Arab American Stories: Sharing History, Heritage & Health Practices

On April 7th, our program speaker is Kristel Nazzal, PhD, speaking on "Arab American Stories: Sharing History, Heritage & Health Practices"

Kristel Nazzal, Ph.D., is a psychologist who integrates expertise in psychology, business, and education into her work, driven by a deep commitment to empowering individuals and organizations to flourish and drive meaningful change.

Currently serving in the President’s Office at Palo Alto University (PAU), Dr. Nazzal leads executive communications and strengthens external partnerships and governmental relations. Over the past decade at PAU, she has played a key role in shaping academic programs, teaching in the Counseling and Psychology department, and serving as the founding director of the university’s teaching and learning center, the Center for Educational Excellence. Beyond academia, she has applied her expertise in corporate wellness, career coaching, and workplace culture consulting.

Dr. Nazzal’s previous clinical work focused on supporting individuals navigating significant life challenges, particularly those with limited access to care. As part of this work, she designed the psychology wing for a chronic pain clinic, integrating mental health support into medical treatment. Her research aimed to enhance psychological understanding of underserved communities. Prior to her clinical work, she worked as an HR professional in the U.S. and internationally, specializing in employee relations, learning and development, and employee engagement.

Dr. Nazzal holds a Ph.D. and Master’s in Clinical Psychology and an undergraduate degree in International Business. Across all of her work, her mission remains the same: to apply psychological science in ways that create structures, shape perspectives, and empower people to thrive.