IAPA Board Members

Tara Pir, Ph.D.

Dr. Pir, Clinical Psychologist, has served as Consultant, Professor, Clinical Supervisor and Director at universities including California State University and the California School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. She has also been in leadership positions in the community and has maintained a multi-cultural practice for over twenty-five years.

Academic Appointment, Research & Professional Presentations

Dr. Pir is committed to an approach that bridges the gap between research and practice. Her work has been a seamless mixture of theory and practice stemming from her extensive experience in the filed. Her research interests initially started with the epidemiology of mental illness in Iran, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, which was published in the Social Psychology Journal. Her major research and study of focus is on the visible and invisible power and influence of stigma and stereotypes in our community, adaptation, ethnic identity formation, relationships within migrant families, culturally syntonic treatment approaches and interventions and inter-relationships between spirituality and Mental Health, she is considered a pioneer in cultural competency and has developed a multicultural family risk and resiliency assessment strategy. As a result, she is often called upon to provide specialized training and consultations. Dr. Pir has presented by academic admission and invited symposium at national and international Mental Health conventions throughout her career. Dr. Pir has also served as Principle investigator for various State and Federally funded projects.
Leadership & Community Services

Dr. Tara Pir is the founder and CEO/Executive Director of the Institute for Multicultural Counseling and Education Services, Inc. Founded in 1989, Dr. Pir has led IMCES in becoming one of the few outpatient clinics designed to treat the varied needs of the culturally and linguistically diverse communities of Los Angeles. A series of early intervention and prevention programs and services are delivered including Domestic Violence treatment programs for victims and perpetrators, legal advocacy, and Mental Health services for adults, at-risk children and youth. These services are uniquely delivered through clinics, camps, in-home interventions and school-based programs in order to meet the special needs of our target population.
Other Leadership Roles Include but are not Limited to:

* Elected Chair of Continuing Education Division 43, Family Psychology, APA
* Elected as Commissioner for the State Board of Psychology Oral Examinations
* Elected Chair for the Mutual Assistance Association Coalition of Los Angeles (MAACOLA), a coalition of seven community-based ethnic minority agencies service refugees and newcomers to America.
* Elected as a presenter and member of the planning committee to develop and organize the 8th Annual California State Conference on “Cultural Competency and Mental Health Summit.”
* Elected as a delegate from the metropolitan region to represent our community in the LA County Mental Health Stakeholder process during the development of the Mental Health Service Act (MHSA).
* Elected to serve on the LA County DMH Systems Leadership Team to assume responsibility for overseeing progress on the implementation of the MHSA Community Services & Support Plan and other DMH transformation efforts.

Achievements, Honors and Awards

* Awarded an Honors Scholarship and Medal from the University of Tehran by the Shah of Iran for achieving the highest rank in Graduate degree nationwide.
* Presidential Citation, American Psychological Association (APA)
* Commendation and Appreciation Award for Community Services and Leadership from Federal officials, U.S. Senate, State and LA County Board of Supervisors.

In addition, Dr. Pir is a Founding Member and was elected as President of the Iranian American Psychological Association.

Nehzat Farnoody, Ph.D.

Nehzat Farnoody, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a specialty in Cross-Cultural Psychology. Dr. Farnoody received her undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Iran. In 1969 she was accepted into the Masters program in Clinical Psychology at Kansas University and immigrated to the United States. After receiving her Ph.D. in 1975 from USIU (an APA accredited program) in San Diego, she received an invitation from Tehran University and returned to Iran where she taught at JSU from 1975 to 1980, and served as an Associate Professor, Chair of Psychology Department, Director of Clinical Counseling Center and was an active member of the University Assembly. Dr. Farnoody has over 30 years of clinical experience, and has provided services to the Iranian families living in Iran and the United States as well as other parts of the world. Dr. Farnoody is a founding member and vice president of the Iranian-American Psychological Association.

Dr. Farnoody has provided over 20 years of community service here in Los Angeles, in an effort to raise awareness on Mental Health, and has hosted several Media Literacy programs in helping families cope with cross-cultural conflicts. From 1989 to 1992 Dr. Farnoody hosted the first Iranian-American Radio and TV program on psychological topics related to the needs of the Iranian-American community. From 1995 to 2001 she hosted several Radio and TV psychology media literacy programs and since 2002, has been the host of a popular satellite TV Talk Show called, \\\"Inner Sight\\\" (in Farsi Negahi be Daroon) on American Farsi Network (www.AFNL.com) where she has an opportunity to reach out, educate, and raise awareness on Mental Health and psychological principles of parenting and healthy families for the Iranian-Americans, as well as the Iranians living in the global community. In 1999 Dr. Farnoody was appointed by the Mayor of Los Angeles as the ’Incredible Woman Making History’ for serving her ethnic community in Los Angeles. Dr. Farnoody has a life time commitment to raise awareness on women’s rights issues, and has been an active member of the Society for Freedom and Iranian Sovereignty. Dr. Farnoody has presented at over 200 seminars, conferences, and lectures on psychological and sociocultural topics such as: Successful Relationships, Parenting, Healthy Families, Healthy Societies, The Psychology of Democracy, Psychology of Love, Emotional Intelligence and several other topics. Since 1986 Dr. Farnoody has been guest lecturer to prestigious Universities such Brown University, UCLA, UC Berkeley, UCSD, John Hopkins University, and several others. Dr. Farnoody is the author of over 100 articles in popular magazines in Farsi (Persian Language) and English, several CDs on topics such as ABCs of parenting, Emotional Vitamins, Self-Esteem, From Narcissism to Love and Intimacy and more...Please visit www.DrFarnoody.com for more information. She is also the author of ABCs of Parenting, and has translated several books such as Man’s Search for Meaning, Todd, and Crisis.

