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).

Dr. Nicole Cadovius is a visionary leader in nonprofit, healthcare, and public sector transformation, driven by a deep passion for advancing mission-oriented work. She places people at the center of her approach, focusing on quality of life and empowering communities to thrive. Her dedication is reflected in her commitment to developing equitable systems that foster stability, growth, and opportunity. By blending strategic expertise with genuine personal connection, Dr. Cadovius ensures that every initiative not only achieves organizational goals but also enhances individual and community well-being, underscoring her belief in the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership. 

Core Expertise

• Enterprise transformation and change leadership
• Strategy-to-execution program design and delivery
• Cross-sector partnerships and stakeholder alignment
• Portfolio and performance management (data-driven outcomes)
• Equity-centered systems improvement
• Revenue diversification and sustainable program growth

Current Role
At the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Dr. Cadovius leads national initiatives including strategic initiatives for Mental Health First Aid, aligning strategy, partnerships, and implementation to advance scalable, data-driven programming. Her leadership has strengthened stakeholder engagement, diversified revenue, and improved program performance at scale. 

Leadership & Impact
Proven track record leading complex, cross-sector transformation efforts, advising executive leadership, and building high-performing teams. Recognized for aligning diverse stakeholders, embedding accountability and equity into strategy, and delivering sustainable, mission-driven results.

She is deeply committed to advancing systems that support growth, stability, well-being, and opportunity, bringing both professional expertise and personal connection to mission-driven work.   Dr. Cadovius has more than 30 years of volunteer experience with national and international non-profits and boards.