Jewish Family Services

Supporting and strengthening lives throughout Greater Kansas City.

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JFS Management Team
Don Goldman : Executive Director and CEO

Don Goldman

Executive Director and CEO

dgoldman@jfskc.org | 913-327-8262

Don has a background in marketing, strategic planning, operations, and technology. He spent much of his career as an executive with Sprint and Birch Telecom. His most recent position in the for-profit sector was Chief Operating Officer at Birch Telecom. In the past few years Don decided to refocus his professional energy into the not-for-profit sector. Most recently, Don was the Director of Adult Jewish Learning at the Jewish Community Center. Don holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MBA from University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.

Cindy Ross :  Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer

Cindy Ross

Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer

cross@jfskc.org | 913-327-8294

Cindy's unique blend of strategic business skills, innovation, and solid CPA foundation supports the Executive Director and the Board of Directors in achieving JFS’s strategic goals. Cindy is responsible for oversight and leadership of all financial matters, day-to-day business operations and new agency opportunities. She has experience in innovation and business management leadership from Hallmark Cards and American Century Investments.

Richard Odiam, LCSW, LSCSW : Chief Program Officer

Richard Odiam, LCSW, LSCSW

Chief Program Officer

rodiam@jfskc.org | 816-333-1172

Richard, now serving as Chief Program Officer, is responsible for program operations spanning Food, Shelter and Employment, Older Adult services and Mental Health. With a background in community mental health, he spent 10 years in a senior management position at Tri-County Mental Health Services. He holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Kansas and is licensed as a clinical social worker in Kansas and Missouri.

Brenda Althouse : Director of Marketing

Brenda Althouse

Director of Marketing

balthouse@jfskc.org | 913-327-8263

Brenda brings a background of strategic and consumer marketing, having held marketing positions at Hallmark Cards, AT&T and in healthcare consulting. Prior to moving to Kansas City she served as the Development Director for a Chicago social service agency while completing her MBA in marketing and nonprofit administration. Brenda works with program staff to develop marketing and communication strategies, as well as the management team to implement overall agency strategies.

Taly Friedman : Director of Volunteer Engagement

Taly Friedman

Director of Volunteer Engagement

tfriedman@jfskc.org | 913-730-1445

Taly earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Community Health at the School of Education at the University of Kansas. Taly has a background in non-profit work in the Kansas City area, including working as a Nutrition Educator and coordinating the nutrition education program at Harvesters-The Community Food Network and being the teen leadership director at BBYO, Inc. Taly has worked with volunteers both professionally and as a volunteer herself and enjoys connecting community members to meaningful volunteer opportunities.

Laura Gilman : Director of Older Adult Services

Laura Gilman

Director of Older Adult Services

lgilman@jfskc.org | 913-730-1441

Laura holds a bachelor’s degree from Goucher College, a master’s degree in clinical social work from University of Maryland and a master’s degree in Jewish Communal Service from Towson University. She has worked in the field of aging for over 10 years, specializing in meaning making in the later stages of life and aging in community. Laura manages the Older Adult Care Management program and feels honored that her job allows her to journey with clients as they age and bear witness to their resilience and strength.

Jo Hickey : Director of Food Pantry

Jo Hickey

Director of Food Pantry

jhickey@jfskc.org | 913-327-8257

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.

Maggie Haghirian : Food and Shelter Program Director

Maggie Haghirian

Food and Shelter Program Director

mhaghirian@jfskc.org | 913-730-1750

Maggie Haghirian has a bachelor’s degree from Missouri Western State University in Criminal Justice. She has a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas. She has worked in the field of assisting people of various backgrounds for over 17 years, specializing in persons experiencing mental illness, domestic violence, persons that have experienced trauma and oversight of sex offender treatment programs. Maggie is the Food and Shelter Program Director and is excited to be joining the JFS team! She is looking forward to this new journey with the amazing staff and working together to continue to support those that need support in the community.

Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick : Jewish Community Chaplain

Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick

Jewish Community Chaplain

rabbi@jfskc.org | 913-915-7730

Rabbi Rudnick devotes himself to community care using his vast knowledge: with a BA degree from Claremont McKenna College, a diploma of International and Comparative Law of Human Rights from University of Strassbourg, a master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University, a master of arts degree in Jewish Communal Service from Brandeis University, a fellowship in education and policy at Mandel School for Educational Leadership and a Master of Arts degree in Jewish Studies from the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, where he was ordained.

JFS Staff
Sarah Albin : Older Adult Care Manager and PRIYA Family Consultant

Sarah Albin

Older Adult Care Manager and PRIYA Family Consultant

salbin@jfskc.org | 913-730-1425

Sarah has worked with older adults in varied settings since 2007. Most recently, she worked for the Area Agency on Aging on the Missouri side, coordinating the volunteer ombudsman program, providing community outreach on aging issues, and doing case management with older adults. Sarah earned her M.S. in social gerontology from the University of Central Missouri in 2011 and previously graduated from Truman State University with a B.A. in communications.

Wendy Anderson, MSW, LMSW : Child and Family Therapist

Wendy Anderson, MSW, LMSW

Child and Family Therapist

wanderson@jfskc.org | 913-327-8253

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.

Celeste Aronoff : Director of Administration & Human Resources

Celeste Aronoff

Director of Administration & Human Resources

caronoff@jfskc.org | 913-327-8246

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.

Sondra Atherly : Operations Manager, Older Adult Initiatives

Sondra Atherly

Operations Manager, Older Adult Initiatives

satherly@jfskc.org | 913-327-8265

Sondra, who began at JFS as a volunteer, manages Help@Home and JET Express. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Women’s Studies at San Francisco State University. After working in telecommunications management for 25 years and moving to Kansas City, she changed directions and moved into the non-profit sector. She enjoys helping older adults remain independent and active.

Ruth Baum Bigus : Community Relations Director

Ruth Baum Bigus

Community Relations Director

rbigus@jfskc.org | 913-707-7746
Cari Boasberg,  : Manager, Jewish Employment Services

Cari Boasberg, 

Manager, Jewish Employment Services

cboasberg@jfskc.org | 913-730-1449

Cari is a Career Coach and Administrative Coordinator for Jewish Employment Services. Cari, a certified teacher and employment specialist, has an extensive background in providing support and guidance with all aspects of a successful job search. Cari has worked in the non-profit sector for most of her career and is leading a younger job seeker initiative with KU Hillel, partnering with them in a Professional Development series. Cari holds a BS in Journalism from the University of Kansas.

Paola Capra, LMSW : Licensed Therapist

Paola Capra, LMSW

Licensed Therapist

pcapra@jfskc.org | 913-730-1416
Tamara Chestnut : Development Manager

Tamara Chestnut

Development Manager

tchestnut | 913-730-1429
Sarah Chao : Russian-Speaking Care Manager

Sarah Chao

Russian-Speaking Care Manager

schao@jfskc.org | 913-730-1444

Sarah has a Bachelor's in Russian from St. Olaf College and an MA in Slavic Languages and Literature from the University of Kansas, and worked for over 5 years in the field of education. Her expertise has brought her to Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and finally back to the US as a teacher and facilitator. At JFS, Sarah works directly with Russian-speaking clients in our Older Adult Care Management program and assists with Russian Language facilitation across all programs. Her most recent efforts have been in the areas of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) and Mindfulness, on which she leads working groups and training sessions for JFS staff,  community partners, and clients.

Vicki Cohen, LCSW, LSCSW : Licensed Therapist

Vicki Cohen, LCSW, LSCSW

Licensed Therapist

vcohen@jfskc.org | 913-730-1411

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.

