Shana Erenberg Ph.D.
CEO
Dr. Shana Erenberg is the co-founder and CEO of Libenu. She is also the Chairman Emeritus of the Department of Education and professor at Blitstein Institute of Hebrew Theological College/Touro University in Chicago. Dr. Erenberg maintains a private practice for the diagnostic evaluation, remediation, and advocacy of children and adults with disabilities. In addition, Dr. Erenberg serves as a consultant and provides professional development for teachers in numerous day schools and public schools in metropolitan Chicago and throughout the United States.
Dr. Erenberg is the co-chair of the International Consortium of Jewish Special Educators in Central Agencies and a frequent conference presenter. Dr. Erenberg is the founder of the Keshet Sunday School and served as its director for twenty years. Dr. Erenberg has also served as a Level I Due Process Hearing Officer, and continues to do advocacy and due process work.
Dr. Erenberg has a doctorate in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Northwestern University and an Executive Scholar Certificate in Nonprofit Management for the Kellogg School of Business. She holds Professional Educator Licensure in Elementary Education and multiple areas of Special Education.
Ben Larson
Director of Communications, Media, & Operations
As the Director of Operations at Libenu, Ben brings an elevated attention to detail in managing the organization’s databases, formulating strategy, improving performance, technical support, communications, marketing, and securing compliance. Always ready to mentor his team members, Ben finds ways to increase quality of customer service and implement best practices across all levels. Ben started at Libenu in May 2020 and is happy to be part of such a passionate, forward thinking team. Ben has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from UCLA, and has worked as an Events Producer, Marketing Manager, and Content Creator for small to large sized companies.
David Ben-Arie
Director of Development
As the Director of Development at Libenu, David’s primary responsibility is to raise funds that enable Libenu to fulfill its mission by developing and fostering relationships with individual donors, foundations, government, businesses and corporations. David has nearly two decades of experience helping nonprofits of all sizes achieve their development goals while also raising a son with significant disabilities.
David started his career in development working in New York City first at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, and then at the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, the world’s preeminent resource center for East European Jewish Studies. In Chicago, he worked at Jewish Child and Family Services as lead fundraiser for their Encompass program for adults with disabilities,and more recently was Associate Director of Foundation Relations at DePaul University. He has his MFA from the New School University in New York City, and a Certificate in Nonprofits and Philanthropy from Northwestern University.
Dina Baker
Chief Program Officer
As Libenu’s Director of Programs, Dina brings her organizational skills, empathy, and energy to her work, translating into innovative residential and respite programs that foster self-determination and independence for Libenu’s clients and provide a reduction of stress and peace of mind for their families, thereby significantly improving their lives. Dina grew up in Chicago and attended Yeshiva University in New York, where she earned a BS in Accounting. People with disabilities are her passion and life experience. Before coming to Libenu, Dina was the program director at Yachad, providing social and recreational programs for children and adults with disabilities.
Rivka Schaffel
Supervisor of Lev Respite
Rivka is the supervisor of Libenu’s Lev Respite and Lev Lilah programs. She is passionate about supporting children with disabilities and has provided respite services for families since she was in high school and worked in many capacities under various schools and organizations serving children and families with disabilities in the New York area. Rivka has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Touro University and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. Rivka is committed to excellence and brings a unique warmth and exuberance to Libenu’s Lev Respite programs.
Kaley Cohen
Nursing and Administration
Kaley is passionate about ensuring the Libenu residents and Lev participants have access to the assistance and quality of life they deserve. As the nurse and administrator at Libenu, Kaley brings her enthusiasm and expertise in administrative work and nursing to support operations and the health of the participants. Kaley has a Bachelor of Arts from Yeshiva University and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Prior to Libenu, Kaley worked at Northwestern University Student Health Center and The Women’s Group of Northwestern, where she provided the same level of care as she does for our Libenu residents. She looks forward to working with the Libenu residents and Lev participants.
Steve Erenberg
Facilities Management and Special Projects
Steve Erenberg has combines his expertise in property management with more than three decades of experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities. Steve oversees all aspects of property management for the Libenu homes, ensuring that they are well-maintained and safe. Steve’s work with Libenu enables our residents to enjoy the highest quality of life in their homes and provides parents and families with the peace of mind that their child’s future is secure.