Meet the Team Here to Serve You

Sehrish Malik, PhD

Founder & Program Director

  • Sehrish Malik balances her roles with the joys and challenges of motherhood by raising two daughters. She holds a Ph.D. in Humanities from York University, specializing in gender-based trauma, psychoanalysis, motherhood, and the process of loss and mourning. 

    Her interest in psychotherapy integration and intersectionality, coupled with her expertise in mindfulness-based programs, laid the foundation for Maternal Minds. This initiative is important for providing Muslim families with supportive, culturally attuned care.

  • Sehrish is committed to developing accessible and empowering resources for Muslim mothers to navigate life’s stressors and familial challenges. At Maternal Minds, she designs and facilitates programs aimed at helping mothers recognize their strengths, overcome obstacles, and reach their full potential. A fulfilling life for Sehrish is grounded in spiritual growth, nurturing her children, finding joy in writing, and dedicating her time to community service.

Urooj Vakani

Project Coordinator & Marketing Lead

  • Urooj Vakani is the Project Coordinator and Marketing Lead at Maternal Minds, bringing a background in mental health advocacy, community-driven program development, and creative entrepreneurship. As a mother of two daughters, her work is deeply informed by lived experience and a commitment to supporting mothers through accessible, culturally responsive care.

  • At Maternal Minds, Urooj leads a WAGE-funded initiative focused on expanding access to culturally relevant maternal mental health supports. She oversees program planning, coordination, and marketing, while developing sustainable organizational systems that support long-term impact. Drawing on her experience in project management, communications, partnerships, and community outreach, Urooj helps translate vision into practice—ensuring programs are accessible, thoughtfully designed, and rooted in the lived realities of mothers and families.

Sayo Ibsa

Women’s Program Coordinator

  • Sayo is a researcher with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from McMaster University and a Research Analyst graduate certificate from Humber College. As a Black Muslim woman, she draws on her lived experiences to bring empathy and diverse perspectives to her work.

  • At Maternal Minds, Sayo assists with planning, organizing, and implementing our capacity-building project. She is passionate about social justice and DEI, focusing on contributing to meaningful initiatives that support underserved communities and create lasting impact.

Alina Ahmad

Intake Worker

  • Alina is an Intake Worker at Maternal Minds, with an undergraduate academic background in psychology and a specialization in neuroscience. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in science management.

  • Alina supports the intake process by reviewing applications and helping guide individuals toward suitable programs. She is often a point of contact that participants can reach out to for questions or support, approaching each interaction with care and thoughtfulness.

Wardah Nadeem

Research & Intake Manager

  • Wardah is a fourth-year student and research assistant at the University of Toronto, majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology. With a focus on child cognitive and linguistic development, she is passionate about pursuing a career in mental health. Her commitment to continuous learning and her enthusiasm for enhancing mental health services for the Muslim community drives her efforts at Maternal Minds.

  • As an intake coordinator, Wardah plays a crucial role as the first point of contact for program participants. She is responsible for assessing clients' needs and guiding them through the intake process with care and empathy. Wardah's cultural sensitivity and understanding of the unique challenges faced by Muslim women and youth make her a vital asset to our team.

Laaibah Nadeem

Social Media Coordinator

  • Laaibah is a student at the University of Toronto, majoring in Applied Statistics with minors in Computer Science and Mathematical Sciences.

  • At Maternal Minds, Laaibah focuses on analyzing program data to ensure that data-driven insights guide the development and impact of mental health initiatives for Muslim mothers. Through evaluation reports and participant data analysis, she contributes insights that help improve program impact. With aspirations to build a career at the intersection of technology, data, and mental health, she is driven to use her analytical skills to make a meaningful difference.

Beenish Jalil

Practicum Student

  • Beenish is a dedicated mother of three children with a rich background in healthcare. Formerly a practicing dentist, she has transitioned into the field of psychotherapy and is currently a practicum student, pursuing her passion for helping others navigate life’s challenges.

  • As a practicum student, she is committed to creating an empathic, judgment free, and nurturing space where an individual can focus on self growth and healing. She works with clients dealing with past traumas, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, anger, sense of isolation, and those seeking personal growth.

Madiha Hussain

Group Support Facilitator

  • Madiha is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Child Studies and Psychology at Concordia University in Montreal. 

     As a mother of three with over a decade of experience in teaching and a strong understanding of play therapy, Madiha connects naturally with children and adolescents. Her compassionate, approachable style fosters a safe and supportive space where clients of all ages feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow.

  • At Maternal Minds, Madiha brings warmth, insight, and evidence-based expertise to her work as both a co-facilitator and guest facilitator in group programs. Drawing on her strong foundation in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), she helps clients develop practical tools to manage difficult thoughts, regulate emotions, and build resilience. 

     In her individual counselling practice, Madiha supports individuals experiencing depression and anxiety-related concerns, including OCD, health anxiety, and social anxiety. She also works with couples and families navigating relationship challenges, and with parents seeking guidance and confidence in their parenting journey.

Rubina Khandwala

Group Support Facilitator

  • Rubina is a mother of five and a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Islamic Studies from Pakistan and has experience working across various fields. She has dedicated many years to educating children and also provides in-home massage services for women. Using her life experiences and mindfulness education, she is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and educational space for women.

  • At Maternal Minds, Rubina focuses on facilitating inclusive programs for mothers from diverse cultural backgrounds. Through her Islamic education and lived experience, she aims to nurture mindfulness, balance, and inner peace in all aspects of life.

Shahneen Arif

Group Support Facilitator

  • Shahneen Arif is a lifelong learner with an insatiable appetite for knowledge. She studied Neuroscience at the University of Toronto and has continued to pursue advanced learning in mental health through additional coursework and professional development. Her academic foundation, combined with her ongoing commitment to growth, reflects her deep dedication to understanding the complexities of the mind and well-being.

