MEET OUR STAFF
Rabbi Amy B. Cohen, LMSW
Pronouns: she, her, hers
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 with relevant organizations in the greater Austin community to ensure highly effective continuity of Shalom Austin JFS services while enhancing collaborations between Shalom Austin JFS and Central Texas Jewish organizations, schools and synagogues.
Prior to joining JFS, Cohen served as the associate rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom. At TBS, Cohen oversaw extensive growth in educational programs and partnerships throughout the campus, while acting as a full member of their clergy team.
Raised in Sudbury, Massachusetts, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work with a double major in Jewish history and civilization and a Master of Arts degree in social work from New York University. Cohen also earned master of religious education and master in Hebrew letters degrees from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. She completed her ordination as a rabbi at HUC-JIR in New York. Cohen received her license in social work from the state of Texas.
Qualifications
Education:
New York University, BA, MA
Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institution of Religion, MA
Professional Affiliations:
Hasidah
Central Conference of American Rabbis
Women’s Rabbinic Network
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, her social work internships focused on older adults where she gained experience and a passion for working with people dealing with grief and loss. Audrey’s therapeutic approach is person-centered and relational, and she hopes to help clients see themselves from a strength-based perspective.
Audrey earned her bachelor’s degree from Austin College and recently undertook a dual master’s degree, getting a Master of Divinity from Austin Theological Presbyterian Seminary and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. She lives in Austin with her husband and dog, and they enjoy hiking, spending time with family, and traveling together. As the new Clinical Intake Specialist, Audrey is looking forward to helping clients connect with the resources and support they need.
Qualifications
Education:
Austin College, BA
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Steve Hicks School of Social Work, MSSW
Specialties:
Older Adults
Adolescents
Grief and Loss
Religion and Spirituality
Life Transitions
Relationships
Anxiety
Ezequiel P. Cotler
Pronouns: he, him, his
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. Before joining JFS, Ezie volunteered at a school for disabled children in Maplewood, NJ, worked for a pediatric practice in Millburn, New Jersey, and spent some time with the U.S. Army before attending Hobart and William Smith Colleges and graduating in 2007 with a double major in Performance and English. In addition to working with JFS, Ezie Cotler is a professional actor and Producer and is a founding member of the New York based Production Company Lotus Road, LLC.
Qualifications
Education:
Hobart & William Smith Colleges
Specialties:
Medical Billing and Coding
Mary Catherine Dickerson, LMSW
Pronouns: she, her, hers
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, self-esteem, anxiety, and trauma. Mary Catherine also works with the Early Childhood Program (ECP), where she supports and empowers teachers and parents in addressing challenging or internalized behaviors using a strengths-based approach rooted in child development.
Mary Catherine earned her Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin and her Master of Social Work at Columbia University in New York City. Born and raised in Austin, she is thankful to be able to work within her own community. She is currently supervised by Amanda Mills, LCSW.
Qualifications
Education:
University of Texas at Austin
Columbia University
Specialties:
Early Childhood
Whitney Emmons
Pronouns: she, they
Disabilities and Inclusions 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.
Whitney‘s unique blend of creativity and compassion is evident in her background. Holding a BFA in Musical Theatre and a Master of Education in Special Education, along with extensive training in social-emotional wellness and coaching, she brings a holistic approach to her work. Her people-focused approach fosters collaborative relationships and innovative solutions. With a dreamer’s disposition and a heart for community, Whitney is thrilled to contribute to the JFS team at Shalom Austin.
Qualifications
Education:
University of Oklahoma, BFA
University of Nevada – Reno, M.Ed.
Christina Gietz, PhD, LPC-Associate
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Therapist
Christina enjoys working with older 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. Christina has a variety of counseling and work experience that includes trauma informed care, working with children and children in the foster care system, parenting issues, domestic violence, coping with anxiety and depression. She values working collaboratively with her clients using a person-centered approach, that allows clients to be heard and process their thoughts and feelings. She also incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy when needed.
Christina was born in Southern California and moved to Austin just before her senior year of high school. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Edwards University. She then moved to Stillwater Oklahoma for her Master of Science in Community Counseling and PhD in Counseling Psychology.
Christina enjoys spending time outside when it isn’t blazing hot with her husband and 2 dogs. They love traveling, spending time with family and friends, and small home projects.
Qualifications
Education:
St. Edwards University, BS
Stillwater Oklahoma, MA,
PhD, LPC-Associate, Supervised by Emma Howitt, LPC-S, LCDC
Specialties:
Adults
Older Adults
Life Transitions
Family Counseling
Anxiety
Depression
Adolescents
Alyssa Gilden, PhD, LSSP
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Youth & Family Mental Health Director
Alyssa Gilden is a Licensed Psychologist and a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP). She specializes in working with children and families to help all find new ways of tackling problems in order to live happier and healthier lives. Her approach to therapy involves a blend of cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and solution-focused techniques to create a collaborative and supportive environment in which children and families can better understand themselves and one another. She believes strongly that children and adolescents have much to communicate if we can listen openly, and she uses talk, play, and other creative means to facilitate communication. Through creating a safe environment in which to explore, she strives to empower children and families to use their inner strengths to solve problems and foster growth.
