Our Mission
haikProject is a community non-profit organization dedicated to improve the lives of children and their families.
While Armenia is a top priority for most of the members of Diaspora, haikProject aims to address the much neglected issues of our community in Los Angeles.
Founded in 2004 by Medical Anthropologist Astrik Vardanyan and Child Psychiatrist Arthur Pogosyan, haikProject advocates natural childbirth and natural parenting free of birth and childhood traumas.
“5 Crucial Aspects of Childbirth and Childcare” is an ultimate guide for future parents from conception to childhood.
haikProject encourages natural childbirth, prolonged breastfeeding, co-sleeping and discourages infant male circumcision and early umbilical cord clamping.
The mission of haikProject touches upon each and every family.
In fact, it touches the society at large. haikProject aims to prevent rather than spend millions of dollars on treatments.
With the high U.S. rates of infant mortality, exponential growth in autism spectrum disorders and mental retardation, every possible risk should be eliminated.
haikProject has done extensive research to identify those risks. With simple steps much harm can be avoided. All it takes is knowledge and support.
What we do
haikProject disseminates information through:
- Presentations in academic forums
- Publications academic and popular magazines
- TV programs
- Seminars
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
haikProject invites all parents and parents-to-be to get engaged, learn and share in monthly seminars.
No parent should ever have to say, I wish I had known…
About us:
Astrik Vardanyan, is a Medical Anthropologist, CEO and the co-founder of haikProject. A mother of three boys born in the US hospitals, Vardanyan started examining circumcision issue intrigued by hospital staff’s pressure to circumcise her sons, along with the fact that many Armenian American parents give in to those pressures or personally chose circumcision for their infant sons. She researched the circumcision issue extensively from medical, social and human rights perspective and produced her master’s thesis on the subject. Vardanyan is a strong advocate of genital integrity for both sexes. She is inclined to attachment parenting style and propagates natural birth, prolonged breastfeeding and co-sleeping with the child. She puts action or advocacy Anthropology at work to employ her research to outreach general public through academic presentations, seminars, group and individual counseling.
Arthur H. Pogosyan, M.D., Co-founder, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist. Teamed up with his wife Astrik Vardanyan, Pogosyan champions for the rights and dignity of every child. Dr. Pogosyan is board certified in Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. He completed his Child & Adolescent Training at UCLA/NPI. He has extensive experience in treating children with history of trauma and abuse, as well as other childhood disorders. Dr. Pogosyan teaches Child Development as an Assistant Clinical Professor since 2000 at UCLA/VA Sepulveda Program.
He gives talks to professionals and public on topics of Normal Development, Patenting and Childhood Mental Disorders. In 2006 he received a Fulbright Senior Specialist Grant and worked in Armenia for 6 weeks. He received another Fulbright lecturer grant and worked in Armenia for one year in 2009. He was the co-host of the “Ponderings” show with Dr. Charles Pilavian on Horizon TV station. Dr. Pogosyan is a consultant at San Gabriel Valley Regional Center, at Eastlake Youth Services, and at Abundant Life & Adolescent Growth Center. Dr. Pogosyan has a Private Practice in Glendale.
Advisory Committee:
Dr. Vigen Zargarian
Dr. Lisa Manuelian
Anahit Tutunjian
Dr. Alen Azizian
Haik Mesropian
Vasken Brudian
Shake Haroutounian
Ara Haroutounian
Avetik Karapetian
Israel Stepanyan