The Program Team
Community Mentors in academy
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Dr. Hadas Shaharabani Sidon
Co-founder and co-executive director
Otef Lev
Prof. Nurit Yirmiya
Co-founder and co-executive director
Otef Lev
Ravit Shimshi
2025 - National Program Manager
Academic staff
Beit Berl College
Dr. Samir Kahadan
Lecturer, Theoretical and Applied Courses
Dr. Samir Kahadan is a social worker and researcher specializing in education, social-emotional learning (SEL), and the professional identity of minority groups. He completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the Hebrew University’s School of Education, where he studied SEL processes in Arab schools in Israel. His doctoral research explored the perceptions and professional identity of Arab therapists treating Jewish clients.
Dr. Kahadan has taught at Tel Aviv University and Beit Berl College, and has extensive experience mentoring school principals and educational staff, as well as supervising school counselors. His work focuses on shared society, inclusive education, and professional development across diverse educational systems.
Guy Barak
Seminar Instructor and Academic Coordinator
Guy Barak serves as the Diversity, Partnership, and Inclusion Officer at Beit Berl College, within the Center for Shared Society Advancement. He leads cross-sector initiatives, manages the Kituv Program at the Shacharit Institute-focused on conceptual and practical responses to societal polarization in Israel and is one of the leading members of the MOFET Forum for Educational Leadership for Shared Society. Guy holds a B.A. in Education from Beit Berl College and an M.A. in Jewish History from Tel Aviv University.
Guy believes that: "If you are the smartest person in the room - you’re in the wrong room. Unless you’re alone in the room. It’s okay to be alone sometimes".
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Prof. Eran Bar-Kalifa
Academic Chairperson, Community Mentors Program
Prof. Eran Bar-Kalifa is a clinical psychologist, supervisor, and faculty member in the Psychology Department at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. His research examines interpersonal dynamics in romantic relationships, couples therapy, and psychotherapy, focusing on how responsiveness, attunement, and emotional support influence immediate emotional experiences and long-term personal and relational change. In his academic roles, Eran serves as chair of the Teaching Committee in the Psychology Department and director of the School of Integrative Psychotherapy, mentoring graduate students.
Benny Kornblit
Lecturer, Theoretical and Applied Courses and Academic Coordinator
Benny Kornblit is a master's student in clinical psychology at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Prior to his studies, he worked as a health supporter at Maccabi Health Services, delivering Interpersonal Counseling (IPC) protocol interventions, and as a rehabilitation instructor at the Marpe LaNefesh organization. His connection to mental health formed in his youth and deepened over time, driven by a sense of mission to be there for people at pivotal moments - at the right place and time. In his free time, Benny engages in sports and cares for pets.
Western Galilee College
Prof. Yaakov Reuven
Academic Chairperson, Community Mentors Program
Prof. Yaakov Reuven is the Head of the Criminology Department and the Director of the Center for Research on At-Risk Children and Youth at the Western Galilee Academic College. A clinical criminologist and CBT therapist, he has extensive experience working with at-risk youth and managing residential institutions. His research examines factors influencing adolescents’ experiences in rehabilitative residential settings, including institutional structure, authority dynamics, and intervention approaches. He has led professional training programs for clinical teams and collaborated with the Ministry of Welfare and Mental Health services.
Dr. Avner Sahar
Lecturer, Theoretical and Applied Courses
Dr. Avner Sahar lectures in the Departments of Management and Criminology, specializing in decision-making, negotiation, interpersonal communication, and the dynamics of crime and incarceration. A former intelligence officer in the IDF Intelligence Directorate, he brings extensive experience in crisis situations and in facilitating communication and de-escalation processes. His doctoral research examines differences between negotiation philosophies in Muslim and Western cultures and the role of religious leaders in peacebuilding. In his free time, he enjoys being a tour guide in Israel and abroad, enjoys classical music and hiking, and believes deeply in the value of "Love your neighbor as yourself".
Hala Safadi
Academic Coordinator
Hala Safadi is a clinical–social criminologist and lecturer in Criminology, Psychology, and Social Work. She leads training programs for at-risk youth and coordinates the 360 Intervention Program for children and adolescents in high-risk situations. Her doctoral dissertation, conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, investigates gender identity development among adolescents with differences of sex development (DSD). In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer - a passion that teaches her perseverance, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure. Hala believes that "learning and growing is a choice we make anew each day".
Sapir Academic College
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Dr. Leah Shalef
Academic Chairperson,
Community Mentors program
Dr. Lea Shalef is a clinical social worker specializing in mental health (license no. 41). She serves as the Dean of the School of Social Work at Sapir Academic College and works as a research consultant and clinician in the IDF Combat Response Unit. Dr. Shalef served for 20 years as a psychology officer in the IDF, and in her final position headed the Air Force Psychology Branch. Her research focuses on suicidal behavior, post-traumatic stress disorder, and the relationship between them among soldiers, reservists, and former combatants. In her free time, she is an avid runner and believes that consistency and maintaining one’s pace are the keys to progress-both in running and in life.
Dr. Nati Biton
Lecturer, theoretical and applied courses
Dr. Nati Biton is a social worker, lecturer and researcher at the School of Social Work at Sapir Academic College and Ben-Gurion University. Nati works in individual and group therapy in the field of mental health and in the LGBTQ + field.
MSW Ziv Sharoni
Academic Coordinator
Ziv Sharoni is a social worker who specializes in working with individuals and combines tools from therapy, coaching, and personal development to create deep and lasting change. He works to promote mental health and respectful dialogue within individuals, families, and communities, integrating academic knowledge with practical therapeutic experience. He believes that presence, attentive listening, and genuine partnership are the foundation for personal and professional growth, as well as for a full and meaningful life.
