Vladimir Hedrih, PhD

Prof. Dr. Vladimir Hedrih is an experienced researcher in the areas of organizational psychology and psychometrics, holding the title of full professor of psychology at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Niš. At the University of Niš, he teaches a range of courses in research statistics, psychometrics, and organizational psychology, as well as a course on social trauma, in both bachelor’s and master’s studies, and PhD programs.
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In the period 2011-2019, he was the leader of the Serbian national research project 179002 – “Indicators and models of work-family role synchronization” (the largest scientific research project coordinated by the Department of Psychology since its foundation). He was and remains an active participant in various other research projects throughout his career. Between 2018 and 2025, he was the editor-in-chief of Psihologija, the most influential scientific journal in psychology in south-eastern Europe. Between 2016 and 2022, he served as the vice dean for international cooperation at the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Niš. In 2020, he served as the Speaker of the DAAD-financed STICS (Social Trauma in Changing Societies) international scientific network, a position he had held since 2015 as one of the node leaders of the network. He is the author of an international textbook on cross-cultural psychometrics (link), of an international textbook on research statistics (link), a contributor to two international textbooks on social trauma (link one and link 2), and an author of 40+ full-text papers and monographs. He received two awards for his contributions to the Serbian Psychological Society.

Shereen Behairy, PhD. (c)

Shereen F. Behairy is a dedicated Clinical Pharmacist specializing in Pharmacology and Toxicology. She holds a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology. Her research focuses on the intricate mechanisms by which drugs impact neurochemistry and cognitive function, aiming to advance therapies for mental health disorders.
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Shereen’s academic journey includes foundational studies in both nutrition and psychology from Stanford University and Yale University. Her commitment to bridging these disciplines is underscored by her clinical research training at Harvard Medical School, where she refines her skills in advanced research methodologies and clinical study design. As an Associate Member of both the Harvard Medical Alumni Association (HMAA) and the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), Shereen actively contributes to shaping the future of pharmacological and neuroscientific research, integrating diverse fields of study to uncover innovative approaches that enhance mental health outcomes.

Sasha Reiishi, EdD, LPCC

Dr. Sasha Reiisieh is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), educator, and speaker specializing in trauma, attachment, and generational healing. He earned his B.A. in Psychology from the University of San Francisco, an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California.
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With over a decade of experience in community mental health, school-based programs, and private practice, Dr. Reiisieh’s clinical expertise centers on helping adults uncover unconscious patterns rooted in childhood, reparent themselves, and build emotionally secure relationships. His advanced training in Circle of Security, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Compassionate Inquiry, somatic approaches, and inner child work allows him to integrate cutting-edge therapeutic modalities with practical, client-centered care.

As a lecturer at San José State University, Dr. Reiisieh teaches counseling theory and practice, preparing the next generation of mental health professionals with a trauma-informed, relational lens. Beyond the classroom and clinical work, he is the founder of Compassionate Minds Institute, Inc., where his mission is to break generational cycles by making complex psychology accessible and deeply human.

Nabila Pervaiz, MS, Phil

Nabila is a life science researcher with a Master’s degree in Biotechnology. She works as a research intern at the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR). She is interested in studying the intricate relationship between microbes and the human body and how they impact individual health and well-being. Her research specialization is in Health Microbiology and primarily revolves
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around E.coli, identifying and documenting the emergence of virulent E.coli genes responsible for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in women. By presenting her groundbreaking research findings, Nabila aims to educate young girls and women on the importance of personal hygiene, the latest antibiotic resistance trends, and the significant influence of microbes on both physiological and psychological states.

Ephi Lu, MS, Dip.C.N.

Ephi Lu developed and taught the first nutritional psychology course for mental health professionals through JFK University in 2008. She co-founded The Center for Nutritional Psychology (CNP) in 2015 to begin systematically identifying, consolidating, and displaying the world’s evidence base in the diet-mental health relationship. She is committed to fostering the development and inclusion of evidence-based psychonutritional education within the psychological and nutrition sciences.

Ryan Butler, MA

Ryan Butler is a psychology instructor with experience teaching dozens of developmental and health psychology classes. He holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Human Development from Ball State University. As an Education Specialist at CNP, Ryan is leading the expansion of CNP’s professional curriculum for higher education and contributing to the creation of instructional resources and the direction of CNP’s academic programs. His work equips students with an integrative framework for understanding mental wellness, advancing the academic foundation of nutritional psychology, and preparing future professionals to incorporate evidence-based, nutrition-informed approaches into the field of mental healthcare. He maintains a particular interest in the gut–brain axis and is continuing his formal studies in nutrition and functional medicine to further support this work