Who We Are
Our Mission.
Upward Community is committed to developing emotionally healthy children, teens and young adults. We empower youth by creating safe spaces dedicated to fostering connections and building resilience, while supporting parents and educators as they navigate the challenges of raising children into healthy adults.
Rachel Karesh, LCSW
Executive Director
Rachie Karesh, LCSW, is the Executive Director of Upward Community, where she brings nearly two decades of expertise in social work and leadership. A graduate of Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Rachie has dedicated her career to providing critical mental health services and empowering individuals and families through compassionate care.
Before stepping into her current leadership role, Rachie served as Clinical Director at Upward Community for over 10 years. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Mozes and Helen Stern Counseling Center, overseeing all clinical operations, including assessments, counseling, and crisis intervention for referred teens. Her leadership in this role not only expanded the organization’s clinical capabilities but also solidified its reputation as a trusted resource in the community.
As Executive Director, Rachie leads the strategic vision and operational management of Upward Community. She collaborates closely with the Board of Directors to align organizational goals with impactful, sustainable growth. She is responsible for designing and executing long-term plans, fostering relationships with key stakeholders, and driving program development. Her ability to lead high-performing teams and her commitment to community outreach ensure that the organization continuously evolves to meet the needs of the families it serves.
Under Rachie’s leadership, Upward Community has grown into a thriving organization, expanding its programs and reach to better support the diverse needs of its clients. Her approach to leadership and her unwavering commitment to excellence continue to guide the organization to new heights.
Avery Amster
Director of Development
Avery Amster joined Upward Community in 2023, bringing a strong background in non-profit development, including his recent role as Development Associate at Hebrew Theological College. There, he successfully engaged new donors, maintained relationships with existing ones, and contributed to the execution of a capital campaign. At Upward Community, Avery is responsible for fostering and strengthening connections within the Chicago community, overseeing the organization’s financial strategy to ensure the sustainability of its mental health programming. In 2024, Avery was honored as one of Chicago JUF’s Young Leadership Division 36 Under 36.
Aimee Shemano-Krupp
Director of Operations
Aimee Shemano-Krupp earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Tulane University with a double major in English and Jewish Studies. She spent over 12 years successfully running a children’s designer consignment store in Highland Park, gaining extensive experience in business management and entrepreneurship. Before that she was a DOC1 Programmer at Hewitt Associates for 5 years. Aimee has also been deeply committed to community service, serving as Regional Vice President of Philanthropy for Chicago-North Shore Hadassah and co-leading the Building Hadassah Communities Cohort program. In 2020, she was selected for Hadassah’s prestigious National Young Women’s Leadership Cabinet Cohort.
Since joining Upward in 2018, Aimee has played an integral role in shaping the organization’s growth and success. She leads all behind-the-scenes operations including overseeing office and staff management, event planning, medical billing, accounting, and donor relations. Aimee is passionate about streamlining processes and creating an organized, efficient environment that allows Upward’s team to focus on making an impact in the community.
Aimee is the proud owner of Auggie the Doggie, the unofficial mascot of Upward Community.
Debbie Wilensky
Front Desk Coordinator Administrative Assistant
Debbie Wilensky joined the Upward Community team in 2023, bringing with her a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Kansas and a wealth of experience from her 17-year career as a travel agent. Her background in customer service and creating memorable experiences for clients has made her an invaluable asset to the organization.
Debbie is the warm and welcoming face that greets clients at the front desk of the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center. Beyond her friendly demeanor, she manages essential tasks such as scheduling clinicians and clients, maintaining that the clinic office has smooth day-to-day operations and contributing to an organized and efficient work environment.
