Executive Team

Robert is a peacebuilder and policy advocate with a Master of Arts in Peace Studies from the University of San Diego and a graduate certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution. With a diverse background in government affairs, international development, and humanitarian work, Robert has dedicated his career to fostering peace and advancing democratic governance globally.

He has extensive experience in global conflict resolution, having worked in Sudan, Malawi, and Zambia, where he focused on strengthening institutions and supporting civil society. Robert has also led initiatives in legislative reform, planning, and facilitating regional and local dialogues in countries including North Macedonia, Colombia, and Iraq.

Earlier in his career, Robert served in the United States House of Representatives and was an election observer for the Committee on House Administration during the 2020 election. His work is driven by a deep commitment to advancing human rights, humanitarian aid, and the protection of vulnerable populations worldwide.

Panicha is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Registered Play Therapist with nearly a decade of experience supporting children, teens, and young adults, especially those navigating neurodiversity. She specializes in creating individualized therapeutic approaches that help clients build emotional resilience, improve coping skills, and develop self-awareness.

Beyond her clinical work, Panicha is a strong advocate for families fleeing war and conflict. She uses her skills in videography and social media management to raise awareness about the challenges these families face. By creating impactful content and managing online outreach, Panicha helps amplify the voices of refugees and educate the public about the importance of supporting displaced families.

Panicha’s advocacy efforts are rooted in a deep commitment to social justice and the belief that storytelling and community engagement can drive meaningful change. She remains dedicated to improving mental health awareness and supporting vulnerable communities through her volunteer work and professional practice.

Vi has over a decade of experience in the mental health field, with the past four years dedicated to community action. She previously served as both the Academic Chair and Historian Chair within a women's organization focused on resisting oppression and advocating for freedom. In these roles, Vi empowered individuals to find their voice, advocate for their needs, and address the root causes of their well-being. Her work emphasized balancing academic pressures with collective care, fostering cultural awareness, and creating supportive spaces for self-empowerment and growth.

Currently, Vi continues her commitment to community action as a member of Rise Up Humanity, where she serves vulnerable populations, including refugee communities.

A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Vi specializes in inner child healing and intergenerational trauma, offering compassionate telehealth therapy to AAPNHPI and BIPOC individuals on their journey to emotional wellness. Her therapeutic approach blends eco-therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)—an attachment-based framework that promotes self-exploration and personal growth. Vi is dedicated to helping clients navigate emotional challenges, build resilience, and uncover pathways to healing and thriving in a safe, nurturing environment.

Kristen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) providing therapeutic services to children, teens, and adults. She specializes in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, chronic illness, and highly sensitive traits. Kristen embraces the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and identities of her clients, recognizing how intersecting forms of discrimination uniquely influence each person’s experiences. She is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment that fosters healing and personal growth.

In addition to her clinical work, Kristen is committed to social justice, advocacy, and allyship. She continually educates herself about global humanitarian crises and actively engages in community efforts to support oppressed communities. 

At Rise Up Humanity, Kristen contributes to crafting materials that are both informative and inspiring, advancing the organization’s mission while cultivating action. She also uses her social media platform to raise awareness, elevate refugee voices, and motivate change.

Kristen’s work reflects her belief in the power of compassion, empowerment, and collective action to promote a world grounded in empathy and inclusion.