She works with children and adolescents of any age experiencing a variety of social and emotional challenges and their parents. She specializes in school-related problems, including depression, anxiety, school refusal, social and peer-related issues, and attentional or behavioral concerns. She has a strong background in family systems and family therapy, positive behavior management, and stress management. She knows that reaching out can be one of the hardest steps to getting help, and looks forward to hearing from and working with you and your family.
Alyssa earned her B.A. in sociology and B.S. in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Go Tar Heels!). She earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. She completed her doctoral internship in clinical and school psychology with the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District and post-doctoral training in policy and administrative psychology with WICHE. Throughout her career, Dr. Gilden has focused on gaining experiences, knowledge, and understanding of working with children, adolescents, parents, and families from a variety of modalities and settings.
Qualifications
Education:
University of North Carolina, BA, BS
University of Texas, MA, Ph.D.
Specialties:
Children (of all ages)
Family Counseling
Anxiety
Learning Disabilities
Anger Management
ADHD/ADD
Play Therapy
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. Since 2014, Vinnie has created and led multiple crowdfunding campaigns and hopes to use these experiences to help the Shalom Austin Mobility program expand to assist even more people with their transportation needs. Vinnie lives in South Austin with his wife and two elementary aged daughters.
Qualifications
Education:
Oklahoma City University
Specialties:
Transportation
Emma Howitt, LPC-S, LCDC
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Senior Clinical Director
Emma brings more than ten years’ experience as a professional in non-profit organizations. Her counseling and therapeutic focus covers a range of needs, including individuals, couples and families dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, substance abuse, relationships, and life transitions. Emma is a person-centered therapist, which affords her clients a safe and non-judgmental environment to work on sensitive challenges. Emma works with clients to strengthen coping skills and advance goal achievement with compassion, support, and curiosity.
Originally from Houston, Emma earned her bachelor’s degree at Texas State University and her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Yeshiva University. Emma began her career working in a number of inpatient and residential treatment settings focused on psychiatric and substance abuse issues. She joined Shalom Austin JFS as a therapist in 2016 and became a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in 2019, allowing her to cultivate the development of new counselors in the field. Emma took the position of JFS Clinical Director in 2020, a role focused on the expansion of JFS clinical services in our community.
In her professional life, Emma is passionate about working directly with clients, supporting clinical staff, and facilitating group therapy sessions. In her personal life, she enjoys spending time with her family, baking, reading, exercise, and being in nature.
Qualifications
Education:
Texas State University, BA
Yeshiva University, MA
Specialties:
Adults (18+)
Depression
Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Intimate and Family Relationships
Life Transitions
Self-esteem
Substance Abuse
Hilary Katz
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Case Management Director
Hilary is excited to be a part of the Jewish Family Service team. She 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 is a great asset to the team. Her knowledge extends to the intensive case management services. Hilary has facilitated training in financial stability and led focus groups to educate both clients and staff. In addition to her excellent communication amongst her peers and employees, Hilary is skilled at problem solving and conflict resolution. She is also equipped with exceptional team management experience. She has managed $2M of funding and deliverables for state, city, and local grant-funded private and public programs.
Born and raised in Dallas with her 3 sisters, Hilary has always been described as the most “sensitive and caring” sibling. She completed her college studies from St. Edward’s University where she earned her degree in human services. It was of no surprise to her family and friends that she would continue in a social work capacity. When Hilary is not working, you can find her outdoors hiking with her husband and running in Mueller with her dog, Summer. She spends a lot of time with her Austin sister and her 4 beautiful nieces playing rummikub, card games, and making her famous popcorn.
Qualifications
Education:
St. Edward’s University
Specialties:
Financial Stability
Problem Solving
Conflict Resolution
Maura Kinney, LCSW
Pronouns: they, them
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Maura is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who focuses on working with clients on the myriad ways grief can manifest in our lives: via loss of a loved one, relationship, or element of identity; via the experience of systemic oppression and identity-based rejection by family, community, or country; and/or via the grief associated with traumatic experiences past and present.
Maura comes to clinical social work via a background in theatre, sexuality education, and community organizing. They enjoy working with clients across the lifespan through a relational and psychodynamic lens. Maura uses their strong orientation towards justice and self-determination to work towards co-creating a therapeutic space that feels supportive based on each client’s history and needs.
Maura has received training in Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions, and through Ample and Rooted’s Eating Disorder training program. When not at work, they enjoy writing and playing music, and working in their garden.
