Empowering Lives Through Disabilities Advocacy, Social Justice, and Tikkun Olam: Meet Dr. Shana Erenberg
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, GlobalMindED is honored to spotlight Dr. Shana Erenberg. Dr. Shana’s journey from a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities to the founder and CEO of Libenu, a groundbreaking nonprofit, exemplifies the power of determination, vision, and purpose-driven leadership.
What is your personal and professional story?
I always have been passionate about empowering individuals with disabilities and advocating for their rights. This passion guided my academic and professional path. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Special Education and a Master of Arts in Special Education with a Professional Educator’s License in multiple areas, followed by a Ph.D. from Northwestern University in Communication Sciences and Disorders. My doctoral studies specialized in learning disabilities, childhood language disorders, and neuropsychology, equipping me with the expertise to support individuals with diverse needs. Most recently, I deepened my knowledge of nonprofit leadership by completing the Executive Scholar Certificate in Nonprofit Management at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Business.
For over 40 years, I have devoted my career to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. As a nationally recognized expert, I have had the privilege of working with countless families, consulting and providing teacher training to schools and organizations across the country to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive the support, education, and respect they deserve. I maintain a private practice that helps children and adults overcome challenges through psychoeducational diagnostics, remediation, and advocacy.
I am a Professor and Chairman Emeritus of the Department of Education at Hebrew Theological College/Touro University, which allowed me to train future educators and foster inclusive practices in classrooms. I served as a Level I Due Process Hearing Officer, adjudicating special education cases related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. I have also presented at national conferences and written extensively on disability related issues. In 1985, I was a founding member of Keshet, which provided education and recreational services for children with disabilities and was the director of the Keshet Sunday School for over 20 years.
In 2009, I founded Libenu and currently serve as its CEO, working with a remarkably dedicated board, staff, lay leaders, and a cadre of volunteers. Libenu is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a lifetime of care and support for children, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to live with dignity as fully included members of their Jewish community. We fulfill our mission by providing life-changing, robust after-school, overnight, and camp respite services that support families with younger children and teens; warm, welcoming community-based kosher homes for adults; inclusive social and recreational opportunities; partnerships for day programming and vocational training; and leadership in community education and advocacy.
Libenu partners with families, enabling them to create the life they want for their loved ones, resulting in decreased stress and an increased sense of security for the future. We envision a community where individuals with disabilities have a home, an extended family and a future; where they can thrive, have a voice, experience a true sense of belonging, and are valued for their unique strengths and contributions; where families have a reprieve from the demands of caregiving as well as the peace of mind of knowing that their loved ones’ futures are secure.
The journey has not always been easy. I navigated through laws that were not previously familiar, established a devoted donor base, researched best practices for addressing housing and respite needs, and established a fund to allow individuals without means to participate. Many doubted that such an ambitious endeavor could succeed, but I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge. Today, Libenu is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and unwavering belief in the potential of every individual. It is the work of my lifetime and the capstone of a long and rewarding career. I am honored to have played a role in my lifelong mission of Tikun Olam, repairing the world.
Libenu and I have received numerous awards in recognition of this work. Most notably, I was named a 2024 AARP Purpose Prize Fellow, an acknowledgment of the impact Libenu has made and a validation of the values that have guided me throughout my career. As I look back, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to turn my passion into purpose and to stand alongside individuals and families as we create a more inclusive, just, and compassionate world.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
My journey in this field began in childhood, inspired by my cousin who had a developmental disability. I witnessed firsthand the struggles he faced navigating school, adulthood, and employment, and I saw the profound toll it took on his parents. At a time when legal protections like the ADA and IDEA did not exist, individuals with disabilities faced barriers that limited their potential and excluded them from society. These injustices left a deep impression on me and ignited a lifelong commitment to advocating for dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for all. To me, this work has always been a social justice imperative.
When I was a teenager, my mother became seriously ill, and I felt I couldn’t leave her to go away to overnight camp. Instead, I volunteered at Vision Foundation, a local summer camp for blind and visually impaired children. It was there that I discovered I had a natural talent for working with individuals with disabilities. It didn’t feel like work—it felt like joy. One camper, John, left an indelible mark on my life. Despite being blind, John was fearless; there was nothing he wouldn’t try or couldn’t do, whether it was riding a bike or leaping off the high dive. We became the closest of friends, and his courage, zest for life, and unwavering determination inspired me to live fully, to embrace differences, and to see the extraordinary potential in every individual. John’s example played a pivotal role in shaping my decision to pursue a lifelong career in the disability field, a path that has brought meaning and purpose to my life.
Over the years I have been privileged to work with so many individuals who guided my work and on whose shoulders I stand – outstanding professors, inspiring coworkers, and the thousands of incredible children, whose lives are better as a result of my work.
What are the most valuable lessons you’ve learned about yourself through your life and career?
