Communications and Marketing Coordinator:
Stephanie Sklar
stephanie@cjfsbham.org
Stephanie works directly with Fund Development and Outreach Director, Clay Ratcliffe, to raise community awareness of CJFS through various modes of Communications and Marketing. She holds a Master's Degree in Education from Samford University. Stephanie joined the CJFS team in April of 2015.
Communications and Marketing Specialist:
Elaine Witt
elaine@cjfsbham.org
Elaine Witt joined CJFS in 2015 as Development and Outreach Director, and she now serves as part-time Communications and Marketing Specialist. Elaine is part of a team that works to raise community awareness of CJFS services. A former journalist, Elaine has earned the designation Accredited in Public Relations (APR). She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Alabama.
Personal Care Attendants:
Tasha Womack
Schadell Lewis
Vickie Jackson
Jasmine Gilchrist
Angela Gaines
Care Managers:
Amy Peetluk
amyp@cjfsbham.org
Amy Peetluk is a Care Manager in our “Just Like Family” program assisting older or disabled adults with tasks like escorted doctor’s visits, being a representative payee, filing insurance claims and researching resources to enhance their lives and that of their families. Amy is also our Medicare Part D expert. She researches and helps clients understand their options so they can choose the best plan to meet their needs. Amy attended Montclair State University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She joined CJFS in October 2005.
Lynn Rathmell
lynn@cjfsbham.org
Lynn has had two periods of employment with CJFS. In the1990’s when CJFS was in the midst of resettling people from the former Soviet Union, Lynn worked for 8 years helping people to find their first jobs and developing career goals for future employment. She returned to CJFS in March of 2008 as a Care Manager. She works with elderly clients in our “Just Like Family” and “Honor Parents” programs, helping older adults and their families manage the tasks of aging while maintaining the maximum quality of life for everyone involved. She continues to offer job development and career consultation and has facilitated a seminar, Thriving through Challenging Times, in response to current needs. Lynn has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Colorado.
CARES Assistant Program Director:
Lise Lapidus Grace
lise@cjfsbham.org
Lise Lapidus Grace began working as Volunteer Coordinator for CJFS in June 2013. Lise came to know and love CJFS years ago when both of her parents became clients of CJFS and came to rely on Buz-A-Bus to help maintain their independence. Today, Lise is honored to spend her time exclusively at CJFS CARES, a respite program for adults with memory and movement disorders. If you would like to volunteer at CJFS CARES, please call Lise at 410-1958.
CARES Program Director/Social Worker:
Pam Leonard, LBSW, CDP
pam@cjfsbham.org
Pam Leonard, Program Director of the
CJFS CARES program which provides respite to individuals with dementia and movement disorders. A Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker and Certified Dementia Practitioner, Pam has more than 20 years of experience providing education and support for caregivers, enabling older adults to age in place and improving the lives of clients through person-centered care. The
CARES program is designed not only to provide respite to caregivers, but to be cognitively, socially, and physically stimulating to participants. Pam and a team of
CARES staff and volunteers have created a positive and caring community that enriches quality of life for all involved.
Buz-A-Bus Driver:
Tangi Parker
Buz-A-Bus Driver Tangi Parker came to CJFS with nearly 7 years’ experience providing bus transportation for older and disabled adults. Tangi has enjoyed the company of older adults since childhood when her great grandmother taught handicrafts at the senior home where she lived, and Tangi was her helper. Tangi joined the staff of CJFS in July 2019.
Social Workers:
Amy Neiman, LMSW
amyn@cjfsbham.org
After completing a 3-semester internship at CJFS while earning her Master of Social Work at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, During this internship, Amy worked to build the teamwork, problem-solving and communication skills she would need as a social work professional. Amy joined the CJFS Social Work team as a Licensed Independent Masters Social Worker in April 2020. Amy provides case management services for clients of all ages, helping them navigate transitions and access resources that will strengthen their independence and enrich their quality of life. A mother of four and former classroom teacher, Amy helps each client pursue solutions that fit their individual needs.
LaBrena “Bre” Friend, LMSW
labrena@cjfsbham.org
Bre is a Licensed Independent Masters Social Worker with a Masters in Social Work from Alabama A&M University. Bre’s practice is focused largely on helping older adults age in their homes or in the least restrictive environment possible. Bre provides comprehensive assessments and case management for senior adults and their families, helping them navigate transitions and access appropriate resources. Bre joined the CJFS staff in April 2018.
Cynthia Bryant, LICSW
cynthia@cjfsbham.org
Cynthia Bryant is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Since joining CJFS in May 2016, "Cyndi" provides clinical counseling and social work services to individuals, couples and families. She appreciates that CJFS affords her the opportunity to partner with clients ranging from the ages of 5 to 95. In her 20 year career, Cyndi has worked in a variety of day treatment programs for teens, an inpatient psychiatric unit, a runaway shelter and an international adoption agency. Cyndi has an eclectic approach to counseling with a special interest in cognitive behavioral therapy, sensory issues and thriving with ADHD.
Clinical Administrative Assistant:
Daria Freeman
Daria@cjfsbham.org
Daria Freeman is the Clinical Administrative Assistant. She provides support to the Clinical Director and clinicians, and she is the first contact for clients and community inquiries. She has a Bachelor's Degree from the College of New Rochelle, and over 14 years of healthcare experience. Before joining our team in June 2012, she relocated to Birmingham from New York City.
Outreach Administrative Assistant:
Erika Marx
Erika@cjfsbham.org
Erika Marx is the Outreach Administrative Assistant. She provides support to the Developmental and Operational Directors. Erika has a Bachelor’s degree from The University of Maryland at College Park and joined CJFS in March of 2016.
Lead Clinician:
Mark Driskill
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.
