023). Living My Life Authentically: An Interactive Self-Care and Well-Being Workbook. BK Royston Publishing. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1959543407

Kapfunde, D. K. (2023). Well-Being Workbook. BK Royston Publishing. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1959543415

Kapfunde, D. K. (2023). Self-Care Affirmations Daily Strategies for Well-Being. BK Royston Publishing. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/195954344X

Kapfunde, D. K. (2023). Self-Care on Purpose: Mindfulness Practice Skills Cards-53-card deck. Journeys of Life Counselling Services Inc. https://www.journeysoflifecounselling.com/shop-2/

My name is Jakkapan Karnjanavijaya (he/him), and I am a doctoral student in Counselling Psychology in Dr. Yohani’s lab. I come to counselling psychology from a background in Global Health, where I studied the intersections of migration and health. My research interests include social justice, as well as immigrant and refugee mental health, with a current focus on non-status immigrant psychosocial well-being. As a counsellor, I enjoy working with children, adults, and families. Outside of research, my hobbies include reading, being out in nature, and anything and everything to do with my cats and all cats.

Mary (she/her) is a PhD Candidate in the Counselling Psychology stream at the University of Alberta and a research assistant in Dr. Sophie Yohani’s Lab. She is a registered psychologist with a strong clinical background and holds Master’s degrees in Public Health and Counselling Psychology, along with a Bachelor of Nursing. Deeply committed to mental health support that is both evidence-based and culturally grounded, Mary brings valuable grassroots insights as a first-generation immigrant. Her research interests include posttraumatic growth, complex trauma, and the development of culturally informed frameworks for immigrant and refugee populations. Her current doctoral research examines the experiences of cultural brokers when working with immigrant families involved with child intervention services. Mary’s clinical and research orientation integrates feminist, humanistic-existential, trauma-informed, and multicultural modalities, all through a social justice lens. Her work centers on equity, empowerment, and cultural humility, aiming to amplify marginalized voices and address systemic barriers to care. She has received several awards, including the CUP Equity Award, the University of Alberta Graduate Recruitment Scholarship, and the MSc/MPH Public Health Scholarship from the University of Westminster. Outside of her professional life, Mary embraces exploring the world around her and enjoys dancing- whether it's for the pure joy of it or as a way to unwind and express herself.

Selected Research Outputs and Publications:
Mbiatem, M. E., & Tewfik, I. (2020). Evaluating the effectiveness of a tailored health educational health toolkit to modulate Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and restrain its complications. International Journal of Food, Nutrition and Public Health, 12(1/2), 41-62. http://doi.org/10.47556/J.IJFNPH.12.1.2020.4 

Janna Mulholland is a doctoral student in the Yohani Lab. She holds a Master of Arts in Art Therapy from the George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Arts and Science double major degree in Art and Psychology from the University of Lethbridge. Janna is a Certified Canadian Counsellor with previous work experience serving immigrants and refugees. She has many interests including the use of creative arts for expression and healing, trauma recovery and resilience, the benefits of nature, and the importance of sleep. Janna’s current research looks at art as a tool for communication in mental health education. Janna enjoys creating art, travelling, and spending time in nature. 

Dr. Jasmine Nathoo (graduated alumni) completed a PhD counselling psychology, supervised by Dr. Yohani. Her doctoral research explored the experiences of refugee women in post-secondary settings in Canada and was funded by SSHRC and WCHRI (Exploring the Transition to Post-Secondary Settings Among Refugee Girls and Women). She is currently engaged in knowledge mobilization efforts related to this project. Jasmine continues to be passionate about student mental health and works as a registered psychologist at the University of Alberta Counselling and Clinical Services. Since completing her PhD, Jasmine has also had more time to explore her hobbies and particularly enjoys running, hiking, and reading. 

Kutay Saçak is a doctoral student in University of Alberta Counselling psychology program. His research interests include immigrant and refugee mental health, career counselling, stigma of mental illness, and ageism.

