School Board of Directors
Our school is led by a small and growing board deeply committed to our vision and with significant experience in the education field. The Board’s primary responsibilities are to create, adopt and monitor a long-term strategic plan and associated budget, and to employ and evaluate the leadership of our school. Board agendas, minutes, and important documents can be found here*.
Carrie Johnson, MFT
Board Chair
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT79984) with over ten years of experience working with families, couples, adults, and youth of all ages. Currently full-time in private practice, I have years of previous experience at non-profit agencies treating a diverse range of challenges, diagnoses, family and life circumstances. My clients find me approachable, genuine, and playful or irreverent enough to connect with even the most challenging children and teenagers. I have particular specialties in:
helping families navigate multiple systems after a diagnosis (ADHD, depression, anxiety, disruptive behaviors), developmental, or learning difference is identified
working with attachment and feelings identification and expression (for both children & couples)
treating risky behaviors or suicidal thoughts stemming from mental health issues or trauma
the complex challenges that arise in foster care or post-adoption
integrating mindfulness practices in the real world
I am trained in and use evidence-based practices, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, trauma-informed practices, art and play therapy, mindfulness and meditation, and a positive parenting and discipline model called the Nurtured Heart Approach.
My approach is strengths-based and systemic, meaning that, particularly in my work with families and couples, our goal is to gain insight about each member’s role and how they impact the functioning of the whole system. This approach reduces blame and shame and empowers each person to make changes that will positively impact their relationships. For individuals, systemic therapy examines the way that life experiences, family history, culture, biological and psychological factors, and social relationships impact mental health and behaviors.
I have a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University in Applied Family and Child Studies and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in Psychology. In addition to being the President of the MFT Chapter in SF for 2020.
Ilana Shoyket, Juris Doctor Canidate
Secretary
Ilana is a native of San Francisco, CA and a second year student at the University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at University of San Francisco in 2019. Ilana is passionate about civil justice, has a strong commitment to community engagement, and is eager to pursue a career in public interest. As a former Program Assistant at the Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC), Ilana has been working with youth since she was in high school. Impacting young students and fostering the growth of their academic and professional careers is one of Ilana’s biggest motivators while serving on the board of KFS School.
During the rare free moments when Ilana isn’t studying for tests or serving on the board of directors at San Francisco Hillel, she can be found binge reading the latest romance novel or working out with her brother.
Joanna Arenstein,
Board Vice Chair
Joanna Arenstein is a life-long activist who grew up in Columbus, Ohio surrounded by a family who believed in civic engagement and the power of community. She works in the San Francisco Bay Area as a business consultant for small businesses and non-profits helping them prioritize strategy and logistics without compromising the essential need for healthy, thriving relationships in a business setting. She bridges the practical and the humanistic to guide individuals navigating professional challenges by teaching emotional intelligence and utilizing confident communication.