Home
Agenda
Speakers
Committee
- Scientific Committee
- Organizing Committee
Sponsors
Venue
Contact Us

Home
Agenda
Speakers
Committee
- Scientific Committee
- Organizing Committee
Sponsors
Venue
Contact Us

Moderators

Ms. Ahlam K. Salem

Ahlam K. Salem has over a decade of clinical experience in both hospital settings as well as private practice working with patients with various Psychological, social and medical comorbidities.

Ms. Salem obtained her master’s degree in applied psychology for Mental Health and Wellness from New York University, USA, in 2011. She also trained in Eye-Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

Prior to joining Imperial College London Diabetes & Endocrine Centre, Ms. Salem worked as a Clinical Psychologist at Sheikh Shakbout Medical Center, UAE, and at Sheikh Khalifa Medical Center, where she was the Acting Head of the Psychology Department.

Ms. Salem, as part of a multidisciplinary team, supports patients with diabetes in developing and maintaining adherence to treatment regimens, dietary changes, exercise routines, and stress management techniques. Patients are assessed for emotional well-being, cognitive functioning, coping strategies, and mental health needs. Through an integrated approach to psychotherapy utilising Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and behavioural interventions, she supports patients in coping with emotional challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues that can arise from living with a chronic condition like diabetes. Ms. Salem also provides family therapy to address the impact of diabetes on family dynamics, relationships, and social support systems, and employs motivational interviewing techniques to help patients improve their health and overcome ambivalence towards lifestyle changes.

Ahlam Salem’s expertise encompasses a wide range of areas, including psychological assessments, anxiety disorders, bereavement and loss counselling, conduct disorder, depression, life transitions, post-traumatic stress disorders, and stress management. Ms. Salem offers an integrated approach to psychotherapy (psychodynamics, cognitive behavioural, humanistic, family systems, and EMDR) to adults, adolescents, and families. She has extensive experience working with patients who have both psychological and medical comorbidities such as diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis, obesity, and other chronic diseases.

Ms. Ahlam K. Salem

Clinical Psychologist, Imperial College London Diabetes & Endocrine Centre
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Ahmed Alwazeer

Dr. Ahmed Alwazeer is a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at ACPN and a distinguished professional with a wealth of international credentials. He earned fellowship status from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Psychiatry (2016) and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (2017). His academic journey also includes Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK (2006) and a Certificate of Completion of Training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry from the General Medical Council in the UK (2010). In addition to this, Dr. Alwazeer holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Education from the University of Warwick, UK (2010). He is a licensed physician with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, Canada, and is duly licensed by Abu Dhabi's Department of Health (DOH). With over a decade of dedicated experience in psychiatry for children and adolescents in UK and Canada, Dr. Alwazeer joined ACPN in 2023. His prior roles include serving as a Consultant Psychiatrist at Maudsley Health Abu Dhabi, specializing in the mental health of children and adolescents which is part of the AS Health Group. Before serving in the UAE, his role saw him take charge as Physician Lead for Adolescent Intensive Services for Mental Health and Addictions in Canada. Notably, Dr. Alwazeer spent over eight years in Canada at the IWK Health Center, and worked for four years as a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in the UK National Health Services until 2014. In addition to his clinical roles, Dr. Alwazeer holds the position of Assistant Professor in Psychiatry at Dalhousie University, Canada since 2014. He has shared his expertise by presenting on numerous topics in child and adolescent psychiatry and serves as a reviewer for prominent academic journals in this field. Dr. Alwazeer adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with children, young
adults, and their families throughout the journey of recovery from a spectrum of mental health disorders, including mood, anxiety, psychosis, bipolar, substance use,developmental, behavioral, and eating disorders.

Dr. Ahmed Alwazeer

Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN),
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Christina Aramouny

Dr. Christina Aramouny is a Consultant Psychiatrist at ACPN Abu Dhabi. She earned her Medical Doctor (MD) degree from Saint Joseph University, Lebanon, in 2011, followed by a diploma in Addictology in 2012 and a specialization in Psychiatry in 2017 from the same institution. Additionally, Dr. Aramouny holds a diploma in Forensic Psychiatry from Paris XI University, France (2017). She has also received advanced training in child and adolescent psychiatry at Robert Debré Hospital in Paris and the AREA+ Epsylon Network in Brussels. She is a licensed psychiatrist by the Department of Health (DoH) in Abu Dhabi.

