Good Beginnings Marriage Mentors are qualified practitioners from across Victoria’s diverse Muslim community including Imams, General Practitioners, Marriage Celebrants, Counsellors and Psychologists. If you are a couple about to embark on the journey of marriage, finding the right Good Beginnings Marriage Mentor for you is the perfect place to commence your journey.
Meet the Marriage Mentors below and contact them directly to register for the program.
GOOD BEGINNINGS MARRIAGE MENTORS
Dr Rebecca Wade
0410 854 694
www.drrebeccawade.com.au
rebecca@drrebeccawade.com.au
Rebecca is a General Practitioner who also holds a Graduate Diploma in Counselling. She is a qualified couples counsellor in Gottman Method Couples Therapy Training – Level Two.
Rebecca is also a longstanding convert to Islam and member of Benevolence. She is enthusiastic about nurturing relationships based on the Prophetic model.
From her experience, she understands why it is crucial for partners to intentionally develop their self-awareness and communication skills order to have a fulfilling long term relationship.
To help people develop these preventative skills early in a relationship, makes Marriage Mentorship a highlight of her practice. Rebecca’s style is warm, personable, non-judgmental and caring.
She has four children. Her private counselling practice is located in Coburg and Noble Park.
Medicare rebates are available for counselling services (excludes marriage mentoring).
Additional Information
- Sees client online + face to face.
- Suburbs – Coburg + Noble Park
Selma Cook
0450 319 767
velma.cook@
sacredbalanceservices.com.au
I transformed my life. Now I’m ready to help you do the same.
About me
My name is Selma Cook. I am a holistic therapist. I do counselling, trauma therapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming and mindfulness.
I am to empower individuals and couples. My goal is to work with you on your journey to achieve your goals.
Personalised Approach
My approach is down to earth and compassionate, and I practice within a safe environment; judgement free. Some of my best work is getting to the heart of the matter and exploring and affirming the strengths, resources and attributes you have, and discovering how these can facilitate real solutions.
Experience and Professionalism
I listen to you. I value you and respect your commitment to the process. I communicate and connect with people in a way that smooths the way to healing and empowerment.
I have travelled extensively and worked in community engagement, as a prison chaplain, a counsellor, a mentor and a trainer. I am dedicated to helping people heal, grow and thrive.
Sh. Muhammad Nawas
0433 924 197
imam.nawas@boiv.org.au
Sheikh Muhammad Nawas SALEEM is the secretary of the Board of Imams Victoria (BOIV) and the Coordinator of the Council of Family Arbitration and Mediation Council of the BOI. He also one of the directors of the Council of Arbitration and Resolution of Disputes (CARD)
He holds a Bachelor of Laws (Civil & Shariah) Masters in Comparative Laws (specialising in Islamic Jurisprudence and Comparative family Laws from International Islamic University, Malaysia. He also studied at Jamiah Naleemiya Islamiya – Sri Lanka (Arabic & Islamic Studies from 1977-1983). Recently he has completed a short course on ‘Identify and Provide Initial Response to Family Violence Risk’ at Bexhill Institute.
Sheikh Muhammad Nawas SALEEM is an Authorised Marriage Celebrant and comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience in Islamic Family Law and Family dispute resolution and a dedicated Imam supporting couples in building lasting and respectful relationships within his community and uses his work to exemplify the Prophetic model of marriage.
His passion for and commitment to community is demonstrated through his work and support of community organisations and projects, having coordinated family violence prevention projects for BOIV and consulting on a religious advisory group for the Victorian Multicultural Commission. He has also been an active member of the Premier’s multi-faith advisory group and participated in the Parliament of World Religions conference held in Melbourne in 2009.
Currently he also works as an honorary Imam at Melbourne Grand Masjid in Tarneit.
Hiba & Abdul-Kareem
Hiba Abdul Kader
Adv. Holistic Counselor & Hijama Therapist
Along with her background in studies of Psychology and counseling, Hiba incorporates Islamic principles into mental health management.
Her passion is to work with women, couples, and families – to provide them with the tools to manage stress, nurture their personal relationships, and offer practical strategies to enhance their overall wellbeing.
Abdul-Kareem Elsayed
Men’s Wellbeing Coach & Business Owner
Abdul-Kareem is passionate about serving the community and has done so for over a decade through various organisations.
