Behavioral & Mental Health Services Staff

Education:

Master of Social Work, University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work

PhD, University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work

Populations Served:

Children, Adolescents, Adults, Geriatric

Specialties:

Clinical Social Work, Council-approved Clinical Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, EMDRIA Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant Council-approved Clinical Supervisor

About Me:

I have decades of experience working in various clinical settings, serving children, adolescents, adults, and the geriatric population through individual, couples, family, and group therapy. I chair the clinical and supervisors' affinity groups for the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies. I provide clinical consultations to professionals and continue to serve as an adjunct faculty at the University of Houston.

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Education:

Bachelor of Social Work, Ben-Gurion University, Israel

Master of Social Work, University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work

Populations Served:

Adolescents, Adults, Couples

Specialties:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Council-approved Clinical Supervisor

About Me:

I’ve worked with adolescents, adults, and couples in both residential and outpatient settings. I specialize in therapeutic services focused on mental illness and recovery.  Originally from Israel, I offer therapy in both English and Hebrew, bringing a multicultural perspective to my practice. My goal is to enhance clients' strengths and empower them to make meaningful changes in their lives.

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Education:

Bachelor's in Psychology, Brooklyn College

Master of Social Work, New York University

Populations Served:

Adolescents, Adults, Couples, Workplaces, Community Spaces

Specialties:

National Instructor in Adult, Youth, and Teen Mental Health First Aid, Trainer for CALM (Counseling Access to Lethal Means), and SPI (Safety Planning Intervention)

About Me:

As an instructor, I am dedicated to equipping communities and workplaces with tools to address mental health challenges and crises. With global experience in mental health literacy and suicide prevention training, I am passionate about reducing stigma and closing treatment gaps.  

As a psychotherapist, I support adolescents, adults, and couples, in overcoming mental health and trauma challenges, guiding them to uncover strengths and develop strategies for lasting recovery and wellness.

Education:

Bachelor's in Psychology, Emory University

Master of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin

Populations Served:

Children, Adolescents, Families

Specialties:

Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Council-approved Clinical Supervisor

About Me:

I have worked with children, adolescents, and families across various settings including children’s hospitals and schools. My approach incorporates Play Therapy and other modalities to create a supportive environment. I’m passionate about helping young clients overcome challenges and support them in identifying their strengths and developing tools for success. My goal is to foster resilience and growth in children and teens.

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences, Baylor University

Master of Social Work, Baylor University

Populations Served:

Children, Adolescents, Adults

Specialties:

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

National Instructor in Youth Mental Health First Aid

About Me:

I have served children, adolescents, and adults, most recently specializing in maternal mental health.  Before joining Alexander JFS, I worked in schools, summer camps, and community mental health, addressing psychosocial barriers to receiving treatment and supporting families to acquire the resources they need to thrive. This work showed me the inherent strength and resilience of children and families when given the appropriate support.  My work is guided by the belief that all people deserve to be listened to and that there is inherent power in creating a private, therapeutic, and objective space for others to be heard. I greatly value family systems, attachment theory, and person-centered therapy.  I am a camp counselor at heart, bringing fun, levity, and depth to my work as a therapist.

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology, University of Texas Austin

Master of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston

Populations Served:

Community based mental health literacy trainings

Specialties:

Program Planning, Evaluation, Suicide Prevention,

National Instructor in Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid

About Me:

Katelyn Bleiweiss is a 4th generation native Houstonian who is proud to be serving her community in the Department of Behavioral and Mental Health Services. Katelyn is a dual-certified adult and youth Mental Health First Aid instructor, providing mental health and wellness programs to the Houston Jewish community and beyond. She also does all things data for the BMHS department. She encourages all reading this to send a thank you note or text to someone who has been helpful in life, as gratitude is a core spiritual practice.

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Houston

Master of Social Work, National University

Populations Served:

Children, Adolescents, Adults, Geriatric

Specialties:

National Instructor in Youth Mental Health First Aid,

Autism Spectrum Disorder

About Me:

I am a Master of Social Work Post Graduate Fellow at Alexander Jewish Family Service. With 6 years of experience working with children and adults on the Autism Spectrum in both clinic and in-home settings, I am dedicated to providing tailored support to individuals and families. My experience also includes assisting older adults in transitioning to end-of-life care. As a Houston native, I value community and strive to foster understanding and promote positive developmental outcomes for those I work with.

