Jewish Professionals Learning Series brings together all professionals serving Houston’s Jewish community for an opportunity to connect, learn, enhance professional skills, and collectively serve our Jewish community. The series is a response to what we learned from the 2022-23 Hineni Houston listening journey. We now know that those who have dedicated their careers to the Jewish community are seeking additional leadership and professional growth opportunities and the opportunity to network with their fellow Jewish communal professionals.
The Professionals Learning Series will meet quarterly. Each session will feature a speaker and a chance to network. Save the dates for these dates for 2025-2026 year!
Our first session of the new programming year titled, Rooted and Resilient: Thriving in Communal Work, will be led by Alexander JFS’, Gittel Francis, LCSW, and Lauren Kaufman Blachman of Kaufman Blachman Consulting, on Thursday, August 28 from 11:30 AM – 1 PM. Location (Meyerland/Bellaire) sent closer to event date. The workshop will be focused on caring for ourselves, while building community amongst our peers. We will begin with a facilitated networking activity followed by learning practical tools for self-care. Kosher lunch will be served.
Presenter Bios:
Gittel Francis, LCSW
Community Intervention Program Lead, Psychotherapist, Alexander JFS
As an instructor, Gittel is 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, Gittle is passionate about reducing stigma and closing treatment gaps.
As a psychotherapist, Gittle supports adolescents, adults, and couples, in overcoming mental health and trauma challenges, guiding them to uncover strengths and develop strategies for lasting recovery and wellness.
Lauren Kaufman Blachman
Founder of Kaufman Blachman Consulting (KBC)
Lauren helps individuals, teams, and organizations illuminate their possibilities for growth, enhancement, and learning. Lauren’s clients come from many different backgrounds and industries ranging from financial services to energy, healthcare, technology, consulting, and non-profits.
Lauren coaches individuals and teams and works with business and organizational leaders to achieve tangible results, build collaboration, and determine strategy. Whether designing a retreat for your leadership team, a training class for your employees, or helping you adjust to a new role, Lauren will help you illuminate your possibilities and enhance your growth.