Naomi holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of the Witwatersrand and has received numerous awards, including the Wind Annual Social Entrepreneurship Award and the prestigious Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement.
About Us
Executive Team
Meet the Beit Issie Shapiro Executive Team, a group of experienced professionals committed to advancing the organization's mission in the disability sector.
Naomi Stuchiner
Founder
Naomi Stuchiner, the founder of Beit Issie Shapiro, led the organization as Executive Director for its first 25 years. Since 2006, she has focused on building international support for the organization.
Ahmir Lerner
Executive Director
Ahmir Lerner, Executive Director at Beit Issie Shapiro, brings extensive public sector experience, including 22 years in the Prime Minister's Office in key roles like Deputy Director of Logistics and Security.
His shift to the social sector included management positions at Education Cities and the prestigious Mandel School for Educational Leadership Fellowship. Ahmir holds degrees in Economics and Banking from the London School of Economics and an MBA from Herzliya Interdisciplinary Center.
Shlomit Herz
Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief IT Officer
Shlomit Herz has dedicated the past decade to financial systems development in the social sector - non-profits, social investment funds, and others. She brings rich experience from various roles at Bank Mizrahi-Tefahot and excels in cross-functional project management.
Shlomit holds an MBA in Finance from Herzliya Interdisciplinary Center and a Master’s in Economics from the Hebrew University, focusing on risk management.
Hanna Yamin-Chreki
VP of Professional Services
Hanna Yamin-Chreki, the VP of Professional Services at Beit Issie Shapiro, brings a wealth of experience with over 13 years in educational and welfare organization management. She spearheaded an initiative for young, at-risk parents for the National Insurance Institute, and managed Shalva in Jerusalem.
Hanna is deeply involved in promoting national policies for early childhood and disability services. An alumnus of the Mandel School for Educational Leadership, she holds degrees in Special Education, Jewish Studies, and Child Development.
Michael Lawrence
Chief Advancement Officer
Michael Lawrence has been our Chief Advancement Officer since 2020. A qualified lawyer in Israel and New Zealand, he has held leadership positions at organizations like JDC and The Jewish Agency for Israel, and serves in advisory and mentorship roles for other charities and nonprofit leaders.
A member of Beit Issie Shapiro’s senior management team, Michael’s vision and ability to build, inspire, and implement change positively influences our global resource development, board relations, marketing, and philanthropic partnerships.
Sigal Winter
Director of Israel Resource Development and Public Relations
Sigal Winter has dedicated her professional life to public service and later advancing social change through innovative programs for individuals with disabilities. Her unique blend of academic expertise in music, art, and literature enriches her philanthropic work, fostering creative and impactful collaborations.
She excels in engaging with social investors and philanthropists, channelling their support into transformative projects. Sigal’s commitment to societal improvement is evident in her passion for developing programs that significantly enhance life quality.
Sophia Berger
Director of Human Resources
Sophia Berger brings over 20 years of experience in HR and organizational consulting for NGOs, in Israel and around the world.
Her focus at Beit Issie Shapiro is to maintain an enthusiastic, innovative environment and ensure precise talent acquisition and development. Sophia believes in strong interdepartmental collaboration to enhance organizational performance and achieve strategic goals.
Ilanit Weigenfeld-Lahav
Director of the Hydrotherapy and Sport Center
Ilanit Weigenfeld-Lahav, a renowned hydrotherapist with over 25 years of experience, directs the Hydrotherapy and Sport Center. She holds a Master's in Physical Education from Wingate Institute, specializing in Special Physical and Sport Education.
Ilanit is also an esteemed lecturer and consultant in hydrotherapy methods globally and serves on the board of the International Halliwick Association.
Shalhav Malamud
Medical Director, Dental Clinic
Shalhav Malamud, with over 20 years of dental experience, specializes in treating patients with disabilities. Her expertise extends to complex medical cases and sedation dentistry.
Shalhav has contributed to professional journals and regularly speaks at academic and professional conferences worldwide. She is also a member of the Special Care Dentistry Association (SCDA).
Limor Meirovich
Director of the Braman Institute for Emotional Wellbeing
Limor Meirovich is a clinical psychologist and directs the Braman Institute for Emotional Wellbeing. She has a rich background in working with diverse groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and families, and specializes in staff training and supervision.
Limor plays a key role in guiding professional staff and consulting for specialized educational programs.
Anat Gerner
Director of Social Business Development
Anat Gerner, Director of Social Business Development,brings extensive experience in the Israeli and global business sector. She has held key roles in strategic planning, marketing, and business management at FMCG and NGOs.
