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
Receptionist | 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.
Sorah Leah Fisher
Executive Assistant
Since joining Upward Community in January 2025, Sorah Leah focuses on bringing people, systems, and processes together seamlessly as Executive Assistant. Drawing on experience across nonprofit and for-profit environments, as well as a background in education, administration, and project management, she streamlines operations and supports the team in carrying out Upward’s mission with care and excellence. Known for her warmth, positivity, and resourcefulness, Sorah Leah helps create a supportive environment where staff and community members can thrive, contributing to the impact of Upward’s mission every day.
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 |
Full-Time Child and Family Clinician
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, LCSW
Full-Time 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
Part-Time 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.
Tamar Busani, MSW
Part-Time Clinician
Tamar Busani, MSW, is an IFS Level 1 therapist who’s passionate about creating a safe and reflective space where women can discover their strengths and grow with compassion. She combines insight-oriented work with practical tools from CBT and DBT, tailoring each session to support clients navigating anxiety, depression, attachment concerns, relationship challenges, and social skills. Tamar has served as a Mechanechet at Tomer Devorah in Israel, offered case management through Amudim, and provided clinical care and groups at Crossroads Jerusalem. She values the therapeutic relationship as a guiding force, giving space for clients to reflect, gain clarity, and move toward meaningful change. Tamar joined Upward in 2025, bringing warmth, skill, and dedication to empowering the women she works with.
Michal Cohen, LCSW
Part-Time 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
Part-Time 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
Part-Time 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.
Lizzie Janssen, MA, R-DMT
Full-Time Clinician
Lizzie is a registered Dance/Movement Therapist and clinician at Upward who brings a body-centered approach to working with a myriad of populations and concerns including ADHD, anxiety, and eating disorders.
She earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Dance/Movement Therapy from Lesley University. Lizzie previously taught Judaic Studies at Hillel Torah North Suburban Day School and in a variety of informal settings. She is committed to integrating approaches from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), expressive arts therapy, and operates from a trauma informed approach rooted in neurodiversity affirming practices and polyvagal theory.
Her work focuses on using movement to encourage clients in developing a greater sense of self, navigating emotional challenges, and connecting with others. 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.
Sara Kanowitz, LSW
Part-Time 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, LCPC, CMDP
Part-Time 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
Full-Time 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
Part-Time 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
Full-Time Clinician | Neuropsychological Testing
Starting therapy should feel like taking a deep breath after holding it for too long.
Dr. Jordan Stein, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist and Level I AEDP therapist with six years of experience in hospitals, schools, community agencies, and trauma centers. He ‘s worked with children, teens, adults, families, and groups, including individuals facing trauma, autism, and severe mental health conditions.
Dr. Stein creates a space where therapy feels less like a clinical procedure and more like a shared journey. His style is eclectic, calm, warm, and creative, often bringing humor and flexibility into the room so sessions feel engaging, not just heavy.
Grounded in research and guided by humanity, Dr. Stein weaves AEDP and psychodynamic approaches with a deep belief that every person already holds the capacity for growth. Dr. Stein joined the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center as a clinician in 2024.
Aviva Vilenski RN, LCPC
Part-Time 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.
Yonatan Vinnik, LSW
Full-Time Clinician
“You didn’t come this far to only come this far.” That belief guides the work of Yonatan Vinnik, LSW, a licensed social worker at Upward Community who works with children, teens, and families navigating emotional and behavioral struggles. After earning his MSW from Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work and completing a two-year internship at Upward, he stepped into his role as a therapist, continuing to serve the community he knows well.
Yonatan brings a calming and regulating presence to the therapy room, helping clients draw from their inner wisdom. Using a humanistic, psychodynamic, and client-centered lens, he incorporates EMDR, Sand Tray Play Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, expressive arts, and systems work with parents and schools. Parents and schools often find him to be a true partner, collaborating closely so that therapy doesn’t stay within four walls but ripples out into the environments where children live and grow. Yonatan strives to creatively help children and families adapt and discover their own path toward resilience.
At the heart of his work is a simple but powerful shift: helping kids and parents move from “I don’t got this” to “I got this.” He loves those moments when parents walk away feeling like they finally understand their child better, or when a child learns to express emotions in a way that feels safe and empowering. Yonatan brings a deep understanding of frum families and the school system, recognizing the unique challenges children and teens often face within it. He joined the Mozes and Helen Stern Upward Counseling Center in 2023.
Rachel Zimmerman, LCPC
Part-Time 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.
Phillip Zbaraz, LCPC, CCATP
Part-Time Clinician
Before joining the Clinical Staff at Upward, Mr. Zbaraz served as the Director of Student Social Services at Ida Crown Jewish Academy for the past 21 years. He has a Bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and a Master’s degree in Counseling from National-Louis University. Prior to that, Phillip had been working as an adolescent and family counselor with the Jewish Federation since 1999. Phillip also worked in private practice with a psychiatrist in the Northwest suburban area. Phillip had served as an adjunct instructor at National-Louis University, teaching various courses and workshops for the Human Services/Counseling department at the graduate and undergraduate level. He also served on the board of the Illinois mental health counselors association/Illinois counseling association.
Mr. Zbaraz is of the opinion that because all of life is relationship based, it is imperative that our daily interactions with one another emerge from a place of integrity and compassion. Mr. Zbaraz further believes that all people possess the innate ability grow emotionally and spiritually. One of Mr. Zbaraz’s guiding principles is “seek to understand, then to be understood”. Having a person and/or family invite you into their world is nothing less than sacred work.
Sheva Campbell
Clinical Intern
Sheva is a master’s student at the University of Chicago Crown School of Social Work, focusing on children and families. She takes a trauma-informed, empathetic, and collaborative approach, working with clients and their support systems to create a safe and encouraging space for growth.
Sheva has experience supporting children and teens with challenges such as anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and mood disorders, and is dedicated to helping young people feel understood, empowered, and resilient.
Gabby LeDoux, M.A.
Doctoral Psychology Therapy Extern
Gabrielle earned her master’s degree in Applied Clinical Psychology from Penn State and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Counseling Psychology at Loyola University Chicago. She has experience working with children and adolescents in both individual and group settings, including those navigating autism spectrum disorder and emotional or behavioral challenges.
Gabrielle approaches clients with warmth and cultural humility, drawing from a range of therapeutic approaches to support each child’s developmental needs and goals. She is passionate about helping young people build on their strengths, develop healthy coping skills, and foster meaningful connections with others.
Zoë Savage-Schiller
Clinical Intern
Zoë is a master’s student at the University of Chicago Crown School of Social Work, focusing on youth development and trauma-informed care. She has experience supporting children and teens through social-emotional learning, trauma recovery, and identity development, as well as working with those facing behavioral challenges and systemic stressors.
Zoë takes a strengths-based and relational approach, and she is passionate about creating affirming spaces where young people feel heard, supported, and able to thrive.
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.
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.
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