Staff

Bas Shevy Miller graduated from The City University of New York in 1999 with a degree in accounting, and shortly thereafter earned her CPA. She specializes in nonprofit accounting, and began her career at the New York City firm of Loeb & Troper. Mrs. Miller has been the Chief Financial Officer at Pesach Tikvah since 2003. Her years of experience have enabled Pesach Tikvah to grow exponentially, while maintaining a sterling reputation and a solid financial foundation.

Arthur Heimowitz serves as Director of Pesach Tikvah's Family Services Center, as well as its school based satellite services. Mr. Heimowitz is a graduate of Wurzweiler School of Social Work, and has over fourteen years of clinical and administrative experience in mental health settings. Mr. Heimowitz has built a wonderful working relationship with both the Hassidic and Latino communities, providing bilingual services that are offered in a culturally sensitive manner. Mr. Heimowitz's clinical interests include the use of CBT in treating children and adolescents. Additionally, Mr. Heimowitz specializes in treating families dealing with issues that arise as a result of separation and divorce.

Dr. Miriam Eisdorfer is a licensed clinical psychologist and is the Director of Supervision & Training at Pesach Tikvah. She was formerly the director of the Pesach Tikvah Family Services Center. Dr. Eisdorfer graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brooklyn College with a B.A. in psychology and went on to receive her Masters and Doctorate (Psy.D.) degrees from Yeshiva University's Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. She has experience treating children, adolescents, adults, couples, and geriatric patients, with a range of diagnostic issues, and has worked in hospitals, nursing homes and clinics. Dr. Eisdorfer currently has a private practice in Brooklyn and is a candidate at the Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies in Manhattan.

Miriam Ryba has been working at Pesach Tikvah since 1996. She joined the organization after years of working with individuals with developmental disabilities, and their families. Currently, Mrs. Ryba is the director of Pesach Tikvah's Community Habilitation Services. This program assists children and adults with various developmental disabilities who are living with their families. In addition, she runs the Camp Reimbursement Program, and supervises the Waiver Respite program. Mrs. Ryba has added much to Pesach Tikvah, and has created a unique relationship with the staff that she oversees.

Brenda Katz is a graduate of Yeshiva University's Wurzweiler School of Social Work. She began working in the Pesach Tikvah Continuing Day Treatment Program in 1991 and became the program director in 1999. Ms. Katz's responsibilities include staff supervision, NYC and NYS audit preparation, individual therapy, case management and chart review. Her warmth has added a special touch to the program where she has created genuine connections with the people she helps.

Chanie Shindler has been the director of Pesach Tikvah's Women's Community Residence since 2000. In her years as the residence director, she has transformed the residence from a cold residential setting to a warm home-like environment for the women in her care. Working tirelessly on securing government grants, as well as private donations, Mrs. Shindler has been instrumental in giving the women a special place to live. She arranges trips and special activities, and is personally involved with each and every consumer. Specially trained in state regulations, Mrs. Shindler has consistently attained near perfect annual state audits.

Israel Tropper joined the staff at Pesach Tikvah's Women's Community Residence in 2002. He worked with the special needs population since 1988, holding numerous managerial and supervisory positions. Mr. Tropper is AMAP certified and is a SCIP-R instructor. He is trained in quality assurance and state regulatory compliance for OPWDD residential and community based programs. Mr. Tropper is responsible for staff training and is an OPWDD incident investigation coordinator.

Esther Sperber began working in Pesach Tikvah in 1998. She joined the staff after many years of working with special needs children. Currently running the Pesach Tikvah after school program, Mrs. Sperber is responsible for providing the children in her care a warm multi faceted program that enables each child to realize their maximum potential. The goal of the program is to give much needed respite to the families of the special children, and to create a positive, warm environment, where the children can grow and develop.

Armin Kelleter received his masters degree in General Psychology and his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the New School for Social Research in New York. At the New School, Dr. Kelleter was trained in a range of therapeutic approaches including long and short-term Psychodynamic Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. His clinical experience includes inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, school-based mental health, and community mental health. Dr. Kelleter has experience working with individuals experiencing a wide range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, psychotic conditions, and personality disorders.

Zalman Kotzen is a Clinical Social Worker licensed in New York and New Jersey. Originally from South Africa, Mr. Kotzen completed his Masters in Social Work at Wurzweiler School of Social Work in 1989. Mr. Kotzen oversees home-based and clinic-based geriatric mental health services, the distribution of emergency funds on behalf of the Claims Conference, and the activities of a network of volunteers. He has been involved in the development of innovative programming for this population, including a Supportive Community Program, and others. Mr. Kotzen also provides clinical supervision to a number of the agency's social workers. In his spare time, he lectures at Touro College.

Joe Bistricer earned his bachelor's degree at Ner Israel Rabbinical College (NIRC),and then continued his liberal arts education at the New School for Social Research, before entering the work force. Since then, Mr. Bistricer has earned several certificates in finance, administration and forensic social work from NYU. Mr. Bistricer joined Pesach Tikvah in April of 1991. Currently the director of Pesach Tikvah's Community Residence, he provides housing for Pesach Tikvah's clients in need of residential services. His studies, as well as his life experience, have been invaluable resources, enabling him to successfully operate several homes throughout the Brooklyn area.

Eddie Simcha is a Licensed Social Worker who received his degree from Hunter College School of Social Work. Mr. Simcha has received specialized training in play therapy and is EMDR certified. In working with children, adolescents, and adults he deals with a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, social problems, and abuse. Mr. Simcha runs the Sunday Outpatient Clinic program and coordinates intakes for the Outpatient Clinic. Mr. Simcha works for Pesach Tikvah's Continuing Day Treatment Program as well and lectures part time at a local college.

Rivkie Lebovits is a graduate of Fordham University. She has several years of experience providing individual and family therapy to children, adolescents and adults. Ms. Lebovits works with a variety of issues including: anxiety, stress, depression, adjustment issues, and mood disorders. In addition, she is a certified EMDR practitioner and works with victims of trauma. Ms. Lebovits serves as assistant director of Pesach Tikvah's Family Services Center.