Clinical Staff
Shuli Tsadok, LCSW
Clinical Director
Shuli Tsadok, LCSW, graduated in 2014 from Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work. She began her career as the school social worker at Ida Crown Jewish Academy, dedicating seven years to providing individual counseling and support to students. During her time there, Shuli created and launched innovative social-emotional programming and taught the Barry and Harriet Ray Step Up to Healthy Living Curriculum. In July 2017, she joined as a part-time clinician at the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center, where she developed her expertise in trauma-informed care. Promoted to full-time Clinical Director in July 2020, Shuli oversees the therapeutic services of the Mozes and Helen Stern Counseling Center. In her role as Clinical Director, she also supervises staff, oversees staff training and development, and ensures the delivery of high-quality mental health services for our community. As a clinician, Shuli employs a range of evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, IFS, and CBT, to facilitate client healing and growth. Renowned for her warm demeanor, she adopts a client-centered approach and works effectively with individuals and young couples, fostering a supportive environment that promotes personal development.
Lynn Shyman, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor
Lynn Shyman, LCSW, serves as the Clinical Supervisor at Upward Community, bringing a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to advancing therapeutic practices within the organization. Since August 2020, Lynn has been a crucial part of the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center. In this capacity, Lynn oversees the clinical team, ensuring the highest standards of care and fostering professional development among staff. Her leadership is vital to the center’s mission, guiding therapeutic practices and supporting clinicians through complex cases and evolving needs.
Before joining Upward Community, Lynn was the Director of Counseling Services at the Skokie Center of Jewish Child and Family Services. In this role, she excelled in providing clinical supervision, staff training, and administrative oversight, significantly enhancing the center’s service delivery and operational effectiveness. Her leadership and training expertise were instrumental in developing a high-caliber team of clinicians dedicated to addressing complex psychological and emotional issues. Lynn’s extensive experience also includes working with children and families navigating the challenges of divorce and other significant family dynamics. As a trained divorce mediator, she has been a respected member of the Mediation Council of Illinois, contributing her mediation skills to facilitate constructive resolutions and support family stability.
Lea Dugan, LCSW
Coordinator of Pediatric Mental Health Department Child and Family Therapist
Lea Dugan joined the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center in February 2022, where she serves as Coordinator of the Pediatric Mental Health Department. Lea has over 20 years of experience working with children, families, and communities worldwide, including in Argentina, Israel, Iowa, and Chicago. As the Coordinator of the Pediatric Mental Health Department, Lea applies her expertise in child therapy to supervise clinicians working with young children. She ensures they receive guidance and support, fostering professional growth and individualized care for each child.
Lea’s success as a preschool teacher inspired her to earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the Erikson Institute, where she specialized in a developmental-psychodynamic approach, focusing on the child’s environment and system. Lea is trained in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and incorporates play therapy, sand therapy, art, and bibliotherapy into her work with clients.
Julia Parnes, LSW
Clinician, Intake Coordinator
Julia Parnes holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. Since joining Upward in July 2023, she has served as a clinician and as the intake coordinator.
As the Intake Coordinator, Julia combines her strengths-based approach with strong organizational skills. With extensive experience working with children and adolescents in residential facilities, schools, and camps, Julia assesses each client’s needs and helps to ensure they are matched with the appropriate clinician or therapeutic approach. Her organizational expertise keeps the intake process efficient, while her approachable nature helps her own clients feel at ease as they begin their therapeutic journey. She empowers clients to enhance their relationships with themselves and others, integrating expressive arts therapy into her practice—a method supported by a grant from the Ralla Klepak Foundation for Education in the Performing Arts. Julia also incorporates a trauma-informed perspective into her work and is trained in EMDR therapy, further enhancing her ability to support her clients’ healing
Malka Bender, LSW
Clinician
Coordinator of Community Education
Malka Bender, LSW, CCHT, is a licensed therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work. She also holds certification as a Clinical Hypnotherapist from the American Hypnosis Association.
With advanced training in complex trauma treatment, Malka integrates evidence-based approaches such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Attachment-Based Therapy, and clinical hypnosis. Grounded in affective neuroscience, polyvagal theory, and trauma-informed care, Malka specializes in anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and individual trauma recovery. Fluent in Yiddish, Malka offers unique cultural sensitivity. Malka joined the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center in 2023. As the Coordinator of Community Education, Malka applies her expertise in mental health awareness and therapeutic innovation to develop programming, workshops, and resources for the community.
