COUNSELING • SUPPORT • DISCUSSION GROUPS
Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service strengthens the community by empowering all individuals and families
through affordable and culturally sensitive social services to maintain wellness and dignity across the lifespan.
JFS serves people regardless of race, religion, disability, gender or sexual orientation.
NEW CLIENT INTAKE PROCESS
Call us during New Client Intake Call Hours to speak with our team. We’ll ask you brief questions to understand your needs and guide you to the right services and referrals. Please note: This is not a therapy or case management session — just a helpful first step. If the line is busy, leave your full name and phone number for a return call during New Client Intake Call Hours.
Call (512) 735-8024
New Client Intake Call Hours:
- Mondays: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
- Tuesdays: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesdays: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Thursdays: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
New Client Intake Call Hours are not held on Shalom Austin holidays. For a full list of holiday closures, visit https://shalomaustin.org/hours.
If you require accommodations to access our intake process, please email [email protected] or leave a voicemail describing the best method for us to reach out to you.
SERVICES
Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service (JFS) is the professional human and social service branch of Shalom Austin and a beneficiary of the Shalom Austin Annual Campaign. JFS provides a wide array of mental health and support services to the Jewish community and to the wider Austin community, including counseling and psychotherapy, support groups, case management, community consultation and education programs. JFS also provides consultation related to the inclusion of people with disabilities in services and programs in the Austin Jewish community.
Counseling, Groups
& Psycho-education
One-on-one counseling with a licensed therapist and support groups.
Case Management
Case management services for individuals and families experiencing life transitions, emergency situations and more.
Resources
References and resources to help with community needs of any kind.
Transportation
We offer safe, reliable rides to and from the Dell JCC, JFS, rehabilitation, retirement centers, medical appointments.
Volunteering
Volunteer to give back and help others in the community and around the world.
Disability & Inclusion
Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service offers Disability Services at no charge. These services include helping to connect clients with resources and programs both on campus and in the surrounding Greater Austin area, assistance completing forms and applications, and a collaborative solution-oriented approach to challenges relating to the client’s disabling condition(s).
RAISE
RAISE is an employment preparation and social skills training program for adults with disabilities who are seeking employment but face challenges finding work. Shalom Austin is proud to serve as a licensed RAISE location. To learn more, email
Whitney at [email protected]
Grief & Loss
We provide individual, group, and community based services focused on mental health support and education around grief and loss.
Inspired Aging
We focus on providing social, spiritual, cultural, and wellness offerings for adults ages 60 and over. Our goal is to help folks live their most fulfilling 3rd act. Inspired Aging works closely with JFS, Health and Wellness, and all areas of Shalom Austin to provide integrated and robust offerings.
Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service serves people regardless of race, religion, disability, gender or sexual orientation.
MEET OUR STAFF
JFS also has social work and counseling interns, and works closely with contract therapists to provide a wide array of services. Contact JFS at [email protected] to learn more about these offerings.
Sarah Abrahams
Executive Director
Sarah most recently served as the associate commissioner of Family Support Services at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission where she oversaw systems efforts and grant initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for Texas children and families.
Audrey Burnett, LCSW
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Clinical Therapist – Grief and Loss
A born and raised Texan, Audrey Burnett has ten years of experience working with junior high and high school-aged youth. As a participant in the Gerontological Resources and the Aging Community in Education at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work…
Rabbi Amy B. Cohen, MSW
Pronouns: she, her
Community Chaplain
As the first Community Chaplain at Shalom Austin JFS, Rabbi Cohen offers pastoral care to community members experiencing difficult life transitions, older adults isolated from the community and she offers…
Ezie P. Cotler
JFS Behavioral Health Billing Manager
Ezie is delighted to have become part of the Shalom Austin family as of February 2023. With over 15 years of experience in medical coding and billing, Ezie looks forward to growing with Jewish Family Services and Shalom Austin as they enter this exciting time of expansion.
Joshua Levy
Pronouns: he, him
Disability & Inclusion Youth Manager
Joshua Levy has dedicated more than 35 years to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities. His journey began in middle school, when he volunteered as a special education teaching assistant—a passion that has guided his career ever since…
Whitney Emmons, M.Ed, CNP
Pronouns: she, her, hers / they, them, theirs
Disability & inclusion manager
A Northwest Austin native, Whitney returned home in 2014 after several years away. With a strong passion for empowering others, she brings nearly two decades of dedicated experience in disability advocacy, volunteerism, and specialized education to the JFS team…
Emma Howitt, LPC-S, LCDC
Pronouns: she, her
Senior Social Services Director
Emma brings more than ten years experience counseling individuals, couples and families dealing with issues such as depression substance abuse, relationships, and life transitions…
Joan E. Maniere
Pronouns: she, her
Volunteer and Community Experience Director
Joan is a licensed pediatric speech-language pathologist with previous experience working in sensory gyms, preschools, speech-therapy clinics, and homecare settings…
Vinnie Hogan
Pronouns: he, him, his
Transportation Specialist
Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Vinnie moved to Austin in 2011 upon completion of his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma City University. Vinnie enjoys being part of Congregation Beth Israel. He is passionate about helping people and finds joy in driving and in listening to people.
Amanda Nicolo, LMSW
Licensed Clinical Therapist
Supervised by Amanda Mills, LCSW-S
Amanda Nicolo is a Licensed Master Social Worker who focuses on working with older adults and clients across the lifespan. In her work, Amanda utilizes an integrative approach to psychotherapy which responds to the unique goals and needs of each client.