He has taken part in several projects led by Dr. Yohani as researcher. Such projects include: 

• Psychosocial Adaptation and Integration of Syrian Refugee Communities Using Community Learning for Empowerment Groups Project  – Research assistant

• Experiential Learning in Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (ELITE) Program for Black Youth – Research coordinator and program evaluation

Kutay also holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology (Middle East Technical University). His clinical work mainly focuses on anxiety disorders and personality disorders in adult populations.

Outside psychology, Kutay enjoys woodcarving, cooking, and skiing. He is also an aviation enthusiasts with a former professional career in aviation sector.

Shaima Ahammed Thayyilayil (she/her) is a PhD candidate under the supervision of Prof. Sophie Yohani. Her research examines counsellors' experiences of hope and despair in their work with refugee people. Through her association with the Yohani Lab at the University of Alberta, she pursues her passion for multicultural counselling and trauma-informed practice, contributing to research projects that attempt to understand and address the complex mental health needs of refugee and immigrant communities. Beyond academia, she embraces with deep gratitude her role as a mother and finds joy in travel, reading and contemplative films that illuminate the complexities of human existence and relationships. She also draws inspiration from her Indian heritage and spiritual practices, weaving these elements into her worldview. Her lived experience as a first-generation migrant to Canada, along with her professional experiences across different multicultural contexts, brings a unique depth to her understanding of therapeutic approaches that address the complex interplay between cultural identity and mental health support.

Hello! My name is Bilan Abdulkadir, and my pronouns are she/her. I am a second-year Master’s student in the Intercultural Communication Lab in the Department of Psychology. I have been a part of the lab for several years, as it is also where I completed my undergraduate honours degree in psychology. Dr. Yohani is a member of my supervisory committee for my graduate degree. I am a second-generation Somali Canadian, and my experiences as the racialized child of immigrants have significantly shaped my research experiences. I am interested in examining the experiences of Black Canadians, specifically their coping strategies and stressors, as well as how they differ from African Americans. During the 2023-2024 academic year, I conducted focus groups with Black Canadian university students; I used that information to create a self-report survey, which I am currently administering to the same population. Outside of research, I enjoy reading, knitting, and going for walks!

Dawn Abraham, BSc (spec) (she/her) is a first-year MEd Counseling Psychology student at the University of Alberta. During her BSc Psychology Specialization, she spent more than two years as a research assistant, independent study student, and volunteer in two different cultural psychology labs. As part of her degree, she also obtained a Research Certificate in Science (Psychology) and a Certificate in International Learning, representing her passions for scientific inquiry and intercultural relations respectively. On her own time, she completed a wide variety of mental health certificates, such as ASIST, MHFA, Trauma-Informed Care, and more. Though her experiences in academia have been inspiring, she prioritizes giving back to her community above all else, volunteering for Alberta Health Services and several community organizations. She hopes to continue this service in her future research endeavors, and is particularly interested in examining culture and interpersonal relationships. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, and listening to audio drama.

Chloe is a registered provisional psychologist and research assistant with an interest in liberation, emotion-focused, and relational psychology practices, as well as community-based research projects. She is passionate about supporting individuals and families navigating adversity and fostering resilience and is also guided by ecological systems theory. Chloe’s thesis was part of a community-based participatory action research project led by Dr. Yohani seeking to share knowledge and identify needs and solutions with the Syrian refugee community related to psychosocial adaptation and integration (Syrian Refugees in Canada: A Qualitative Report of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Psychosocial Adaptation). Currently, Chloe is involved with several projects exploring mental health practices and resilience within diverse Black communities in Canada, including work with the Partnership for Research with African Newcomers (PRAN). In addition to her research work, Chloe practices as a therapist working with children, families and adults. Chloe looks forward to ongoing work bridging community-grounded research, clinical practice, and advocacy with communities facing marginalization. Outside of her work, Chloe enjoys spending time outside, connecting with family and friends, cooking, sewing and other creative hobbies.

