About us
A network of multidisciplinary professionals who are interested in enhancing rehabilitation and disability services for Armenians. We are a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
Our Mission
The mission for Therapists for Armenia (TFA) is to advance the fields of occupational, physical, and speech therapy, promote accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities, and foster well being within Armenian communities through educational outreach, service, collaboration, and advocacy.
Meet the Board of Trustees
V. Armineh Babikian, MS, OTR/L
Founder, Executive Director, Occupational Therapist
New York, USA; Toronto, CA
Armineh Babikian is an occupational therapist specializing in intellectual and developmental disabilities through the lifespan. Armineh is currently pursuing her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences and Global Health at University of Toronto. She is passionate about advocacy and inclusion of people with disabilities in Armenian communities. She is the author of the first Armenian therapeutic activity book for caregivers of children with disabilities. She is the co-founder of the Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Fellowship for Armenia and Artsakh, the first Armenian post-professional educational program in adult and post-conflict rehabilitation. Armineh is the recipient several awards, gaining recognition from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, Centre of Addictions and Mental Health, Columbia University and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute for her outstanding professional achievements and humanitarian work.
Melina Allahverdian, OTD, OTR/L
Vice President, Occupational Therapist
California, USA
Dr. Melina Allahverdian is a board certified occupational therapist and graduated with her doctorate in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California (USC). She completed her clinical residency at the USC Occupational Therapy Faculty Practice where she trained and specialized in Lifestyle Redesign®. This lifestyle-based intervention focuses on supporting patients with symptom management secondary to a chronic condition. Melina is motivated to help individuals find balance in their lives and establish routines that help promote health and wellness in order to make space for the occupations they value most. Melina completed her yoga teacher training in 2017 at Power of Your Om yoga studio in Santa Barbara, California. She is passionate about continuing her work within the Armenian community and has volunteered with the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) in Los Angeles as well as Birthright Armenia.
Kristine Movsisian, MS, SLP-CCC/GC-ASD
Secretary, Speech Language Pathologist
California, USA
Kristine Movsisian is a Speech-Language Pathologist who graduated with her Master’s of Science Degree in Clinical Speech-Language Pathology from Northern Arizona University (NAU). She also received a graduate certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder from NAU. Kristine has worked in rehabilitation since 2012 when she first began her journey in rehab as a behavioral interventionist. Since then, she has worked in the clinical, school, home health, and outpatient settings serving people of all ages with ranging challenges. With a passion for inclusivity and empowerment, she is dedicated to supporting disabled individuals in achieving their communication goals. Kristine is excited to continue making a positive impact in the Armenian community and to inspire others to recognize the importance of communication in achieving personal success.
Lusine Karapetyan, BS, MSHA, PT, DPT
Co-treasurer, Physical Therapist
California, USA
Lusine Karapetyan is a doctor of physical therapist from Los Angeles, California who was worked in the rehabilitation sector for over 10 years. She has provided physical therapy services in an inpatient setting, outpatient, and skilled nursing to a variety of patients with the overall goal of regaining function and returning back to their home setting. She has expanded her love of therapy and teaching to her current position of teaching physical therapy to physical therapy assistant students in a vocational school setting.
Nathalie Halajian, MS, SLP-CCC
Co-treasurer, Speech Language Pathologist
California, USA
Nathalie Halajian is a speech-language pathologist driven by a deep belief in the power of communication to foster human connection. Fluent in Armenian and Russian, she is committed to providing culturally responsive services that support meaningful engagement with families and communities. She spent a formative year in Armenia volunteering in rehabilitation centers and hospitals, where she led trainings at the country’s first Dysphagia Conference and mentored local clinicians. Nathalie earned her Master’s degree in Communicative Disorders with distinction from California State University, Northridge, and received the J. Stephen Sinclair Award for vision and leadership. She completed her clinical training at UCLA Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital and her clinical fellowship at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Nathalie currently works with adults with nuerocognitive and communication disorders and brings experience supporting children with diverse communication needs.