Hilary Katz
Pronouns: she, her
Case Manager
Hilary offers 12 years of vast knowledge working with marginalized clients in various areas. Her understanding and mastery of the needs of those underprivileged and at risk…
Maura Kinney, LCSW
Pronouns: they, them
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Maura is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and joins us to focus on grief and loss. They grew up in Central Illinois and came to clinical social work via a background in theatre, sexuality education, and community organizing.
Rachel Wimberley
Pronouns: she, her
Senior JFS Program Director
Rachel has more than 15 years experience as a professional in non–profit organizations. She brings previous experience working at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the University of Texas. She has honed years of constituency management and leadership skills…
Matt Medina
Pronouns: he, him, his
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE PROGRAM MANAGER
Born & raised in Austin, Matt can’t imagine living in any other city. He has worked at Shalom Austin since 2017, beginning Youth & Teen department and transitioned to the role of Adult Programs Coordinator in 2021. He has identified a passion for working with the Older Adult Community…
Amanda Mills,
LCSW-S
Pronouns: she, they
Clinical Director
Amanda Mills is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) trained in EMDR, CBT, and body-based approaches. She works with individuals across the lifespan, with a focus on preteens, teens, and young adults…
Liron Ramon
Pronouns: she, her
Case Manager
Liron is an experienced Gerontologist with a vast background in implementing case management plans in collaboration with patients and caregivers. She is experienced in conducting assessments of patients’ financial mobility and independence…
Shelly Russell, LCSW
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Therapist
Shelly has been providing clinical social work services in Austin for over 25 years. She has previous experience working in hospital and home health settings and has a passion for older adults…
Mandy Davidson, LPC
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Licensed Clinical Therapist
Rachel VanScoyoc
Pronouns: she, her
JFS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Rachel moved to Austin 4 years ago by way of Colorado. She has spent the last 12 years working in various administrative roles and has loved them all. Rachel grew up at the JCC in Denver…
Logan DiCristofalo, LMSW
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Licensed Clinical Therapist
Logan DiCristofalo is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and the Child & Family Therapist at Jewish Family Service (JFS). She comes from a background in childhood development, where she discovered her passion for supporting children’s mental health and emotional growth. …
Margaret Praderas
Inspired Aging Manager
Chloe Picot-Jacobs, LCSW-S
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Youth and Family Mental Health Director
Meryl Getty
Case Manager
Oona Dicker
Pronouns: she, her
Volunteer Director
Oona Dicker is the Volunteer Manager for Jewish Family Service at Shalom Austin. She is excited to connect with the volunteer community and providing opportunities for community engagement.
Lauren Bookatz
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Intake Coordinator
A native of Dallas, Texas, Lauren moved to Colorado to pursue a bachelor’s degree in communications, where she discovered a passion for supporting neurodiverse individuals. After living and working in Denver, she relocated to Austin in 2013 to continue her career in education. …
Ensuring that high quality professional counseling remains available to people of all income levels continues to be a deeply held value of the JFS staff team and JFS committee. While the organization offers private pay and sliding scale fees, JFS also accepts several insurance plans that provide coverage for mental health services. JFS currently accepts health plans offered through Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Humana, United Healthcare, Aetna, Magellan, and Cigna.
Good Faith Estimate Notice
You have the right to receive a ‘Good Faith Estimate’ explaining how much your therapy may cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who do not have insurance, or who are not using insurance, a cost estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
- You have the right to receive a ‘Good Faith Estimate’ for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
- Your health care provider must give you a ‘Good Faith Estimate’ in writing for scheduled services within designated timeframes. You can also ask your health care provider for a ‘Good Faith Estimate’ before you schedule an item or service.
- If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your ‘Good Faith Estimate’, you can dispute the bill.
- Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your rights to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
volunteer opportunities
The volunteer spirit is the backbone of Shalom Austin. Only through the efforts and energy of our volunteers are we able to provide top-notch programs and services to the Austin community. Teens, families, young adults and senior adults— everyone and anyone can and should get involved. Whether once a year or once a week, your help makes a difference.
There are many ways to give back:
Donate to the Shalom Austin Annual Campaign. Lend your time to hands-on volunteering projects. Join a task force or committee. Participate in a leadership program. Attend an event that inspires you.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE COMMITTEE
| Ari Franklin | Chair/Executive Committee |
| Heather Krol | Immediate Past Chair/Executive Committee |
| Elise Rosenberg Su | Volunteer Committee Chair/Executive Committee |
| Tami Gamliel Newman | Engagement Chair/Executive Committee |
| Barb Altman | Incoming Chair/Executive Committee |
|
Patti Tauber |
Governance/Executive Committee |
| Cathy Campbell | AJPR Representative/Governance |
| Ian Spechler | Governance/Nomination |
| Bruce Zimmerman | Member at Large |
| Elyse Rosenberg | Engagement Committee |
| Susannah Waite | Member at Large |
| Dana Shapiro Spaeth | Volunteer Committee |
| Patti Davis | Volunteer Committee |
| Sarah Horvitz | Engagement Committee |
|
Lisa Apfelberg |
Engagement Committee |
Shalom Austin Staff
Sarah Abrahams
Emma Howitt
Joan Eisenberg Maniere
Rachel Wimberly
Rachel VanScoyoc
Shalom Austin Representatives
Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus
It’s Not Too Late to Make Your Gift!
All gifts of any size make a difference.
Please note we are not a 24/7 crisis center. If you have a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 directly or (512) 472-4357 [HELP].
CONTACT US
7300 HART LANE
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78731
(512) 735-8000
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