We provide better future for children in Ukraine

Alex Dudko

  • Founder | CEO | Board Member | Investor | Non-Profit

“A Little Help Can Make A Big Change.“

Amy Nitza, Ph.D.

  • Executive Director | Institute for Disaster Mental Health State University of New York at New Paltz
BIO

Dr. Amy Nitza is the Executive Director of the Institute for Disaster Mental Health at SUNY New Paltz, where she also directs the Advanced Certificate in Trauma and Disaster Mental Health and serves as Affiliate Faculty in the Department of Counselor Education. She is a psychologist who specializes in providing mental health training in academic and non-academic settings both nationally and internationally, with an emphasis on disaster mental health and trauma recovery. As a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Botswana, she trained mental health and school counselors and studied the use of group counseling interventions in HIV/AIDS prevention among adolescents. She has collaborated with the University of Notre Dame in Haiti to develop trauma-related interventions for children in domestic servitude, and to provide training for teachers in dealing with traumatized children in the classroom. She is also currently collaborating with UNICEF USA to develop and implement a program of mental health support for children and teachers impacted by Hurricane Maria and the recent earthquakes and pandemic in Puerto Rico. She directs numerous other grant-funded projects including from the New York State Office of Victim Services and New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Amy has provided training at the national level to federal and non-profit agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Service Employees International Union. She has provided direct service to survivors of numerous disasters including Hurricanes Sally, Dorian, Harvey, and Maria, the Creek Fire in California, the grocery store shooting in Colorado, and the earthquakes in Haiti and Puerto Rico. She is the author and editor of numerous publications, including the recent book Disaster Mental Health Case Studies: Lessons Learned from Counseling in Chaos. Amy is a Past President and Fellow of the Association for Specialists in Group Work, and currently serves as President of the Society for Group Psychology and Group Psychotherapy (Division 49) of the American Psychological Association, which also awarded her the 2019 Excellence in Teaching of Group Dynamics award. She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Indiana University, and previously served as Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Professional Studies at Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Valentina Radchuk, Ph. D.

  • Head of Department of Practical Psychology and Director of Socio-Psychological Center at Chernivtsi National University.
BIO

Valentyna Radchuk is a psychologist, a candidate of psychological sciences, a professor, the head of the Department of Practical Psychology, and the director of the Social-Psychological Center at Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University. She is also a member of the Coordination Center for Social-Psychological Support of Participants in Hostilities at Chernivtsi City Council and a deputy of the Chernivtsi City Council in the VIII convocation.

She has authored more than 60 scientific works in the fields of family psychology, conflict psychology and mediation, psychological burnout, and trauma psychology. Valentyna Radchuk has undergone extensive training in the psychological rehabilitation of populations affected by war and the provision of psychological assistance to families living in close proximity to conflict zones. She has also provided psychological support to internally displaced persons and military personnel, their families, and the families of fallen Ukrainian defenders.

Since 2020, she has been an active member of the All-Ukrainian Union of Psychologists. Being the widow of a serviceman, since 2014, she has been assisting and supporting children and families of the fallen defenders of Ukraine.

Inna Dudko

  • International logistics coordinator of a non-profit organization. Together we are stronger!

John Thoburn

  • Ph.D. ABPP
BIO

Dr. Thoburn is Professor Emeritus of clinical psychology with Seattle Pacific University’s APA accredited clinical psychology program. Dr. Thoburn has been a featured speaker, trainer and clinician in the areas of international and couple/family psychology. He is co-author of the book, Family Psychology: Theory, Research and Practice, published by Praeger Press and is co-editor of the book, Clergy Sexual Misconduct: A Systems Approach to Prevention, Intervention and Oversight, published by Gentle Path Press.

Dr. Thoburn is a licensed psychologist and licensed marriage and family therapist in the State of Washington. He is board certified in Couple and Family Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology and is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association.

Dr. Thoburn is past- president of the American Academy of Couple and Family Psychology, a specialty of the American Board of Professional Psychology and past president of the Society for Family Psychology, Division 43 of the American Psychological Association. He has served on the Board of Trustees for the American Board of Professional Psychology and the American Board of Couple and Family Psychology.

Dr. Thoburn has been the recipient of Seattle Pacific University’s Scholar of the Year award; the American Psychological Association’s International Humanitarian Award; the Society for Family Psychology’s Family Psychologist of the Year award; the Florence W. Kaslow Award for Distinguished Contributions to International Psychology and the American Board of Professional Psychology’s Award for Significant Contributions to the Field of Couple and Family Psychology.

UkrHelp Treasurer

Alana Dimitrashuk

  • Treasurer

    I believe each child deserves a better future no matter the circumstances

Krystyna Vysotska

  • Project Management for Nonprofits, Socialcare and Healthcare Facilities. Volunteer in the hot spots across Ukraine!

Mazzy Eckel

  • Ambassador of the UkrHelp Foundation, Miss Grand Washington
    Event Hosting Expert
BIO

Mazzy Eckel, a highly sought-after host, model, and actress, making a remarkable impact on the Pacific Northwest entertainment scene. While pageantry has been a part of her success, her true passion lies in hosting events and running her podcast, “Pursuing Leadership.” As she draws inspiration from the late Anthony Bourdain, admiring his ability to infuse humor and journalism to share captivating stories about diverse cultures.
One cause that holds a special place in her heart is the fight against human trafficking. Her years of experience as a fitness instructor and mentor for survivors have fueled her dedication to raising awareness and providing support for victims of this heinous crime.

using her platform to bring attention to important causes and sharing her unique perspective,
Mazzy’s charisma, talent, and unwavering dedication to social issues position her as an influential figure in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Through her multifaceted endeavors, she determined to use her voice and talents to inspire change and make a positive impact on society.