Rafia is under the Council Approved Clinical Supervision of Dr. Ada Cheung, LCSW-S, RPT™, EMDRIA certified EMDR therapist and approved consultant.

Education:

Bachelor of Social Work, Baylor University

Master of Social Work, University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work

Populations Served:

Children, Adolescents, Families, Adults, Couples

Specialties:

Registered Play Therapist, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Council-approved Clinical Supervisor Emotion Focused Family Therapy

About Me:

I have extensive experience in residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs, and outpatient therapy, specializing in children, adolescents, and families. I believe in the inherent strengths of my clients and strive to empower them to overcome obstacles and achieve emotional well-being. My goal is to support families and individuals in navigating their challenges and achieving their therapeutic goals.

Education:

Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy, Frost School of Music, University of Miami

Populations Served:

Children, Adolescents, Adults

Specialties:

Music Therapy, Developmental Disabilities, Therapeutic Music Practice

About Me:

I am a board-certified music therapist with experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across various settings, including schools, private practice, hospitals, and telehealth. I completed my clinical internship at a music therapy private practice serving individuals with developmental disabilities. My background includes studying classical voice and playing guitar, piano, and ukulele. In addition to my work in music therapy, I enjoy teaching music lessons. I am passionate about harnessing the power of music to connect with others and foster growth through creativity and compassion.

Education:

Bachelor of Arts, Vassar College

Master of Architecture, Rice University

Master of Social Work, University of Houston

Populations Served:

Adolescents, Adults, Couples, Families

Specialties:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDRIA Certified), Motivational Interviewing, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Council-approved Clinical Supervisor

About Me:

My practice addresses issues including grief, trauma, phobias, and relationship challenges. I use a collaborative, values-centered approach. I’m committed to fostering a respectful and accepting environment, focusing on the inherent value of every individual. My goal is to help clients navigate their emotional landscapes and strengthen their relationships.

Education:

Bachelor of Arts, Baylor University

Master of Social Work, University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work

Populations Served:

Children, Adolescents, Adults, Families

Specialties:

Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma and Grief Component Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

About Me:

I am dedicated to empowering others and view it as a privilege to collaborate with my clients on their journey towards achieving their goals. I am currently working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist. Fluent in both English and Spanish, I offer therapy in both languages to better serve my clients' needs. My goal is to provide a supportive and nurturing environment where clients can explore their feelings and work towards healing and growth.

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Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Houston

Master of Social Work, University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work

Specialties:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

About Me:

After spending 30 years in architecture, I returned to school and earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and my Master of Social Work. I’m thrilled to be serving the community at Alexander JFS. My non-traditional career path and diverse experiences have equipped me with a broad set of tools to help my clients. I focus on fostering psychological flexibility, encouraging both myself and my clients to live consciously and act according to our values. This approach helps us embrace each moment and pursue what is meaningful.

Raymond is under the Council Approved Clinical Supervision of Dr. Ada Cheung, LCSW-S, RPT™, EMDRIA certified EMDR therapist and approved consultant.

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Education:

Bachelor of Science, University of Houston Master of Arts, Houston Baptist University

Ph.D. coursework, University of Texas School of Public Health Psychoanalytic Institute 2-year program

Populations Served:

Adults, Adolescents, Couples, Families, Geriatric

Specialties:

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Heart-Centered Therapy, Rogerian Person- Centered Therapy, Jungian Depth Psychology, Anger Management, Eclectic Therapy

About Me:

As a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, with experience in both in-patient and out-patient settings, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, from adolescents to seniors. My experience spans various behavioral health and clinical settings, including partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, and a community behavioral health clinic. My aim is to provide compassionate and comprehensive care that empowers clients to navigate their challenges and achieve their personal and therapeutic goals.

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Education:

Bachelor of Science, New York University; Master of Social Work, University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work

Populations Served:

Adolescents, Adults, Geriatric  

Specialties:

Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution- Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

About Me:

I specialize in working with adults, geriatric adults, and adolescents, using a variety of therapeutic approaches. I am dedicated to providing culturally competent and trauma-informed care, using a strengths-based approach to empower clients towards healing and positive change.