Speaking at the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Health (CIRH) Conference!
Inclusive Education: Improving Academic Success and Promoting Wellness for Afghan and Ukrainian Refugee Students
Speaking at the CIRH Conference!
I will be speaking at the upcoming Center for Immigrant and Refugee Health (CIRH) conference, alongside my esteemed colleagues, Stephanie Vasquez and Aileen Salomon. This marks a significant milestone as it is CIRH's first in-person event, bringing together key stakeholders committed to improving the health and well-being of immigrants and refugees.
At the conference, we will engage with partners from the Afghan Refugee School Impact-Support to Schools (ARSI—S2S) and Ukrainian Refugee School Impact (URSI) initiatives. This gathering will provide a unique platform for community engagement, information sharing, and collaboration among school districts, community-based organizations, refugees, and other relevant stakeholders.
About CIRH:
The mission at the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Health (CIRH) is to actively bridge gaps in public health programs for immigrants and refugees. They are at the forefront of evidence-based, culturally congruent, and community-driven projects aimed at promoting and improving the health and well-being of these communities. Through education, advocacy, and direct support, CIRH empowers immigrant and refugee populations with essential knowledge and resources so they may not only survive but thrive in their new environments.
Meet Our Team:
Stephanie Vasquez, MSW, M.Ed.
With over 25 years of experience at LAUSD, Stephanie brings a wealth of expertise in program operations and student services. As a Specialist for Wellness Programs and the Refugee Educational Support Program, she is passionate about creating inclusive academic environments that foster student success.Dr. Soraya Fallah, Ed.D, MS
I am honored to contribute to CIRH's mission by advocating for refugee and newcomer families through the LAUSD Refugee Educational Support Program (RESPite). My focus on holistic wellness and resilience drives my commitment to culturally competent practices and family-school partnerships.Aileen Salomon
Aileen specializes in supporting refugee students and families, leveraging her extensive experience in Applied Behavior Analysis to ensure that students in the RESPite program achieve academic success. Her dedication to inclusivity and collaboration with school partners makes her a vital member of our team.
Together, we aim to share innovative strategies that promote wellness and academic success for immigrant and refugee populations. This conference will not only allow us to reflect on our successes and challenges but also to learn more about the unique needs of Afghan and Ukrainian refugee communities.
I look forward to connecting with fellow advocates and stakeholders at the conference as we work towards a brighter and healthier future for every immigrant and refugee. Stay tuned for updates!

Stephanie Vasquez, MSW, M.Ed., LAUSD
Stephanie Vasquez is a seasoned leader in program operations and student services, with over 25 years of experience at the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). With a background as a counselor, she brings extensive expertise in both social work and educational leadership. Passionate about supporting newcomers, Stephanie is dedicated to ensuring students thrive in an inclusive academic environment. As a Specialist for Wellness Programs and the Refugee Educational Support Program, she leads initiatives to advance student success, promote inclusivity, and foster meaningful community partnerships. Her commitment to enhancing students’ academic performance and well-being is demonstrated through her strategic leadership and collaboration with all stakeholders.

Dr. Soraya Fallah, Ed.D, MS, Student and Family Resources Navigator, LAUSD
Dr. Soraya Fallah combines advocacy, research, and personal experience in her work with refugee and newcomer students and families. Committed to equity and community engagement, she is part of the LAUSD Refugee Educational Support Program (RESPite) team that leads initiatives addressing the needs of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) populations, including Afghan, Ukrainian, Latinx, and other communities. Her work focuses on holistic wellness and resilience, collaborating with educators and organizations to ensure comprehensive support. As a human rights advocate and published researcher, Soraya employs research-based strategies that promote culturally competent practices and family-school partnerships. A humble recipient of several awards for promoting equity and inclusivity, she will share innovative approaches to supporting refugee and CLD students while fostering collaboration within schools and communities at this conference.

Aileen Salomon, Student and Family Resources Navigator, LAUSD
Aileen Salomon is a Student and Family Resources Navigator with the Los Angeles Unified School District, where she specializes in supporting refugee students and families, collaborating with school partners and organizations. With over 20 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, and 2 years of experience in the Refugee Educational Support Program. Aileen Salomon has contributed to the program by pre-screening and qualifying students and providing case management to families. She is passionate about inclusivity, and supporting those students enrolled achieve their academic success for those enrolled in the RESPite program.
On 10/25, our team from RESPite had the privilege of attending the Inclusive
Education: Improving Academic Success and Promoting Wellness for Afghan and
Ukrainian Refugee Students conference, where we presented our program
dedicated to servicing these communities. The event was a remarkable
opportunity to share our efforts, strategies, and services aimed at fostering
success and wellness among refugee students.
Our presentation focused on the comprehensive support we provide to address
the unique needs of Afghan and Ukrainian refugee students. I specifically
highlighted my experience with culturally responsive methods that guide our
work. By understanding and honoring the diverse cultural backgrounds of the
families we serve, we can create a more inclusive environment that resonates
with their experiences.
In our discussion, we emphasized the importance of community engagement and
collaboration in delivering our services. This involves not only providing
academic support but also addressing social, emotional, and logistical
challenges that families face. We shared our strategies for connecting with
families, such as hosting community workshops, offering language support, and
facilitating access to essential resources. These efforts are designed to
empower families and ensure that they feel supported as they navigate the
complexities of resettlement.
The insights shared by other professionals at the conference were equally
inspiring. Many spoke about their approaches to promoting wellness and academic
success, highlighting innovative practices that we can incorporate into our
program. This exchange of ideas reinforced the significance of holistic support
for refugee students, emphasizing that their well-being is just as crucial as
their academic performance.
As we look forward to future conferences, we are eager to continue
showcasing our program and expanding our efforts to support Afghan, Ukrainian,
and other refugee families. This journey is a testament to the power of
community service and collaboration in making a positive difference in the
lives of those we serve.
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