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Prof. Orya Tishby
Academic Chairperson,
Community Mentors program
Prof. Orya Tishby is a licensed clinical psychologist and a certified supervisor. She is afaculty member in the Department of Psychology and the School of Social Work at the Hebrew University. Her research focuses on mechanisms of change in short and long-term dynamic psychotherapy, with emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and dyadic patterns in supervision. Previously, she headed the Student Counseling Services, and she currently serves as President of the European Chapter of the International Society for Psychotherapy Research. She trains professionals in short-term dynamic therapy and integrative supervision.
Dr. Limor Zabar
Lecturer, applied course
Dr. Limor Zabar is a social worker specializing in health and serves as the Coordinator of the Equal Opportunities Unit in the Dean of Students office, at the Hebrew University. She previously worked for many years at Hadassah Hospital as a diagnostician for intellectual disabilities and autism, and as a social worker in intensive care units. Her doctoral research examined patients’ desire to receive information in the process of "informed consent". Limor particularly enjoys teaching communication skills and helping students develop the ability to establish meaningful and supportive relationships with people in need of assistance.
Dr. Ayala Wohl
Lecturer, theoretical course
Dr. Ayala Wohl is the CEO of the Shefer nonprofit organization, a community social worker, and an organizational consultant. She is a doctoral candidate at the University of Haifa focusing on the theory of attachment to location and community. She lectures at the Hebrew University and at the College of Management in the fields of leadership and community.
"Never doubt that a small group of concerned citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has". (Margaret Mead)
Ido Shesho
Program Coordinator
Ido Shesho is a graduate student in Clinical Psychology. During his undergraduate studies, he volunteered and later worked with the “University in the People” program, which strives to make academic knowledge accessible to communities in Israel’s social and geographical periphery. He also participated in programs at the Center for Parenting and Early Childhood in Be’er Sheva, promoting mental well-being by strengthening parent–child relationships.
Ido’s master’s thesis explores the mechanisms underlying the spread of fear learning. In his free time, he enjoys traveling in Israel and abroad, cooking, and appreciating good food.
Ruppin Academic Center
Dr. Ortal Buchnik-Atsil
Lecturer, Theoretical and Applied Courses
Dr. Ortal Buchnik-Atsil is a psychologist with extensive experience in the field of mental health, both through her work at Sheba Medical Center and in her private practice, where she has worked with survivors of the October 7th attacks and the families of hostages. She believes in the power of compassionate community ambassadors as a pathway to healing and recovery. Her research focuses on intergenerational transmission, motivation, coping with failure, and the impact of trauma and anxiety on parents and children on the home front. Her favorite way to unwind is paddleboarding at sunrise - a moment of calm, presence, and deep connection to nature.
Tzuf Smachon
Academic Coordinator
Tzuf Smachon is a clinical psychology intern researching the relationship among coping styles, mentalization, and epistemic trust within the parent–child dyad. Through her clinical training, she has worked with individuals across community-based, outpatient, and inpatient settings. Tzuf believes that sensitive, attentive, and safe human connection forms the foundation for healing and growth.
Tel-Hai
University of Kiryat Shmona On the rise
Prof. Meirav Hen
Academic Chairperson,
Community Mentors program
Prof. Meirav Hen is a clinical psychologist, Associate Professor, and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Tel-Hai – a university in formation. Over her 25 years at the institution, she has served as Head of the Department of Education, Head of the Department of Psychology, and Director of the Master’s Program in Educational Psychology. Prof. Chen is recognized as a leading researcher in the fields of child psychopathology, everyday procrastination, hospital-based schooling, and socio-emotional well-being in educational and academic contexts. Her studies are published in leading academic journals, and she frequently presents at international psychology conferences. Prof. Hen integrates research, teaching, and clinical practice, pioneering the development and application of innovative knowledge in clinical and educational psychology.
Dr. Shiral Bakbani-Elkayam
Lecturer, theoretical and applied courses
Dr. Shiral Bakbani-Elkayam holds a direct-track Ph.D. in Research Psychology, specializing in depression and motivational mechanisms, and is a recipient of the prestigious Azrieli Fellows Scholarship. She teaches in the Psychology and Human Services departments at Tel-Hai, volunteers as a researcher at the Bri’ah Foundation, and runs a private couples-counseling clinic. She is involved in social initiatives that develop programs for diverse populations and strengthen community resilience, participates in a women’s theater group, and serves as Chair of the Tzahar–Palm Beach Steering Committee within the Jewish Agency’s "Partnership Together" program. Shirel believes that interdisciplinary thinking and ongoing dialogue between theory and practice are what foster meaningful connections and the creation of impactful knowledge.
BSW Dafna Sharabi
Academic Coordinator
Dafna Sharabi is a social worker and employment coordinator at a senior day center in Hatzor HaGlilit. She is completing her M.A. in Cultural Studies at Sapir Academic College. In recent years, she has shifted from individual to community-based practice, viewing community as a vital source of belonging and mental well-being. Alongside her professional role, Dafna runs her own DJ business, embracing the dance floor as a communal space for connection, release, and joy.
עוטף לב׳ - סיוע נפשי ישראלי, מבית החמ״ל האזרחי הוא מערך שהוקם בעקבות אירועי ה-7 באוקטובר על מנת לסייע בתחומי בריאות הנפש לכלל תושבי ישראל.
אנחנו מתמחים בסיוע לכל תושבי הארץ, כולל סיוע במציאת מענים ספציפיים לאותם עשרות אלפי התושבים שנאלצו להתפנות מבתיהם ושוהים בריכוזי מפונים או במסגרות דיור אחרות (מפונים ומתפנים).