Lacey Epstein
Lisa Kianoff
Stephen L. Royal
Mark Driskill, LICSW-S
mark@cjfsbham.org
Mark Driskill is the Lead Clinician with CJFS. He comes to the agency with a counseling and social work background. He has worked in these fields in the Birmingham area for the past 18 years. A graduate of The University of Alabama’s School of Social Work, he has worked for UAB and Bradford Health Services as well as having had a private practice in counseling. He can professionally supervise social workers for licensing. Earlier he lived in Washington, DC where his experience included work in public relations for an international development and relief NGO (non-governmental organization). He traveled worldwide to photograph and write about the agency’s projects in some of the world’s most economically disadvantaged countries.
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.
