Shana Erenberg Ph.D.
CEO/Executive Director
Dr. Shana Erenberg is the co-founder and Executive Director of Libenu. She is also the Chairman Emeritus of the Department of Education and professor at Blitstein Institute of Hebrew Theological College/Touro University in Chicago. Dr. Erenberg maintains a private practice for the diagnostic evaluation, remediation, and advocacy of children and adults with disabilities. In addition, Dr. Erenberg serves as a consultant and provides professional development for teachers in numerous day schools and public schools in metropolitan Chicago and throughout the United States.
Dr. Erenberg is the co-chair of the International Consortium of Jewish Special Educators in Central Agencies and a frequent conference presenter. Dr. Erenberg is the founder of the Keshet Sunday School and served as its director for twenty years. Dr. Erenberg has also served as a Level I Due Process Hearing Officer, and continues to do advocacy and due process work.
Dr. Erenberg has a doctorate in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Northwestern University. She holds Professional Educator Licensure in Elementary Education and multiple areas of Special Education.
Ben Larson
Director of Communications, Media, & Operations
Ben Larson is the Operations Manager of Libenu, specializing in media and communications. He brings an elevated attention to detail in managing the organization’s databases, formulating strategy, improving performance, procuring materials and resources, technical support, and securing compliance. Always ready to mentor his team members, Ben finds ways to increase quality of customer service and implement best practices across all levels. Ben started at Libenu in May 2020 and is happy to be part of such a passionate, forward thinking team. Previously, Ben worked as an Events Producer, Marketing Manager, and Content Creator for small, medium, and large sized companies.
Ben graduated from UCLA in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and is currently the owner of his own events and media production company.
Dina Baker
Chief Program Officer
Dina will help Lev Chicago expand and execute a safe and fun atmosphere for all participants. Prior to Libenu Dina was the Program Director at Yachad Chicago for 3 years.She will be doing programs for our Libenu clients as well. Dina has a BS from Yeshiva University and was the 1st president of the Sy Syms School of Business. Dina is certain to bring her organizational skills as well as her calm and friendly personality to all Libenu participants and their families.
Rivka Schaffel
Director of Lev Respite
Rivka is passionate about supporting children with special needs and has provided respite services for families since she was in high school. Prior to Lev Chicago, Rivka was the Program Director at the Yetty Center in New York, where she managed an after-school respite program for children with disabilities. She also served as a counselor and paraeducator for four years at Mishkan, a school for children with disabilities in New York. Rivka has a certificate from Azamra Seminary in Israel, and is completing a course of study in Psychology at Touro University. Rivka is committed to excellence and brings a unique warmth and exuberance to Lev Chicago Respite.
Steve Erenberg
Director of Facilities
Steve Erenberg has combines his expertise in property management with more than three decades of experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities. Steve oversees all aspects of property management for the Libenu homes, ensuring that they are well-maintained and safe. Steve’s work with Libenu enables our clients to enjoy the highest quality of life in their homes and provides parents and families with the peace of mind that their child’s future is secure.