Clinical and Client Services Team
Clinical Director
Marcy Morgenbesser, LICSW
Marcy joined CJFS in 2019 with more than 30 years of program leadership, management and clinical experience in behavioral health, medical and community service settings in Massachusetts. Organizations where Marcy has served in leadership roles, include Advocates, Tufts Health Plan, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates (formerly Harvard Community Health Plan), McLean Hospital and Massachusetts Mental Health Center. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and received her Master of Social Work from Boston University.
Social Workers
Gail Schuster, LICSW, ACSW
[email protected]
Gail Schuster is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Masters in Social Work from the University of Georgia. She provides clinical counseling and social work services to individuals, couples, and families. Gail leads monthly support groups for women living with cancer. She joined the CJFS staff in March 2002.
Cynthia Bryant, LICSW
[email protected]
Cynthia Bryant is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Since joining CJFS in May 2016, "Cyndi" provides clinical counseling and social work services to individuals, couples and families. She appreciates that CJFS affords her the opportunity to partner with clients ranging from the ages of 5 to 95. In her 20 year career, Cyndi has worked in a variety of day treatment programs for teens, an inpatient psychiatric unit, a runaway shelter and an international adoption agency. Cyndi has an eclectic approach to counseling with a special interest in cognitive behavioral therapy, sensory issues and thriving with ADHD.
LaBrena "Bre" Friend, LMSW
[email protected]
Bre is a Licensed Independent Masters Social Worker with a Masters in Social Work from Alabama A&M University. Bre’s practice is focused largely on helping older adults age in their homes or in the least restrictive environment possible. Bre provides comprehensive assessments and case management for senior adults and their families, helping them navigate transitions and access appropriate resources. Bre joined the CJFS staff in April 2018.
Amy Neiman, LMSW
After completing a 3-semester internship at CJFS while earning her Master of Social Work at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, During this internship, Amy worked to build the teamwork, problem-solving and communication skills she would need as a social work professional. Amy joined the CJFS Social Work team as a Licensed Independent Masters Social Worker in April 2020. Amy provides case management services for clients of all ages, helping them navigate transitions and access resources that will strengthen their independence and enrich their quality of life. A mother of four and former classroom teacher, Amy helps each client pursue solutions that fit their individual needs.
Buz-A-Bus Driver
Tangi Parker
Buz-A-Bus Driver Tangi Parker came to CJFS with nearly 7 years’ experience providing bus transportation for older and disabled adults. Tangi has enjoyed the company of older adults since childhood when her great grandmother taught handicrafts at the senior home where she lived, and Tangi was her helper. Tangi joined the staff of CJFS in July 2019.
CARES Program Director/Social Worker
Pam Leonard, LBSW, CDP
[email protected]
Pam Leonard, Program Director of the CJFS CARES program which provides respite to individuals with dementia and movement disorders. A Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker and Certified Dementia Pracitioner, Pam has more than 20 years experience providing education and support for caregivers, enabling older adults to age in place and improving the lives of clients through person-centered care. The CJFS CARES program is designed not only to provide respite to caregivers, but to be cognitively, socially, and physically stimulating to participants. Pam and a team of CARES staff and volunteers have created a positive and caring community that enriches quality of life for all involved.
CARES Assistant Program Director
Lise Lapidus Grace
[email protected]
Lise Lapidus Grace began working as Volunteer Coordinator for CJFS in June 2013. Lise came to know and love CJFS years ago when both of her parents became clients of CJFS and came to rely on Buz-A-Bus to help maintain their independence. Today, Lise is honored to spend her time exclusively at CJFS CARES, a respite program for adults with memory and movement disorders. If you would like to volunteer at CJFS CARES, please call Lise at 410-1958.
Care Managers
Lynn Rathmell
[email protected]
Lynn has had two periods of employment with CJFS. In the1990’s when CJFS was in the midst of resettling people from the former Soviet Union, Lynn worked for 8 years helping people to find their first jobs and developing career goals for future employment. She returned to CJFS in March of 2008 as a Care Manager. She works with elderly clients in our “Just Like Family” and “Honor Parents” programs, helping older adults and their families manage the tasks of aging while maintaining the maximum quality of life for everyone involved. She continues to offer job development and career consultation and has facilitated a seminar, Thriving through Challenging Times, in response to current needs. Lynn has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Colorado.
Amy Peetluk
[email protected]
Amy Peetluk is a Care Manager in our “Just Like Family” program assisting older or disabled adults with tasks like escorted doctor’s visits, being a representative payee, filing insurance claims and researching resources to enhance their lives and that of their families. Amy is also our Medicare Part D expert. She researches and helps clients understand their options so they can choose the best plan to meet their needs. Amy attended Montclair State University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She joined CJFS in October 2005.
Personal Care Attendants
Angela Gaines
Jasmine Gilchrist
Vickie Jackson
Schadell Lewis
Tasha Womack
