Isaac (Yitzchak) Schechter, PsyD
Executive Director
Dr. Schechter, a recognized leader in emotional and behavioral health care in the Jewish community, is a clinical psychologist and Director of The Center for Applied Psychology (CAPs) at Bikur Cholim in Monsey New York. He launched the Institute for Applied Research and Community Collaboration (ARCC), a unique institute whose mission is to conduct, analyze and disseminate rigorous research on psychiatric, psychological and social issues of the frum community in an effort to empirically base and guide decision making, resource allocation and program development.
Yosef Sokol, PHD
Project Leader, DAAS (Data Analytics Addressing Shidduchim)
Yosef Sokol received Smicha from Yeshivas Bais Yosef - Novardok, his B.A. from Lander College for Men and his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Hofstra University. His research interests include how perceptions of personal identity across time affect psychopathology, and his dissertation on this subject received the H. Alan Robinson Outstanding Dissertation Award. He was the recipient of a prestigious Veterans Affairs Career Development Award, has received multiple research grants, and has authored and co-authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications. He currently maintains a dual appointment as an Assistant Professor at Touro University’s PsyD Program and as a Research Scientist at the James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where he conducts research focusing on developing novel clinical interventions for the mentally ill. In addition to his general research experience, he has a strong interest in applying sophisticated research methodology to develop targeted evidence-based interventions for Jewish communal difficulties.
Joseph Grun
Advisory Board Member, Chief Information Technology Consultant
Joseph Grun is the Chief Information Officer at the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Medical Center Department of Psychiatry. Fifteen years of experience in healthcare and research information technology has allowed him to combine neuroscience research experience with current IT trends. In addition to professional experience, Joseph has a strong personal interest in the epidemiology of mental health issues.
Rivka Starck, Psyd
Director of Marketing, Strategy, and Communications
Dr. Starck comes to ARCC from the Center for Applied Psychology where she was Director of Community Outreach and Health and founder and coordinator of the Monsey Community Coalition for Health and Wellness as part of.
Rivka holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. Read More Here...
Shani Bechhofer, PhD
Senior Educational Consultant
Dr. Shani Bechhofer is a senior consultant to principals, boards, programs, and philanthropists involved with Jewish day schools and yeshivos. She earned her PhD in Educational Processes from Northwestern University. Read More Here...
Leah Shifra Price, PHD
Biostatistician
Dr. Leah Price has a PhD in biostatistics from New York University. She is the owner and principal of LBPrice Statistical Consulting. Dr. Price has more than 12 years of experience as a statistical consultant and researcher, specializing in the analysis of medical data, statistical methodology for clinical trials, and epidemiology data analysis. She has designed studies, analyzed many large and small datasets, written statistical analysis plans and produced reports of results in oncology, vaccines, and proficiency panels. These studies have resulted in more than 60 publications on which Dr. Price is a co-author. Dr. Price has served as a statistical reviewer for a medical journal, has presented seminars on statistics to doctors and surgeons, and trained staff on the use of statistical software. She has also assisted several doctoral students in psychology to successfully complete their analyses and defend their dissertations.
Tzvi K
Project Manager
Tzvi is a general project manager at ARCC Institute.
Chana Becher
Research Intern
Chana received her BA in Psychology and Education from Touro College. She has been an advocate and mentor for children and young adults in New York and abroad. Chana plans on pursuing a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. She lives in Monsey with her husband and children. Inspired by ARCC's mission and goals, Chana hopes to make a positive difference.
Chayim Rosensweig
Research Intern
Chayim is an undergraduate student at Yeshiva University pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Psychology.
Kayla Gottleib
Research Intern
From Teaneck, NJ, Kayla recently graduated from Stern College for Women with a B.A in both Psychology and Judaic Studies. Kayla plans on pursuing a doctoral degree in Clinical psychology. As part of the ARCC staff, she is very excited to be part of such innovative projects and such integral research for the betterment of our communities.
Daniel Weiss
Research Associate
Daniel Weiss’ background is in Human-Computer Interaction and Psychology. He is the founder and director of The Dvash Project, an organization that creates opportunities for marriage-minded singles to meet through interactive events. His degrees include a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Touro College as well as a Master’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction from Carnegie Mellon University. He is currently a Sr. User Experience Engineer in the Collaboration and Social Computing group at MITRE.
Avi Gurell
Research Intern
Avi (Michael) Gurell is earning his BA in Psychology from Lander College for Men in the Spring of 2018. He currently learns in Yeshivas Ohr Hachaim in Queens, and plans on pursuing a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. Avi lives in Teaneck and has been a research intern with ARCC since the summer of 2017.
Rivka Djavaheri
Research Intern
Rivka completed her undergraduate studies at Stern College for Women in Psychology and History. Subsequently, she received her Master’s degree from Azrieli School of Jewish Education and Administration. When not at the ARCC, Rivka teaches Math, English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science to 7th and 8th grade boys at a school in Rockland County, and she spends time with her family.