About the site
Step into inquiry with me. Explore publications, podcasts, upcoming events and ways to work together.
I’d like to think of myself as a cartographer of human repair, mapping the neurobiology of stress and rupture, and accompanyting others as they navigate pathways towards values-aligned choice. Much of my work has been in communities deeply shaped by war, forced migration, and faith.
Recent publications
Aug 2026
“From Resilience to Safety”
This paper examines the conceptual foundations of the Inner Safety Project’s approach to psychosocial wellbeing in conflict-affected and displacement contexts. It traces the limitations of resilience as a dominant framework in humanitarian and peacebuilding practice, and introduces ‘inner safety’ as a multidimensional, relational, and emergent condition that more adequately captures what individuals and communities need in order to experience genuine safety, regulation, dignity, and rest.
Working Paper
Mar 2026
“Give me justice, not pills.”
A chapter of the Routledge International Handbook of Trauma-Responsive Peacebuilding, this is an honest critique of recent attempts to integrate mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and peacebuilding programs in humanitarian and development settings.
Chapter
Aug 2025
Adding to the Burden
Findings from our collaborative study led by Dr. Christiane Wesarg-Menzel, exploring stress resonance as a potential vulnerability factor in the development of PTSD symptoms among Arabic-speaking refugees in Germany.
Peer-Reviewed publication
Aug 2024
Reflections on studying empathy
In this methodological paper, we share our experiences in designing and implementing a study on the interrelations of war-related trauma, pPTSD, and empathy in individuals from Arabic-speaking countries who had entered Germany as refugees or migrants.
Peer-Reviewed publication
About me
There are many places I call home. Shaped by a career in humanitarian aid, social cognition research, coaching, and community psychosocial support and peacebuilding, I am helplessly committed to understanding and mapping the human condition–how our inner world interacts with experiences of adversity, conflict, violence, and group identity to shape behavior and choices.
As a trained coach, I am committed to working with others creating their own maps, particularly with folks whose lives have been shaped by war, forced migration, and faith.
And as a researcher, I am guided by one simple question: “how does the stewardship of inner woundedness shape our relationships, communities, and societies?” Across disciplines, I continue to explore that question, integrating neurobiology, history, religion and spirituality, social psychology, and the study of language.
CHOOSE yOUR ADVENTURE
Publications
spanning disciplines
Explore research publications exploring topics from violent extremism to the neurobiology of empathy to modern peacebuilding practice.
Podcasts & Courses
talking about that which gives me life
Listen and learn, entering inquisitive space with me across various podcast appearances and online courses addressing topics from trauma to violent extremism to forced migration.
Work with me
trauma-informed coaching with me
Want to work together? Whether you’re interesting in one on one coaching, speaking engagements, or multi-day learning journeys – let’s talk. Available in English, Arabic, and Spanish.
Upcoming Events
sharing what I know with others
Learn about upcoming workshops, retreats, and learning opportunities around the world.