Shaheer Mustafa, LICSW, CCDP joined HopeWell in 2016 as the organization was re-envisioning itself for the 21st century. Bringing a mix of private nonprofit and public service experience to his role, Shaheer is guiding the organization’s renewed energy, program growth, and emphasis on creating positive, measurable outcomes. He oversees HopeWell’s programs and partnerships, manages its resources, and nurtures a positive, inclusive, and transparent organizational culture.

Prior to joining HopeWell Shaheer served as Director of Areas for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families Arlington and Coastal Area Offices. While managing child protective services across 31 cities and towns he developed a strong reputation for leadership in improved permanency for children, reducing disproportionality in the foster care system, and leading creative efforts to respond to the opiate crisis.

Shaheer previously served as Director of the Knight’s Children’s Center, a residential school and treatment program of the Home for Little Wanderers, was a faculty member at Simmons College Graduate School of Social Work, Urban Leadership program and is currently a Core Instructor for the Institute for Nonprofit Practice in affiliation with the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University. Shaheer’s work has been highlighted in numerous publications and he is widely recognized as a leader in the sector.

Shaheer began his career as a therapist assisting children and families to overcome the impact of complex stress using empowerment and strengths-based models of practice. He received a B.S. in Sociology and a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Boston College and is certified as a Diversity Practitioner from Cornell’s School of Industrial Labor Relations. Shaheer also holds a certificate in nonprofit management and leadership from the Institute for Nonprofit Practice.