Levi is a fully licensed clinical social worker currently placed in Yeshiva Bais Yehudah as a school social worker. He is also a clinical therapist in our behavioral health department. Levi works with children and teens impacted by behavioral and/or social skills challenges, as well as students struggling with anxiety, ADHD, depression and trauma. Levi uses DBT skills, CBT, social skills training, and a Solutions-Focused approach in empowering students. Levi also works hard to close the circle of communication between students, teachers, parents and principals in meeting students’ needs in school. Aside from Levi’s passion of supporting clients, he delves deep into anything associated with music. Whether it’s listening, singing, playing guitar or teaching others how to play.

Mrs. Meer received her baccalaureate in nursing science and nurse practitioner degree from the University of Michigan. She has had over 30 years of experience in general pediatric practice, specializing in maternal childcare and issues of growth and development. In addition, Mrs. Meer has taught parenting classes for over 15 years in the Jewish orthodox community. She is also on the advisory board for the Maternal Wellness initiative for the Orthodox Jewish community. In her role at JFS, Mrs. Meer has taught emotional regulation and social skills to preschool children.  She has used modalities such as stories, role-play, baby doll circle time, and play therapy.

Upon receiving her master’s degree in social work from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University, Elana began working with children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities and mental illness in a clinical setting. In addition to working in case management and in a private setting as a clinical therapist, Elana has also facilitated groups for children and teens on a number of topics such as bullying, emotional and behavioral disorders (including conduct disorders), and social skills. While working at JFS of Clifton-Passaic, Elana was trained by the Project S.A.R.A.H. team to facilitate the Aleinu Program (Safety Kid), geared towards educating children, teachers and parents on preventing child abuse. When she’s not at work, Elana enjoys chasing down the ice cream truck.

Elissa received her master’s degree in social work and school certificate from Wayne State University.  She has over fifteen years of experience as a school social worker in the day school setting.  Elissa has facilitated skill groups, counseled students, taught character development lessons and led parent workshops.  She is passionate about working with students to help them achieve their goals and be successful in their endeavors.  In her spare time, Elissa enjoys going camping with her family.

As Director of Youth and School-Based Services since June 2020, Ilene supervises a staff of 13 social workers who work with youth in schools and BBYO. She received her master’s degree in social work from Wayne State University and has 20+ years of clinical experience. Ilene’s skills include working collaboratively with children, parents, and schools so that each child can be met with success. Her experience also includes working with children who have ADHD, anxiety, autism, and various developmental disabilities. Ilene relies on several modes of therapy including CBT and play therapy. When she’s not working, you can find her walking her dog on a warm summer day.

Yehuda, a graduate of Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University, works as a full-time school social worker at multiple schools. He is passionate about helping children and teenagers reach their full potential. To that end, he employs a variety of techniques including behavioral interventions and a humanistic approach which focuses on the client’s sense of self. His client -centered approach incorporates play as a means of empowering students to succeed. Yehuda works hard to create a safe space for students to share, or to simply be themselves.  He works with a wide range of students from various backgrounds who struggle with ADHD, anxiety, poor social skills, emotional dysregulation, trauma, and behavioral problems. Outside of school hours, Yehuda can be found spending time with his family, cooking, or enjoying the great outdoors.