Jewish Family Services

Wendy is a Licensed Master Social worker. She has helped clients in a variety of settings, including residential treatment programs, community outreach, schools and outpatient clinics. Her focus has primarily been with children and families, with an emphasis on family systems, cognitive behavioral and play therapy approaches.  In all of these she strives to help people learn how to help themselves. Wendy earned her bachelor’s degree in Social work at the University of Kansas, and her master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver.

Ruth has been part of the Jewish Family Services team since 2008 handling media and public relations. She works closely with JFS’ CEO, marketing director and program staff to promote the events, program and services of the agency. She has spent more than 25 years working in the nonprofit community including 14 years with the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. After earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in radio-television education from the University of Michigan, Ruth worked in broadcasting followed by six-and-a-half years as the managing editor of The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle. Ruth also hosts a weekly radio program, KC Cares, focusing on the nonprofit community.

With a valuable network of community resources, with over ten years of experience, and with her passion for helping those in need, Porsche serves JFS in multiple roles. She is the Brookside Food Pantry coordinator making sure that multiple details run smoothly, she is the Case Manager for those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and she is a Family Consultant with Priya supporting families on their fertility and adoption journeys. Porsche and David have two children, Thomas (4) and Nia (9 months).

Lauren Glass is a licensed clinical social worker in Kansas & Missouri. She completed both her BSW & MSW programs at Florida Atlantic University. Lauren has many years of experience working with older adults, children & families. She gravitates towards Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Solution Focused Therapy in her work with clients. Her favorite techniques to use involve breathing, mindful movement & other short meditative practices that clients can freely access whenever they need to no matter where they may go.

Jennifer has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Clark Atlanta University and master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Friends University. She has over 15 professional year’s experience working with children and adults.  Her professional background includes a history with KCMC Head Start program as the mental health/disabilities manager, Truman Behavioral Health as a qualified mental health professional, Catholic Charities of KC-St. Joseph as the educational coordinator and therapist.  Jennifer offers confidential and compassionate care to individuals, couples and families from a family systems and attachment style perspective. Professional Certifications:  Licensed Professional Counselor, National Board of Certified Counselors, Stephen Ministry, Prepare/Enrich Facilitator (marriage).

Jo has grown the JFS Food Pantry each year using her contacts in the Kansas City area non-profit community. Among other past positions, she served as Director of Operations at the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. Jo has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Northwest Missouri State University. She looks forward to the relationships she continues to develop as she enhances the Food Pantry Programs in both Kansas and Missouri.

Susie is the Adolescent Specialist for C.H.A.I. (Channeling Healthy Adolescent Interaction). She offers preventive education workshops and individual consultations for adolescents, parents, educators and youth workers. In addition, she serves as the Director of Family Life Education, offering a variety of education and support programs across all age groups. Susie holds a BA from the University of Texas at Austin and an MA in Psychology from the University of Missouri Kansas City. She also attended the One Year Program of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.  Susie earned the local Jewish Teacher of the Year award and the national Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education.

With a master’s degree in social work from the University of Kansas and a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Missouri, Kelly loves both sides of the state line; but, will always call Los Angeles home. Prior to JFS, Kelly traveled the 105 counties of Kansas as an educator for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, helping Medicare beneficiaries understand and use their benefits. She’s worked as an outreach coordinator at the Alzheimer’s Association – Heart of America Chapter, and fervently hopes for the day when Alzheimer’s disease is just a memory. During a favorite summer adventure in Antigua, Guatemala, she used her Spanish fluency to interview older adults about quality of life and to reminisce.

Dana is a Career Coach for CSC. She designs and facilitates workshops and provides individualized coaching for clients offering a comprehensive as well as customized approach. This can result in a client reaching their career goal with greater control, confidence, and contribution. Dana brings many skills to her position including leadership coaching, client relations, performance consulting, curriculum design, facilitation, research and analysis, along with training & development capabilities. Dana has a M.S. from Loyola University Chicago and a B.A. in Psychology, Business concentration from Indiana University.

Moshit started at JFS as an intern while getting her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Avila University. She was hired in 2018 as a Kesher KC Social Worker and is excited to be joining JFS as a team member and engaging with clients.

Seroj provides minor home repairs and computer troubleshooting.  He holds bachelor degrees in math and English from the University of Kansas and is experienced in many facets of home construction and repair. Previously, he worked as a technical writer and process analyst for Sprint before leaving the company to start his own remodeling and handyman business.

Libby serves as Executive Assistant to Don Goldman and Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick in both the Kansas and Missouri offices. With over 20 years in corporate administration, this is Libby’s first role with a non-profit organization. She is currently serving her third term as President of the Blue Valley North Band Boosters and is a member of the Blue Valley School District Band/Parent Advisory Board.