MEET OUR STAFF
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. There, she worked within HHSC and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services managing cross-systems programs and policy coordination efforts, partnering across government agencies, engaging community leaders and coordinating with policy makers.
Before joining HHSC, Abrahams was a systems improvement analyst with Casey Family Programs, a national operating foundation providing strategic planning, implementation support, technical assistance, and policy analysis targeting child welfare practices on national, state and local levels. She also worked for state and community-based nonprofits focused on parent education and support, women’s health and family economic wellness.
Abrahams holds a Masters in Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas.
Qualifications
Education:
LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas, Masters in Public Affairs
Rabbi Amy B. Cohen, MSW
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Community Chaplain
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
Emma Howitt, LPC-S, LCDC
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Senior Social Services 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
Rachel Wimberley
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Senior Program 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 Program 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
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
Chloe Picot-Jacobs, LCSW-S
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Youth and Family Mental Health Director
Chloe Picot-Jacobs (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Supervisor (LCSW-S). As the Youth and Family Mental Health Director at Jewish Family Service (JFS), Chloe brings over a decade of experience working with children and families. She is passionate about childhood development, supporting healthy attachment relationships, and strengthening the community systems that impact young people and their caregivers. Her clinical experience includes treating children with symptoms of chronic stress and trauma, anxiety disorders (generalized, social, separation, and school avoidance), depression, ADHD, and challenging behaviors. Chloe’s therapeutic approach involves genuine care and curiosity. One of her favorite aspects of the therapeutic process is empowering families with knowledge and skills that allow them to reach their goals and maintain progress at home. She also enjoys presenting workshops to parents, educators, medical professionals, and other mental health providers.
Certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and trained in Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Chloe utilizes Motivational Interviewing, Parent Management Training, CBT, ACT, and elements of nondirective play therapy in her work. She is a Pyramid Model and Second Step trainer and holds a certificate in school-based social work from the University of Texas at Austin. Chloe is also a clinical supervisor and served as a field instructor for the University of Texas at Austin from 2021-2023.
Chloe earned her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, where she studied English literature and film. After completing a year of AmeriCorps, Chloe went on to receive her Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. She has worked in a variety of school and nonprofit settings, including several years leading the clinical team at a trauma-focused outpatient mental health center for children and adolescents.
In her free time, Chloe loves to watch movies, bake, and play board games with her family.
Qualifications
Education:
Northwestern University
BS English literature and film
University of Texas at Austin
Master of Science in Social Work
Specialties
Audrey Burnett, LCSW
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Licensed Clinical Therapist
Audrey Burnett is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who works with a wide range of ages and stages across the lifespan. Her favorite ages to work with range from 13 all the way to 100+. She specializes in Grief and Loss and supporting those who are navigating what feels like an upside-down world. She is trained in Trauma and Grief Component Therapy for Adolescents (TGCTA), which is a modality designed for ages 13-21. Audrey’s therapeutic approach is integrative, with an emphasis on interpersonal and cognitive-behavioral therapy. She strives to be trauma-informed, person-centered, relational, and collaborative with clients. Along with individuals, she also works with couples, helping them to navigate their relationship and communicate while figuring out the best path forward.
Audrey loves being a therapist and considers herself a lifelong learner. She enjoys learning about neurobiology and mindfulness, and sharing that knowledge with clients, because the mind and body affect therapy and healing in many ways. She is taking an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) course in the Fall of 2025 and hopes to implement it soon after. She plans to continue developing her skills in addressing religious trauma as well.
A born and raised Texan, Audrey earned her bachelor’s degree from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. After working as a youth director for 10 years, she pursued a dual master’s degree: a Master of Divinity from Austin Theological Presbyterian Seminary and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. Currently, she lives in Austin with her husband and dog, and they enjoy hiking, movies, music, watching (and very occasionally playing) sports, spending time with family, and traveling together
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
Logan DiCristofalo, LMSW
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Licensed Clinical Therapist
Logan’s therapeutic approach is client-centered, collaborative, and eclectic. She emphasizes empowerment and strengths-based work, tailoring interventions to the unique needs of each child and family. She works with children of all ages and specializes in depression, self-esteem, neurodiversity, sexuality, anxiety, and trauma.
Qualifications
Education:
Texas Tech University
Bachelor of Psychology and Master of Social Work
Whitney Emmons
Pronouns: she, they
Disability 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.
Meryl Getty
Case Manager
Meryl is thrilled to be part of the Jewish Family Service team as a Case Manager. She brings a strong commitment to community-based work and supporting individuals and families as they navigate complex systems and access the resources they need to thrive. Her experience working with diverse populations has shaped a compassionate, client-centered approach and a deep understanding of the challenges many people face when seeking support.
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
Hilary Katz
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Case Management
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 Therapist
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 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 Lifespan Integration (a trauma re-processing therapy), Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions, and through Ample and Rooted’s Eating Disorder training program. When not at work, they enjoy singing, writing, and playing music.
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
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.
Joshua has taught special education at both the elementary and high school levels and served as a school administrator before transitioning into educational publishing as a program and project manager. In 2016, he founded Joshua’s Stage, a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals with disabilities through after-school programs, camps, theater arts, and a wide range of enrichment activities such as improv, music, dance, create-a-story, and showcases.
