CELEBRATION COMPANY - Key Persons
Dr. Cheung received her Doctoral and Master Degree of Social Work from the University of Houston. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and board certified Supervisor in Texas, a Registered Play therapist, and a certified EMDR therapist and approved consultant. She has years of experience working at various behavioral health, mental health and clinical settings serving children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric population for individual, couples, family and group therapy. She is an adjunct professor at University of Houston. She has also been selected as an outstanding field instructor by the University of Houston and Baylor University. In 2020, she has been selected as the Social Worker of the year from the National Association of Social Workers Texas Branch.
Job Titles:
- Program Assistant, Celebration Company West
Alejandra began working for Celebration Company West in February 2024 and finds a profound purpose in assisting adults with disabilities. Originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, she is a dedicated mother of two daughters, aged 2 and 8. Her 8-year-old daughter, diagnosed with an intellectual disability and autism, has been a profound source of inspiration. This personal connection to disability motivated Alejandra to pursue a career benefiting children facing similar challenges.
Driven by her desire to create supportive and nurturing environments, Alejandra's mission is to support those around her and create a world where every person with a disability can thrive and reach their full potential.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator, Celebration Company Central
- New Celebration Company Central Coordinator
Amon Johnston is the new Celebration Company Central Coordinator. He was previously a Registered Behavior Technician, working in early childhood development in home services working to impact families in their homes to give families better quality of living. Amon is bringing over 12 years of in the field experience with adults in the ID/DD population.
Prior to joining Celebration Company, Amon was a vocational director for the Village Centers in Kingwood TX, where he developed vocational and life skills programs to help adults find a purpose in their community. He has also worked as a job coach, life skills instructor and educational advocate for families with children and adults in the population in Colorado.
Amon is excited to bring his experience and passion for this amazing population to the Celebration Company. He looks forward to creating opportunities for adults to bring purpose and a greater quality of life to the ID/IDD population
Job Titles:
- Community Outreach Lead and Program Assistant, Celebration Company Central
Carissa is the Community Outreach Lead and Program Assistant for Celebration Company Central. She works on programs including the PIT Crew, Day Tripper, Nite Owls and Celebrating Independence.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Board
- Healthcare Executive
Carl E. Josehart is an accomplished healthcare executive with over 30 years of experience. He currently serves as CEO of Alexander Jewish Family Service. Past experience includes 11 years as CEO of TIRR Memorial Hermann, leadership experience in acute care, ambulatory care and earlier in his career as a clinical social worker. From 2018 - 2022 he served as COO of Alexander JFS.
Carl's career has been distinguished by a commitment to social justice and serving underserved or historically disadvantaged populations including individuals impacted by poverty, racial, ethnic or religious discrimination and promoting equality for the LGBT community.
Carl is a frequent speaker and lecturer in topics ranging from healthcare administration, social work and issues related to disability and access to equitable healthcare for historically underserved communities.
In 2021, Carl received Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies Extraordinary Professional Leadership Award. In 2018 Carl was named Humanitarian of the Year by The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship - Houston Galveston, and in 2017, Carl was named a distinguished Alumnus of the Brown School of Social Work. He is a Senior Fellow with the American Leadership Forum Houston /Gulf Coast Chapter, a graduate of the Center for Houston's Future Business& Civic Leadership Forum and in 2003 was named a Health Ethics Trust Fellow.
Carl is active with many community organizations, served as Board Chair of Holocaust Museum Houston, is active with The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship - Houston Galveston. Carl also serves on the Finance Committee for the American Leadership Forum Houston/Gulf Coast Chapter and previously served on the boards of the Anti-Defamation League- Houston and Congregation Emanu El.
Carl holds a Bachelor's Degree Psychology and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Program Assistant / Volunteer Coordinator, Celebration Company West
Carol Silverman is a dedicated Program Assistant at Celebration Company, where she has been a valued team member for the past decade. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Carol's passion for education and empowerment has been a consistent thread throughout her career.
Before joining Celebration Company, Carol taught early childhood education, a role in which she made a significant impact on the lives of young learners. Her transition to Celebration Company allowed her to continue her mission of fostering growth and development, this time focusing on helping adults feel empowered by their accomplishments.