Qualifications
Education:
DePaul University, BFA
Smith College School for
Social Work, MSW
Specialties:
Adolescents
Adults
Grief and Loss
LGBTQIA+
Relational trauma
Identity development
Liberation health
Joan E. Maniere
Pronouns: she, her, hers
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. Speech-language pathology was her first career. She recently retired from her second career as a House Manager (aka stay-at-home) after almost 10 years. However, the third time is a charm, and Joan recently joined the Shalom Austin team as the Volunteer and Community Experience Director. For Joan, this role is a culmination of her years of experience as an active participant in volunteerism and activism within and beyond the Jewish community. She has always been passionate about engaging others in volunteerism and community-based events. Joan could not have thought of a better fit for her dream job!
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Joan earned a B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of Arizona in Tucson. When not working, Joan enjoys spending time with her husband, children, pets, and friends. Her hobbies include staying current and vocal on politics, reading, running, swimming, problem solving, consuming food made from the heart, and adopting puppies from dog rescues.
Qualifications
Education:
University of Texas at Austin
University of Arizona in Tucson
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 by cultivating bonds through cultural, social, and recreational programs. Matt is thrilled to work at JFS and build his portfolio of skills in problem-solving, data management, and engagement.
Matt received his Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Texas State University (Go Bobcats!). His hobbies include cooking, reading & playing Rummikub for hours on end!
Amanda Mills, LCSW
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. Her approach to therapy is highly collaborative and she enjoys working with concerns such as anxiety, stress management, self-esteem, identity, and current or past traumatic experiences.
She works to empower clients with knowledge about the brain and the body. She brings a trauma-informed, justice-minded perspective as she walks alongside her clients on their journey towards healing and growth.
A born and raised Texan, Amanda received her Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys video games, creative writing, yoga, hiking, and cuddling with her cat.
Qualifications
Education:
Specialties:
EMDR
CBT
Preteens
Teens
Young Adults
Anxiety
Self-esteem
Trauma
Liron Ramon
Pronouns: she, her, hers
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, educating and coaching them on developing a long-term solution for the betterment of their situation. Liron has led caregiver groups to educate and support caregivers as well and providing emotional support for patients.
Born and raised in Israel, Liron is fluent in both English and Hebrew. She earned her master’s degree in Gerontology from the University of Ben-Gurion, Israel.
Liron enjoys spending time with her family, baking, hiking, and traveling.
Qualifications
Education:
University of Ben-Gurion, Israel, MA
Specialties:
Conflict Resolution
Financial Stability
Problem Solving
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. She enjoys working with clients from a strengths-based perspective on a variety of presenting concerns including self-discovery, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships and grief and loss.
Born and raised in the Dallas area, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Science degree in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Shelly enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading and running around Lady Bird Lake.
Qualifications
Education:
University of Texas at Austin, BA
University of Texas at Arlington, MSSW
Specialties:
Older Adults (60+)
Self-Discovery
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Relationships
Grief and Loss
Matt Smith, LCSW
Pronouns: he, him
Therapist and Family Mediator
Matt Smith has worked for over fifteen years 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. Matt is interested in the complexity of human identity – including age, race, religion, and gender and sexuality. Matt also works with couples and families in moments of conflict, or dealing with separation/divorce, helping them figure out a path forward.
Matt earned a B.A. in linguistics at Yale and a Master of Science in Social Work at U.T. Austin. He’s worked at local agencies like Shoal Creek Hospital and Out Youth, and he’s taught social work at U.T. Austin and Texas State. To learn more about family mediation, click here.
Qualifications
Education:
Yale University, BA
Specialties:
Separation & Divorce
LGBTQIA+
Couples Counseling
Family Counseling
Family Mediation
Life Transitions
Rachel Wimberley
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Inspired Aging Director
Rachel has more than 15 years experienceas 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 within a highly sensitive subject matter. Rachel loves to deliver effective community-enhancing programming within the confines of challenging parameters. She enjoys working with older Adults and strives to provide programming that addresses the issues of Aging.
Rachel joined Shalom Austin as the Director of Adult Programs in 2017 and took the position of JFS Senior Social Service Director in 2022. Originally from Austin, Rachel earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Central Arkansas. She has a Master of Arts from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies from the Spertus Institute. She is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies at the Spertus Institute.
In her professional life, Rachel is passionate about connecting with constituents, creating community, and supporting the work of her colleagues. In her personal life, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family, running, hiking, and knitting. She hopes to learn how to play Mah Jongg soon.
Qualifications
Education:
University of Central Arkansas, BA
John Hopkins University, MA
Rachel VanScoyoc
Pronouns: she, her, hers
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 attending theatre camps every summer and then working for that same camp throughout her college years. She feels blessed to be able to be a part of the Austin Jewish Community. Working with the JFS team is a true joy and helping members of this amazing community in Austin is a dream come true.
Texas Public Complaint Notice
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council investigates and prosecutes professional misconduct committed by marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, psychologists, psychological associates, social workers, and licensed specialists in school psychology.
Although not every complaint against or dispute with a licensee involves professional misconduct, the Executive Council will provide you with information about how to file a complaint. Please call 1-800-821-3205 for more information.
For assistance please contact: Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
Please note we are not a 24/7 crisis center. If you have a mental health emergency, please call (512) 472-4357 [HELP].
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