Deborah Lobel
Program Director
Deborah Lobel, is Shutaf’s Program Director. A graduate of Boston University’s Master’s program in Special Education, Deb was an inclusion teacher in the Boston and the New York City public school systems, before making aliyah and moving to Israel in 2006. A believer in inclusive and therapy based programs, Deb oversees all elements of Shutaf’s year-round programs including vacation camps, after-school youth groups and young leadership programs for teens. Originally from Albany, New York, Deb grew up in a supportive and positive environment, where community, friends and family experiences helped develop in her a strong desire to educate others and build a stronger and more supportive society for all.
Rachel Ben Shahar
Social Worker
Rachel Ben Shahar, has worked for Shutaf since 2008. Starting off as counselor and later as a group leader, she became Shutaf’s Social Worker upon completing her degree at Hebrew University in June, 2010.
Racheli was raised in the Bnei Akiva youth movement in Neve Daniel, outside of Jerusalem. Her Shutaf experiences – seeing real inclusion work successfully – led her to her current professional field. In addition to Shutaf, she also works at the Israel Elwyn organization for people with disabilities, coordinating their supported employment services program.
Noga Schwartz
Teen Program Coordinator
Noga Schwartz, is currently enrolled in Hebrew University’s studying Occupational therapy. A native of Haifa, she graduated from the Leo Baeck High School, serving in the IDF for 3.5 years, working initially with youth-at-risk and later as an officer of units dealing with new immigrants.
Noga was involved throughout her childhood and adolescence with the CISV (Children’s International Summer Village) youth movement, which brings together children from all over the globe teaching them to respect different and common values.
Working at Shutaf, which she joined in 2009 as a group leader, Noga has been excited to be part of an innovative and inclusive program that echoes the same themes she was taught as a child and young adult. Noga became Teen Program Coordinator in the summer of 2010, helping Shutaf build and develop this important initiative; teaching life, vocational and social skills to this mixed group of teens.
Noga feels that there are tremendous benefits to building an inclusive group of teens. It helps them develop responsibility and tolerance, team work and a sense of personal ability and contribution to society.