With over 7 years of clinical experience, Dr. Aramouny has worked across diverse settings and populations, including private practices, hospitals, NGOs, and specialized institutions in Lebanon, and the Middle East. She contributed her expertise at Beautiful Mind Medical Center in Abu Dhabi spanned child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, with a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary teamwork. In her previous roles in Lebanon, she provided psychiatric care for vulnerable populations, offered parental guidance and psychoeducation on a national scale, and conducted forensic assessments for legal proceedings. At Sacré Coeur and Dr. Samir Serhal Hospitals in Lebanon, she specialized in liaison psychiatry and staff education, while her work at Mosaik Specialized School focused on empowering educators and addressing mental health challenges in children and adolescents. She also held teaching positions at the Islamic University of Beirut as well as Faculty of Nursing Sciences of the Lebanese Red Cross.

Dr. Aramouny’s expertise includes treating a broad range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, mood disorders, early onset of psychosis, eating disorders, and addiction, supporting patients with complex mental health needs. Being a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, she has been actively involved in national awareness campaigns, including maternal and children’s mental health initiatives. Dr. Aramouny’s approach to care combines evidence-based treatments with a compassionate, patient-centered philosophy, helping patients overcome mental health challenges and lead their lives to the fullest.

Dr. Christina Aramouny

Consultant Psychiatrist
American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN),
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Ms. Fathima Jilna

Ms. Fathima Jilna is a Clinical Psychologist at ACPN in Abu Dhabi. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India in 2015, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Jyoti Nivas College, India in 2013. She is a licensed psychologist with the DoH, in Abu Dhabi.

With over nine years of professional experience in India and the UAE, Ms. Jilna worked with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and adults, in diagnosing and treating a range of psychological and developmental disorders. She gained extensive clinical experience through diverse settings including schools, psychiatric hospitals, NGOs, and rehabilitation centers, building expertise in psychological assessments and therapeutic interventions. She served at KidsHeart Medical Center, Abu Dhabi as a senior clinical psychologist for two years before joining the ACPN family. Additionally, her interest in academics and research on the intersection of the built environment and mental health led her to paper presentations at the Gender Symposium at the Avani Institute of Design, India.

Ms. Jilna specializes in managing developmental and behavioral disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Speech and Language Disorders, Learning Difficulties, Intellectual Disabilities, and Behavioral Dysregulation. She is skilled in administering psychological assessments such as intelligence tests (WPPSI, WISC, WAIS), educational assessments (WIAT), and behavioral/emotional evaluations (BASC, CONNERS, CBCL). She collaborates closely with psychiatrists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists to provide holistic care, particularly for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Ms. Fathima Jilna

Clinical Psychologist
American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN),
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Fungisai Agnes Muchenje

Dr. Fungisai Muchenje is an Educational Psychologist at ACPN. She completed her Doctoral program in educational and child psychology at The University of Manchester, UK, in 2020. Prior to her doctoral study, she completed a Master’s degree in development disorders and clinical practice at the University of York, UK in 2017, with distinction. Her undergraduate studies were in psychology from the University of York, UK, in 2012. She holds a postgraduate certificate, with Distinction, in education from Canterbury Christ Church University, UK in 2016. She maintains in registration with the HCPC, UK and is a licensed educational psychologist with DOH, Abu Dhabi. She is dually licensed as a teacher, holding a QTS with the Department of Education, UK.

Starting her post-graduate career as a psychologist in 2018, Dr. Muchenje delivered training, consultation, assessments, and intervention in several schools and specialized care settings concurrently in Manchester, UK. She worked closely with children experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties, learning difficulties, autism, and complex health needs. Post qualification, she provided assessment services to authorities in the UK, alongside consultation and training to home care providers for young people with learning disabilities and mental health difficulties. With over four years of experience in the field, Dr. Muchenje joined ACPN as psychologist in 2023.

