~Being a voice for the voiceless~

The American Busiraka Mental Wellness Initiative (ABMWI) is a humanitarian foundation born from the compassionate vision of Sister Hellen, a woman of faith who could not turn away from the suffering of her people.

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Sr. Hellen Khisa is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the School of Counseling at Marymount University. She has been a counselor educator for three years at Marymount University. She holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision with Spiritual and Pastoral Integration from the Graduate Theological Foundation University in Sarasota, Florida. She also holds an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, an M.A. in Special Education and a B.A. in Special Education from Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania; Diploma from National Teachers College, Nangongera in Tororo, Uganda, East Africa; Diploma in African Studies from Tangaza University in Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa. Her research has focused on the mental well-being and mental illness of immigrants and refugees from East Africa in the United States, as well as the integration of religion and spirituality into counseling.

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Though opportunities led her across borders, Sister Hellen could not leave her people behind. Her heart remained with the communities she served — families struggling with poverty, children in need of education, and individuals burdened by silent pain and mental distress. From that steadfast love, the American Busiraka Mental Wellness Initiative was born — a mission to restore hope, dignity, and opportunity through mental wellness, education, and sustainable development.