Meet Our Clinical Team

Tova Brody is a graduate of the Rutgers University School of Social Work. She treats clients coping with anxiety, depression, challenging relationships, eating disorders, self-harming behaviors, and trauma. Using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other modalities, Tova utilizes an eclectic approach to help clients build emotional resilience and meet their individual needs.

• Individual and family therapy
• Adolescents and adults
• Specialty: Anxiety, depression, challenging relationships, and trauma

Tali graduated from Yeshiva University Stern College for Women with a B.A. in Psychology and received a Master’s in Social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work. As a JFS clinician, Tali also works in the intake department and is often the first connection with clients, working to ensure that each client meets the therapist most suited to address their needs.

• Individual and group sessions
• Specialty: Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Developmental Disabilities
• Care Management for Holocaust Survivors

Shira Pomrantz is a graduate of the Rutgers University School of Social Work. She has extensive training in the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model which is an empowering and nonjudgmental approach of psychotherapy. She co-created and coordinates the M&M Social Skills and Bullying Prevention school programs, which were developed to address religious and cultural sensitivities. Shira’s warmth, creativity, and emotional sensitivity help her address her clients’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs.

• Individual and family therapy
• Child, adolescent, and adult therapy
• Specialty: domestic violence, trauma, social skills, bullying
• PALS team member
• Project SARAH member
• Spanish and English fluency

Anne Marie Ramos has worked for over 35 years as a clinical social worker and supervisor for families and children. As a Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor, Anne Marie uses her extensive background to provide a skills training class on the use of play therapy in a family setting with children and adolescents. Through her work in mental health and other community settings, as well as current research, Anne Marie found that incorporating caregivers in a dynamic way in treatment sessions improved client outcomes and satisfaction. She presents on this topic nationally and is the author of several publications on this subject. At JFS, Anne Marie is the Director of Children’s Services, as well as the Clinical Coordinator of PALS (Domestic Violence Program) for children, which is run in conjunction with the Passaic County Women’s Center.

• Child, adolescent, and family therapy
• Specialty: play therapy
• Director of Children’s Services
• PALS Clinical Coordinator

Pearl earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University in 1973. Before coming to JFS, Pearl worked as the Director of Social Services at the Geriatric Center of Workmen’s Circle in Elizabeth, NJ.

At JFS, Pearl acts as a supervisor to the social work interns, administers the Holocaust survivor grant and coordinates the Klara Markowitz Kosher Meals on Wheels program. In the past, Pearl has run the bereavement support group and the support group for children caring for elderly parents.

Pearl wants to help her clients achieve their goals and function well in their lives. She is exhilarated by the progress she sees in her clients and is touched by the transformations she is privileged to witness. She finds that every day is meaningful and she feels fortunate that her dreams of having a meaningful career turned into her reality.

• Individual and group therapy
• Specialty: marital issues, domestic violence, depression, anxiety, phobias

Carmit graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. from Yeshiva University in 1994 and Summa Cum Laude with an MSW from Wurzweiler School of Social Work in 2000. She has worked with a large variety of populations including geriatrics, minorities and inpatient psychiatric clients and she has done extensive support work and advocacy on behalf of many local families. In addition to supervising the Somaich Achim Community Case Management Program, Carmit handles her own caseload of clients, works as a certified presenter for the Aleinu Child Safety Program and participates in other Project SARAH awareness programs. Carmit has served on several Jewish Family Service committees and is instrumental in coordinating events, obtaining grants for clients and fundraising for the agency.

• Children and families
• Specialty: crisis intervention, geriatrics
• Aleinu Child Safety Program
• Project SARAH team member

Sharon Zwickler is a graduate of the Wurzweiler School of Social Work of Yeshiva University, where she earned her Master’s degree in Social Work. As the Intake Director at JFS, Sharon is the first connection that clients make when they seek help and she works extensively to ensure that each client meets with the therapist most well-suited to address their needs. Sharon also serves as a clinician on staff at JFS, seeing clients in a therapeutic setting. Sharon is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) which deals with couples through an emotional lens with marital issues. Collectively, Sharon has more than 20 years of experience working with nonprofit institutions and finds her role at Jewish Family Service to be both personally and professionally rewarding.

Ruthie has her Masters degree from Montclair State University School of Social Work and a Masters in Art Therapy from New York University. She is also a certified parenting counselor for parents of children with ADHD, ODD, and sensory issues. Ruthie has experience working with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings, including rehabilitation centers, schools, and hospitals. She specializes in the treatment of those struggling with anxiety, depression, adjustment, divorce, grief, family dynamics, special needs, sexual violence and domestic abuse. Ruthie believes that all individuals possess innate strengths and skills to foster happy and healthy lives. Her approach toward therapy is open, collaborative, and eclectic, and she is committed to helping others explore and reach their goals. She has a deep respect and understanding of the barriers individuals may face as they attempt to transform and improve their lives.

