Jenna Shapiro

Jenna is dedicated to supporting mental health, both professionally and through her volunteerism.

As a pediatric psychologist, Jenna works with children and adolescents with chronic medical conditions--and their families. Beyond patient care, Jenna researches emotional wellbeing, daily functioning, and health equity for youth and families.

Outside of work, she just finished a four-year term on JUF's Young Leadership Division Board, where she chaired multiple committees and earned a Ruach Award last year for her tireless support. Jenna is currently on JUF's Health & Human Services Commission and recently joined Young Women's City Council.

She lent her professional expertise to JUF by co-chairing a mental health-focused event last summer; this event helped spearhead JUF's Mental Health Initiative, which is designed to recognize and address the high level of mental health needs in our community.

Jenna also enjoys going to Mommy and Me classes at Chabad of River North and Fulton Market and attending services and events at Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook. 

AGE:
34

PRONOUNS:
she/her/hers

PRIMARY GIG:
Pediatric Psychologist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

ON THE SIDE:
Spending time with family and friends, playing with my sweet little toddler, exploring the Chicago culinary scene.

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I love all forms of dance and studied dance in college as a dance minor. I also sang in a Jewish a cappella group, Pizmon, through which I travelled to Jewish communities around the world and US to bring music, connection, and Jewish spirit to others. Dance and music continue to be important to me, though now more in an appreciative observer role rather than performing.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS:
I am grateful to have received honors through my academic, research, and volunteer roles, but my proudest accomplishments occur on a smaller scale with the children and families I have the privilege of working with every day. I feel honored to support them with small gains, to be trusted with their challenges, and to be able to help them during harder moments.

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
My husband, Jacob, is one of the most dedicated and thoughtful Jewish leaders I know. He is currently ending his term as Co-Chair on JFNA’s National Young Leadership Cabinet through which he traveled to Ethiopia, Latvia, and Hungary (and previously to Russia and Georgia) to support communities in need. He is clear-headed and passionate about giving back and I am inspired by his leadership and partnership every day.

YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
Consider what values are important to you and align daily actions with the things that matter most to you personally.