Carol is a proud mother of three wonderful adult children and a doting grandmother to four grandchildren. Her family is a central part of her life, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President
Carolyn's involvement with Alexander JFS began in 2016 when she and her friend, Vikki Evans, co-chaired Reel Hope, an agency annual fundraising event. Soon after, Carolyn joined the Alexander JFS Board. Most recently, Carolyn has served as Vice President of Program Services, focusing on the development of Senior Services. Additionally, in 2022, she chaired the Transition Committee, ensuring a smooth transfer of power between outgoing long-time CEO, Linda Burger, and incoming CEO Carl E. Josehart. Josehart is the agency's fifth CEO since 1913.
Carolyn grew up in Monroe, Louisiana, where she was inspired by her parents' and grandparents' involvement in their own community through synagogue and community organizations. She strives to keep this tradition alive with her and her husband's three children via philanthropy and community action with Alexander JFS, Tulane Hillel, Houston Jewish Community Foundation, the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and Congregation Beth Israel. This is why one of Carolyn's most meaningful projects while working with JFS has been the Family-to-Family initiative, which focuses on development of generational philanthropy. Her goal is to bring the next generation of Alexander JFS family leadership to the agency by developing deeper engagement with young adults in the community.
Carolyn is a proud graduate of Newcomb College of Tulane University. Carolyn was honored in 2020 with the Alexander JFS Shirley and Allen Becker Leadership Award. Carolyn and Jay were the 2022 recipients of the Joan Alexander Chesed Award.
Carolyn believes Alexander JFS is an essential safety net for our community. We want to continue meeting the needs of the community as they exist today with an eye to the future for generations to come.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator at Celebration Company West
Christian is the Coordinator at Celebration Company West, where he supports adults with disabilities. He comes from a background in education, behavioral therapy, and small business management. Christian holds a master's degree in history and spends a lot of his free time reading old books.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator, Data Management and Disability Services
Clinton Hedges holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College and a Master of Social Work degree from University of Houston. Clinton works as a Program Assistant at Celebration Company, supporting adults with intellectual disabilities as they strengthen their job skills and life skills. He coordinates Celebration Company's Transitions program, a school break (pre-)vocational program for students with intellectual disabilities. Clinton particularly enjoys working with participants on strengthening and expanding their culinary skills.
Job Titles:
- Shuttle Driver / Retail Associate, the Center for Art & Photography
Daniel serves as the Shuttle Drive and Retail Associate for The Center for Art & Photography. In this role, he transports Alexander JFS employees from the Congregation Beth Yeshurun parking lot to the on-site Alexander JFS location. When not operating the shuttle, Daniel coordinates purchases and manages inventory at the Celebration Company Central store.
Daniel holds a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communications from Reichman University in Herzliya, Israel. Before joining JFS, he worked as a Digital Editor in Israel for three years. Daniel is known for his dedication and tireless work ethic, always eager to assist in any way he can.
Job Titles:
- Program Assistant, Celebration Company Central
David has been a dedicated employee at Alexander JFS for approximately two years. In his versatile role, he supports the staff by running errands, driving employees to their internships, operating the bus, performing handyman tasks, and assisting with art projects.
In his free time, David enjoys practicing martial arts, working out at the gym, and doing yoga. He also engages in light crafts, attends Shul on Saturdays, and plays bass guitar at church on Sundays. David's diverse interests and commitment to helping others make him a valued member of the team.
Job Titles:
- Archivist
- Director of Marketing
Gloria Ribnick, Director of Marketing at Alexander JFS from 1998 - 2022, served as the archivist of the agency's milestones.
Job Titles:
- Certified Nursing Assistant, Program Assistant
Integrity became a part of Joan and Stanford Alexander Celebration Company West in June 2024 as a Certified Nurse's Assistant. A proud graduate of The University of Houston (Go COOGS!), she brings over 15 years of experience in healthcare. Originally from Fort Ord, California, Integrity has made Houston her home for more than 25 years. She is the proud mother of four and lives by the motto, "Be the change you wish to see."
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations & Disability Services
Jamie Paul Weiner, LCSW is a 20-plus-year veteran working with people who have disabilities. She has been with Alexander JFS since 2012. Jamie graduated with her master's in social work from Yeshiva University's Wurzweiler School of Social Work in 2001. She has worked for the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center and The Briarwood School before starting at JFS. Jamie works tirelessly to support adults with disabilities in their vocational journeys while advocating for disability rights on the local, state and national levels.