Rabbi Yechiel Bresler, LPC
Clinician
Rabbi Yechiel Bresler has been a clinician with Upward since 2019, bringing deep expertise in community development and mental health. He holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling as well as Smicha from Yeshiva University. Rabbi Bresler has received training in CBT, ACT, EMDR, and IFS as well as EFT for couples. Rabbi Bresler’s priority is to create a space of comfort for his clients to facilitate the change and growth they are striving to make. Once that security is achieved he will work with the client to create the most suitable treatment plan to meet the clients needs. His empathetic and effective counseling has earned him the trust and respect of both clients and colleagues.
Michal Cohen, LCSW
Clinician
Michal Cohen earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Loyola University. An experienced clinician, Michal specializes in helping individuals navigate relationship struggles, mood disorders, anxiety, and OCD. In addition to her therapeutic work, she has spent 30 years teaching brides through the Daughters of Israel program.
Michal serves as the Rebbetzin at Congregation Adas Yeshurun, where she has been for 30 years. Alongside her private practice, she devotes one day a week to clients at the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center, where she has worked since 2021.
Rivkie Greenland, LPC
Clinician
Rivkie Greenland is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Since joining the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center in 2022, Rivkie has brought her 25 years of experience in mentoring and counseling teenagers, young adults, and couples. She has training in many evidence based approaches including CBT, IFS, and attachment trauma and uses a multidisciplinary approach in her practice. Rivkie is known for her relatable and genuine style, attention to detail, and commitment to professionalism.
Jenny Hagage, LSW
Clinician
Jenny Hagage earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola University and has been a clinician at the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center since 2020. Prior to joining Upward Community, she gained valuable experience working with children, adolescents, and adults at the ARK, Hillel Torah North Suburban Day School, Lubavitch Girls High School, and Ida Crown Jewish Academy. Known for her warm and relatable style, Jenny creates a comfortable and supportive environment for her clients to heal and grow. She is trained in EMDR and utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to effectively support their healing.
Sara Kanowitz
Clinician
Coordinator of Marketing
Sara Kanowitz, MSW, is a clinician at the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center, where she has worked since 2021. A graduate of Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Sara has received training in Trauma-Informed CBT, EMDR, and Attachment Therapy. She is skilled in working with clients of all ages, particularly teenagers.
In addition to her clinical work, Sara contributes to Upward’s marketing and social media, utilizing her talents in graphic design and media. Her blend of therapeutic and creative skills makes her a key member of the team.
Yechiel Mael, LPC, CMDP
Clinician
Yechiel Mael holds a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He has extensive experience working in clinical and community settings. Yechiel specializes in mood disorders and has earned his Mood Disorder Professional certification. His warm personality and patient-centered approach are complemented by his use of CBT and DBT. Yechiel has been with the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center since 2023.
DJ Shabat, LPC, NCC CADC
Clinician
DJ Shabat is a National Board Certified Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from National Louis University. Since joining the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center in 2021, he has worked with clients of all ages on their journeys of self-discovery. Known for his warm personality, DJ creates a welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable and supported. He utilizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills and is trained in EMDR, applying these methods to effectively support his clients’ healing processes.
In addition to his work at the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center, DJ has extensive experience working with individuals suffering from substance use disorders. He is a founding member of the Recovery Chevra, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about substance use and providing peer-supported recovery services.
Yael Sonenthal, LPC
Clinician
Yael Sonenthal holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from North Park University. After interning at Upward Community in 2019, she went on to work in private practice and school settings, including Arie Crown Hebrew Day School.
Yael utilizes techniques such as CBT, IFS, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to support clients’ personal growth. She believes in her clients’ internal strengths and resilience. Yael joined the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center as a clinician in 2021.
Dr. Jordan Stein, Psy.D
Clinician
Jordan Stein is a doctoral candidate at The Chicago School for Professional Psychology with a Masters in Clinical Psychology. He has a zeal for life and is deeply passionate about understanding the complex factors that impact the human psyche. His journey has encompassed diverse experiences in community health programs, including roles at The Chicago Center, Amudim in New York, and Project BUILD in Baltimore, each of which has helped him hone his therapeutic approach. When people struggle, they find it difficult to show and realize the best parts of themselves and Jordan believes that a strong, collaborative relationship with his clients is key to helping them realize their fullest potential and live their best life. Jordan works to remove those invisible barriers that prevent individuals from choosing the life they want to live. Jordan joined the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center in 2024 as a clinician.