Lyndsay graduated from Wurzweiler School of Social Work in 2011. While in school, Lyndsay interned at the National Jewish Council of Disabilities, and, after graduating, she worked at SteppingStone Day School in Flushing, NY, a private preschool for children with developmental disabilities. Lyndsay has been practicing in the social work field for 10 years and currently directs the Jewish Family Service Food Pantry and is the Volunteer Coordinator.

Shaina Bodenheim graduated from NYU’s School of Social Work, with a concentration on issues pertaining to the geriatric population. Before joining Jewish Family Service as the on-site coordinator of the Club SEQUOIA, Mrs. Bodenheim completed training in the areas of dementia and cognitive impairment, with experience coordinating regular social gatherings and events for seniors.

Daisy Carrera completed her undergraduate degree at NJCU and received her Masters at Columbia University with a concentration in children, family and youth.

• Individual and family counseling
• Specialty: domestic violence, divorce
• Social Skills Group, facilitator
• PALS team member
• Fluent in English and Spanish

Nancy is a graduate of the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University, where she earned her Master’s degree in social work. She brings over 20 years of Case Management experience in a wide variety of settings. Nancy has a background in medical social work, as well as extensive experience in medical insurance and hospital discharge planning. As a certified SHIP counselor, Nancy works closely with the Passaic County Board of Social Services. She works with clients who are in crisis, and assists them with applying for government and community resources. Responsible with supervising the Support Coordinators at JFS, Nancy ensures the delivery of supports and services to the intellectual and developmentally disabled population that are enrolled with the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Nancy has led several workshops for individuals with chronic medical or mental health conditions, and participates in ongoing meetings with government and community agencies throughout New Jersey.

Donna earned her Masters Degree in Clinical Art Therapy and is Board Certified.

• Individual, family, and group therapy
• Experience: trauma, social skills, behavioral issues, eating disorders, and self-esteem issues
• PALS Program (children exposed to high conflict relationships)

Toni Freni, MS, BC-DTR, is a masters level, Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist and Psychotherapist with 30 years of professional experience. She is a graduate of Hunter College of the City University of New York and has worked extensively in both inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities and hospitals. For 11 years, Toni worked in a Pediatric Oncology/Hematology Psychosocial Program, providing Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy services. She has additional training in mind/body approaches, stress reduction, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques.

• Child, teen, and adult therapy
• Individual, family, and group therapy
• Special needs children
• Experience: trauma and special needs children
• PALS Program

Cara earned her master’s degree from Rutgers University School of Social Work, where she received the Dean’s Recognition Award for Outstanding Student in Clinical Social Work. Cara brings a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to every session, aiming to create an environment where clients feel safe to explore areas of vulnerability, set concrete goals, and collaborate toward addressing those goals.

• Specialty: Expectant and new parents, postpartum counseling, domestic violence, trauma, grief therapy
• Project SARAH member
• Club SEQUOIA facilitator

Batsheva Hofman graduated Summa Cum Laude from Long Island University’s School of Social Work. Batsheva partners with her clients in helping them access their strengths to build emotional resilience and regain life vitality. Her empathic approach empowers clients to work through their challenges. She has training in CBT, DBT, IFS and psychodynamic therapies.

• Individual and family therapy
• Child, adolescent, and adult
• Specialty: anxiety, depression, trauma, illness, learning disabilities, self-esteem issues and family challenges

Sari Katz received her MSW from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and currently holds a NJ social work license. After graduating, she worked in a nursing home and a dialysis center, gaining experience working with the geriatric population and multiple medical settings. Sari is a Case Manager and Support Coordinator at JFS, and provides supportive counseling, psycho-education, and different concrete resources to her clients and their families to meet their various needs. Sari’s goal is that her genuine care for her clients will help them gain self-confidence that will ultimately empower them to make positive changes in their lives in order to succeed.

Anna Kirshblum graduated from Columbia University School of Social Work and has over 35 years of experience in the field. Anna has worked extensively within the Jewish community as a consultant to synagogues, clergy and yeshivot. She has a subspecialty in end of life and bereavement.

Anna has provided individual and group therapy as well as communal programming. As a senior therapist she supervises students and other staff members. She has spoken at professional conferences and continuing education programs. Anna believes that life’s difficulties are best handled when we have a full toolbox of coping mechanisms. Her approach combines insight-oriented counseling with practical advice on how to manage painful or difficult situations.

Specialty: End of life and bereavement, anxiety, depression, marital conflict, parenting concerns

Zipora is a graduate of Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. An empathic clinician, Zipora utilizes a variety of modalities including CBT, DBT and Trauma-Informed Care to support clients coping with anxiety, depression, challenging relationships, and trauma. Zipora’s dedication and ability to connect with her clients in a meaningful way empowers client to make significant positive changes in their lives, meet their individual goals, and find success within both therapeutic and case management services.

• Individual and family therapy
• Adolescents and adults
• Anxiety, depression, challenging relationship and trauma
• Clinician and case manager

Jen graduated with an MS in Mental Health Counseling, with an emphasis on addiction treatment and prevention. She has experience working with children, adolescents and families, and help clients deal with anxiety, depression and family challenges. Using interpersonal CBT and other evidence-based treatments, Jen adds compassion and warmth to help empower her clients to foster change in a positive way.