Whitney Davison : Interim Mental Health Coalition Coordinator

Whitney Davison

Interim Mental Health Coalition Coordinator

wdavison@jfskc.org | 913-730-1751

Whitney is pursing a Masters in Social Work from Widener University in Chester, PA, and recently completed her first of two required internships at JFS. Her focus after graduation will be clinical mental health services, so she feels helping with the You Be You program for teens is an exciting opportunity. Whitney holds a Masters in Library Science from Emporia State University and worked as a library administrator for more than 10 years before deciding to become a social worker.

Kathy Delia : Chaplaincy Program Assistant

Kathy Delia

Chaplaincy Program Assistant

kdelia@jfskc.org | 913-730-1469

Kathy “semi-retired” from full-time employment after a diverse career that included working as Executive Assistant to CEO’s in banking, oil and gas, and real estate development.  She’s a former Executive Director of the March of Dimes in New Orleans, and has extensive volunteer experience with non-profits including Junior Achievement, American Cancer Society, Camps for Kids, and JFS JET Express.  She enjoys assisting Rabbi Rudnick with Chaplaincy programs and interacting with JFS Spiritual Care Volunteers.

Rebecca Dragon-Freiden, LCSW/LSCSW : Licensed Therapist

Rebecca Dragon-Freiden, LCSW/LSCSW

Licensed Therapist

rdragon-freiden@jfskc.org | 913-327-8277

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.

Porsche Elkins : Missouri Food Pantry Coordinator/Disability Services Case Manager

Porsche Elkins

Missouri Food Pantry Coordinator/Disability Services Case Manager

pelkins@jfskc.org | 913-730-1474

Porsche received a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Based Services from Doane University. Passionate about serving those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, she has over ten years of experience in providing quality supports and case management in various capacities. Her background includes work in education, for-profit and non-profit sectors as well as work in State and County government. She has a valuable network of community resources and is involved in many philanthropic efforts in the community.

Shannon Evans : Missouri Office Manager

Shannon Evans

Missouri Office Manager

sevans@jfskc.org | 913-327-4683
Sarah Link Ferguson : Mental Health Coalition Coordinator

Sarah Link Ferguson

Mental Health Coalition Coordinator

sferguson@jfskc.org | 913-730-1452

Sarah Link Ferguson graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in International Studies. She has worked at an array of nonprofits, ranging from social services to the arts, in Lawrence and Kansas City since graduating from college. Sarah is passionate about mental health and reducing the stigma around mental illness in the Kansas City community. She is thrilled to be working with teens and school administrators on the You Be You teen mental health campaign, an initiative of the Greater Kansas City Mental Health Coalition and SPEAK UP. Outside of work, Sarah is involved with numerous nonprofits in Kansas City including Jewish Vocational Services, where she serves on their young professionals board and Congregation Kol Ami, where she serves as Vice-President.

Jana Fielder : Older Adult Care Manager

Jana Fielder

Older Adult Care Manager

jfielder@jfskc.org | 913-730-1473

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.

Lauren Glass, LCSW : Licensed Therapist

Lauren Glass, LCSW

Licensed Therapist

lglass@jfskc.org | 913-730-1414

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.

Annie Glickman : Director of Priya: A Fund for Jewish Reproduction

Annie Glickman

Director of Priya: A Fund for Jewish Reproduction

AGlickman@jfskc.org | 913-735-9242

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.

Gary Gomez : Food Pantry Driver

Gary Gomez

Food Pantry Driver

ggomez@jfskc.org |
Debra Orbuch Grayson, LMFT : Clinical Manager

Debra Orbuch Grayson, LMFT

Clinical Manager

dgrayson@jfskc.org | 913-327-8298

Debra Orbuch Grayson holds a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the University of Maryland-College Park and a bachelor’s degree in education and behavioral disabilities from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has more than 30 years of experience working with children, couples and families and will manage and supervise the JFS counseling team. She will also be responsible for providing community outreach to engage new partners and participants.