    Shahneen is especially passionate about mindfulness and supporting mothers in becoming the best versions of themselves. She believes in the transformative power of self-awareness, intentional living, and community connection.

  • At Maternal Minds, Shahneen serves as a Support Group Facilitator within the Mindfulness Program. In this role, she creates a safe, compassionate space where mothers can reflect, connect, and cultivate practical tools for emotional resilience and personal growth.

Saman Syed

Community Advocate

  • Saman Syed is the Community Advocate at Maternal Minds. She has a background in pre-marital coaching and is a dedicated advocate of women's health. As a mother of two, she is passionate about advancing women’s health and ensuring that the community understands the transformative power of mental health awareness.

  • As a Community Advocate, Saman serves as a vital bridge between the organization’s mission and the community by driving social change, raising awareness of the importance of mental health, fundraising, and encouraging Muslim women in the Halton region to take action to improve their health.

Zainab Ikram

Volunteer

  • Zainab is a volunteer at Maternal Minds, where she brings her passion for social justice, law and public speaking to drive meaningful change.

  • She is responsible for planning and managing events that provide essential resources and support to Muslim mothers in the Halton region. Through her role, Zainab ensures that events run smoothly and effectively, offering valuable resources and fostering a sense of connection and support for Muslim families.

Madiha Butt

Steering Committee

  • Madiha is a devoted mother of two, gracefully navigating the everyday realities of balancing motherhood, work, and family life. Her own journey through the joys and challenges of motherhood has ignited a deep passion for creating supportive, healing spaces for other moms. She expresses her creativity through painting canvases, Islamic calligraphy, journaling, and finds peace in reading and exploring nature on hikes. Grounded in her faith and community, Madiha treasures sisterhood and actively participates in gatherings that offer emotional support and cultural connection for mothers.

  • As a member of the Steering Committee at Maternal Minds, Madiha plays a vital role in shaping programs that uplift and reflect the needs of Muslim mothers. She is deeply committed to supporting women through the emotional and practical aspects of motherhood, with a heartfelt interest in listening to their stories, understanding their struggles, and walking beside them in their healing journeys.

    Through her work with Maternal Minds, she strives to nurture a compassionate, empowering space where mothers feel seen, supported, and spiritually connected every step of the way.

Zainab Thawer

Steering Committee

  • Zainab was born and raised in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and immigrated to Canada in 2016. With a Public Health and Psychology background, she paused her career in 2021 to focus on raising her daughter. Parenting has been one of the most transformative experiences of her life, fostering immense personal growth and a deeper appreciation of being a caregiver. Zainab is passionate about learning from other Muslim mothers and hearing about their unique journeys.

  • As a Steering Committee Member for the Capacity Building Project at Maternal Minds, Zainab brings valuable insight and dedication to supporting Muslim families and helping to strengthen community connections.

Meet The Board Members

Kashmala Qasim

  • Kashmala Qasim has a PhD in History, Theory, and Critical Psychology from York University, where her research explored how Qur'anic learning shapes Muslim women's perceptions of empowerment, well-being, and identity through a Standpoint Feminist lens. Kashmala also holds a Qur'anic Studies Diploma from Al Huda Institute. She is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the Wilson Centre, where she conducts research and develops educational resources to address Islamophobia in medical education and practice. 

  • As a Board Member Director at Maternal Minds, Kashmala ensures the organization's resilience and sustainability. She contributes to developing long-term strategic plans, ensuring that the organization remains focused and adaptable to changing circumstances and community needs.

Sabahath Akbar

  • Introducing Sabahath Akbar, a devoted mother to a wonderful son and professional with a kinesiology, medical analysis, and law background. After earning a distinction from the University of Toronto's Faculty of Law LLM, Sabahath has dedicated herself to the legal profession. As a lawyer, she specializes in crafting, planning, and ensuring compliance tailored to her client's unique personal and commercial requirements. In addition to her legal endeavors, Sabahath finds joy in cars, travel, literature, and fashion.

  • As a Board Member Director, Sabahath brings a diverse skill set to shape a well-rounded approach to organizational management. Taking charge of Maternal Minds' mission, values, and strategic goals, Sabahath ensures alignment with the organization's overarching vision, organizational policies, and procedures.

Cathy Broccolini

  • Meet Cathy Broccolini, a mother of three and an experienced professional in the transport and logistics industry. With a background in travel and tourism, Cathy transitioned into bookkeeping, applying her skills to support operations as a partner in the transport business. After converting to Islam in 2013, she embarked on a new chapter in life, taking a 17-year career break to focus on raising her children. Cathy now hopes to inspire others who have been out of the workforce for an extended period by sharing her journey of resilience and reintegration into professional life. In her free time, Cathy enjoys knitting, watching movies, and taking road trips with her family.

  • As a Board Member Director, she brings invaluable expertise and leadership, offering essential insights that help drive the organization's growth and success with her unique perspective and dedication.

Seema Shaikh

  • Meet Seema Shaikh, a vibrant and accomplished professional juggling the demands of a thriving career as a business analyst with the joys of motherhood to three wonderful girls. Beyond the boardroom, she brings her creativity to life as a spontaneous and talented baker. Her academic achievements include a public policy and management degree and a human resources information systems certificate from York University. Her dedication to supporting the Muslim community while managing multiple roles fuels her commitment to being an integral part of Maternal Minds.

  • As a Board Member Director, Seema takes on the crucial responsibility of overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of projects within our organization. She seeks to be an integral part of a dynamic team, actively contributing to the organization's growth.

Join Maternal Minds today!

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