ABOUT the Kesher Shalom Projects
The Kesher Shalom Projects was initiated as a volunteer-driven effort founded by seasoned trauma therapists in response to October 7th and the recent rise in antisemitism. Our initial aim was to equip therapists worldwide with the essential tools and expertise necessary to support Jewish clients during times of conflict.
Since its inception, this initiative has evolved significantly. Our focus lies in delivering essential training that encompasses trauma assessments, practical techniques, and the cultivation of a profound understanding of Jewish competency utilizing a trauma-focused approach. Our workshops encourage open dialogues concerning the clinical implications of antisemitism on Jewish clients.
However, our commitment extends beyond clinical settings. We offer specialized workshops and groups tailored for non-clinical audiences. Our aim is to address Jewish trauma and combat the pervasive impact of anti-Semitism. By doing so, we seek to empower both therapists and communities, promoting healing and resilience.
We achieve these objectives by providing online continuing education courses, conducting training at various agencies, speaking engagements at synagogues, Jewish community centers, universities, and school settings, and through online services. Our comprehensive approach ensures that our mission reaches diverse audiences, fostering a supportive environment for both therapists and the broader community.
MEET THE TEAM
THE LEADERSHIP
Malka Shaw, LCSW
Malka is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the States of New Jersey, New York, and Florida. She has been in the field of mental health for over 25 years; her private practice works with individuals and couples while specializing in women’s issues such as maternal wellness, anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, EMDR, and support during life transitions.
Her journey as a trauma therapist began working with NYANA’s domestic violence program, and then the front lines working with the Red Cross and FEMA on 9/11 and the ensuing weeks after the tragic event. helping to clinically debrief the police, firefighters, and essential workers; and then went on to become an essential critical debriefer for many other large-scale traumatic incidents.
Robyn Sheiniuk, LCSW
Robyn Sheiniuk, LCSW has been in practice for over 25 years. Her career has been focused on working with people dealing with trauma, from children and families in foster care and residential settings to Veterans to executives struggling with childhood trauma that is still getting in their way. In addition to trauma, Robyn specializes in working with grief and loss and women dealing with cancer, especially gynecological cancers, and caregivers/loved ones of those patients. Robyn has worked in urban inner cities as well as in private practice.
She also conducts evaluations for immigration and the Public Defender’s office. She has trained other clinicians as a supervisor and Clinical Director of several programs throughout her career. Her training includes a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California and a certificate in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy from LAIPS. She has been trained in multiple trauma treatments, including TF-CBT, and is a Certified EMDR therapist. She is currently in private practice in CA and FL.
Lisa Mustard, LMFT
Lisa Mustard, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Life Coach, Host of The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard. Lisa has over 15 years in the field. She specializes in helping women, 35 plus, who desire more meaningful work, happier relationships, or optimal and vibrant health transform their lives.
Julie Riga, MBA
Julie Riga is a certified ICF coach, trainer, speaker, and author with over 20 years of experience in the Pharma Industry. Julie’s education is vast with studies that include business, communications, training, and executive coaching.
She specializes in the fields of leadership, team dynamics, and organizational development. She has deep expertise working with matrix organizations in highly regulated industries.
Julie is valued for authentic connections with people and orchestrating diverse resources into coherent, high-functioning teams that consistently deliver breakthrough results on time and under budget. She is an enthusiastic lifelong learner and Novartis TEDx Speaker.
Other areas of expertise include executive development, strategy, and stakeholder management. Julie’s diversified leadership background provides deep experience and insights into building critical stakeholder relationships, team culture, and communication.