Dr. Fariba Enteshari - Founder & Executive Director
Fariba Enteshari, EdD, Founder and Executive Director of Rumi Educational Center is an international educator, specializing in Rumi. Through her years of teaching Rumi to a wide variety of students, she has researched the beneficial and healing effects of Rumi’s poetry on the lives of her students. Born in Iran, she is fluent in Rumi’s native language and culture, allowing her to share with you the original melody and cadences of his language. Her diverse background will help the participants draw from many cultural and religious traditions, while developing their own personal voice for growth.
To read more about Dr. Fariba Enteshari, click here.
Taryna Hollinger - Associate Director
Taryna has been working with the Rumi Educational Center since 2019. Initially seeking to gain more experience in the nonprofit world through an internship, Taryna’s role quickly grew as she worked more closely with Dr. Enteshari and contributed to the development of the organization. Taryna manages our day to day operations, coordinates publicity, and provides all administrative support to Dr. Enteshari and the organization.
Kiana Ranjbaran - Programs Intern
Rumi’s poetry has been a part of Kiana’s life for many years – connecting her to her Persian heritage. Kiana is working closely with Dr. Enteshari to create a Rumi e-course. She supports the development of REC programs including coordinating UCSB Meditations. She also took over writing the Rumi in the World section of our Monthly Newsletter. Kiana graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in Biopsychology with the plan to continue her education in depth psychology and mythological studies. She hopes to use this knowledge in either clinical practice or to progress research and teach others. She chose to work with the REC because it will allow her to share Rumi's wisdom and love with the community, and to form a deeper relationship with it herself.
To read Kiana’s words in our Newsletter’s Rumi in the World section click below.