Federata e Mjekëve Shqiptarë-AMFE Zvizër

15/10/2025

AMFE - USA: Thrilled to present another esteemed member of our board, Renina Varfaj

Renina Varfaj is a licensed and certified mental health professional with a strong international background in both education and clinical practice. Her education includes two Master's degrees: an M.A. Research in Education from the University of Tirana and MSc. Clinical Counseling from East Carolina University.
Before transitioning to U.S clinical work, she served as school psychologist at a private school, while also holding a long-term freelance role as a mentor for psychology students. She also completed advanced training to become an EAP - Certified Psychodrama Therapist.
In the U.S., her work focused on clinical intervention, serving as a Behavioral Interventionist and Therapist at multiple addiction treatment centers. She now maintains her own practice, Waterside Wellness PLLC, providing therapy and coaching, backed by her current status as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHC-A/A17055) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate (LCAS-A/LCAS-26791).

Renina Varfaj's professional identity is directly fueled by her commitment to her family, her appreciation for nature, her desire to be a genuine people person, and her passion for giving back to the community. These personal values translate into her professional life by fostering a deep sense of empathy, resilience, and connection in her work.

14/10/2025

We continue with highlights of our board Members, delighted to present Dr. Leana Sapunxhiu

AMFE - USA

Dr. Leana Sapunxhiu, OD is a licensed Doctor of Optometry dedicated to providing comprehensive vision care and improving patients’ quality of life through personalized treatment. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston, where she gained a strong foundation in ocular disease management, binocular vision disorders, low vision care, specialty contact lenses, and primary eye care through diverse clinical rotations.

Dr. Sapunxhiu is passionate about helping patients with their visual needs, from everyday comfort to more complex ocular conditions. She believes that empowering individuals with knowledge about their eye health fosters better outcomes and strengthens patient trust. Her clinical interests focus on the diagnosis and management of ocular disease and glaucoma, where she is committed to advancing patient care and promoting long-term visual health.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Sapunxhiu enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, experiences that broaden her perspective and inspire curiosity about different approaches to health care. She actively engages in community initiatives, with a particular dedication to providing vision care for children with autism in Kosovo. This reflects her commitment to expanding access to eye health for underserved and vulnerable populations.

Dedicated, compassionate, and patient-focused, Dr. Sapunxhiu strives to make a meaningful difference in every patient’s life.

13/10/2025

10/10/2025

We continue with highlights of our board Members. Delighted to present Dr. Leana Sapunxhiu.

Dr. Leana Sapunxhiu, OD is a licensed Doctor of Optometry dedicated to providing comprehensive vision care and improving patients’ quality of life through personalized treatment. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston, where she gained a strong foundation in ocular disease management, binocular vision disorders, low vision care, specialty contact lenses, and primary eye care through diverse clinical rotations.

Dr. Sapunxhiu is passionate about helping patients with their visual needs, from everyday comfort to more complex ocular conditions. She believes that empowering individuals with knowledge about their eye health fosters better outcomes and strengthens patient trust. Her clinical interests focus on the diagnosis and management of ocular disease and glaucoma, where she is committed to advancing patient care and promoting long-term visual health.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Sapunxhiu enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, experiences that broaden her perspective and inspire curiosity about different approaches to health care. She actively engages in community initiatives, with a particular dedication to providing vision care for children with autism in Kosovo. This reflects her commitment to expanding access to eye health for underserved and vulnerable populations.

Dedicated, compassionate, and patient-focused, Dr. Sapunxhiu strives to make a meaningful difference in every patient’s life.

07/10/2025

It is with great pleasure and deep admiration that we present Dr. Xhakli as one of the most iconic figures of the Albanian community in the United States.
Dr. Xhakli serves as an inspiration to us all, and we are truly honored to have her as the Vice Chair of our society.
Dr. Shpresa Xhakli MD, is a licensed physician who earned her medical degree from the Medical University of Pristina in Kosovo. She has served her hometown of Mitrovica across multiple settings—including ambulance services, the emergency department, and hospital care—and has also shared her expertise as an instructor in internal medicine. Shpresa is the founder of United for Autism and a passionate advocate for children with special needs. She immigrated to the United States in 1986 to continue her medical career, but her life’s course changed profoundly when her son, Arben, was diagnosed with autism. Driven by love and determination, she dedicated herself to raising awareness, improving education, and expanding services for children with autism and their families. Dr. Xhakli began her advocacy work in the United States, serving on the board of The Alpine Learning Group and fundraising for the New England Center for Children with Autism in Boston, Massachusetts. During the Kosovo war, she also played an active role in humanitarian relief efforts—organizing donations, providing housing for refugees, and supporting United Nations initiatives through UNIFEM and HCUND. In 2009, Dr. Xhakli brought her mission back to Kosovo, organizing training programs for teachers and psychologists, equipping schools with essential resources, and ultimately founding United for Autism. Under her leadership, autism centers were established in Peja, Prizren, Ferizaj, Podujevë, Suharekë, and Preshevë. She also coordinated the delivery of supplies to two centers in Tetovë, one in Shkodër, and provided donations to support children in Ulqin, Montenegro. In 2012, Shpresa achieved a historic milestone by opening the first school for children with autism in Kosovo, which now serves more than 120 students. Her tireless efforts also played a key role in the passage of national legislation protecting the rights of children with special needs, and she continues to advocate for better diagnostic services and improved healthcare across the region. Shpresa’s work is far from over. She is currently organizing specialized training for adults with autism and leading the development of a new day program called Autizmi in Pristina. This center will provide much-needed adult care services, including structured activities and weekly programs—resources that have not previously existed in Kosovo.

06/10/2025

Federata e Mjekëve shqiptarë-AMFE USA ju fton përzemërsisht të regjistroheni në webinarin e sensibilizimin mbi Kancerin e Gjirit.

ℹ️ Regjistrimi: Skano Kodin QR ne poster ose kliko https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82737255393 ℹ️ Data: E Shtunë, 18 Tetor 2025, 18pm EU-12am USA ℹ️ Pjesëmarrja: FALAS

📢 Ju lutemi të regjistroheni sa më shpejt, pasi vendet janë të limituara!
Plotësoni të dhënat më poshtë për të konfirmuar pjesëmarrjen tuaj.

https://forms.gle/X7KzYZtfC15UDGf4A

Për cdo informacion apo pyetje mund të kontaktoni sekretariatin e AMFE-USA tek emaili zyrtar.
E-Mail: usa-board@amfe-federation.eu
www.amfe-federation.eu

31/05/2025