Jennifer Hawkins, LPC : Licensed Therapist

Jennifer Hawkins, LPC

Licensed Therapist

jhawkins@jfskc.org | 913-730-1423

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).

Terri Herman : Marketing Coordinator

Terri Herman

Marketing Coordinator

therman@jfskc.org | 913-730-1469

With a background in design, Terri helps coordinate marketing and social media and, being a furtive writer, she facilitates the JFS blog. She moved to Kansas by way of Las Vegas after growing up in Michigan. She has a BA degree in design from Michigan State University.

Molly Hess : Community Connector for TribeKC

Molly Hess

Community Connector for TribeKC

molly@tribekc.org | 913-353-6779

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.

Susan D. Hurst : Director Family Life Education

Susan D. Hurst

Director Family Life Education

shurst@jfskc.org | 913-327-8259

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.

Vicki Johansen : Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

Vicki Johansen

Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

vjohansen@jfskc.org | 913-327-8279

Vicki earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education at the University of Nebraska. Her professional background includes education, insurance sales, customer service and owning an employment service. She looks forward to connecting community members to meaningful volunteer opportunities and expanding the work JFS is able to do through volunteer engagement.

Karina Johnson : Program Coordinator

Karina Johnson

Program Coordinator

kjohnson@jfskc.org | 913-730-1749
Kelly G. Loeb : Older Adult Care Manager

Kelly G. Loeb

Older Adult Care Manager

kloeb@jfskc.org | 913-327-8278

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.

Jennifer Lydon : Program Coordinator

Jennifer Lydon

Program Coordinator

jlydon@jfskc.org | 913-327-4683
Cindy Myler : Lead Office Manager

Cindy Myler

Lead Office Manager

cmyler@jfskc.org | 913-730-1451

Cindy oversees both the Kansas and Missouri offices. She has owned and managed several businesses for over 20 years. Cindy resides day to day in the Kansas office.

Dana Schwartz : Career Coach

Dana Schwartz

Career Coach

dschwartz@jfskc.org | 913-981-8814

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.

Diane Schmidt, MA, MCC, GCDF : Career Coach

Diane Schmidt, MA, MCC, GCDF

Career Coach

dschmidt@jfskc.org | 913-327-8250

Diane brings the combination of Corporate Marketing and Non-Profit Counseling experience to CSC. She is passionate about guiding clients to take an active role in their job search during what can be one of life’s most challenging events. Diane is skilled in utilizing a strengths based focus with individual clients in developing and executing a focused job search strategy and resulting in a more efficient and successful outcome for her clients. Diane has a Master’s Degree in Counseling from University of Missouri, Kansas City and a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Missouri State University. She is a certified Global Career Development Facilitator through the National Career Development Association.

Moshit Snir : Food & Shelter Social Worker

Moshit Snir

Food & Shelter Social Worker

msnir@jfskc.org | 913-981-8816

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.

Laura Stadler-Tobaben : Family Empowerment Coordinator

Laura Stadler-Tobaben

Family Empowerment Coordinator

lstadler@jfskc.org | 913-730-1751

Laura has worked with individuals and families over the past 8 years in the areas of domestic violence, support for those experiencing mental illness, supportive services for children with disabilities and families that are in need of community referral support. Laura is joining the Food and Shelter team and will be in the role of our Family Empowerment Coordinator working with our families in the Shawnee Mission School District that are homeless or at high risk to be homeless. She has a degree in Human Services from Washburn University in Topeka.

Seroj Terian : Lead Community Handyman

Seroj Terian

Lead Community Handyman

|

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.

Sandy Terwilliger : Food Pantry Coordinator

Sandy Terwilliger

Food Pantry Coordinator

sterwilliger@jfskc.org | 913-730-1475
Dale Wilcox : Community Handyman

Dale Wilcox

Community Handyman

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5801 W. 115th St., Suite 103 | Overland Park, KS 66211
913.327.8250 · info@jfskc.org

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