Leadership & Staff

Meet Our Staff:

  • Jancy Ball
  • Activity Companion & KMOW Assistant
  • (315) 446-9111, ext. 234​
  • ballj@sjfs.org

Jancy came to SJFS as a native of Syracuse having lived in a variety of places, from New York City to Miami to San Francisco. Jancy worked on Rock ’n Roll tours, in jazz clubs and on a Baroque and Early Music festival, and also ran her own film and television production company. Jancy’s diverse background and deep roots in the community serve her well as a utility player who has the ability to jump in on most projects supporting the important work of SJFS.

  • Hannah Pietra, MS, LCAT, MT-BC, CLC

Hannah helps coordinate and facilitate programs within SJFS’s Arts & Minds Initiative. She also provides clinical services to SJFS. Hannah holds board certification as a music therapist and is a licensed creative arts therapist. Her credentials enable her to use a variety of approaches to meet the needs and preferences of clients. Hannah can work with clientele across the age spectrum, from young children to older adults.  She holds a Bachelor of Music in string performance from Syracuse University, and a Master of Science in Creative Arts Therapy from Nazareth College.

  • David Donaghy, LCSW-R

David is a clinical social worker with over 40 years of experience in the local mental health and chemical dependency fields. He has also completed the Geriatric Scholar Certificate Program. He employs a supportive, solutions-focused approach when working with clients.

  • Deborah Ellis

Deborah manages Kosher Meals on Wheels, Community Outreach, and is the Office Administrator for SJFS. Deborah visits the Beit Tikvah group home periodically to teach about Judaism and Jewish holidays. She also helps manage SJFS’ billing and coordinates the Ride ‘N’ More program. Deborah graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a major in psychology and a minor in anthropology.

  • Alise Gemmell, LMSW

Alise works with other SJFS staff facilitating social programs that promote self-expression and overall wellbeing, such as Opening Minds Through Art (OMA). She is also a PEARLS counselor with the agency and provides this service to older adults in the community.

  • Rob Hoston

Rob brings nearly two decades of experience assisting seniors over 60 with acquiring formal services through Onondaga County agencies that help them remain safely and independently in their homes. Prior to SJFS, Rob worked with Syracuse Meals on Wheels. When asked “why you do the work?”, Rob’s answer is simple: “There are not a lot of jobs where you can go home every day with the feeling that you have in some small way helped someone and made a difference in their life.”

  • Judith Huober, MA, MS, LP- MHC

Judith Huober, MA, MS, LP- MHC, is a clinician and Director of Project SECURE. Judith is a former Executive Director of SJFS and has over 35 years of experience in the field. A clinical mental health counselor, Judith’s practice merges solution-focused, creative arts, and constructivist approaches to guide individuals and families in developing skills to cope with life’s tasks and challenges.

  • Bertha E. Jacobs, LCSW-R

Bertha’s professional experience includes working in the mental health and juvenile justice systems. She is also skilled working with developmentally challenged individuals including those with spectrum disorders. Bertha works with individuals, couples and groups. She completed the 31 Credit Geriatric Scholars Program and is active with the National Association of Social Workers. She is involved in civic activities focusing on social issues and community improvement.

  • Evelyn Harris Kinsey, MSW

Evelyn is a Medicaid Coordinator, Group Facilitator through PACE, and member of the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA). Evelyn has experience working with a diverse elder population with myriad needs including physical, emotional and mental health issues. Evelyn enjoys working with and for elderly populations throughout Central New York to promote sustainability and independence while aging.

  • Peg Miller, LMSW
  • Internship Supervisor, Clinician, & BeWell Educator
  • (315) 446-9111, ext. 237
  • millerp@sjfs.org

As a longtime advocate for a holistic approach to well-being, Peg has brought this approach to infant care, foster care, trauma response, supervision and training, and clinical work. She teaches a class on “Zen and the Art of Graceful Aging” through OASIS. In addition, she provides clinical services and supervises the SJFS internship program. Prior to SJFS, Peg directed the field instruction program at the Syracuse University School of Social Work.

  • Bonnie Leff, LMSW

Bonnie is a licensed master’s level social worker with extensive experience providing counseling and therapy services to adults and children.  Bonnie’s background includes working with individuals who need help coping or adjusting to changes in their life circumstances, people experiencing emotional and substance use issues, as well as individuals with more serious mental health disorders. Bonnie received her MSW from Syracuse University with a concentration in child welfare. 

  • Mark Savad, LCSW-R

Mark is a clinical social worker with extensive experience in individual group therapy settings. He has experience working with myriad populations including families and veterans, and facilitating spiritual and palliative care.

  • Ellen Somers, MA, LMHC, LPC

She has an M.A. in clinical psychology and a graduate certificate in gerontology. Her primary areas of interest are in cognitive health and dementia care. Ellen has nearly 30 years of experience using a variety of intervention methods to support the needs of older adults and persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.