Meet Our Staff
Squirrel Hill Psychological Services
- Jordan Golin, Psy. D, Director of Clinical & Elder Care Services
- Harry Ash, M.Ed., Psychotherapist (Consultant)
- Pearl Averbach, LCSW , Geriatric Care Coordinator & Psychotherapist
- Bari Benjamin, LCSW, BCD, Psychotherapist
- Sandy Budd, Geriatric Care Coordinator & Psychotherapist
- Claire Burbea, LCSW, Geriatric Care Coordinator & Psychotherapist
- Ellie Eisenstat, MPS, MSW, Program and Resource Coordinator
- Wendy Levin-Shaw, LCSW, Psychotherapist
- Maria Luczkow, MSW, LCSW, ACSW, Psychotherapist (Consultant)
- Linda Marino, Resource Coordinator
- Amanda McKee, Clinical Administrator
- Steve Root, LCSW, Psychotherapist (Consultant)
- Stefanie Small, LCSW, Geriatric Care Coordinator & Psychotherapist
- Barbara Wollman, LCSW, BCD , Psychotherapist
Jordan Golin, Psy. D
Director of Clinical & Elder Care Services
In his role as director of Clinical Services, Dr. Golin brings with him years of psychological expertise conducting individual, family and group therapy; supervising therapy staff and conducting psychological testing. Dr. Golin has advanced the programming and offerings of clinical services provided through Squirrel Hill Psychological Services and its parent agency, Jewish Family & Children's Service. These include counseling and consultation, psychological testing, caregiver and care coordination services, special needs services and critical needs assistance.
As director also of Elder Care services, Dr. Golin has taken on a leadership role in administering AgeWell Pittsburgh, a collaborative program with Jewish Family & Children's Service, Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Association on Aging, which provides comprehensive services to the community's older adults.
Dr. Golin has previously served as the director of the Department of Psychology for Sharon Regional Health System. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Pennsylvania Psychological Association.
Dr. Golin obtained his doctorate in clinical psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a master's in clinical psychology from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a bachelor's from University of Florida.
Harry Ash, M.Ed.
Psychotherapist (Consultant)
Harry Ash is a psychotherapist for Squirrel Hill Psychological Services. In this role, he treats anxiety and depression, couples, chemical dependency, co-dependency, compulsive gambling, psychosis and dual-diagnosis.
He is a former staff member of UPMC-Western Psychiatric Institutes & Clinic and is a member of the American Psychological Association.
Harry earned his master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He completed his post-graduate training at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland. Harry is a part-time consultant to Squirrel Hill Psychological Services.
Pearl Averbach, LCSW
Geriatric Care Coordinator & Psychotherapist
Pearl Averbach is a licensed, clinical social worker specializing in geriatrics. She has held supervisory positions in both long-term care and community based social service agencies. Pearl provides geriatric care coordination services to Jewish Family & Children's Service clients in the greater Pittsburgh area. She also provides counseling services to older adults who live independently at home and who live in various assisted living facilities.
Previously, as the Director of Social Services for two national health care chains, she structured new facilities in accordance with state and federal regulations and developed and initiated psychosocial programming that was implemented throughout south Florida. Pearl has sat on the advisory boards of the Covenant of the South Hills, the Jewish Association on Aging's assisted living facilities of Weinberg Village and Terrace and the Pittsburgh Region Holocaust Program.
Pearl received her master's in social work with a certification in gerontology from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor's from The Pennsylvania State University.
Bari Benjamin, LCSW, BCD
Psychotherapist
Bari Benjamin, LCSW, BCD has two decades of experience with individual, couples and families dealing with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, domestic violence and adoption. With Bari's specialized training in stepfamily therapy, she has helped many non-intact families become cohesive family units. This model of therapy addresses issues such as determining who is responsible for discipline, building strong relationships with one's non-biological children and supporting one's spouse.
Bari also provides support to the Family Hope Connection, the foster care and adoption department of Jewish Family & Children's Service, where she leads a group for parents of internationally adopted children.
Previously, Bari worked as a psychotherapist in a number of settings, including an outpatient mental health facility and a private practice. She has experience with a diverse group of clients, ranging from those struggling with common concerns of daily life to those suffering with severe mental illnesses.
Bari graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a master's in social work and post-graduate training in psychotherapy. She also completed a master's of art in teaching from the same university. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Step Family Association of America.
