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.
We invite you to join us on November 4 for our 2021 JFS Benefit. This fun and heartfelt event helps raise funds to provide critical resources to support, sustain and enhance the growth of JFS in Austin.
The evening will include a tribute to Mitch Sudolsky, recognizing the incredible impact he made on JFS by serving as their Executive Director for over 15 years. Tickets available now.
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, emergency financial assistance, and 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, Discussion Groups & Psychoeducation
Jewish Family Service offers both one-on-one counseling with a licensed therapist and support groups.
Case Management
Jewish Family Service provides case management services to individuals experiencing life transitions, emergency situations, and more.
Resources
Jewish Family Service provides references and resources to help with community needs of any kind.
Online
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Jewish Family Service provides additional services online.
Volunteering
Volunteer to give back and help others in the community and around the world.
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
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
JFS 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…
Joan E. Maniere
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…
Rachel VanScoyoc
Office Manager
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…
Christina Gietz, PhD
Therapist
Christinais is a Provisionally Licensed Psychologist and has completed two post-doctoral internships in nursing homes/assisted living facilities. She enjoys working with older adults on assisting them with finding meaning in life…
Alyssa Gilden,
PhD, LSSP
Psychologist
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...
Amanda Mills, LCSW
Therapist
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…
Shelly Russell, LCSW
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.…
Emily Siegler,
LPC-Associate
JFS/Hillel Therapist
Emily SieglerEmily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and a sensorimotor approach in her work with clients as well as relational and mindfulness-based techniques…
Matt Smith, LMSW
Therapist
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…
Hilary Katz
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…
Liron Ramon
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…
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 and Magellan.
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
Ian Spechler, Chair
Kim Schocket, Immediate Past Chair
Barb Altman
Maya Fela
Ari Franklin
Del Garcia
Aaron Holtzman
Lenny Krasnow
Heather Krol
Fabianna Laby
Lawrence Maze
Frances Meltzer
Brett Merfish
Rona Statman
Patti Tauber
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.
CONTACT US
7300 HART LANE
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78731
(512) 735-8000
7300 HART LANE
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78731
(512) 735-8000
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