Most recently, Joshua served as Director of Programs for Variety of Texas, where he helped create empowering experiences and expand resources for children with disabilities and their families. He is also President of Joshua Levy Educational Consulting and the author of The Creative Outlet Method: At-Home Activities for Children with Special Needs.
Joshua holds a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Nebraska, an M.Ed. from Texas State University, and an MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas. He is married to his wife, Lori, and together they enjoy life with their two children and two dogs.
Qualifications
Education:
University of Nebraska
BS Elementary and Special Education
Texas State University
M.Ed
Univeristy of Texas at Dallas
MBA
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!
Qualifications
Education:
Texas State University
Amanda Mills, LCSW-S
Pronouns: she, they
Clinical Director
Amanda Mills (she/they) is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Supervisor (LCSW-S) and serves as the Clinical Service and Training Director at Jewish Family Service (JFS). They use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), and other trauma-responsive approaches. They work with individuals across the lifespan, with a focus on adolescence and emerging adulthood. They also enjoy supporting clinical staff and providing consultation and training.
Amanda’s approach to therapy is highly collaborative and they enjoy supporting clients with varied concerns, including anxiety, self-esteem, identity, neurodiversity, sexuality, and current or past traumatic experiences. They take a culturally-informed, justice-minded approach to accompanying their clients on the journey towards healing and growth.
A born and raised Texan, Amanda received their bachelor’s degree from Rice University and their master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas at Austin. They have been with JFS since May of 2021. Outside of work, they enjoy video games, watercolor, creative writing, yoga, and thrifting.
Qualifications
Education:
University of Texas, MSSW
Specialties:
ACT
EMDR
CBT
Preteens /Teens
Young Adults
Anxiety
Self-esteem
Trauma
LGBTQIA+
Margaret Praderas
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Inspired Aging Manager
Qualifications
Education:
University of Tulsa
BS in Marketing – Minor in Psychology
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
Licensed Clinical 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
Mandy Davidson, LPC
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Licensed Clinical Therapist
Mandy Davidson is a Licensed Clinical Therapist (LPC) who works with a wide range of individuals across the lifespan, especially young adults. As a former academic advisor at The University of Texas at Austin, she witnessed this population experiencing their first mental health, professional, and personal crises which led to her graduate training at St. Edward’s University, and work as a community agency counselor, grief and loss group and individual therapist, crisis hotline supervisor, and in her private practice.
She focuses on anxiety, career transitions, depression, family estrangement, PTSD, and grief and loss (particularly due to suicide or pregnancy loss). She is trained in EMDR, CBT, Coaching, and MI (Motivational Interviewing), and pairs these evidence-based modalities with narrative, existential therapy to help people tell their story to heal, as well as gain insight that they can turn into action.
As an Anglo-Indian American woman and mother of a teenager, she inhabits many cultural and relational identities to meet people where they are in their developmental life stage of growth. She spends her free time as a part-time massage therapist, eating her way through Austin’s eclectic restaurants, and being outnumbered by both cat and child.”
Qualifications
Education:
University of Texas at Austin, BA
St. Edward’s University, MA
Specialties:
Lauren Bookatz
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Intake Coordinator
Qualifications
Education:
Rachel VanScoyoc
Pronouns: she, her, hers
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 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.
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. Her therapeutic approach is informed primarily through a psychodynamic lens, and she utilizes somatic, expressive, analytic, and mind-body practices to support individuals as they navigate life transitions, loss, chronic illness, and the quiet work of growing into and becoming more fully themselves.
Amanda brings a combination of clinical depth and real-world experience to her work with clients. Prior to becoming a clinician, Amanda built a successful career in the business world, earning an MBA from Rice University over a decade before completing her Master of Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. That journey– from the business room to the therapy room– informs the way Amanda serves the clients she works alongside: grounded, curious, and attuned to the complexities of life. Amanda views her work with clients as a collaborative and relational journey where non-judgement, bravery, and humor combine to create a space well-suited for exploration. Sessions feel contained, warm, and encouraging of insight and discovery.
Amanda holds additional training and advanced certifications in Jungian Somatics, Movement for Trauma. She is a member of The American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work, Austin Psychoanalytic Society, Austin Group Psychotherapy Society, and the National Association of Social Workers. A lifelong learner, she is continually training and engaging in learning opportunities which deepen and grow her practice. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her children, dancing, reading, and finding new live music. Amanda is supervised by Amanda Mills, LCSW-S.
Qualifications
Education:
Rice University
MBA in Psychology
Univeristy of Texas at Austin
Master of Social Work
Oona Dicker
Pronouns: she/her
Volunteer Director
Oona has lived on and off in Austin for the past 15 years. She is the Volunteer Manager for Jewish Family Services at Shalom Austin. She is excited to connect with the volunteer community and providing opportunities for community engagement. Previously, she was working in tv and film production at Harpo Studios for Oprah and Austin City Limits for PBS. Austin City Limits is where she discovered her love and passion of nonprofit work, which inspired her to change career paths. She has a Communication Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin, where she was born and raised. She enjoys making pottery and hiking with her dog all over Austin.
Qualifications
Education:
Communication Arts
University of Wisconsin
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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