Stephanie Juma, Wellesley College B.A. in Political Science & French
With JFS since: November 2023
Job Title: Housing Specialist
From: Grew up in Jordan, Lebanese Father and Swiss Mother
Speaks: English, French and Arabic
I came to the US in 1989 to attend college. I worked in the high-tech software field for 15 years in customer facing roles from individual contributor to manager level. Enjoyed being a JFS Volunteer for Refugee Resettlement program for 6 years and working at a grassroot level with refugees. Love spending time with my husband and our 2 teenage boys going on nature walks, hiking, enjoying culinary experiences, traveling and visiting family.
“Having seen first-hand from working with JFS resettled refugees how important housing is to the success of their settlement in the US because it impacts all aspects of their lives.”
Abygail Frankel
With JFS since: December 2023
Job Title: Annual Campaign Manager
From: I live in the North End of Boston. Born in PA, grew up around New York, moved to Boston after beginning my professional career in Ohio.
Speaks: English
I studied Gerontology and Long-Term Care Administration. I worked as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator before getting into Admissions, Sales, and Marketing within the geriatric care space. I have a 10-year-old Beagle named Bode. I love to be outdoors- swim, hike, camp. I love cooking for others and trying a new recipe. I have a vespa and in the summer I can be found cruising with my dog on my back. I am involved in the Boston Jewish community and traveled to Israel with FIDF in 2019 and CJP in 2023. I am a very mission driven individual who has always worked in the non-profit space.
“I am a mission driven individual who wants to give back and support the Jewish community and help makes all the incredible programs JFS offers and the communities they serve possible!”
Kettia Pierre
With JFS since: December 2023
Job Title: Case Manager
From: Haiti
Speaks: French and Haitian Creole
I have a BA in Psychology from Curry College and am currently in school at Merrimack College getting my MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I worked for advocates for nine years as a mobile clinician with another licensed staff/care coordinator for the families in a Motel 6.
“Coming to JFS, I was confident I would make an immediate impact because I am Haitian, born and raised in Haiti, So, I felt as if I would be able to connect and relate to the families.”
Leanne O’Donoghue, CDP
With JFS since: January 2024
Job Title: Geriatric Care Manager
From: Massachusetts
Speaks: English
Leanne is a lifelong resident of Massachusetts. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UMASS Boston in Sociology. Leanne has over 25 years’ experience working in Health and Human Services. Leanne’s passion to help older adults with dementia and their caregivers began while working in protective services. Caregivers were overwhelmed and resources were limited. Leanne knew she wanted to learn as much as possible about this disease and help those affected by it. Leanne focused her studies and training on Dementia. Leanne has helped hundreds of older adults and their families by providing consultations, resources, crisis intervention and coaching.
“My goal at JFS is to help older adults and their caregivers navigate complex systems and help older adults and their caregivers to make their aging journey easier.”
Amaral Eliacin
With JFS since: November 2023
Job Title: Case Manager
From: Haiti
Speaks: French, Haitian Creole, English
I have a background as an Aviation Technician and in Business Administration.
“Working with JFS is really important to me, because JFS gives me opportunity to help Haitian migrants by assisting them on their Immigration status, etc.”
Hanan Bayyad
With JFS since: December 2023
Job Title: Case Manager in Refugee Resettlement
From: Syria
Speaks: Arabic and English
My name is Hanan Bayyad. I hold both Syrian and American citizenship. I came to America in 2016 as a refugee through Jewish Family Services. I am also married and a mother of two children. I speak Arabic as my mother tongue, and I also speak English. I learned to speak English when I came to America a few years ago. I received only an average education in my country. I have been cooking for several years and also worked as a babysitter. I love reading and adventures, and I love cooking in all its forms.
“When I was offered to work with JFS, I accepted immediately because they had helped me so much since arriving in America, and I loved helping even in a small way with other new families. I am grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to help!”