Meet the Team

POMA Global is a team of psychologists, professors, social worker/psych-social workers, researchers and communities working towards a common goal of improving the mental health and ensuring protection from psychological harm for crisis-affected communities. We have teams in various locations, working directly with communities to implement grassroots-led change and development. Due to the crisis in Afghanistan, our team has expanded to become a global network of experts and humanitarians, working to provide mental health care and protection for the most vulnerable. Our research aims to support political and social change and improve the lives of marginalised communities. By providing our protection services and MHPSS to vulnerable communities globally, we seek to mitigate the effects of instability and trauma.

Our Team

Lyla Schwartz
Lyla SchwartzPsychology Director
Usman Shah Zahirzai
Usman Shah ZahirzaiLead Researcher
Hannah Lane
Hannah LaneResearch and Development Officer
Elizabeth Klapheke
Elizabeth KlaphekeChild Protection Officer
Gender Expert
Gender Expert
Rahmatullah Arsalan
Rahmatullah ArsalanFinance Officer
Sarfaraz Hussain
Sarfaraz HussainDesigner

Consultants

Lindsay Bingaman
Lindsay BingamanMHPSS Expert
Alex Moler
Alex MolerM&E Expert

Advisory Board

Dr. Heidi Horsley
Dr. Heidi HorsleyPsychologist
Dr. April Naturale
Dr. April NaturaleTrauma Specialist and Technical Advisor
Lea Hungerbühler
Lea HungerbühlerHuman Rights Lawyer
Sarah Keinath
Sarah KeinathEducation Advisor
 Dr. Susan Song
Dr. Susan SongChild/Adolescent Psychiatrist