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
Nosson Westreich M.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry at University of Toronto & Head of Neuropsychiatry at Sunnybrook Hospital
Lorie Goldfinger
President, Alegious Innovative Partners
Avraham Gundle DO.ND
Founder & Director, The Centre for Integrated Medicine
Shoshana Schaeffer
Senior Management, Sunhouse Digital Marketing
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.
Our Executive Team
Sol Jakubowicz
Executive Director
Sol is co-founder and manager of Sunhouse Marketing, a digital marketing agency. After many years in business consulting, Sol has returned to his roots (on a voluntary level) in social services on behalf of the community. Sol has a BA, with a major in sociology and social
psychology, along with a Certificate in ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution), Conflict Resolution, Conflict System Design, and Mediation. Sol is taking his business and social service backgrounds and using both to direct Avnei Chein.
Judy Green
Director of Volunteers
For many years, Rebbetzin Judy Green has been involved in Jewish Education and community chesed projects. After settling in Israel, she became a life coach and focused her practice largely on issues of Shalom Bayit. Between her volunteer activities and coaching, she noticed a great lack in the mental health world. Frequently people could not afford appropriate therapy and, at times they just had no clue to whom to turn. Judy felt she must try to fill this gap and therefore joined the forces of Avnei Chein.
Fran Jakubowicz
Director of Marketing
Fran is the founder and CEO of Sunhouse Marketing, and an advocate in promoting mental health in our community. Fran is now lending her skills to help grow Avnei Chein, so that it can meet the financial demands of the community for this vital service.
Our Case Management Team
Jenny Krainess
Crisis Support Manager
Jenny is an ICF-certified parent coach and consultant with nearly 20 years of experience working with families dealing with mental health challenges, disabilities, and intense or challenging children, teens, and young adults. She is also certified and extensively trained in the Nurtured Heart Approach and Neurodiversity Family Coaching. Jenny's vast experience enables her to offer personalized and effective support to the families she serves. Driven by a deep passion to help families become knowledgeable and empowered, she helps them find strength and hope.
Yossi Wachtel
Crisis Support Manager
Yossi is an experienced Project Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the individual and family services industry. He is skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Customer Service, Entrepreneurship, Strategic Planning, and Youth Work. Yossi is a strong program and project management professional with a Bachelor of Education (BEd) focused on Special Education and Teaching from Michlala.
Adina Brodsky
Crisis Support Manager
Adina holds a BSW through Bar Ilan University and an MSW in clinical social work from Haifa University, specializing in clinical social work. She worked for four years as a social worker at Children’s Town, providing group and individual therapy for troubled adolescents and their parents. Her comprehensive understanding of the Israeli mental health system and her therapy background enable her not only to provide emotional support to families and individuals in times of crisis, but also to help advocate for them to ensure they receive the assistance they need.
Our Administrative Support Team
Elkie Walfish
Crisis Intake Coordinator
Elkie, an educator from New York, moved to Israel 15 years ago with her husband and four children. With a Master's degree in Elementary Education from Queen's College, she taught in New York for five years before shifting focus to private, English-speaking gan environments in Israel.
Since her move, Elkie has volunteered with Avnei Chein, coordinating meals for struggling families. Beyond Avnei Chein, she engages in various chesed opportunities, using her love for cooking to bring care and compassion to those in need.
Elkie strongly believes in chessed and making a tangible impact within the community.
Raphael Kirzner
Director of Development
Raphael is a fundraising professional with a track record of success in connecting donors with meaningful causes. With a focus on forming and maintaining genuine relationships, he excels in showcasing the impact of the non-profit organization and leveraging diverse marketing strategies to amplify their mission.
Hailing from Canada and currently residing in Israel, Raphael brings a global perspective to everything he does. His commitment to integrity and transparency ensures that charitable funds are directed precisely where they are needed most. Raphael thrives on authentic connections and meaningful work, never compromising on honesty or values.
Dvora Soffer
Office Manager
Dvora holds a BCom in Financial Accounting. With a career in office administration and trust taxation, and experience in online campaigns and financial management, she ensures the organization's smooth running.
Originally from South Africa, Dvora has been living in Israel for the last 10 years with her husband and children. She strives to ensure the efficiency and continued positive impact of the organization by assisting in all the administrative and technical needs of Avnei Chein.