Sandy Budd
Geriatric Care Coordinator & Psychotherapist
Sandy Budd is a licensed, clinical social worker with more than 20 years of social work experience. She provides geriatric care coordination services to Jewish Family & Children's Service clients in the greater Pittsburgh area. As a psychotherapist, Sandy counsels older adults suffering from the many losses and adjustments that can occur in later life.
Sandy also coordinates the Pittsburgh Region Holocaust Survivors Program with funds provided by the Jewish Material Claims Conference Against Germany, Inc. which provides care coordination and other services free of charge to Holocaust survivors. In addition, she speaks to members of the community as part of Elder Care team presentations on how to talk to one's loved ones about aging and other educational topics that relate to older adults.
Prior to coming to JF&CS, she held positions in various community based, non-profit, social service agencies.
Sandy received her bachelor's and master's in social work from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin.
Claire Burbea, LCSW
Geriatric Care Coordinator & Psychotherapist
Claire Burbea, a licensed clinical social worker, has provided services to older adults for more than 15 years. These services have included psychotherapy, care coordination, support groups, and intergenerational programming. She provides geriatric care coordination services to Jewish Family & Children's Service clients in the greater Pittsburgh area. Claire's psychotherapeutic work with older adults focuses on strengthening their ability to cope with life changes and to maximize their emotional well being.
Claire has been a field advisor for The University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work for the past several years, providing training and supervision to a number of graduate students interested in geriatric social work.
Her formal education includes a bachelor's in English literature and education from the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel, a master's in educational counseling from San Jose State College and a master's of social work from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work.
Ellie Eisenstat, MPS, MSW
Program and Resource Coordinator
Ellie joins JF&CS to fill two roles. As Cognitive Enhancement Program Coordinator for our Seniors department, Ellie is involved in the continued development and evolution of the Brain Builders program, a series of structured workshops for seniors to help maintain and strengthen brain health. Ellie will be responsible for the ongoing coordination, monitoring and evaluation of the program. As Critical Needs Resource Coordinator, Ellie will work as part of the Counseling Unit assessing clients’ needs and connecting them to services to address multiple issues and achieve stability.
Ellie relocated from New York, where she was supervisor for the Intake and Assessment Department at the Center for Urban Community Services for four years. She was involved in the start up and development of the department, which serves formerly homeless, mentally ill, HIV/AIDS, and chemically dependent adults in need of supportive housing. In addition, she has worked in a variety of settings, including residential housing for formerly homeless seniors with mental health issues, the Brooklyn VA Outpatient Treatment Program, and in a geriatric long-term care facility. She also worked in the publishing field, and as a freelance copyeditor and proofreader.
Ellie has a bachelor's degree in English and Art History from Allegheny College, a master's of Professional Studies in Creative Arts Therapy from Pratt Institute, and a master's in Social Work from Hunter College.
Wendy Levin-Shaw, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Wendy Levin-Shaw, a licensed clinical social worker, has worked for over twenty years with individuals, couples and families as they seek to respond to life's challenges. Relationship enhancement, effective parenting, marital conflict and interfaith marriage are some of the varied concerns that Wendy addresses with her clients. In therapy, Wendy uses her extensive training in Family Systems Theory, which recognizes that individuals are significantly influenced by the intricate relationships in their lives.
In addition to psychotherapy, Wendy has provided education and support to groups on parenting, bereavement, interfaith couples and adoption. She has been a speaker on a range of topics, including communication, family relationships, and managing the challenges of our daily lives. As an adjunct faculty member at the Western Pennsylvania Family Center, she has authored and presented, "The History of Parent Education from 1850 to 1952." She also co-authored training materials entitled "Enhancing Self-Esteem in Parents."
Wendy is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. She has also been a family therapist for a local community mental health clinic and co-founded a support organization for mothers.
Wendy holds a master's of social work from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Maria Luczkow, MSW, LCSW, ACSW
Psychotherapist (Consultant)
Maria Luczkow is a licensed clinical social worker who has worked as a psychotherapist for more than 25 years.
Maria began her career as a children's psychotherapist at a residential treatment facility for severely disturbed children in Chicago, Illinois. After a short time, she moved back to Pittsburgh, where she has worked as a psychotherapist for children, adolescents, and adults at several large private practices. In addition to her work at Squirrel Hill Psychological Services, Maria is also a school-based therapist in the Riverview School District.
Maria received her bachelor's in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her master's in social work from the University of Pittsburgh.
Linda Marino
Resource Coordinator
Linda Marino is a JF&CS resource coordinator for critical and special needs. For food pantry clients, and other clients with multiple challenges, Linda works with them to understand the issues they are facing and will connect clients with services and programs needed to address these issues and achieve long-term stability.
