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THE TEAM
Core Founders
Dr. Yael Enav
Founder & Leading Researcher
Dr. Yael Enav is head of the Emotional Regulation and Mentalization Laboratory at the University of Haifa and a clinical psychologist specializing in emotional challenges with children and adults. She develops and evaluates intervention programs for parents and children focusing on emotional regulation and mentalization with diverse populations. Dr. Enav trains clinical psychologists, therapists, and educators in group facilitation and integrative body-mind-spirit psychotherapy at the University of Haifa.
Dr. Yael Mayer
Founder & Leading Researcher
Dr. Yael Mayer is head of the BELONG Laboratory at the University of Haifa and a clinical psychologist specializing in cultural inclusion, belonging, and their associations with mental health. An expert in family therapy and integrative body-mind-spirit psychotherapy, bibliotherapy, and group facilitation at the University of Haifa. Dr. Mayer also conducts research on interventions and programs to promote mental health among diverse populations. She has initiated, planned, and implemented numerous projects to promote mental health in the community and has published dozens of articles in the field.
Partner Founders
Ayala Shani
Clinical Director
an educational consultant sand psychotherapist specializing in early childhood, group facilitation, and dyadic therapy and mindfulness-based approaches. She has extensive experience in cross-cultural work with refugee families from traumatic backgrounds.
Orit Bergman
Illustrator
An illustrator and children's book author. Creates for theater and is a senior lecturer in illustration at the Visual Communication Department in the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem. Orit has written over 13 children's books including "Shnayim," "Shoshana the Bored Recycler," "Diary of a Whale Hunter," "Once Following a Whale," and the series "Toto and Friends," and has illustrated many more.
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Nurit Lavi
Early Childhood Expert
An early childhood educator and movement teacher, doctoral candidate in Counseling and Human Development at the University of Haifa. She researches conflict resolution and social issues in early childhood.
Maya Lazer-Shalem
Facilitator
A psychotherapist specializing in individual therapy, group facilitation, courses, and workshops. She is a graduate of the Israeli Center for Mindfulness in Education, specializing in early childhood and elementary schools, and a senior teacher in the "Language of Listening" program.
Maayan Melman-Marks
Facilitator
is a social worker and psychotherapist specializing in emotion-focused therapy for early childhood in a dyadic format. She works in child development units, rehabilitation centers, and runs a private clinic.
Workshop Facilitators
Karmit Shtetlender
A social worker and psychotherapist specializing in dyadic therapy and EMDR. She has extensive experience in therapeutic work with young children and their parents.
Ruth Steindler
A social worker, family and couples therapist, and group facilitator specializing in addiction. She works at the "Hosen" Resource Center in Tiberias.
Noa Luvianikar
a developmental psychologist, educator, and therapist for children and parents. She specializes in dyadic and individual therapies, trauma therapy for early childhood, and diagnosis and treatment of developmental disabilities. She works in the Educational Psychological Service in the Tel Aviv municipality, both in therapeutic garden units, and in private practice.
Keren Hepht-Rosenberg
A clinical psychologist. She treats children from early childhood, adolescents, and adults, and also provides couples therapy. She has extensive experience in crisis and trauma intervention with children. She is currently responsible for the psychological therapy services at the Holon municipality and operates a private clinic.
Project Team
Taliya Arieli
Coordinator of facilitators, supporters, and research assistant
A bachelor's degree student at the School of Counseling, Human Development and Special Education at the University of Haifa. Responsible for the recruitment, training and support of support facilitators and the research area of the project. Responsible for overseeing all research activities.
Alona Gasanov
Creative and Administrative Coordinator
A graduate of the Tiltan Academy of Arts and Design, specializing in visual communication, and holding a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Haifa. Responsible for overseeing the project's marketing and visual aspects, as well as administrative activities, including branding, promotional content, and workshop materials.
Aliza Weiss
Research assistant
A research assistant at the Emotional Regulation and Mentalization Laboratory and BELONG Laboratory at the University of Haifa. Holds an Hons. BA in psychology from York University and an MA in Counseling Psychology from Yorkville University. Specializes in literature synthesis and provides English support.
Michal Gardinger
Research coordinator
Specializing in clinical psychology at the "Samit" Institute, focusing on treating trauma in children and guiding trauma-affected families. She evaluates psychological needs in Israel following the "Iron Dome" conflicts and serves as a community manager at Effective Altruism Israel. Responsible for the ongoing research activity and communication with evacuee communities.
Volunteers
Danit Barbibay
Consultant
An educator and a public figure. Holds a Bachelor's in Education, Master's in Educational Systems Management, and an additional Master's with distinction in Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy. Experienced in managing public educational systems in local communities. Served as the leader of The Coalition for "Early Childhood Education" and as CEO of the "Forum of Early Childhood Education Frameworks" in Israel, focusing on upgrading the quality of education and care in early childhood programs. Played an integral role in promoting the Daycare Supervision Law and worked extensively with various government ministries, the Education Committee, the Committee for Children's Rights, and the President's Office.
Hannah Tzichor & Hila Frid
Knitting Team
Responsible for knitting the bunnies and making contact with volunteer groups all over Israel. Without their help, the plush bunnies would not exist.