Alongside operating a family business, he is interested in supporting men and couples with their journey in fostering and building healthy, happy families.
Abdul-Kareem and his wife Hiba as a couple of over 12 years, deliver this course together to couples with the intention of connecting to both parties and developing a trusting bond they can continue to turn to over the years.
They share two young boys together and are also foster parents. They are both passionate about upholding the Prophetic model of marriage and believe it to be the ultimate key to a successful family unit.
Additional Information
- Languages spoken – English & Arabic
- Suburb – Dandenong
- Sees client in person and online
Ruzna Kamoor
0403 238 378
ruznakamoor.coaching@gmail.com
Ruzna brings a wealth of experience to her work within the Muslim and broader community, serving as a physiotherapist, madrasah teacher, community worker, wellness enthusiast, and relationship coach. She is passionate about guiding her clients to cultivate the best relationships possible with themselves and others.
With firsthand experience, she understands the significance of Good Beginnings and is committed to providing couples with the knowledge, insight, skills, and tools needed for a harmonious life together in accordance with the Prophetic model. As a mother, she appreciates the complexities of marriage after divorce and the dynamics of blended families.
Ruzna is honored to serve as a marriage mentor and is dedicated to offering a safe, trustworthy, understanding, and non-judgmental space for all her clients. Ruzna believes that with the right guidance and support, every couple has the potential to achieve a fulfilling and enduring partnership. Her approach is rooted in empathy and respect, ensuring that each couple feels heard, valued, and empowered to create a thriving relationship.
Additional Information
- English
- Combination of Face to Face & Zoom
- Hallam, Doncaster
Azra Pedic
0423 714 390
mirza__7@hotmail.com
Azra Pedic is a registered nurse who immigrated from Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1998 with her family. She enjoys working in emergency nursing and has extensive experience in working with multicultural community. She not only encounters people with physical health issues but also all sorts of mental health and social problems including relationships breakdowns. She is very passionate about her work and always strives for holistic approach in helping vulnerable and disadvantaged women and man from diverse backgrounds in solving their issues by providing them with tools and skills to manage their life challenges.
She believes in Prophetic model of marriage and is very keen to assist couples and families develop strong, healthy and respectful relationship skills in order to enjoy a long and happy life.
Rania Ahmed
0481 485 461
www.soul-insight.com.au
Rania is a Counsellor and poet who has a passion for understanding human behaviour. Graduated from the Australian College of Applied Psychology in Melbourne, she has opened up her own private practice by the name of Soul Insight Counselling. Rania uses an integrated and person centred approach entailing many modalities affirmed by the principles of Islam and our prophetic guidance. Rania is a wife and mother who has a special passion for marriage and family therapy. She hopes to help Islam via helping the family unit stay on firm ground.
Additional Information
- Sees client online + face to face
- Suburb – Essendon
- Languages spoken – English + Arabic
Sheikh Abdinur Weli
0434 512 225
muleex.weli@gmail.com
Sheikh Abdinur Weli is an active faith leader in the Melbourne Muslim community. He is the head Imam at the Islamic Council of Victoria, a member of the Board of Imams and the religious advisor at Sanad Foundation.
He holds a Bachelor of Sharia and Law, from the Al-Azhar University in Egypt (A five-year double degree study in Sharia and Law) and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Community Development from RMIT University.
Sh Abdinur Weli is an Authorised Marriage Celebrant and has an abundance of knowledge and expertise in preparing couples for marriage and delivering premarital educational programs, counselling married couples and helping them maintain quality relationships and facilitating and conducting marriages.
He also assists marginalised communities to reach their full potential in participating and celebrating their role in contributing to the development of Australia. He has fluent written and oral skills in Somali, Arabic and English.
His passion for the community is evident in all of his dealings.
Please reach out to Sh.Abdinur.
Additional Information
- Can do a combination of online and face to face.
- Thomastown and Preston
Aza Katar
0422815422
azakatar@hotmail.com
Aza Katar is a social worker with over three decades of experience, holding Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work degrees from Monash University.
Since November 2007, she has been a senior social worker in the City of Casey’s Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Program, focusing on outreach, support group facilitation, and health education. Her role involves helping parents enhance their skills, coordinating services to maximize outcomes, and supervising social work students. Previously, she worked briefly at Monash Medical Centre, where she assisted in patient discharge planning and care continuity. From 1996 to 2007, Aza volunteered with the Muslim Women’s Association, providing education and support, and engaging in multi-faith community initiatives.
