RefugeeOne Management Staff

Contact staff at: info@refugeeone.org or (773) 989-5647

Melineh Kano, Executive Director

Jan Douglas, Director of Human Resources

Adriano Gasparini, Manager of Housing

Jenn Bosma Goodwin, Assistant Director of Development
​
Ermias Ghiliazghi, Director of Finance

Melissa Janisch, Manager of Youth Services​

Maya Oyarbide-Sanchez, LCPC, Manager of Wellness Program
​
Zlata Paratusic, Director of IT & Operations

Sara Spoonheim Amit, Director of Development

Helen Sweitzer, Director of Resettlement Services

Peyton Ruble, Manager of Employment Program

 

Melineh Kano

Executive Director

Melineh Kano has been with RefugeeOne since 1985 and became its Executive Director in January 2013.

​Melineh has overseen the creation, implementation, and evaluation of all RefugeeOne programs and its growth from a 3-person staff to today’s 40+. Additionally, Melineh has been part of developing many national initiatives, such as the creation of HIV/AIDS Medical Case Management for Refugees, and providing technical assistance to newly formed Mutual Aid Associations locally and nationally. 

As an Armenian refugee from Iran resettled by RefugeeOne in 1984, she is very passionate about creating a welcoming community for refugees from around the world. She received her degree in Business Management from the University of Rome and is fluent in five languages (Armenian, Farsi, French, Italian and English).
​