Foojan Zeine, Psy.D., MFT

Foojan is the Founder and the CEO and a Clinical Supervisor for Personal Growth Institute, a not for profit organization that offers psychotherapy services to the multi-cultural and multi-lingual population. PGI offers affordable psychotherapy services in Farsi, Arabic, Armenian, Hebrew, Russian, English, and Spanish languages at three locations of Tarzana, Pasadena and Westwood in the state of California, USA.

Foojan presents nationally and is a leading expert in the field of Online Therapy. She is the co-author of “Online Therapy: A Therapist\'s Guide to Expanding Your Practice” published by W.W. Norton 2005.

Foojan has been in Hospital Administration. She has headed the Partial Hospital Program Team for Hollywood community of Van Nuys and Pacifica Hospital. She was responsible for organizing, facilitating, and supervising the Clinical and Mental Health staff and Created strong and impact full programs for the Partial Program patients. She has also developed two Transitional Housing Programs for Battered women Alternative in Northern California and Haven Hills in Southern California. These programs offered case management, individual and family counseling for women and their children who have been victims of domestic violence, and had to deal with issues of domestic violence, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, child abuse, parenting, self-esteem, career development, chemical dependency, and eating disorder.

Foojan is a past elected President of Iranian-American Mental Health Association (IAMHA) and the Vice President of the Iranian American Psychological Association (IAPA). She conducts experiential and interactive seminars that focus on Addiction, Couples’ Communication, self improvement, and organizational skills for the public, psychotherapists and the corporate world. Foojan hosts a live satellite television shows on PEN TV addressing psychological issues relevant to the general public. She is a frequent guest in 670AM KIRN radio program, and is published weekly in the International \\\\\\\"Tehran\\\\\\\" magazine.

Farnaz Galdjie, Psy.D.

Farnaz Galdjie, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologists with a private practice in West Los Angeles. Additionally, Dr. Galdjie is the founder and director of the International Counseling Center of Antioch University; a non-profit agency that offers therapy to a multicultural community in numerous languages. Dr. Galdjie has extensive experience in treating depression and anxiety as well as couple and family related issues. She is a certified pre-marital therapist, trained in testing and evaluating pre-marital couples and preparing them for a successful married life. Dr. Galdjie is also trained in hypnotherapy and trance work, specifically implemented to reduce stress and anxiety. Dr. Galdjie is a regular guest on IRAN-T.V., addressing a variety of cultural and family related issues. Dr. Galdjie also writes regularly for many different Farsi magazines. Dr. Galdjie is fluent is English, Farsi and Hebrew.

Dorit Azita Miller, Psy.D.

Dorit Azita Miller, Psy.D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist as well as the Founder and Program Director of Antioch University International Counseling Center. Dr. Miller received her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology and her Bachelor of Arts in Child Development. Dr. Miller also works in a private practice, specializing in Couples and Families. She is an expert in treating adult families who are struggling with Family of Origin Issues. Dr. Miller works in a very unique dynamic way, where she incorporates Family Systems, Gestalt Therapy and Psychodrama, moving family members around the therapy room, both physically and emotionally, helping them create newer, healthier family roles with their own identity. Dr. Miller is also a Certified Hypnotherapist, helping individuals deal with Depression, Anger and Anxiety. She is a Certified Pre-Marital therapist, where she has guided many young couples in their path to happier, healthier marriages. She has over 10 years of experience working in school settings as a school principle, giving her the ability to easily bond with children of all ages. She is a regular guest on IRAN-TV, regular writer for various Farsi Magazines and fluent in Farsi, Hebrew and English.

Parvaneh Zia, Ph.D

Parvaneh Zia, Ph.D was born in Shiraz, Iran. She received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology in Iran. After she moved to the United States, she earned her Masters in psychology from Loyola University and her Doctorate in Psychology from California Graduate Institute.

She is not only a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, but she is a Licensed Marriage, Family and Child Counselor as well. She has also published numerous articles in the field of psychology. Dr. Zia is a certified Psycho-analyst and maintains a private practice with offices in Los Angeles and Simi Valley.