Anat holds a BSc in Life Science and an MBA specializing in Marketing from Tel Aviv University.
Dr. Benny Hozmi
Academic & Knowledge Resource Director
Dr. Benny Hozmi has contributed over 25 years to social work education at Bar-Ilan University and several years in the Occupational Therapy department at Ono Academic College. He managed a developmental intellectual disability diagnostic station and was a senior advisor to the Ministry of Welfare
A scholar, academic writer, and pioneer in disability fields, he founded Beit Issie’s Inclusive University and authored “Identity of Capability”, addressing learning disabilities, available in Hebrew and English.
Yoav Braver
Director of the Trump International Training Institute & The Inclusive University
Yoav Braver, Director of the Trump International Training Institute & The Inclusive University, brings rich experience in management and non-formal education in the nonprofit sector. His expertise includes multi-sector partnership management and impact creation.
A graduate of the Mandel Youth Leadership Program, Yoav holds a Bachelor’s in Social Work and a Master’s in Public Administration for executives.
Adv. Valerie Zilka
Director of Policy Change
Adv. Valerie Zilka, has been working in policy advancement for the past 15 years as Director of Policy Change at Beit Issie Shapiro.
She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Law from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and has a background in social change.
Hiba Abd Al Hai
Director, Sindian Center
Hiba Abd Al Hai, Director of the Sindian Center since 2022, has been with the center since 2015, serving in various roles including educator, animal-assisted therapist, and deputy director. Her leadership significantly influences the Arab community.
Hiba’s multifaceted role encompasses health professions coordination and nursery and assistant staff management.
Dr. Dana Roth
Director, Research and Evaluation
Dr. Dana Roth, Director of Research and Evaluation, founded the department and leads numerous international research projects published in journals and books. Specializing in collaborative and action research, she focuses on policy change for social equality.
Dr. Roth is a member of various research and steering committees worldwide. She holds a Bachelor’s in Special Education from the University of Haifa, a Master’s in Special Physical Education from Adelphi University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Connecticut.
Orit Grinstein
Director, Technology Center
Orit Grinstein, Director of the Technology Center, holds a Bachelor's and Master's in Occupational Therapy and is a certified accessibility consultant. She oversees the coordination of several programs in partnership with Joint-Israel and government agencies.
Orit specializes in adapting technological solutions for people with various disabilities.
Yael Yoshei
Knowledge Resource Management and IssieSenses Development
Yael Yoshei, Knowledge Resource Management and IssieSenses Development, has been with Beit Issie Shapiro since 1999, as an occupational therapist and hydrotherapist. She has extensive experience in treating children with developmental disabilities.
Yael lectures on Multisensory Therapeutic Environments (Snoezelen), hydrotherapy, and disabilities in Israel and internationally.
Elise Rynhold
Director of Strategic Philanthropy
Elise Rynhold has been pivotal as Director of Strategic Philanthropy at Beit Issie Shapiro since 2017, with her 20+ years in resource development. She spearheads the strategic grant-writing and reporting for philanthropists, foundations, and federations globally.
Elise, passionate about language, holds a BA in French and Spanish and an MA in Translation and Interpreting.
Danelle Rubin
Public Relations & Communications
Danelle Rubin, with over a decade of experience in nonprofit PR and fundraising, leads Beit Issie Shapiro's branding, global public relations, and events.
She holds a BA in Art and Business Communications and a certification in nonprofit fundraising and grants.
Soraya Nazarian
VP Philanthropy, American Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro, West Coast
Soraya Nazarian, serving as the Vice President of Philanthropy for the American Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro Pacific Southwest Region since May 2019, has a notable history in organizational management within the nonprofit industry, bringing over 30 years of experience to the table.
Soraya is well-versed in the development and founding of charitable organizations, demonstrating expertise in leadership, business advancement, negotiation, fundraising, team building, and media relations.
Nikki Leviner
Director, UK Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro
Nikki Leviner leads the UK Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro, focusing on partnerships and resource development. With over 20 years in organizational growth, she builds relationships and facilitates expertise exchange between Israel and the UK.
Nikki previously led Resource Development at Telfed and worked in Global Resource Development at the Beit Issie Shapiro Israel campus.
Johanna Samuel
National Director, Canadian Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro
Johanna brings a wealth of leadership and community experience to her role, having worked extensively in both the Israeli not-for-profit sector and the international film and television industry.
Her approach is marked by creativity, commitment, and professionalism. Johanna is recognized for her dynamic energy, empathy, and skillful contributions in her field.