At Camp Coleman, we believe that caring for our campers’ and staff’s emotional well-being is just as important as caring for their physical health. That’s where our Nefesh Team comes in.
Nefesh is the Hebrew word for soul, and this team truly embodies that spirit—supporting the heart, mind, and inner strength of our community every single day. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, creating calming spaces, or equipping campers and staff with tools for resilience, our Nefesh professionals are here to ensure that everyone at camp feels safe, supported, and seen.
We’re proud to introduce you to this exceptional group of licensed professionals, passionate educators, and soulful leaders who help make Coleman a space of growth, connection, and care.
Jen Lieb, MSEd
Session 1
Nefesh Team LEAD
Jen loves camp! This is her fifth summer working on the Community Care Team and her twelfth summer at Camp Coleman. Although she didn’t grow up going to camp, Jen met her husband at Coleman while working as a counselor in college, and she is now the proud mom of three Coleman campers. Jen believes camp is magical and offers children a unique and wonderful space to learn and grow. She’s passionate about supporting campers in having an amazing summer!
Melissa Abell, BS, BHP
Session 1 & 2
Nefesh Team Lead
Melissa studied Social Work and Education at the University of Florida. After graduation, she worked at Boys Town, teaching in-home and in-school behavioral modification and later providing therapeutic case management for children in foster care. She currently serves as a School Behavioral Health Professional at Addison Mizner K–8 in Boca Raton, Florida, where she provides one-on-one and small group counseling for a wide range of behavioral and mental health needs. Melissa has also been a Guest Educator at Camp Coleman and a Unit Advocate at Camp Jenny. She is excited to return for her third summer as a Nefesh Team Lead and looks forward to helping all campers live their best camp life.
Danielle Greenblatt, LCSW
Session 2
Nefesh Team
Danielle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has spent most summers at Camp Coleman since 2006. She has worked with JFS in Boca Raton and at JF&CS and The Epstein School in Atlanta. Danielle loves working with campers, staff, and families and is passionate about the camp experience. She currently lives in South Florida with her family.
Jill Goldstein Smith (she/her), MEd (Director of Yedid Nefesh FJC)
Session 2
Nefesh Team
Jill is excited and grateful to be joining the Nefesh Team and returning to URJ Camp Coleman—her home for more than 10 summers as a camper, counselor, unit programmer/educator, and trip coordinator. During the year, Jill serves as a Director of Programs at Foundation for Jewish Camp, where she oversees the Yedid Nefesh initiative and supports camps across North America in the areas of mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health, inclusion, and belonging. Originally from Coral Springs, FL, Jill now lives in Queens, NY with her family.
Howard Rudnick, MEd
Session 1
Nefesh Team
Howard currently lives and works in Boca Raton, FL. During the school year, he serves as a Middle School Counselor and teaches 6th grade at Temple Beth El of Boca Raton. When he’s not working with the next generation, Howard loves traveling and running—he recently completed his first half marathon! He’s excited to bring his skills and enthusiasm to the Nefesh team at Coleman.
Jenna Swartzberg Sommer, M.A. CCC-SLP
Session 1
Nefesh Team
Jenna has been spending summers at Camp Coleman since 1988! This is her second summer on the Nefesh team. She is a Neurodiverse Inclusion Specialist based in Atlanta and partners with schools, congregations, and other organizations to help all thinkers and learners thrive. Jenna brings deep passion for inclusion and a lifelong love of camp.
Netta Cohen, LCSW
Session 2
Nefesh Team
Netta Cohen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the mom of two young boys. She has worked with children, teens, and families for over two decades, both in the U.S. and in Israel. Netta currently runs a private practice in Atlanta, where she supports individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, and trauma. She is thrilled to be part of Camp Coleman this summer and looks forward to connecting with campers and staff.
Jordan Kerben, LMFT, RPT
Session 1 & 2
Nefesh Team
This summer marks her fourth summer on the Nefesh Team and 14th summer at Coleman! During the school year, Jordan works as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist in private practice in Atlanta. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga and kickboxing, exploring new restaurants with her husband (who she met at Coleman!), traveling, and playing with their two cats. She’s looking forward to supporting campers and staff to ensure everyone at Coleman has the most fun and successful summer possible!
Joshua Gottlieb, MS
Session 1
Nefesh Team
Josh is a Doctoral Intern at the Kennedy Krieger Institute at Johns Hopkins University, completing his doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a focus on children and adolescents. He is returning for his 9th summer at Camp Coleman and is thrilled to be joining the Nefesh team this year. Josh looks forward to supporting campers and staff and helping foster an environment where everyone feels supported, engaged, and empowered to grow.
Rabbi Joui Hessel, RJE MSW (expected 5/2026)
Session 2
Nefesh Team
Rabbi Joui Hessel was ordained by Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion in 2001 and served for thirteen years at Washington Hebrew Congregation in Washington, DC. After moving to Greenwich, Connecticut, she joined the adjunct faculty at HUC-JIR and directed the Bronfman Center for Jewish Life at the 92nd Street Y in NYC. In addition to being a certified End-of-Life Doula, Joui is studying for a Master of Social Work and works with domestic violence victims in Greenwich. She lives with her fierce and sassy 9-year-old and their dog, Muli. This will be her 16th summer at Camp Coleman.