Through my life and career, I’ve learned profound and meaningful lessons about perseverance, living with purpose, and the power of community. I’ve discovered that “impossible” is never the final answer—it’s simply a prompt to look for creative solutions, to explore new possibilities, and to trust my instincts. Founding Libenu, the work of my life and the capstone of a long career in the disabilities and education fields, has reinforced this belief time and again. The challenges were often daunting, requiring me to step far outside my comfort zone to learn new skills in nonprofit management, financial literacy, and leadership. But those challenges also inspired me to grow, ask questions, seek advice, and strive to become the best version of myself.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of living inclusively and embracing differences. Judging others favorably and approaching each person with care and compassion has enriched my work and my life. Helping others—especially protecting the most vulnerable among us—has been both a responsibility and a privilege. Seeing the growth of
Libenu’s residents, the peace of mind it brings to their families, and the magical joy of the children in our respite programs have been humbling and deeply rewarding. It reminds me that even small acts of care and compassion can create ripple effects of hope and healing.
I’ve also learned the transformative power of collaboration. Libenu has brought together a dedicated board, passionate staff, and a community of supporters who share a sense of purpose and commitment. Mentoring young leaders to ensure a smooth succession has been a gift, as has watching my family and friends become actively involved in this work. Their fulfillment and enthusiasm remind me that our collective efforts can create lasting change.
Ultimately, the most precious lesson has been that lifelong learning and perseverance, combined with a steadfast belief in the dignity and worth of every individual, can turn dreams into reality.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
My desire to contribute and make a difference is driven by my deeply held belief that every life has inherent value and that we all have a responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind. For me, living a life of purpose means embracing a moral and ethical imperative to foster inclusion, belonging, and dignity for all, especially those who are most vulnerable. Social justice is not just a concept—it is a guiding principle that inspires me to act, to create, and to advocate for a better world. Moreover, it is simply not sufficient to talk the talk, but I am committed to walking that walk.
I have always been inspired by the transformative power of inclusion. Throughout my career, culminating in Libenu, I have seen this power elicit the best of individuals who have previously been sidelined, and the best of others who have lent their assistance to these people. Through these efforts, I have witnessed the relief that families feel in seeing their family member blossom in the Libenu home and seeing acceptance and participation by members of the community at large. When we create spaces where everyone feels they belong, where their unique abilities are celebrated rather than overlooked, we not only uplift individuals but enrich our entire community. This belief has shaped every aspect of my work and my life, fueling my commitment to break down barriers and open doors for individuals with disabilities.
Ultimately, my drive stems from the conviction that we all have the power—and the responsibility—to leave the world a little better than we found it. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness or large-scale initiatives, we each can contribute meaningfully to the lives of others. For me, that is the essence of living a life of purpose: using my time, skills, and heart to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
If you could go back and advise your younger self, what would it be?
If I could go back and advise my younger self, I would offer words of encouragement, reassurance, and hope. I’d tell that energetic, restless child who struggled to sit still in school and often found herself in trouble with teachers that there’s nothing wrong with you. Today, it would be recognized as ADHD, but back then, you were simply seen as a child who couldn’t conform to the classroom’s rigid structure. I’d remind my younger self that this energy and drive, which sometimes felt like a burden, would one day become your superpower—allowing you to multitask, juggle countless responsibilities, and accomplish great things.
I’d also speak to the teenager navigating the heartbreak of my mother’s years of illness, and her death when I was just 18. I know you felt lost, unsure of how to move forward. I’d tell you to persevere, to hold on, because life will get better. The pain you feel now will shape your compassion and fuel your desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Helping others will heal your heart in ways you can’t imagine. Your journey will be challenging, but every step will lead to a life filled with meaning, purpose, and the ability to create a world where everyone feels valued and included. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep going—you are stronger and more capable than you know.
How can GlobalMindED support your aspirations and help you achieve your goals?
GlobalMindED can collaborate with Libenu to create opportunities that empower marginalized individuals, including people with disabilities, to integrate meaningfully into society through employment and skill-building initiatives. Aligned with GlobalMindED’s mission to connect students with internships, apprenticeships, experiences, and job opportunities, this partnership can equip individuals with disabilities with the personal and professional knowledge needed to achieve their ambitions.
A focused approach could involve pairing individuals with disabilities and local businesses to foster an inclusive workforce where their contributions are valued, and they earn meaningful wages. GlobalMindED can support this effort by facilitating practical resources, such as transportation to job sites, coaching for job interviews, and guidance on creating strong resumes.
Programs could also mentor individuals on workplace social skills and building positive relationships with colleagues. Engaging university students as mentors could further enrich this initiative, offering students opportunities to appreciate and understand intellectual diversity while advancing strategies for inclusivity. A collaboration between GlobalMindED and Libenu can create a transformative model that not only empowers individuals with disabilities but also strengthens communities by fostering a world where diverse voices lead meaningful change.