Siamak Afshar, CADC II

Siamak Afshar, CADC II has been a recovering addict/alcoholic and a gambler since 1/16/83. He is a highly regarded chemical dependency counselor and a certified interventionist in Southern California. Siamak has been working in the field of addiction/dual diagnoses at various schools, county and private hospitals since 1987 and in private practice for the last14 years. Siamak Afshar is the founder of IRC, a non-profit organization which offers services free of charge to addicts/alcoholics and their families in need. He is currently the program director of an outpatient detox & rehab program called "New Life Center" in Newport Beach, CA. Siamak has been writing weekly for an international magazine, Addressing the Fatal Disease of Addiction and Its Recovering Process. Siamak has been hosting radio and international television shows weekly that address the disease of addiction, interviews recovering addicts/alcoholics, and professionals in the field for the general public. Siamak holds a B.A. in Psychology from Union Institute University and a CADC II certification from the State of California. He is an avid marathon runner and enjoys free time with his beautiful daughter.

Robert Moradi, M.D.

Dr. Robert Moradi is a Board Certified Psychiatrist in private practice in Los Angeles since 1981. He is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine, teaching at several training institutions in Los Angeles. He is the former director of Training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. He has published and presented extensively on the treatment of adults, children and their families, as well as the cultural issues facing the Iranian immigrants. He is a member of C.G. Jung Institute. Dr. Moradi was born in Iran and completed his medical training before moving to the U.S. in 1976. He is married and is a father of two children and a grandfather of two.

Mohammad Ali Shamie, M.D.

M. A. (Ali) Shamie, M.D. completed his Psychiatric Residency training at Wayne State University’s Detroit Psychiatric Institute in 1969. Throughout his more than 30 year career Dr. Shamie has had a very successful clinical practice in Southern California. He has also been very active in the community as well as in academic circles. He is the founder and the president of the Lithium Awareness Club, a support group for patients suffering from bipolar disorders. He has also hosted an educational cable television program on psychiatric issues for 6 years. He is currently the Dual-Diagnosis program medical director at Las Encinas Hospital. Dr. Shamie’s expertise and professional interests spans a vast number of psychiatric disorders and related services. He also has extensive experience in Diagnostic Assessment and the Treatment of Psychiatric Injuries of Worker’s Compensation and Personal Injury Patients. He is certified by the National Board of Addiction Examiners, the American College of Forensic Examiners (ACFX), and Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) by the State of California.

Haleh Eghrari, Ph.D.

Haleh Eghrari is a Social/Clinical Psychologist. She finished high school in Iran and ranked among the first ten top students who passed Iran’s university entrance examination. Haleh started college in U.S. in 1977 and got her BA in psychology from the University of Southern California. In 1988 she completed her PhD in Social Psychology at the University of Rochester, New York. During her graduate studies, she was part of the research group in the Human Motivation Program. After returning to California, she pursued post-doctoral training in counseling and clinical psychology. She was licensed by the California board of psychology in 1993. Throughout her long career as a psychologist, Haleh has accumulated extensive experience as a teacher and a clinician. She served as an adjunct faculty in a number of colleges and universities across southern California and has taught in diverse areas within the field of psychology. Her clinical experience as a psychotherapist has covered both inpatient and outpatient populations. She was a chief mental health provider in several inpatient settings and has worked with a wide range of psychopathology such as psychotic disorders, dementia, mood disorders, drug addiction, adult survivors of childhood abuse and trauma and teenagers with impulse control disorders. Since 1998, Haleh has moved into private practice in West Los Angeles. As an outpatient psychotherapist she works with individuals, couples, and families. Her expertise includes treatment or management of psychosis, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, relationship dysfunctions, and acculturation issues. Haleh believes that one of the highlights of her psychotherapy practice is her work with individuals who grapple with personal growth issues. Related to this line of work is her recent passion about the impact of spirituality on psychological processes. She considers another highlight of her private practice to be the ability to connect with the American-born Iranian teenagers and youth (the “second generation” Iranians) and her success in helping them overcome bicultural and cross-generational issues. In 2005 Haleh, with a group of other Iranian colleagues, co-founded the Iranian American Psychological Association (IAPA). She serves as a secretary in the IAPA’s board of directors.

Ellie Zarrabian, Ph.D.

Dr. Zarrabian is a Transpersonal Psychologist and Professor of Psychology in Los Angeles, California. In 1997, she started Centerpeace Foundation, an East/ West holistic center for psychotherapy and spirituality. Dr. Zarrabian integrates her background in psychology and spirituality to counsel and educate individuals, families and groups about health and wellbeing at home, work and school. Through Centerpeace she offers free talks to the public on various mental health issues for professionals, parents and children. She has published many articles on health related issues a number of which focus on women’s issues in the Iranian American community. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, Los Angeles Society for Clinical Psychologists, Society for Shamanic Practitioners and is on the board of the Iranian American Psychological Association.