Yehuda graduated Summa Cum Laude from Touro College with a Bachelors in Psychology. He then graduated from Touro College Graduate School of Mental Health Counseling with an MS in Mental Health Counseling. Yehuda has worked with adolescents and adults in an intensive outpatient facility focusing on addictions, anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, and personality disorders.

Yehuda is eclectic in his approach. In his undergraduate studies, he was introduced to the Existential approach to psychotherapy, which focuses on concepts that are universally applicable to the human existence including death, freedom, responsibility, and the meaning of life. Yet, instead of regarding human experiences such as anxiety and depression as suggesting the existence of mental illness, existential psychotherapy sees these experiences as natural stages in a normal process of human development and maturation.

Yehuda utilizes a blend of DBT, REBT, ACT, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing techniques tailored to each individual client. Along with a nonjudgmental/humanistic approach, he facilitates a safe therapeutic space to build a positive connection.

He is a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology as well as the American Counseling Association.

Yisroel began pursuing his Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling while teaching and mentoring American teens-at-risk who were learning in Israel. After moving with his family to New Jersey, he completed his counseling training. After interning at JFS, Yisroel joined the team as a licensed clinician.

Yisroel works with children, adolescents and adults. Trained in several evidence-based modalities, including CBT, DBT, and trauma informed treatments, Yisroel is also an ADHD certified clinical service provider (ADHD-CCSP), and helps clients effectively manage attention issues, impulsivity, and challenges with emotional regulation throughout their lives. He is also certified by the National Board of Certified Clinicians.

Yisroel uses a client-centered approach, believing in their ability to make meaningful changes in their lives with the warmth, encouragement, and supportive interventions he provides. His experience includes helping clients develop skills needed to manage anxiety, depression, OCD, personality and relationship challenges, as well as traumatic life experiences.

As a member of the Project SARAH team, Yisroel gives presentations to institutions throughout Northern New Jersey on issues of abuse that affect the Jewish community.

Peter Schessler is an experienced therapist, with over thirty–five years of practice in Jewish communal service agencies. He is trained in the understanding of personality development as well as the dynamics of marital and relationship interactions. Peter has had many years of providing clinical supervision for students and professional staff. In addition he has been responsible for conducting in-service training seminars within agency based practice. As a component of his fifteen year private practice in Bloomfield, Peter was a clinical consultant for a hospital based mental health department and a free standing mental health agency.

Rebecca comes to us with over a decade of experience in the helping profession. Immediately prior to her arrival at JFS, Rebecca served with distinction at Alaris Health at Rochelle Park, where she assisted residents and liaison on their behalf with the medical and support staff. She has extensive experience in the Medicare and Medicaid programs (including Social Security benefits). Upon graduation from Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University in 2004, Rebecca worked at Mount Sinai Hospital in Queens as a discharge Social Worker, ensuring the safe re-acclimation to the community for patients. In both positions, Rebecca was awarded “Employee of the Month.”

At JFS, Rebecca serves on our case management team as well as serving as a Support Coordinator for the Division of Developmental Disabilities assisting individuals with disabilities to access services as well as providing a warm and supportive process for their families.

Rabbi Shmuel Skaist is a clinician who uses a variety of modalities informed and inspired by Psychodynamic theory, Attachment theory, and Insight Meditation. He works with individuals (adults, teens, and children), families and couples, struggling with anxiety, depression, abuse, trauma, compulsive behaviors, and identity and relationship issues. At the heart of Rabbi Skaist’s practice is a commitment to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel able to explore their difficulties in-depth and work through issues that they haven’t been able to resolve in other past and present relationships.

Rabbi Skaist, a National Certified Counselor, has over 30 years of experience in the field providing counseling to hundreds of talmidim (students) and their families. Earning his MS in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University has added significant clinical depth to Rabbi Skaist’s well-honed counseling skills. His interest in and knowledge of Jewish history, popular culture, hashkafah (theology), and English literature, lend depth and breadth to his work. In addition to his work as a therapist, Rabbi Skaist is well known as a talented lecturer, musician, and Kiruv (Jewish outreach) personality.

Paige graduated from Stern YU with BA in development psychology in 2016, and received her MSW from Kean University in 2018. She has experience working with adolescents, adults and hospital patients. Paige enjoys working with adolescents and children, helping them navigate school and personal relationships. She is trained in The Nurtured Heart Approach, and uses a variety of therapeutic modalities including CBT, mindfulness and a strengths-based approach. Paige is involved with Project SARAH and coordinates many school trainings including the Child Safety Program for young children, and the Internet Safety Program for middle school students.

Rivka Leah Weldler is a graduate of Wurzweiler School of Social Work, where she received her Masters in Social Work. Using a combination of evidence-based treatments including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapies and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Rivka Leah brings warmth and compassion to every session. Rivka Leah partners with her clients in accessing their individual strengths and uses an eclectic approach tailored to the unique needs of each client to build emotional resilience.

• Child, adolescent, and adult therapy
• Individual and family therapy
• Specialty: Anxiety, depression, self esteem and relationship challenges