Dr. Muchenje works with a wide age-range, from early years programs up to twenty-five years of age using consultation and therapeutically informed interventions alongside diagnostic interviews, psychometrics, and a range of cognitive assessments to understand the child’s strengths and needs. She holds a special interest in attachment in the early years, as well as group supervision. Having a unique viewpoint from a clinical and educational stance, she combines a clinically driven approach coupled with a close understanding of how interventions work best for learners in practice. She is a keen academician, completing her doctoral and master’s studies with distinction. She also held several academic posts in teaching and research and aims to foster independence and self-reliance in her students and clients.

Dr. Fungisai Agnes Muchenje

Educational Psychologist
American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN),
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Jihad Saleh Al Mistarihi

Completed Pediatric residency training in 2002.

Joined SKMC in 2003

Has more than 25 years’ experience in pediatrics.

Currently Chair of Pediatrics Department, SKMC,

Assistant Professor, CMHS, Khalifa University

Main interest in MDT care of complex pediatric patients.

Dr. Jihad Saleh Al Mistarihi is a distinguished pediatrician specializing in General Pediatrics at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City. With a focus on both acute and chronic disorders, he brings a compassionate and comprehensive approach to pediatric care. Dr. Al Mistarihi is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of young patients, employing advanced medical strategies to address a wide range of pediatric conditions. His commitment to managing both short-term and long-term health challenges sets him apart in providing attentive and expert care to children under his supervision.

Dr. Jihad Saleh Al Mistarihi

Chair of Pediatrics Division, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Ms. Maram Alraygi

Maram holds a Master of Education in Applied Behavioral Analysis from the Emirates College for Advanced Education and a Master of Educational Psychology with a specialization in Special Education from the University of Victoria, Canada. She is also a Qualified Behavior Analyst (QBA).
With over eight years of combined experience in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and Special Education, Maram brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective that merges clinical expertise with educational insight. She has worked across various educational and clinical settings in Saudi Arabia, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. Maram began her ABA journey at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Special Education (MRC-NECC), which provided ABA services in partnership with NECC. There, she led therapy teams and provided ABA therapy supervision, working closely with individuals with special needs in inclusive and specialized settings. This experience laid the foundation for her passion and expertise in ABA, before transitioning into clinic-based roles to deepen her specialization in ABA.
She specializes in individualized intervention planning, early intervention, parent and teacher training, and supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Her services span comprehensive assessments, functional behavior analysis and behavior intervention planning.
Maram has previously led professional teams and collaborated closely with families to provide high-quality, compassionate care. She has actively contributed to the development of local ABA clinical guidelines in the UAE and played a key role in establishing ABA clinics to expand access to quality behavioral services.
Her work is driven by a commitment to empowering families, enhancing inclusive practices in educational settings, and improving the overall quality of life for individuals with developmental challenges. She is also involved in community initiatives that support awareness and inclusion for individuals with special needs.

Ms. Maram Alraygi

Senior ABA Therapist
American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN),
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Ms. Michaela McGilloway

Ms. Michaela McGilloway is an Occupational Therapist at ACPN. She completed her degree in Occupational Therapy at The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland in 2016 and is a licensed practitioner with the Healthcare Professional Council of the UK and DoH, Abu Dhabi.

With over seven years of experience as an OT, she joined ACPN from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. After her graduation in 2016, she worked in London, UK in two of the largest teaching hospitals for over five years till 2021. She completed her junior and senior rotations in 2019 at Kings College Hospital London, advancing her skills across many specialties. Following this, Ms. McGilloway worked as Specialist Neuro-Occupational Therapist for Guys and St. Thomas Hospital for over a year till 2020, before working at The London Clinic, UK until 2021. She then joined to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in 2021, developing occupational therapy services across the hospital while supporting continued professional development programs before joining ACPN in 2023.

