Dr. Zain Shamoon, PhD, LMFT (he/him) is a South Asian Muslim man who comes from a Punjabi diaspora. He has been practicing couple and family therapy for 16 years. He is dedicated to creating spaces where people can tell their personal stories en route to their own wellness. He believes collective gathering storytelling is a collectivist tradition that ought to be reclaimed. He currently practices therapy online at Northwest Relationships in Tacoma, Washington.

He is s also the host and founder of the Narratives of Pain storytelling showcase.

He received his Ph.D. in human development and family studies and his Master’s in Couple and Family Therapy from Michigan State University. His research focused on domestic violence survivorship in South Asian communities and how survivors’ personal stories help address service needs.

Elizabeth started out as a witness in the Narratives of Pain audience in 2017. Finding the events to be a powerful healing container for her own journey, she went on to co-host the Seattle chapter in 2022. A storyteller from a young age, Elizabeth has embraced the healing capacity that storytelling offers through essays, poetry, photography, drawing, and painting. Elizabeth is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and is honored to hold space with the amazing Narratives of Pain team for those who have a story to share and  for those who want to witness, as part of their healing journey. 

Kendra Azari is a graphic designer, visual artist, and educator who weaves creativity with community care. A mother and advocate, she designs to elevate human rights and foster healing, with passions rooted in mental health, accessibility, wellness, and education. Free-spirited and expressive, Kendra believes in the power of authentic connection, art as a catalyst for change, and the continual journey of growth.

Samhar is a therapist, writer, and community organizer dedicated to holding space for stories that carry both pain and resilience. He began with Narratives of Pain in 2023 as a witness, and in 2024 co-hosted his first event in Seattle, deepening his role in creating spaces of collective healing.  Through his practice and community initiatives, he weaves mental health, culture, and collective care into spaces where people feel witnessed and connected. His work is rooted in the belief that storytelling is not only a form of expression, but also a pathway to healing and belonging.

Saira Qureshi is a therapist, educator, and community voice who offers teletherapy for children, youth, parents, families, adults, and groups. With a multimodal therapeutic approach, she brings creativity and care into the healing process. Beyond her practice, Saira teaches counseling, leads workshops, and shares her knowledge in academic, clinical, and community spaces. Her work is rooted in connection, compassion, and the belief that healing grows when stories are witnessed and honored.