Selected Research Outputs and Publications:
Devereux, C., Yohani, S., Tremblay, M., & Nour Eddin, J. (2024). Syrian refugees in Canada: a qualitative report of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychosocial adaptation. International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, 20(4), 576-596. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMHSC-03-2024-0026 

Fatima Karidio, BSc, is a first-year master’s student in Counselling Psychology at the University of Alberta, under the supervision of Dr. Sophie Yohani. During her undergraduate studies, she has been involved in research projects on: depictions of Islam in Canadian news, migration trends of French-speaking immigrants to Canada, and African immigrants' experiences with the healthcare system. Much of her community involvement has been dedicated to sponsoring and supporting refugee students, assisting Black-youth initiatives, and youth mentorship. Now in her master’s, Fatima is assisting Dr. Yohani in a scoping review pertaining to traditional African approaches to healing. For her master’s thesis, Fatima intends to explore the use of faith as a healing tool for Muslim African immigrants. In the future, Fatima hopes to specialize in faith-based and multicultural counselling. In her spare time, beyond attending classes and community-building events at local mosques, Fatima enjoys baking and sewing!

Kate Rozendaal is a doctoral student in the PhD Counselling Psychology program at the University of Alberta. She graduated with a master's degree in Counselling Psychology in 2021 under the supervision of Dr. Sophie Yohani, with a thesis titled "Exploring Beneficial Practices of Mental Health Professionals Working with Refugees." Kate has a dedicated interest in uncovering ways to support the mental health of marginalized community members, whether that be refugees or elite para-athletes in women's parasport. Kate is a retired Paralympic coach who has attended the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and, more recently, won Bronze at the Paris 2024 Paralympics with the National Women's Sitting Volleyball program. Her clinical work is integrative and strengths-based, guided by several theoretical orientations, including humanistic, feminist, and constructivist theories.

Aaron is currently in his first year of the MEd Counselling Psychology program at the University of Alberta completing his thesis under the supervision of Dr. Sophie Yohani and Dr. Taymy Caso. He completed a BSc (Honours) in Psychology from the University of Calgary. Aaron is a second-generation Canadian who speaks English and Teochew. 

Aaron’s research interests relate to improving the mental health for immigrant, newcomer, racialized, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities through research, practice, and advocacy. Aaron is excited when he can bring together research and practice in a community-driven manner. His previous research experiences include volunteering with Centre for Newcomers to develop workshop materials, collaborating with Distress Centre Calgary to address crisis line volunteer mental health, and conducting focus groups with caregivers and students on improving post-secondary student mental health. During his free time, Aaron enjoys running, folding origami, and birding.

Selected Research Outputs and Publications:
Hews-Girard, J., Leslie, R. D., So, A. Y., Patten, S., Ramirez Pineda, A., Saini, H. K., Tahir, A., McPherson, C., Szeto, A. C. H., & Dimitropoulos, G. (2024). Developing recommendations to improve identification, prevention, and response to suicide thoughts and behaviours among post-secondary students: A mixed methods study. Journal of American College Health, 73(6), 2631-2642. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2024.2325924 

Lisa Cyuzuzo is a dedicated mental health researcher, advocate and Rwandan community leader. Currently, she serves as a research assistant for study, led by Dr. Sophie Yohani, exploring the co-design of culturally safe mental health education programs with migrant communities. She holds a B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Alberta where she contributed to research examining the mental health needs of Black youths and independently investigated intergenerational mental health in post-genocide Rwanda. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Public Health at Western University to build upon her capacity and knowledge for advancing mental health equity for racially marginalized groups. 

Outside of work she is an organizing member in the Rwandan genocide survivor community, and spends her free time doing traditional Rwandan dance, yoga, reading, and learning languages.

Selected Research Outputs and Publications:
Salami, B., Idi, Y., Anyieth, Y., Cyuzuzo, L., Denga, B., Alaazi, D., & Okeke-Ihejirika, P. (2022). Factors that contribute to the mental health of Black youth. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 194(41), E1404-E1410. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.212142