An alcohol and substance abuse counselor certificate holder with credentials from the Office of Addiction Services and Support, Aziza Zahran has worked in assisting people with alcohol and substance abuse issues to recover and also avoid relapse, especially during her stint as an office manager at Syracuse Recovery Services. Aziza Zahran is well versed in, and regularly implements the Harm reduction model. It involves a series of strategies for safer substance use, abstinence, and meeting the drug users where they are for intervention.

Aziza Zahran holds a bachelor of science degree in human services from Cazenovia University. While there, she was once named the Direct Support Professional of the week. She is pursuing a master of science in social work at Syracuse University and expects to graduate in 2025.

Besides work, Ms. Zahran likes gardening and participating in activities organized by the Syracuse Eating Club, of which she is a member. She is fluent in three languages—Arabic, which is her native language, English, and sign language. The latter comes in handy, especially when communicating with children she works with who might have cognitive and speech disorders.