Our Team

Howard joined Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte in 2016. He has an impressive 28 year background as a leader of both nonprofit and for-profit organizations in a variety of industries, ensuring mission fulfillment and sound financial viability.

Howard has expertise in organizational, operational, and management and has successfully led capital campaigns, endowment growth, donor cultivation and stewardship efforts. He brings vision, passion, and experience to take JFS to new heights of service to the Charlotte community.

Prior to coming to Charlotte and JFS, Howard led numerous organizations including Boys Town, Nevada, The Children’s Place at Home Safe in West Palm Beach, The Arc of the Piedmont in Charlottesville, Va. and The Arc of Palm Beach County. He was also executive vice president and chief operating officer of The Ostroff Group in Boca Raton, overseeing operations and providing consulting services primarily to Jewish nonprofits.

To reach Howard, please contact him at howard.olshansky@jfscharlotte.org or  704-364-6594.

As Clinical Director of Programs and Services, Rachel Green is responsible for guiding, managing and directing all aspects and functions of JFS’ programs and services, including program planning, development and delivery. She supervises all clinical and programmatic staff. She comes to JFS with an extensive background in community mental health and non-profit clinical management. As the Director of Mental Health Programs of South Bay Children’s Health Center, a non-profit agency located in Redondo Beach, CA, Rachel managed outpatient, in-home, and school-based mental health services.  Just prior to coming to JFS Rachel worked  as a Licensed Mental Health Clinician for Mecklenburg County Trauma Justice Partnership in the Child Development, Community Policing Program.

Rachel holds certifications in Triple P Parenting and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, both evidence-based therapy practices. She is a Diplomate and Certified Member of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy and served as an Adjunct Lecturer at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. 

Rachel is a native of Greensboro, N.C. and is happy to be back in the Tar Heel state! 

Susan has a diverse background in building relationships, leading events and inspiring committees and staff in the successful execution of vibrant annual campaigns and in engaging fundraising events.

Susan, who is deeply committed and connected to the Jewish community she has lived in for the past 29 years, takes great pride in working with a variety of stakeholders to build and increase financial resources for JFS.

Her previous role at JFS, handling donations and processing tribute cards, combined with her passion for “doing good” in the community she lives in, makes Susan ideal for her current position.

Prior to coming to JFS, Susan honed her craft of developing relationships in the hospitality industry where she specialized in sales and marketing for over 20 years. 

Susan is a graduate of Georgia State University.

Bio to come!

Courtney Lawrence earned her Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her experience includes work in community-based, outpatient, residential, and hospital settings addressing trauma, domestic violence, sexual violence, crisis intervention, depression, anxiety, grief, family conflict, and adjustment and life transitions. Courtney has been trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and she is rostered as a quality provider of CPT. She’s also been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

 Courtney utilizes a person-centered, trauma-informed lens. She takes a collaborative approach as she believes people are the experts of their lives and she is a vessel to help with healing and provide a safe space to navigate life’s challenges.

With a specialization in Geriatric Mental Health, her primary focus is on the health issues specific to senior populations and the challenges associated with aging, such as life transitions, grief, loss, stress, depression, depression-related isolation, anxiety and managing family relationships. Using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and a person-centered approach, she assists seniors with life decisions brought about during the aging process. 

Through an honest, non-judgmental and safe environment, Amanda is able to empower her clients to work on sensitive challenges, slowly working to get them where they want to be. Her approach is strength-based and solution-focused.  She feels that few people are prepared to deal with aging-related issues and views her role as one of educator, partner and advocate, assisting clients in navigating resources and encouraging them to become their own advocates. 

Sara Scheiber earned her Master of Social Service from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. She is trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and is a credentialed TF-CBT therapist through the NC Child Treatment Program, specializing in trauma treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. 

She has experience working in community-based, residential, and outpatient settings, providing individual and group therapy. She supports clients facing concerns such as trauma, domestic violence, depression, anxiety, family conflict, and life transitions.

Sara works with adults seeking deeper self-understanding and support in breaking free from stress- and trauma-related patterns, and she also supports parents in responding to their children with greater calm and empathy. Her client-centered, trauma-informed approach focuses on creating a supportive space where clients feel seen and heard while building resilience, emotional understanding, and a more grounded, fulfilling life.

Emily Jones earned her Master of Social from Arizona State University. Her experience includes work in community mental health, school based therapy, and working with clients with a range of mental health needs. Emily has worked extensively with children, teens, and adults and believes in the power of a collaborative therapeutic relationship, where clients can feel heard, understood, and empowered. Emily has a passion to support individuals on their journey to mental and emotional well-being. Emily’s specialties include cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy techniques, mindfulness practices, and solution-focused therapy. Emily’s approach is tailored to the client’s unique needs blending evidence-based techniques within a compassionate and non-judgmental space. Emily is deeply committed to client’s progress and passionate about helping them unlock their full potential.

Eva Kantor has been working with older adults for more than 15 years. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Eva spent over a decade in Boston before relocating to Charlotte. During her time in Boston, she earned her Master’s degree in Gerontology from the University of Massachusetts Boston, where she deepened her understanding of the aging process and developed a passion for supporting older adults.

After moving to Charlotte, Eva began her professional journey in the senior living field, gaining extensive experience across a variety of senior living communities. Her background has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse needs of older adults and the many pathways that aging can take.

 Eva brings a strong expertise in the aging field and is especially excited about serving seniors within the Jewish community. She is dedicated to supporting and guiding older adults and their families as they navigate the unique roadmaps of aging, always striving to provide compassion, clarity, and meaningful connection.

In her free time, Eva enjoys baking with her two young boys, exploring the outdoors, and traveling with her family.

Lakia is originally from Washington, DC. She earned a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Clark Atlanta University. Lakia has over 12 years of case manager experience, and has worked with diverse populations including children, families, and adults experiencing homelessness and economic hardship. She’s dedicated to supporting individuals through their housing, financial, and mental health challenges. When working with individuals, Lakia uses a strength-based approach and practices cultural competency. Lakia is eager to connect clients to resources, advocate for their needs, and help them achieve stability. Lakia is a plant lover and enjoys reading mystery novels, listening to podcasts and sitting by the ocean.

Julie Dalli is our Administrative Support Specialist, providing overall assistance to JFS management and staff. She helps make sure the day-to-day operations of our office are running smoothly and efficiently.

Julie is excited to be supporting the good work that Jewish Family Services does in our community and beyond.

Bio Coming Soon!

Roberta Rodgers joined Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte in 2017 as the Community Liaison. She is responsible for the vision and strategic direction of the volunteer program, assisting with JFS’ collaborative events in the community and representing JFS with other agencies, schools, organizations and stakeholders. She also ensures and oversees the smooth running of the JFS Food Pantry.

Roberta has lived in Charlotte and been involved in the Jewish community for more than 20 years serving in many different capacities. She is a Registered Nurse, earned her MBA from Fordham University and her Bachelors of Science degree from the University City of Vermont.

Bio Coming Soon!