Anita Samaha

Anita (Ani) Samaha has been working with diverse populations for over 20 years, creating connections through nature, council, and team building activities. She co-founded the Santa Barbara Lesbian Meetup group, now with close to 1000 members. She holds a Masters in Chinese Medicine, where her love for helping people and providing healing work began. She helped create a semester abroad program for 16-19 year olds in New Zealand, where living in community fostered a deep sense of belonging and support for the youth. Ani’s had the joy of working with various organizations/institutions including Wilderness Outdoor Leadership Foundation, Santa Barbara Boys and Girls Club, Teamworks, Santa Barbara Middle School, Pacifica Graduate Institute, Celebrate Life, Circle Ways, and the Center for Council. Some of her most rewarding work has been through council facilitation and training with social justice organizations and incarcerated people. She believes that through both council and play, strengthening people’s ability to listen more deeply to themselves and one another, the world can be transformed in magical ways.