Our Team
Ayan Abdulahi
Founder & Executive Director, Board Member
Ayan Abdulahi is the Founder and Executive Director of Ayan Maternity Healthcare Support in King County, Washington. As a Lactation Consultant, Childbirth Educator, and Doula Trainer, she ensures that all families—especially refugees and immigrants—receive compassionate, high-quality maternity care.
An egalitarian mother, educator, and advocate, Ayan’s passion for maternal health stems from her upbringing in a family devoted to reproductive care. With a background in midwifery and extensive experience supporting women in vulnerable situations, she has worked with organizations such as the UNHCR in Jijiga, Ethiopia, focusing on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) prevention, and MSF Belgium, educating communities on AIDS and TB prevention. Throughout her career, she has provided essential support to women with disabilities, survivors of domestic violence, and those with traumatic experiences.
After immigrating to the U.S., Ayan continued her advocacy by working as a maternity care caseworker for the International Rescue Committee, assisting newly arrived refugee families. She is also a co-founder of the MAMA Amaan Team Researchers at the University of Washington, which provides vital maternal health resources to marginalized communities.
Today, Ayan leads Ayan Maternity Healthcare Support, a social impact organization based in Kirkland, WA, dedicated to delivering culturally congruent maternity care, training new doulas, and expanding access to lactation and childbirth education for families in need.
Hibo Jama
Treasurer, Board Member
Hibo Jama serves as the Treasurer and Board Member of Ayan Maternity Healthcare Support, where she has significant responsibilities in financial oversight and organizational governance. She holds an Associate Degree in Nursing from Mercy College of Health Sciences and has been actively involved in community service since her arrival in Iowa in 2001. From 2011 to 2015, she was employed at Monsoon, advocating for and aiding in the establishment of Nisaa. Of Somali descent, Hibo also spent time living in Kenya before relocating to the United States. Her hobbies include reading, cooking, and traveling.
Abdirashid Yussuf
Secretary, Board Member
Abdirashid has joined Ayan Maternity as the new Board Secretary this year. He is a valuable new member of our Board, offering a wealth of experience in social work and a profound dedication to assisting pregnant mothers with comprehensive doula services. Abdirashid's role is pivotal in ensuring the Board's operations run smoothly and in promoting transparent communication among members, thereby aiding the organization's goal to empower and assist expectant mothers and their families.
Dr. Bettina Paek
MD, MBA
Dr. Bettina Paek, originally from Germany, completed her undergraduate and medical studies at Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich. She trained in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Maternal Fetal Medicine at the University Hospital in Munich and the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, WA. Currently, Dr. Paek serves as a physician at Ayan Maternity Healthcare Support, providing clinical care and medical expertise. Her duties encompass delivering medical services to expectant mothers, performing prenatal examinations, managing pregnancy-related conditions, and providing postnatal care. She educates patients about pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum issues, ensuring they are well-informed for their maternity journey. Dr. Paek works with healthcare professionals, including nurses, midwives, and specialists, to offer comprehensive care. She contributes to the development and implementation of healthcare programs and protocols to improve maternal and infant health. Dr. Paek is also engaged in research and quality improvement initiatives to elevate care standards and enhance patient outcomes.
Peg Marckworth
Consultant
Peg currently works as a consultant at Ayan Maternity Healthcare Support, offering expert advice and direction to enhance maternity services, establish best practices, and assist healthcare professionals in providing high quality care to expectant mothers. Her role encompasses delivering comprehensive care and support to pregnant women, which may include prenatal care, postnatal care, and family support.
Mohamed Hassan
President
Mohamed earned a BS in Accounting from SIDAM Mogadishu in 1984 and an MBA from SIDAM University, Mogadishu/Fresno University in 1988. Based in Kent, Washington, Mohamed Sheikh Hassan has extensive experience in consultancy, coordination, and financial management. He is currently a board member and president of Ayan Maternity Healthcare Support, contributing significantly to the organization's leadership and strategic direction. Since 2020, he has been consulting for the King County Medical Examiner and the Somali Health Board.