Earlier in her career, she tackled high-risk cases in child protection, including court appearances and report writing.
Aza excels in autonomous work with vulnerable clients, complex case management, advocacy, and maintaining detailed client records under stress. Her extensive experience and dedication to social work demonstrate her commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families through compassionate and effective support services.
Aza has two grandchildren that she loves spending time with.
Additional Information
- Languages spoken: English and Arabic
- Combination of Face to Face & Zoom
- Suburbs: East & South East
Rayan Taha
Meet Rayan, a dynamo in health and heart, and your guiding light in marriage mentoring. With a rich tapestry of experience from classroom to charity, she has mastered the art of upliftment—transforming lives from the ground up, especially for those with disabilities seeking meaningful careers.
Her exceptional ability lies in cultivating an environment of such warmth and acceptance that judgment dissipates, thereby fostering genuine connections and facilitating transformative guidance. At Naseeb Mentoring, Rayan skillfully provides invaluable skills that ensure a lifetime of love and comprehension. Under her guidance and steadfast support, every challenge is rendered conquerable, ensuring that each collective stride fosters greater unity. Ready for a partnership that thrives? Let Rayan light the way!
Rayan is married and has one son under two years of age, Alhamdulillah.
Additional Information
- Languages spoken: English and Arabic
- Combination of Face to Face & Zoom
- Suburbs: Pascoe Vale, Glenroy, Hadfield, Broadmeadows, Coburg, Dallas
Dr Döne Onan
Dr. Döne Onan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as a marriage mentor for Muslim couples. Born and raised in Melbourne, Döne holds a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Monash University, alongside an Honours degree from RMIT University. Her impressive academic career includes positions as a Lecturer and Course Coordinator at the University of Melbourne, where she shared her expertise in Molecular Science and contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications.
In 2014, Döne shifted her focus to education within the Islamic community, taking on leadership roles such as Vice Principal at Ilim College and co-founding the Melbourne Muslim Seminary. With a passion for youth mentorship, she has dedicated years to guiding young girls and continues to teach weekly Islamic classes.
As a mother of three and an active community member, Döne understands the intricacies of marriage and family life. Her diverse professional background, combined with her personal experience, allows her to offer insightful and compassionate support to couples on their journey together. Döne is committed to helping you build a strong foundation for your relationship, guiding you through your Good Beginnings with care and understanding.
Additional Information
- Languages spoken: English and Turkish
-
Online Sessions Only
Halima Ramadan
0412 242 304
hramadan6@hotmail.com
Halima Ramadan is a researcher, sociologist, women’s health specialist, and a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Melbourne. She has a Master’s degree in Women’s Health from the University of Melbourne, a Postgraduate qualification in Family Therapy from Monash University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology.
With over 15 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to working with women and families facing psychological and social challenges such as isolation, marginalisation, depression and anxiety. She also serves as a life coach and trainer, empowering individuals to unlock their full potential through courses, seminars, and workshops.
Halima had been involved in numerous social and community projects with a focus on women’s social and mental health, viewed through the lens of public health and the social model of health. In addition, she also has a sustained interest in exploring the complexities of family and marital relationships and their profound effects on the well-being of individuals and society.
She has recently completed her training in becoming a qualified Marriage Mentor and is now working with Muslim couples to build stronger marriages, households and communities.
Nabeela Wahid
Nabeela Wahid is a dedicated marriage mentor with a well-rounded background in education, mentorship, and community service. Drawing on her varied and extensive experience as a community leader, qualified Qur’an teacher, youth mentor, parenting and academic coach, and mental health first aid responder, she offers a holistic approach by blending Islamic values with practical, actionable advice.
As a mother of three and a dedicated home educator, Nabeela brings a deep understanding of the complexities of family life, helping couples navigate their relationships with compassion and wisdom.
By blending her spiritual foundation with a deep commitment to personal and professional growth, Nabeela empowers couples to navigate their marital journey with confidence, compassion, and a strong grounding in Islamic principles.
Additional Information
- English
- Face to Face, Online Sessions Only, Combination of Face to Face & Zoom
- Doncaster East, Donvale
