ABOUT US

Team

Lacey Epstein

Lisa Kianoff

Stephen L. Royal

Mark Driskill, LICSW-S

mark@cjfsbham.org

Rabbi Steven Henkin

Brooke Bowles

Seth B. Wolnek

Ann Todd

Amy Neiman, LMSW, C-ASWCM, SHSS, CCTS-I;

amyn@cjfsbham.org

Amy Neiman has worked at Collat Jewish Family Services for 5 years where she has helped provided compassionate support to individuals and families in need. Amy received her MSW from the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Amy is well-versed in case management, crisis intervention, and therapeutic counseling, utilizing a client-centered approach to help clients improve their overall well-being.

Whether through case management or counseling, Amy believes in building strong trustworthy relationships with her clients to create positive change. Change comes from continued learning of new skills and using those tools. Amy has modeled this growth with her continued education by becoming a Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM) and a Senior Home Safety Specialist (SHSS). Both have allowed Amy to work with clients navigating transitions, accessing resources, enriching their quality of life all while strengthening their independence.

As a therapist, Amy’s ongoing training in trauma earned her a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist-Individual (CCTS-I) certificate. She has found this training to be beneficial when working with a diverse range of clients, including those dealing with anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. Amy’s therapeutic practice is grounded in empathy, active listening, and a commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all.

Outside of work, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, and a menagerie of animals. You can often find her walking her neighborhood or in pursuit of the next good book.

LaBrena Friend, LMSW

labrena@cjfsbham.org

Executive Director, Lauren Schwartz

Past President, Joyce T. Shevin

Secretary, Karri Neal

Treasurer, Jessica Rhodes

Vice President, Steven A. Brickman

Vice President, David F. Ovson

President, Faye Levin

Vice President, President-Elect, Kay Kornmeier

Danny Cohn

Fund Development & Outreach Director:

Anna Read

Anna Read became a pivotal member of the CJFS team in August 2023 as the Fund Development & Outreach Director. In this role, Anna leads the mobilization of resources to meet and surpass annual and long-term fundraising goals, and oversees the development and implementation of all agency public relations, marketing, and communications strategy. She also provides oversight of agency Outreach programs and activities. Anna holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Communication Management. Before joining CJFS, she worked for YWCA Central Alabama, where she was responsible for bringing in over $2.5 million in grants and contributions. While not shaping her professional sphere, she enjoys working in her yard, cherishing moments with her dog, Teddy and spending time with her husband, Charles.

anna@cjfsbham.org