Ms. McGilloway specializes in rehabilitation for neurological, medical, oncology, vascular and surgical, elderly care, psychiatric, respiratory, and cardiac care. She is particularly skilled in rehabilitation for dementia, stroke, traumatic injuries of the brain and spinal cord, functional neurological disorders, and long-term conditions including Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, and cerebral palsy. She is passionate about supporting patients reach their milestones and goals with a skillset centered around restoring functional mobility and thereby improving quality of life. She uses interventions such as upper limb rehab, functional training, spasticity management, appropriate posture and seating, visual and sensory rehab, social engagement, anxiety and depression management, cognitive and vocational rehabilitation, in turn improving quality of life and independence

Ms. Michaela McGilloway

Occupational Therapist
Clinical Lead - Rehabilitation Services, Team Leader - OT
American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN),
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Ms. Nathalie Dib

Nathalie Dib is a psychotherapist, with over a decade of experience in clinical and school settings.

With expertise in systemic family and couple therapy, as well as in the analytic-systemic approach for individuals. She provides valuable insights and support to couples and families and addresses a wide range of issues, including depression and anxiety. As an official member of the European Family Therapy Association (EFTA), she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice.

In addition to her clinical work, Dib is a recognized expert in children’s mental health and family well-being, regularly contributing her insights on UAE television.

Ms. Nathalie Dib

Psychologist (Mental Health)
American Center for Psychiatry & Neurology
Dubai, UAE

Dr. Ola Safi

Dr. Ola Safi is a specialist pediatric neurologist working at the American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, Abu Dhabi. She earned her medical degree from Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Lebanon, in 2013 and completed her residency training in pediatrics at Hotel de Dieu de France Hospital. Then, she achieved her fellowship in pediatric neurology in France in 2018. Besides her interuniversity diploma in pediatric neurology, Dr Safi also obtained an interuniversity diploma in clinical neurophysiology from France.

Dr Safi has worked in many hospitals in Lebanon as a pediatric neurologist before joining ACPN in 2021.

Dr Safi treats children and adolescents with epilepsy, autism, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, neurodevelopmental delays, learning disabilities, neuromuscular disorders and neurodegenerative disorders. Dr Safi has a specific interest in pediatric epilepsies, and she is a member of European Pediatric Neurology Society.

Dr. Ola Safi

Pediatric Neurology Specialist
American Center for Psychiatry & Neurology (ACPN)
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Omar Ismayl

Dr. Omar is a distinguished Pediatric Neurologist. A graduate of Damascus University Medical School (1990), he completed his Master’s degree and Arab Board in Pediatrics at Damascus University Children’s Hospital, where he later joined the teaching staff.

He pursued specialized training in Pediatric Neurology at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital in the UK, leading to his appointment as a Consultant from 2001 to 2007. Upon returning to Syria, he resumed his role on the teaching staff at Damascus University until 2012.

Since then, Dr. Omar has been the Division Head & Consultant in Pediatric Neurology at SKMC in Abu Dhabi. An avid educator, he has held honorary and lecturer positions at Manchester University and Damascus University. He has contributed to major textbooks like Forfar and Arneil’s Textbook of Paediatrics and has numerous publications and presentations in his field, with a special interest in Epilepsy and Neuromuscular disorders.

Dr. Omar Ismayl

Consultant Paediatric Neurologist, Division Head
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Rami AlShihabi

Dr. Rami Alshihabi is a Senior Clinical Psychologist at ACPN. Prior to joining ACPN, he was Director of Counseling and Senior Wellness Counselor at New York University, Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) health and wellness center. Dr. Alshihabi received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2004 from the Alliant International University – California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles and remains a licensed clinical psychologist in the USA.

