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.
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. To learn more, email
Vinnie at Vinnie.hogan@shalomaustin.org
Volunteering
Volunteer to give back and help others in the community and around the world.
Mediation
Mediation services for families dealing with conflicts around divorce, aging and more.
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 Emma Howitt at emma.howitt@shalomaustin.org to learn more about these offerings. To be connected with one of our therapists, please complete this form.
Rabbi Amy B. Cohen, LMSW
Pronouns: she, her
JFS Executive Director / Chief Social Services Officer
In her role as CSSO, Rabbi Cohen’s focus is primarily on capacity building, seeking out new funding sources and opportunities to collaborate…
Emma Howitt, LPC-S, LCDC
Pronouns: she, her
Senior Clinical 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…
Audrey Burnett, LCSW
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Clinical Intake Specialist/Therapist
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…
Ezequiel 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.
Christina Gietz, PhD, LPC-Associate
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Therapist
Christina enjoys working with older adults adults on assisting them with finding meaning in life, end of life concerns, transiting to long term care, loss of autonomy, medical and mental health concerns, and processing life decisions…
Alyssa Gilden,
PhD, LSSP
Pronouns: she, her
Youth & Family Mental Health Director
Alyssa Gilden is a Licensed Psychologist and a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP). Alyssa specializes in working with children and families to help all find new ways of tackling problems in order to live happier and healthier lives...
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.
Hilary Katz
Pronouns: she, her
Case Management Director
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…
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…
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…
Mary Catherine Dickerson, LMSW
Early Childhood Therapist
Mary Catherine Dickerson is a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) and works as an Early Childhood Therapist at Jewish Family Service (JFS). At JFS, Mary Catherine sees our youngest clients and their families and utilizes child-centered play therapy to meet children where they’re at. She also enjoys working with school-aged youth and teens. Mary Catherine focuses on attachment…
Matt Smith, LCSW
Pronouns: he, him
Mediator: DIVORCE, SEPARATION, & FAMILY
Matt Smith has over fifteen years of experience as a social worker and conflict mediator. As an individual therapist, his practical, supportive approach helps people build a greater sense of control in their lives…
Rachel VanScoyoc
Pronouns: she, her
Program coordinator and administrator
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…
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…
Rachel Wimberley
Pronouns: she, her
Older Adult Social Services 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…
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.
Whitney Emmons
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…
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
Heather Krol, Chair
Ian Spechler, Past Chair
Barb Altman
Nada Antoun
Katie Dochen
Maya Fela
Ari Franklin
Aaron Holtzman
Sarah Horvitz
Lenny Krasnow
Fabianna Laby
Lawrence Maze
Frances Meltzer
Brett Merfish
Elyse Rosenberg
Elise Rosenberg
Patti Tauber
Susannah Waite
Shalom Austin Staff
Rabbi Amy B. Cohen
Emma Howitt
Rachel VanScoyoc
Shalom Austin Representatives
Abby Rapoport
Rick Rosenberg
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
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Fitness
Swimming
Tennis & Pickleball
Sports
EDUCATION
Jewish Culture & Education
Early Childhood Program Preschool
After School & Childcare
Camps
ARTS & CULTURE
Literary Arts
Visual Arts
Theatre & Film
Dance
COUNSELING & SUPPORT
Jewish Family Service
Counseling & Groups
Case Management
References & Resources
Copyright Shalom Austin 2025. Privacy Policy.