Jewish Family Services

Celeste returns to JFS after four years of living abroad. She previously served as Director of Communications until 2014, and is now back overseeing a wide range of internal operations, as well as human resources. She has a strong background in non-profit organizational development and leadership, and has been engaged in human resources for more than 30 years. She holds a degree in public communications/film from Boston University of Kansas, and spent three years in Jerusalem studying the Hebrew Bible.

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.

Sarah Chao has a BA in Russian from St. Olaf College, and an MA in Slavic Languages and Literature from the University of Kansas. Before coming to JFSKC in 2015, she worked for over 5 years as an educator and curriculum facilitator: Her expertise brought her to Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and eventually back to the US. At JFS, Sarah works directly with Russian-Speaking clients in our Older Adult Care Management program and assists with Russian Language coordination across all programs. Sarah employs Person-Centered Trauma-Informed Care (PCTIC) practices in her service to local Holocaust survivors.

Vicki is a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. Vicki works with clients who face challenges around anger management; anxiety and depression; divorce; eating disorders/self-harm; family conflict; grief and loss; peer/work relationships; parenting; and relationship issues.

Rebecca attended Northwestern University as an undergraduate and doubled majored in Psychology and Spanish. She later went on to pursue a Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University in Chicago. After moving to Kansas City, Rebecca worked at Gillis as a Family Focus Therapist, providing therapy for boys and their families as they re-entered their homes from a residential facility. She later worked as a Bilingual Therapist at The Family Conservancy in the “Dame La Mano” Program. She provided Spanish-speaking therapy for individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. Rebecca utilizes a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy in her work with clients. She considers it a privilege to be invited into the lives of clients to help them in their journey towards healing and self-discovery.

Jana is a Licensed Master Social Worker whose passion is working with older adults. She graduated from University of Nebraska with a Bachelor in Family Science and went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Jana spent 15 years working as a Service Coordinator in two affordable senior housing communities in the Kansas City area through Phoenix Family. Jana comes to Jewish Family Services with a wealth of resources for senior adults. Jana enjoys meeting new clients and connecting them with community resources to help them achieve independence and improve their quality of life.

Annie received her B.A. in Jewish Studies at the University of Washington’s Jackson School of International Studies and her M.A. in Jewish Education from The Jewish Theological Seminary of America. She is a graduate of the Senior Educators Program of the Melton Centre for Jewish Education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, teaching children and adults in both New York City and Dallas. As a recipient of the Jewish Theological Seminary’s Seeds of Innovation grant, she founded Priya, meaning “fruitful” in Kansas City which is in partnership with Jewish Family Services and The Jewish Community Foundation. She also serves as Director of School Services for The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning.

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).

With a Bachelors and a Masters in Art History, Molly spent six years working at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, where she developed a vibrant teen program. Molly made the transition to Jewish non-profit in the fall of 2016 and hasn’t looked back. She has a passion for connecting young Jewish professional to new opportunities, to each other, and to Kansas City.

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 Food and Shelter 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.