Aviva Vilenski RN, LPC
Clinician
Aviva Vilenski brings 25 years of experience as a nurse in intensive medical units, providing her with a deep understanding of the mind-body connection. She earned her Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Yorkville University and is trained in EMDR and IFS. Aviva is a trauma-informed clinician who believes no one should have to face life’s struggles alone. She joined the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center in 2022.
Rachel Zimmerman, LCPC
Clinician
Rachel Zimmerman holds a Master’s Degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Clinical Psychology. Rachel has a background in cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma work, and EMDR. She is a dynamic presenter on boundaries, abuse prevention and healthy relationships. In addition to her work at Upward, Rachel works with a variety of issues in her private practice including body image, depression and anxiety. She is also a kallah teacher for Daughters of Israel. Rachel joined Upward in 2022 as our Trauma Consultant and sees clients at the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center. Rachel also facilitates support groups for mothers.
Charlotte Joselit
Doctoral Student
Charlotte Joselit joined the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center as a doctoral extern in July 2024. Currently completing her advanced therapy practicum through the Psy.D. program at Adler University, she is passionate about providing holistic, client-centered psychological care. Charlotte holds a degree in psychology from the University of Illinois and brings a diverse range of experience, including diagnostic assessment and therapeutic interventions for mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, life transitions, trauma, stress, and ADHD.
Elizabeth Mills
Doctoral Student
Elizabeth Mills joined the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center in 2024 as a doctoral extern. A fourth-year doctoral student at Adler University, she specializes in child and adolescent care. Elizabeth is passionate about building genuine connections and creating environments of safety and trust. She has extensive experience working with children, families, and adults across various settings, including outpatient hospitals, community mental health organizations, and transitional housing.
Michelle Reese
Doctoral Student
Michelle Reese is a fourth-year doctoral student pursuing her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She joined the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center as a doctoral extern in 2024. With six years of experience in diverse settings, including residential treatment centers, behavioral health clinics, psychiatric hospitals, and therapeutic day schools, Michelle specializes in working with children and adolescents. Her focus on trauma provides a calming therapeutic presence, allowing clients to feel safe when sharing their experiences. Her clinical interests include trauma, family dynamics, communication skills, relationship building, depression, and anxiety.
Ezra Hamui
Clinical Intern
Ezra joined the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center as an intern in 2024. He is currently pursuing his master’s through the Sara Schinerer cohort at Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Ezra has been a Kollel fellow at Telshe Yeshiva and a member of the Sephardic Community Kollel since 2009. In 2010, he received his Rabbinic Ordination from Harav Yochanan Zweig, Rosh Hayeshiva of Talmudic University of Florida. Over the years, Ezra has contributed to the community by offering various classes to both young adults and the broader community as part of his involvement with the Sephardic Community Kollel.
Lizzie Janssen
Clinical Intern
Lizzie is a Master’s student at Lesley University, pursuing a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Dance/Movement Therapy. She also teaches Judaic Studies at Hillel Torah North Suburban Day School. Lizzie brings extensive experience from her work in informal education and medical settings, including Camp Stone and Shaare Zedek Hospital. She joined the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center in 2022, supported by a generous grant from the Ralla Klepak Foundation for Education in the Performing Arts. Lizzie is passionate about exploring how Movement Therapy and the arts can heal trauma and help children develop healthy attachments and relationships.
Shana Shulman
Clinical Intern
Shana Shulman is a graduate student pursuing her Master’s degree at Yeshiva University. With a strong passion for mental health and student well-being, she is interning in the social work department at Hanna Sacks Bais Yaakov, providing emotional and psychological support to students. Additionally, Shana offers services to individual clients at the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center. Shana joined Upward in 2024 where she was actively involved in the Prevention and Enrichment Program.