For adults with disabilities and families who have children with disabilities, Linda provides information and referral, counseling and support groups and advocacy and community education.
Linda has been an advocate for children with special needs for 25 years. She co-founded the Midwestern Pa. Chapter of the Autism Society of America and served as president for ten years. She also co-founded Autism Support and Advocacy in Pennsylvania (ASAP), a state coalition that was developed to advocate for children and adults with autism. She also assisted in the development of Westfield, a farm model for adults with autism and mental health issues. In previous positions, she has worked with the homeless population, domestic violence victims and their children and as Children's Coordinator for the Southwestern Pa. Chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.
Linda holds a bachelor's degree in social work from Slippery Rock University.
Amanda McKee
Clinical Administrator
Amanda McKee, as a Clinical Administrator, is responsible for program development, data analysis, and quality improvement, as well as the provision of direct clinical services to clients. She will be working with the Squirrel Hill Psychological Services staff and the Older Adults unit.
Prior to accepting this position at Squirrel Hill Psychological Services, Amanda joined our staff as an intern with our Older Adults unit. She previously worked for Milestone Centers, Inc. as a Lead Outpatient Care Coordinator. There she provided case management and crisis management services for clients and monitored clinician productivity for the department. Her past experiences have afforded her the opportunity to work with a variety of different populations in both clinical and administrative capacities.
Amanda received her bachelor's in Psychology with a concentration in Forensics from Point Park University and a master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University. She is currently pursuing publication for research completed as a graduate student and is working toward her LPC.
Steve Root, LCSW
Psychotherapist (Consultant)
Steve Root is a Psychotherapist with Squirrel Hill Psychological Services. During his 30+ years as a social worker, Steve has worked in settings that include family and children’s service agency, mental health center, hospitals and community healthcare centers, and private practice offices. He has worked as a caseworker, counselor, educator, consultant, community organizer, and program coordinator. A constant focus in his work with individuals, couples, families, and groups has been to identify the strengths, abilities, and uniqueness of the individuals he works with as a foundation for problem solving and personal growth.
As a psychotherapist, he works with clients treating a broad spectrum of problems. These include marriage/couple counseling, anxiety, depression, stress management, loss and grief counseling, and living with chronic illness and disability. His treatment orientation is eclectic and includes mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy and emotionally focused couples therapy.
Steve graduated from the University of Tennessee with a master’s degree in Social Work. He received a bachelor of fine arts degree at Alfred University.
Stefanie Small, LCSW
Geriatric Care Coordinator & Psychotherapist
Stefanie Small is a licensed clinical social worker and works primarily with older adults. She provides geriatric care coordination services to Jewish Family & Children's Service clients in the greater Pittsburgh area. As a psychotherapist, Stefanie counsels older adults suffering from losses and adjustments related to late life experiences. She also facilitates the Caregiver Support Group, one of the few non-disease specific support groups in Allegheny County and is a consultant to Weinberg Terrace, providing social work support to the residents and staff of this assisted living facility.
Stefanie speaks to members of the community as part of Elder Care team presentations on how to talk to one's loved ones about aging, older adult depression, and other educational topics that are relevant to her work.
She has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Barnard College in New York and a master's of Social Work with a certification in gerontology from University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work.
Barbara Wollman, LCSW, BCD
Psychotherapist
Barbara Wollman is a licensed clinical social worker and has been providing psychotherapy services for more than 20 years. Barbara evaluates and treats children and adolescents ranging in age from three to eighteen years. She works individually with children and also with parents and siblings to help resolve family issues including concerns about school, depression, developmental difficulties, behavior problems and family crises.
One of her primary methods for working with young children is play therapy, which allows children to put complex and abstract emotions into more concrete terms. Barbara is certified by the Association for Play Therapy and is one of the few play therapy supervisors in the Pittsburgh region.
Barbara also helps parents become more effective with their children. "Helping Children Cope With Change," a guide written by Barbara, is still widely distributed by the Bureau of At-Risk Children in New York. Barbara also provides consultation and education for many schools and other community organizations in the local community and is often called upon as an expert for news and magazine articles including a recently article titled "Copy Cat Kids" in Parents magazine. Through a grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, she has also written, "Understanding Culture and Schools," a guide for helping foreign-born children adjust to their new lives in the United States. To help parents who live in the East End of Pittsburgh, Barbara created a directory of free or low cost resources available for children.
Barbara is board certified in clinical social work and is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers. She received her master's degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh.