His role prior to joining NYUAD was at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi where he worked as Senior Clinical Psychologist after his relocation from the US in 2007. He then was assigned as Head of Psychology Department at the Behavioral Science Pavilion (BSP) at SKMC in 2013 which he held for three years prior to joining NYUAD. Dr. Alshihabi has over 20 years of experience in assessing and treating all forms of mental health and social problems in adults, older adults, children, adolescents, families and couples. In addition to working with students at NYUAD and clients in the Abu Dhabi community, Dr. Alshihabi is a senior DOH License Examiner for all psychologists seeking DOH licensure in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Alshihabi has also been active in the psychological assessments of potential bariatric surgery and transplant patients at SKMC. Dr. Alshihabi is active on the academic front and developed a Work-Related Stress Management Program and has lectured on many subjects including psychological testing, trauma intervention/diffusion, time and anger management, and more. Plus, he has and continues to chair many mental health sessions within the community.

Dr. Rami AlShihabi

Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Lead - Psychology Services
Deputy CMO
American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN),
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Ms. Rashika Singh

Ms. Rashika Singh is an Occupational Therapist at ACPN Abu Dhabi, bringing over a decade of experience working with pediatric and adult clients. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (BSc OT) in 2011, and a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Human Sciences from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. Ms. Singh is licensed to practice in South Africa (HPCSA), the UK (HCPC), and the UAE (DoH).

Her career began in 2011 at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Johannesburg, where she gained invaluable experience managing acute and chronic conditions across various fields. She later worked as a Specialist Occupational Therapist at the Royal London Hospital in the UK for four years until 2019, focusing on hand therapy, trauma, and neurological conditions. Moving to the UAE in 2020, she contributed to long-term pediatric care at Amana Healthcare and supported clients with neurodevelopmental disorders at Aspris Wellbeing Centre. She has worked in schools, private practices, clinics, and community settings, developing innovative programs, conducting research, and providing education and training to clients and caregivers.

Ms. Singh has extensive expertise in addressing Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), anxiety, emotional regulation, Global Developmental Delay (GDD), learning disabilities, Down Syndrome, genetic disorders, and neurological conditions. Her therapeutic approach includes sensory integration, DIR Floortime, early intervention strategies, cognitive skills training, neurological rehabilitation, visual perception skills development, hand therapy, and training in activities of daily living (ADL). She remains deeply committed to enabling clients in achieving their self-reliance and confidence, with a focus on enhancing their quality of life across school, work, home, and leisure activities. She has been a keen participant on voluntary health missions in Africa, India, and Nepal, using her skills to positively impact underserved communities and support their well-being.

Ms. Rashika Singh

Occupational Therapist
American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN),
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Salwa AlHosani

Dr. Salwa Salem Khalaf AlHosani is a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at ACPN. Dr. AlHosani holds a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree and a B.Sc. in Basic Medical Sciences from Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain in 2006 and 2004 respectively. She also holds the Arab Board (AB) in General Adult Psychiatry, a Clinical Diploma in Applied Psychological Skills & Competencies from UAEU which she attained in 2013 and 2014. She subsequently completed a Saudi Board-accredited fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. AlHosani is certified in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R).

Dr. AlHosani has over 18 years of experience in psychiatry, with a focus on child and adolescent mental health for the past 11 years. As a pioneer in the field, she is the first UAE national to hold this distinguished position contributing extensively to mental health care on clinical governance, and research fronts. Her expertise spans a variety of caseloads, including inpatient, consultation-liaison, and outpatient care. She has held several leadership positions at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City -SEHA (SKMC), including Division Head of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Head of the Child Protection Committee. In 2023, she was appointed Acting Medical Director of Sakina in the Abu Dhabi Region. Throughout her career, Dr. AlHosani worked on collaborative and multidisciplinary teams, leading initiatives such as the first ABA clinic in Seha and the Autism Spectrum Disorder Early Intervention Program at SKMC.

Dr. AlHosani’s clinical expertise covers a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including neurodevelopmental disorders (Autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, and learning disorders), trauma, anxiety disorders, depressive and mood disorders, and early-onset psychosis as well as medication management. She has a strong interest in early intervention and evidence-based care. Her skills include developing individualized treatment plans, play therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and a holistic approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors. Dr. AlHosani takes a collaborative approach to care, working closely with families, schools, and other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity and comprehensive support.

Dr. Salwa AlHosani

Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Clinical Lead - Child and Family Services
American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN),
Abu Dhabi, UAE