Meet our Executive Assistant, Sara Merditaj!
December 12, 2024

The center or zen


Hi!

My name is Sara Merditaj, and I’m the Executive Assistant at Kalasho Education & Youth Services. I’m truly grateful to work at MINDgarden — a space filled with calming energy and purpose. When I need peace, I often retreat to the Cherry Blossom Library.

In 2024, I started a book club focused on self-care, healing, and mental health. Coming from an Albanian immigrant family where mental health was often stigmatized, these books have helped process generational trauma and better understand my past. One that deeply resonated with me was You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay. Her quote, “You’re not a helpless victim of your own thoughts but rather a master of your own mind,” stays with me every day.

As someone who struggled with body image growing up and felt the weight of cultural expectations, I find MINDgarden’s mission especially meaningful. It offers the kind of support I wish I had as a child — especially for youth from immigrant or refugee backgrounds. I’m proud to be part of a place that nurtures healing and growth.


Sara's Bio

Sara Merditaj serves as the Executive Assistant at Kalasho Education and Youth Services, where she plays a vital role in ensuring the organization’s daily operations run seamlessly. She earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Oakland University and brings a unique background in supporting both children and adults.

As the first point of contact for the foundation, Sara manages communications, coordinates schedules, and provides comprehensive support to executive leadership. With strong organizational skills, empathy, and discretion, she is adept at anticipating needs, handling sensitive information, and wearing many hats to strengthen a mission-driven organization.
By MINDgarden October 8, 2025
Hi, My name is Amber Donahue, I am a Mental Health Therapist at Mindgarden. I’ve had the opportunity to witness the development of MINDgarden from an abstract idea to help children and families to its fruition of a welcoming, unique, safe, and serene place of help and healing . From the calmness of reading under the Magnolia tree in the library to playful excitement of exploring the life skills room; each space has been perfectly curated to invoke a different emotion and address a specific need or challenge. As a therapist, my first visit to the building was very inspiring and rejuvenating, as I saw each room as a new way to connect with my clients and reach them in ways that are impossible in a regular office setting. As a mother, I see MINDgarden as a place that nurtures children and families. There is a warmth to the building and the staff that puts me at ease knowing that my child would feel comfortable and safe spending time here. I was thrilled when I was asked to join the team at Mindgarden. It is a privilege to work in such a beautiful space for people who value family, community and mental health. It is rare to be in a like-minded workplace where everyone truly loves their job, is committed to their work, and is excited to make a difference. I look forward to being here to see and help the vision for Mindgarden become a reality. Amber's Bio Amber Donahue is a licensed mental health therapist with a Master’s in Social Work from Wayne State University, where she also earned a dual title in Infant Mental Health. Her clinical experience includes supporting mothers with postpartum depression, young children (ages 0–6), adolescents, families, and individuals coping with depression, anxiety, and trauma. Her style is laid-back and supportive, but she’s also not afraid to gently challenge when it helps with growth. She believes the relationship between therapist and client is central to healing, so she strives to create a safe, trusting space where you feel comfortable showing up as yourself. Because she sees mental health as something that extends beyond the individual, she works to support the whole family system. Whether she is helping a new mom postpartum, children build emotional regulation skills, or adolescents navigate complex challenges, her goal is to empower families to strengthen connections, build resilience, and find balance together. Mental Health Focus Areas Postpartum and Perinatal Disorders Infant Mental Health Parenting support Separation Anxiety Anxiety & Depression Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ADHD Stress Management Self-Esteem Issues Social Anxiety General Behavioral Issues Mood Disorders Life Transitions Relationship & Family Stress School or College Stress Family Conflict Women's Issues Therapeutic Approaches Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Attachment Approach Family Systems Approach Person-Centered Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Strengths-Based Approach Populations Served: Inclusive therapy for people of all identities, backgrounds, and relationships.
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Hello, Marhaba! My name is Christine Glasper. I have been a school counselor for 15 years, a private therapist for 9 years and an administrator for 8 years. I am a wife and a mother of 3 beautiful kids. A counselor deeply impacted my life in middle school and my love for working with school age kiddos and young adults was born. Over time that has developed into a drive to open doors of opportunity for my students, to provide a safe space to explore oneself and make life improvements to my clients, and to support teachers, parents and the community at large in our collective efforts to make the world a better place. I am a huge believer in “teamwork makes the dream work”, “be[ing] the change you wish to see”, the Serenity prayer and the golden rule. I’m blessed and thankful to be working with MINDgarden and the Kalasho Education and Youth Services because there are so many mission aligned people here; and only great things can happen when you put a lot of good people together in one place. I look forward to meeting you, dear reader. Have a good day!