Job Titles:
- Program Assistant, Celebration Company West
Kaily previously worked as a Registered Behavior Technician, supporting children and families in meaningful ways and deepening her passion for the field. Kaily brings a strengths-based approach to her work and values building genuine connections with those around her. She is currently pursuing her degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology at Eastern Kentucky University, developing a strong foundation in human behavior, advocacy, and social policy.
Kaily looks forward to growing alongside the team at Celebration Company West and continuing to expand her knowledge and skills. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and hanging out with her dog, Spooky.
Job Titles:
- CEO Discretionary Endowment Fund
Ensure future leaders of Alexander JFS can provide extraordinary response to those most in need.
Job Titles:
- Program Assistant
- Volunteer Coordinator
Lois Sanford (she/her) is a Houston native who lives with two very big and friendly dogs. She greatly enjoys baking, cooking, cosplay and participating in geek culture, makeup, DIY fashion, and all things spooky; she also never seems to have enough room for her ever-growing scented candle and homemade perfume collection. Since she was young, she's loved live music and live theater, and that love grows with each performance she attends.
Lois has been working in Disability Services for 7 years; she started as a personal caregiver in the summer of 2018, and her time helping her clients has greatly informed her approach to all she provides services to. After volunteering at Celebration Company West, she accepted the position of Volunteer Coordinator at Celebration Company Central in 2024. This position fulfils her desire to step into a leadership team role while also allowing her to continue to serve the disabled community in her hometown.
Beginning as a clinician at Alexander Jewish Family Service in 1981, Mary Jean took the helm at a time of tremendous change in the social fabric of the family and created related family education program. She opened services to more diverse populations and strengthened services for families and seniors.
Job Titles:
- Job Coach / Program Assistant
Nick is entering his second year as a Program Assistant at Celebration Company. His responsibilities include job coaching, Baking Buddies assistant, assistant to the bus driver, and most recently, bus driver. Nick received his Associate of Arts degree from Schreiner University, Kerrville, Texas, in 2019. A native of Houston, he graduated from Lutheran High North where he lettered in Cross Country, Track and Field, and Basketball. He also played alto saxophone in the marching band. While in high school he participated in extensive foreign travel.
Nick has had a lifetime passion for sports and fitness and acquired his credentials as a Certified Personal Trainer. He worked for LA Fitness as a trainer and staffed the front desk. From a very young age, he trained in gymnastics and tumbling and later worked as a coach for summer gymnastics programs. While in high school he trained with basketball great, John Lucas, and Baylor Hall-of-Famer, Larry Gatewood. He enthusiastically supports all Houston area college and professional sports teams.
Job Titles:
- Chief Development Officer
Rachel W. Davis joined Alexander Jewish Family Service in December 2006 as Chief Development Officer. With a background in business development and marketing, she has focused on building diverse revenue streams for the agency by highlighting the impact of its work to individual donors and foundations. At Alexander JFS, she oversees a talented team of professionals in fund development, marketing and volunteer management. Since her arrival, the agency's budget has grown from just over one million dollars to nearly eight million dollars annually. She is particularly passionate about building a sustaining endowment to benefit Alexander JFS through conversations with donors about Legacy gifts for the Houston Jewish Family Foundation.
At Alexander JFS, she has also been instrumental in the establishment and growth of the Houston ReelAbilities Film and Arts Festival.
In 2016, Rachel received the Hans Mayer Jewish Communal Professional Award.
Prior to Alexander JFS, Rachel was the founding Executive Director of the Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce and also worked in the private sector promoting Israeli technology companies in the US market. A former art gallery owner, she served in leadership in the Houston Art Dealers Association. Having served on the Boards of several non-profits, she volunteers as an advisor to small organizations on building their fundraising campaigns and leadership and is also a frequent speaker to both professional and lay fundraising teams.
A native Houstonian, Rachel received her B.A. from Yale University and her Masters in Jewish Studies from Siegel College of Jewish Studies.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator, the Center for Art and Photography
Samara Rosen received her Masters of Fine Arts at Cranbrook Academy of Art studying Fiber Art. Samara has participated in various national and regional art exhibitions, as well as an artist residency at the Craft Alliance in St Louis, Missouri. At Celebration Company, Samara oversees the various art activities and encourages the artists to have a voice of their own. She also coordinates art exhibitions and other partnerships that enables the art at Celebration Company to be seen in the larger public. In her free time, she enjoys sewing lace, making sculptures, and drawing.
