Our Team

Persian place was founded by Sadry Hedayat who had worked for more than a decade, in the fields of intangible and tangible cultural heritage, for UNESCO, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and ICCN, Inter-City Intangible Cultural Cooperation Network. Her experience living in Iran, South Korea, the USA, and exploring countries all around the world, inspired Sadry to a greater appreciation of the art from her own Persian culture and her wish to expose other cultures to the beauty of Persian art.

Yasaman Mostajeran, PhD, is a child and adolescent psychotherapist based in Newport Beach, California, specializing in individual and family therapy. Her practice involves working with children, adolescents, and individuals, where she utilizes art as a therapeutic tool for healing, complementing her training in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic modalities. Fueled by a passion for integrating insights from Iranian mystics and meditative traditions into her practice, Yasaman addresses contemporary challenges through the creative lens of art to assist individuals on their unique journeys.

Marty Ornish, a San Diego-based textile artist, creates art using discarded materials to amplify her voice on political, environmental, and feminist issues while referencing the rich history of domestic arts. Embarking on her artistic journey in her 50s, after careers as a clinical social worker, attorney, and mother, Marty has achieved international and national recognition for her art, earning numerous awards. Her childhood experiences in Tehran, Iran, where she resided until the first grade, helped shape her worldview and now she is a team member of Persian Place, promoting Persian arts and crafts in Southern California museums, through community-based art events.

Shirin Aghdaie is originally from Iran and now based in San Diego, a distinguished graduate of Tehran University of Art and Architecture. Her paintings are renowned for their vivid depictions of women’s figures and the intricate use of mirrors. Shirin’s work often incorporates elaborate mirror techniques, adding depth and complexity to her pieces. Her art has graced many prestigious exhibitions, including the Mingei International Museum and the Watercolor Association Exhibition. Through her vibrant color palettes and exploration of themes such as identity and reflection, Shirin captivates and inspires audiences worldwide.

Noriko Whitfield, originally from Japan, brings a profound understanding of the healing arts to Persian Place. As a certified sound healer and energy medicine practitioner, she skillfully integrates Eastern and Western modalities to help others reconnect with their inner balance and vitality. Noriko believes that world peace begins with each individual’s inner harmony—and that true healing ripples outward from a balanced, peaceful self. She offers a deeply intuitive and heart-centered approach to well-being through her presence at Persian Place events.

Sasha Furlan, born in Croatia, and now residing in Carlsbad, California, holds an MFA in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Ljubljana, Slovenia. With a background in teaching arts, she primarily works in the medium of painting, boasting numerous solo and group exhibitions and receiving accolades for her art. Sasha developed a keen interest in Persian art, particularly Persian Miniature, tiles and motifs, which influence her creative endeavors. 

Citli Mejía is a Southern California Chicano artist. Her values are to be kind, open-minded, and a safe place for others. As a painter she enjoys capturing moving moments which often translate to abstract art but it takes her some time to pick up a brush. Growing up her parents instilled in her a passion for helping others and creating spaces that bring joy and make a positive impact which is now her ultimate goal in life. She has worked in nonprofits for over 10 years in different areas but always with people and making many friendships along the way.