Meet Avnei Chein
PRECIOUS people helping PRECIOUS people.
Supporting patients, and their families, in Mental Health Crisis
Advocating, guiding, and escorting people through the maze of mental health services to the point where they can survive, thrive and flourish independently, Avnei Chein was created to fill the huge gap in mental health support in our community. This comprehensive advocacy organization provides a dedicated Crisis Support Manager to individuals, and their families, to walk hand in hand through the complex social welfare, police, justice, medical and mental health systems, to ensure they receive individualized care based on their unique set of needs.
Avnei Chein was created by a group of deeply concerned and motivated individuals who recognized a clear pattern of destructive and harmful interactions for people suffering in mental health crises due to the lack of patient advocacy, awareness of programs, lack of resources and other causes. Along with a team of advisors to guide them (Psychiatrists, Social Workers, Therapists, Community Activists and the community Rabbis), these individuals established Avnei Chein, in the hopes of creating a completely unique program. Since its founding, it has become drastically apparent how needed this project is. Due to the nature of mental illness, many families are suffering alone, without knowing where to turn.
Our team are passionate “ambassadors” for families and individuals affected by mental illness. We stand by their sides and advocate for them while they go through counseling and therapy. We will ensure home support in their time of crisis until the entire family is rehabilitated and able to navigate the various mental health systems on their own.
The Avnei Chein Team
Our Board
Rabbi David Green
President and CEO
Eden Soles
Video Producer
Dr. Nosson Westreich M.D.
Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Head of Neuropsychiatry, Sunnybrook Hospital
Dr. Barry Dinner
MBBCh, ABAARM
Ignite Your Youth
Author: Be Young
Avraham Gundle DO.ND
Founder & Director, The Centre for Integrated Medicine
Shoshana Schaeffer
Project Management
Consultant
Lorie Goldfinger
President, Alegious Innovative Partners
President, Canoram International
Our Medical Advisory Board
Dr. Uri Wolf M.D.
Medical Director
Dr. Uri Wolf, certified Psychiatrist in Canada and Israel, specializes in Geriatric Psychiatry with additional certifications in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry. Formerly an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, he's published extensively on dementia and neuropsychiatric conditions. At Baycrest Center for Geriatric Care, he developed a virtual model for dementia treatment. Dr. Wolf has a private practice and has been Medical Director of Relief Resources-Canada since 2010, focusing on general adult and occupational psychiatry. Currently, he serves as Medical Director at Avnei Chein, consulting on cases and supporting clinical activities in both Israel and Canada.
Gail Gundle
Case Management Team Advisor
Gail Gundle, M.A. in Family Therapy, has 25 years of experience in mental health in Israel. Gail has worked at Tzofia and founded the adolescent unit at the Family Institute. For the past 10 years, she has been an independent practitioner, clinical supervisor, and completed advanced training in DBT, IFS, and EMDR. As a parent of a child with special needs, she appreciates the complexity of dealing with chronic ongoing challenges and values the crucial role that community organizations can fulfill in supporting families in crisis.