Job Titles:
- Immediate past President
- Member of the Board
Sandi is a native Houstonian. A natural leader, who measures success in terms of values, not merely growth and profit, Sandi joined the Alexander Jewish Family Service board in 2013. Since that time, she has been a transformational influence on the organization, particularly in the areas of fundraising, network expansion, and board development.
After studying at Emory University and University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a Business degree in Finance, Sandi worked as a financial consultant at Merrill Lynch. She left to support her husband in the family business, Helfman Dealerships, and to raise their three children.
Sandi brings to Alexander JFS a long history of passionate community involvement. Sandi was a tireless volunteer for many years at her children's schools - Hunters Creek Elementary School, The Emery/Weiner School, and The Kinkaid School. Sandi deeply cares about Jewish causes; she has chaired: Collage for the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston twice, an innovative fashion show for Congregation Emanu El, and committees for Congregation Beth Israel. Through her life, she has also worked with DePelchin Children's Center, Houston Heart Ball as an auction chair, Julia C. Hester House, where she has been honored, and Ronald McDonald House Houston. She and husband, Steven, were the 2021 recipients of the Joan Alexander Chesed Award. Sandi credits the example of her parents, Elaine, and Jack, of blessed memory, for her love of philanthropy and making a difference in the world.
The consummate professional, Sol focused on the Mental Health Services at Alexander Jewish Family Service, developing both therapeutic counseling and psychiatric support and oversaw settlement of Jews from the former Soviet Union. He fostered a close relationship with United Way of Greater Houston, a long-term partner of the agency.
Tammy Hopwood began her career in public accounting with Deloitte, followed by management and leadership positions with public companies American General Corporation and MMI Products, Inc. After receiving an MBA from Rice University, she moved to non-profit leadership as Chief Accounting Officer with KIPP Houston Public Schools. Prior to joining Alexander Jewish Family Service she was Chief Financial Officer for The Monarch School and Institute.
Tammy has led accounting and finance functions for over 15 years. With a collaborative management style, she has partnered with leadership on strategic long-range planning, budgeting, cash and forecasting, as well as cost and profitability analysis of programs and services. She has been instrumental in accounting function remediation, efficient processing and significant audit result improvement. With a strong background in reporting and analysis she has improved leaderships' knowledge and understanding of financial results and brought key cost drivers in line with industry standards.
Tammy grew up in Austin Texas and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from St. Edwards' University. She is s a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas. Outside of work, Tammy enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, art and dog rescue.
Job Titles:
- Program Assistant
- Program Assistant, Celebration Company Central
Tanesha is the Internship Coordinator and Program Assistant, bringing over a decade of experience in the Customer Service industry. Passionate about helping others achieve their goals, she is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. Her five years with Fort Bend ISD deepened her understanding of the crucial need for social workers, reinforcing her dedication to making a positive impact in the community.
Job Titles:
- Chief Development Officer
- Chief Development Officer of Alexander JFS
Tiffany Dorsey is a seasoned fundraising professional with over 22 years' experience in nonprofit development and board and donor engagement. With a passion for supporting meaningful causes, she has dedicated her career to advancing philanthropic efforts that make a lasting impact.
Tiffany began her nonprofit fundraising career with the Houston Symphony, where she played a key role in donor relations and campaign strategies to bring the arts to underserved youth. A passion for working with youth inspired a desire to share her expertise with Big Brothers Big Sisters, contributing to fundraising initiatives and community partnerships through mentoring programs like Beyond School Walls.
Tiffany serves as Chief Development Officer of Alexander JFS, where she manages fundraising campaigns and events, cultivates donor relationships, and works with leadership to drive initiatives that support the vital social services the agency provides. Her experience in nonprofit development, project and database management, and strategic planning has helped strengthen the financial sustainability of the organizations she has served.
Growing up 2 hours from Houston where she received her B.A. from Lamar University, Tiffany also obtained a certificate of biblical studies from Light Bible Institute and in 2023, received the Alexander JFS President's Award.
Beyond her professional life, she is an active volunteer mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, volunteer coordinator with Poppy's Run for Life, and captain of the Gunner Team at Gift of Life Breast Cancer Walk.