I work from a place of curiosity for what is possible and the knowledge that our success (Yusra) is often defined by our differing realities. As an Arab, Muslim immigrant educated by both Eastern and Western philosophies, I create a space for growth through affirming, culturally-aware, trauma-informed coaching and clinical services.
I have dedicated the last 12 years to the helping and healing field where I’ve developed a deep passion for culturally-responsive, client-centered advocacy, and goal-oriented coaching and counseling. My areas of expertise centers around intersectional identity issues related to queer sexual and gender identity, religion as a meaning-making framework, accessibility and disability justice, life transitions experienced by older adults, couples and family work, socioeconomic class, race and racism, and immigration concerns. I also focus on issues related to self-empowerment, community building, and professional burnout.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker accredited by the Association of Social Work Board. I hold a Masters of Social Work with a specialization in Trauma-Informed Clinical Child and Family Intervention with additional experience in training, consulting and facilitation, group process, and diversity & inclusion in the workplace. I provide coaching and counseling both domestically and internationally.
Passion Projects
LGBTQ Regional Coalition
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Build and train recently onboarded foster parents in LGBTQ affirming curriculum as well as attend regional and statewide meetings to address discrimination, resource droughts and homelessness impacting LGBTQ youth.
Refugee and Clergy Coalition Consultant
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Develop protocols for social workers to provide culturally-aware services for Iraqi and Syrian refugee communities.
Social Work Health and Wellness Committee
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Coordinate Health and Wellness Forums.
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Provide ongoing support to social workers experiencing vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue and secondary trauma.
Social Work Mentoring and Support Initiative
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Facilitate peer-run support groups for social workers experiencing vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, burnout and secondary trauma.
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Provide individual mentoring for professional growth.
Published Work
Sara Ghalaini (2020) Another F***ing Growth Opportunity: Overcoming Islamophobia and the Enduring Impacts, Studies in Gender and Sexuality, 21:2, 99-103, DOI:10.1080/15240657.2020.1760024
https://doi.org/10.1080/15240657.2020.1760024
MEET SARA
Pronounced Sarr:ah, or Sada
VALUES
Client Centered
I meet you wherever you are in life and strive to honor your complexities. I explore all of the ways YOU define success so we can set realistic goals, create a plan, develop new skills, and integrate meaningful change.
Expertise
I make every minute count by listening, exchanging thoughtful ideas, and cultivating an environment of respect and kindness so you can focus on laying the foundation for long-term growth and success.
Growth Mindset
I foster outside-the-box thinking and pride myself on being a pursuer of knowledge which allows for us to create individualized plans collaboratively and revisit them over time so you can reach continual success.
INSPIRATION FOR YUSRA
The word Yusra translates to Success or Ease in Arabic and is referenced in an ayah (verse) that I live by which reads "Indeed with hardship comes ease (Quran 15:85)". Ease refers to the way in which we experience life's challenges and the possibility to move through difficulty with confidence, self-forgiveness and the question "what can this do FOR me?"
My greatest hope for my clients is that they will find ease on the path to success with the assistance of Yusra Coaching and Development.