Meet Anaelli of Anaelli Healing and Recovery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anaelli.

Anaelli, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
First and foremost I would like to thank you for choosing me to be part of your project and allowing me to share my story. I am the youngest of 4 siblings, born in the Middle East during the Iran–Iraq War, and it’s fair to say that my early childhood was shaped by trauma that continues to influence me today. In the 1990s, my family and I fled Iran, like many other Jewish families who feared for their lives. Our journey took us from country to country before we ultimately immigrated to the United States.

Growing up, I often felt out of place—learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and trying to find a sense of belonging. During this time, I made a promise to myself that I would dedicate my life to helping others who were emotionally struggling, so they would never feel alone as I once did.

I earned my undergraduate degree from California State University, Northridge, and went on to complete my graduate studies at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. My passion has always been to support individuals at risk—those whose pain often goes unseen. Motivated by curiosity and compassion, I traveled extensively to connect with people around the world, listen to their life stories, and understand how their experiences shaped them. This inspired me to start a blog with the goal of meeting and sharing the stories of 5,000 strangers.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, my travels came to a halt, and I focused on advancing my education. Witnessing the widespread emotional impact of the pandemic encouraged me to pursue advanced training and certification in trauma-informed care and suicide prevention. It deeply pained me to see so many people suffering in silence, unable to seek help due to financial barriers.

In 2021, I founded Anaelli Healing and Recovery, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accessible emotional support and healing resources to individuals in crisis. Through this work, I continue to honor the promise I made to my younger self—to help others find hope, connection, and healing.

Soon after launching my nonprofit, I made the decision to return to the Middle East—to Israel—with the hope of raising awareness and providing services to individuals there as well, “What began as an inspiring journey quickly turned into a heartbreaking nightmare when the war of October 7th erupted. Living in Israel at the start of the war and witnessing its devastating impact on everyone around me reactivated my own PTSD. Each siren sent my body into shock—I would freeze, overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. The horror, the unknown, and the collective grief were almost unbearable.”

“But in the midst of that darkness, I found strength. I refused to stay paralyzed by fear. I turned a room in my apartment into a safe space and began offering emotional support to soldiers, families, and individuals affected by the war—sometimes hour by hour. The incredible unity and resilience I witnessed within the community helped me find calm within chaos. It reminded me that even in times of unimaginable pain, we can still choose compassion, courage, and connection.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being the founder of a nonprofit organization isn’t easy,” I admit. “There are challenges every single day—especially when it comes to funding and getting people to truly see and believe in my vision. One of the hardest parts is knowing how many people need help but can’t afford it, and realizing that resources are limited. What breaks my heart most is when others look away, thinking someone else’s struggle isn’t their problem. I want to change that. I believe that as human beings, we all have the ability—and the responsibility—to lift one another up. Even the smallest act of kindness can spark hope in someone’s darkest moment.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Anaelli Healing and Recovery?
October 7th war brought back emotions I had spent years trying to heal from. In that moment, I realized that my life’s mission had to expand. I decided to focus my nonprofit, Anaelli Healing and Recovery, on supporting trauma survivors—people who, like me, are learning to heal one day at a time.”

Founded from both professional experience and personal pain, Anaelli Healing and Recovery is dedicated to helping individuals affected by trauma, addiction, and abuse. “I deeply believe that with the right support, anyone can heal,” . “My goal is to raise enough funds to ensure that every person who reaches out can receive counseling and care without worrying about financial barriers. No one should ever have to choose between their healing and their livelihood.”

Over the past two years, I have been traveling between the United States and the Israel, raising awareness and funds to continue providing free services for trauma survivors and victims of terror. “Our nonprofit has become known for showing up in moments of crisis—offering hot meals, shelter, counseling, and emotional guidance, completely free of charge,” .

“As someone who has personally faced trauma, displacement, and the challenges of starting over, I connect deeply with those I help,” . “My empathy comes from lived experience. I don’t just understand their pain—I’ve walked through it myself. And that connection allows me to guide others from a place of authenticity, compassion, and hope.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Encino is such a beautiful city, full of thriving businesses and great energy, I do, however, wish there were a bit more cultural diversity—it would add even more depth and richness to the community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://healrecoverlive.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heal_n_recover/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnaelliHealingNRecovery/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anaellihaghnazari/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Msanaelli
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/anaelli-healing-and-recovery-san-fernando-valley
• Other: https://ms-my.facebook.com/jenny.anaelli