Oleg Fedechkin

  • Businessman

“Taking business from idea to realization.“

Alexander V. Prokhorov

  • Distinguished Professor (ret.) at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
BIO

Alexander V. Prokhorov, MD, PhD is a Distinguished Professor (ret.) at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. 

Dr. Prokhorov overall experience in preventive cardiology, oncology, behavioral sciences, and other related key disciplines exceeds 40 years. He is an expert in behavioral/communication sciences and youth’s health particularly in substance use prevention and cessation. He has published over 150 research articles in professional journals. Dr. Prokhorov has extensive experience in working with health care providers, school and college educators. Throughout his 30 years of intervention projects, he designed several impactful technology-based programs for youth. In particular, Dr. Prokhorov has served as Principal Investigator on several federally funded multi-million dollar grants for the development and testing of multimedia and text messaging aimed at substance use prevention and cessation among young adults in schools and colleges.  I have also as served as the principal architect for the ASPIRE internet and video-based tobacco prevention and cessation program, funded by National Cancer Institute. This program is currently used in 37 states in the US and 7 countries.

Dr. Prokhorov is providing his knowledge and expertise for the Ukrainian Youth Project because he is extremely passionate about restoring and maintaining children’s ability to study at school and college after the devastating mental shocks of war. He strongly believes that programs of this kind are warranted in order to preserve the precious learning skills of the young generation of Ukrainians.

Gloria R. Leon, Ph.D

  • Professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota Department of Psychology
BIO

Gloria R. Leon, Ph.D, is a professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota Department of Psychology. She received a doctorate in mental health psychology from the University of Maryland. She continues to carry out research and serve on advisory committees in both disaster and space-related areas; the focus is on stress and coping and psychological support in response to disasters and other types of extreme situations. Professor Leon worked extensively with international colleagues on projects assessing the psychological status and health attitudes in a population of children and adults affected by the Chernobyl disaster; the psychological status of Chernobyl power plant workers; and the translation and standardization of russian language versions of various personality measures. Other research she has carried out examined the psychological status of concentration camp survivors and their children; Vietnam veterans; Vietnam nurses. Professor Leon organized and chaired the Psychosocial Task Force of the World Association of Disaster and Emergency Medicine (WADEM), and was a member of the WADEM Board from 2003-2009 and again from 2011-2015. Working with the WADEM task force group, she spearheaded the development of psychosocial support plans for people impacted by disasters, particularly in developing countries and with underserved populations. She was invited by the National School of Public Health (NSPH) in Athens to collaborate on a study of child and adult victims of the Summer 2007 fires in Greece, and organized and participated in psychosocial teaching workshops sponsored by the NSPH over a four year period. She also served as a member of the Canadian CRTI (Chemical, Biological, Radiation, Nuclear, Explosives Research and Technology Initiative) psychosocial advisory committee, and continues to serve on several NASA committees. Professor Leon is an active member of the UkrHelp Foundation, working with other international members of the group to develop programs to provide psychological support to Ukrainian children and mothers in Ukraine and as refugees in nearby countries.

Contact information:

leonx003@umn.edu

Victoriia Nazarevych, Ph.D

  • PhD, art-therapist, coach of educational trainings for psychologists
BIO

Author of psychological techniques and psychotherapeutic tools for children, lecturer at the department of psychology and pedagogy of Kyiv International University , associate professor at the department of developmental and pedagogical psychology’, Rivne State University of Humanities, Ukraine

Kyle Lyebyedyev

  • Project Manager, Operations Coordinator, Event Planner
BIO

Kyle Lyebyedyev is a passionate community organizer, dedicated advocate for immigrants, and an inspiring public speaker. With a deep commitment to social justice and inclusivity, Kyle has dedicated his life to empowering immigrant communities and promoting their rights.

 
As a community organizer, Kyle has worked tirelessly to bring diverse voices together, fostering collaboration and creating platforms for dialogue. Through his unwavering advocacy, he has successfully raised awareness about the unique challenges faced by immigrants, helping to create a more compassionate and welcoming society.
 
Kyle’s impactful work as an advocate for immigrants has included providing vital support services, fighting for policy reforms, and championing the rights of marginalized communities. His efforts have made a tangible difference in the lives of many, ensuring that immigrants receive the dignity, respect, and opportunities they deserve.
 
In addition to his advocacy work, Kyle is a captivating public speaker. He has shared his experiences, insights, and messages of hope on various platforms, inspiring others to take action and promoting a more inclusive society. His eloquence and ability to connect with audiences make him a sought-after speaker at conferences, community events, and educational institutions.
 

Kyle Lyebyedyev’s unwavering dedication to improving the lives of immigrants, his commitment to social justice, and his powerful voice as a public speaker make him a true catalyst for change. Through his efforts, he continues to create a positive impact in communities and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive world.

Yuri Tarasula

  • CTO

    Founder of international volunteer network
Nataliia Sytnilova

Nataliia Sytnikova

  • Secretory, Marketing Phycologist

    I believe that together we are stronger