Leadership and Staff – Syracuse Jewish Family Service

Leadership & Staff

Meet Our Staff:

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.

Joe Gross comes to SJFS with over 20 years of experience in healthcare and human services agencies in Central New York, particularly with individuals with disabilities and older adults. Joe is a graduate of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, with a Master’s in Public Administration and a Certificate in Health Services Management and Policy. Joe recently completed the Health Leadership Fellows program through the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, which concentrates on community collaboration and health equity.

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

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, 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’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 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.

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.

Gillian has extensive experience with elderly clients and clients who have experienced substance use issues. Her prior experience includes working in hospital-based medical social work and social programs for individuals with memory loss. Gillian’s Master’s in Social Work is from Syracuse University.

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.

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.

2022- 2023 Interns

2021- 2022 Interns

Matt Brisson

Syracuse University

Sarah Cerutti

LeMoyne College

Joanna Gregory

Keuka College

Randy Hinkle

LeMoyne College

Amie Jablonsky

Keuka College

Nathen Klein

Syracuse University

Kevin Louer

Syracuse University

Kim McLeod

Syracuse University

Sydney McFalls

Syracuse University

Kelly Oram

Keuka College

Rowan Valkyr

Cazenovia College

Board Members:

Mr. Art Diamond
Past President

Mrs. Frann Albert
Board Member

Mrs. Bonnie Leff, MSW
Board Member

Fran Ciardullo
President

Ms. Xueyi Chen, PhD
Board Member

Mr. Jay Sinclair
Board Member

Mr. Jon Maloff
Treasurer

Mrs. Marlene Holstein
Board Member

Mrs. Ellen Weinstein, Esq
Board Member

Leadership & Staff

Meet Our Staff:

2022- 2023 Interns

2021- 2022 Interns

Board Members:

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