2. From Clutter to Connection: Innovative Approaches to Hoarding Disorder

Gabriel Halperin-Goldstein, LSW, is a clinical social worker who recently graduated from Temple University. He has spent the past year with the Hoarding Program at Jewish Family and Children's Services, working with both individual clients and facilitating several Buried in Treasures groups. In addition to social work, Gabe has worked in digital communications, writing news stories and blogs about research in public health and business.

Alana Knoppow, MSW is the Assistant Director of Programs and Training at the Center on Aging, Trauma, and Holocaust Survivor Care at the Jewish Federations of North America. She has more than a decade of experience leading nonprofit programs focused on improving the lives of older adults. Alana holds an MSW with specializations in Aging and Management as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan, where she is also a Geriatric Scholar Fellow. Additionally, she holds professional certificates in Advanced Clinical Dementia Practice and Human Resources. Outside of her professional work, Alana volunteers with Holocaust survivors and provides pet therapy across many communities.

Sheila Lorrett Emerson is a community reporter and producer who focuses on uplifting and celebrating the joy in underrepresented and marginalized communities, especially those of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC); and, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Queer/Questioning, 2 Spirit, Plus (LGBTQ2S+); as well as serving as a change agent to help eradicate the stigmas surrounding such areas as mental health, disabilities, and sex work. Sheila likes to get, in the words of Civil Rights Leader John Lewis, “in good trouble, necessary trouble!” A powerhouse in community engagement, Sheila’s dedication to advocacy took center stage when she spoke at the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington, addressing attendees from across the nation. Sheila is a Commissioner for the City of Philadelphia Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, and Queer Affairs (LGBTQ).

Courtney Owen, LCSW, has primary responsibility for leadership of specific JFCS programs; ensures the fiscally responsible operation of those programs and services; and seeks new program development opportunities consistent with the mission and values of the organization. In this role, Courtney partners with program leaders and the development team in the identification and pursuit of new funding sources for program sustenance and expansion. Courtney received her MSW from Tulane University and her BS in Psychology from the University of Oregon. She has over 14 years of experience providing community based mental health and social services in Philadelphia and New Orleans. Prior roles at the organization include JFCS Director of Individual and Family Services (2017-2022) and JFCS Program Manager for Hoarding & Care Management (2015-2017).

Amanda Krisher, MSW, LCSW, brings over 15 years of direct practice and program management experience to the National Council on Aging where she serves as the Associate Director for Behavioral Health in the Center for Healthy Aging. A seasoned professional in the older adult care industry, she previously was the Senior Director for a live virtual training program for older adult care professionals and a clinical social worker for a community health program and hospice organization. She received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work in Baltimore and is a Licensed Certified Clinical Social Worker in Maryland and Virginia. As a leader in older adult care, she has presented at national conferences and statewide meetings.