Yonatan Vinnik
Clinical Intern
Yonatan Vinnik is a graduate student at Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work, where he is pursuing his Master’s degree. He brings a strong background in community engagement to his role at Upward. Trained in EMDR, Yonatan adopts a therapy approach that emphasizes the belief that healing occurs within the context of relationships. He also integrates elements of expressive arts into his practice and plans to pursue specialized training in play therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Yonatan joined the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center in 2023.
Prevention & Enrichment Program
Rivkah Efron
Director of Prevention and Enrichment For Girls
Rivkah Efron has been the driving force behind girls’ enrichment and prevention programs at Upward Community since 2012 and joined the Upward team full-time in 2023. As the Director of Prevention and Enrichment for Girls, she oversees a range of transformative initiatives, including Upward’s Girls Annual Retreat, Upward Expeditions Camp, and the weekly LevelUp Lounge for middle and high school students—famous for its Thursday night cholent tradition. Rivkah also leads the UpShots Girls Basketball League, fostering a love for the game and building confidence in girls across Chicago. Her infectious enthusiasm, unwavering dedication, and vibrant leadership have created a lasting legacy of joy and empowerment, making her a beloved figure among girls of all ages in every school throughout the community.
Ezra Shulman
Director of Prevention and Enrichment For Boys
Ezra Shulman joined Upward Community as the Director of Prevention and Enrichment for Boys in the fall of 2024. In this role, he leads the development and implementation of innovative programs designed to enhance the educational and social experiences of boys in the community.
Previously, Ezra served as a guidance counselor at the Yeshiva of Waterbury, where he developed year-round programming that fostered a warm, supportive, and growth-centered environment for students. He also brings extensive leadership experience, having spent multiple summers as a Division Head at Camp Shoresh. Ezra’s dedication to youth development and his innovative approach to programming make him an invaluable addition to the Upward Community team.
Elisheva Cooper
Girls Prevention and Enrichment Coordinator
Elisheva joined Upward in 2024 as the Girls Prevention and Enrichment Coordinator. She is currently pursuing a BA in Psychology at CTC Excelsior College, with plans to further her education by obtaining a master’s degree in education. In addition to her academic pursuits, Elisheva has spent the past two summers as an advisor for NCSY GIVE in Israel, where she mentored and guided young women in meaningful and impactful ways. Her warm nature and magnetic personality make her an invaluable asset to the Upward Girls Enrichment team.
Yamin Elkaim
Boys Prevention and Enrichment Coordinator
Yamin Elkaim serves as Upward’s Boys Prevention and Enrichment Coordinator for boys since 2022. With extensive experience in youth development, he previously held roles at JCC Apachi Day Camp and Arie Crown Hebrew Day School. Yamin has been instrumental in managing the daily operations of the boy’s Upward Expedition Camp, LevelUp Lounge, UpShots Basketball, and Upward Recess Programming. He has also actively collaborated with community organizations, aligning Upward with initiatives to enhance recreational and educational opportunities for middle and high school boys in the local community. Yamin’s affable demeanor and innovative approach make him a key contributor to the success of Upward’s enrichment and prevention team.
Rabbi Yaakov Silverman
Coordinator of Level Up Lounge for High School Boys
Rabbi Silverman received his Master’s in Education from Johns Hopkins University. He previously studied at Ner Yisrael in Baltimore, the Mir Yeshiva of Jerusalem, and Lakewood Yeshiva. Currently, he serves as a 12th-grade Rebbe at Fasman Yeshiva High School. Known for his charismatic personality, passion for teaching, and love of sports, Rabbi Silverman is highly regarded by his students. He joined Upward Community as the Boys Lounge Coordinator in 2021.
Upward Community Interns
Upward Community is proud to offer an internship program for those pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work or Mental Health Services. Our interns are placed in a variety of local schools to help the guidance staff and be an extra resource for the students. In the past, interns have joined us from schools such as Loyola, Wurzweiler, University of Illinois and more. The interns facilitate workshops and see children individually in the schools, as well as receive high quality training and supervision at the Upward Community office. Please contact us to apply.
‘