Karli Salinger
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At work and beyond, Karli is always eager to lend a helping hand.
In her day job, Karli--who studied psychology at the University of Maryland and earned her Master's at Roosevelt University--provides group therapy for patients living in nursing homes who struggle with mental illness.
As an emergency medical dispatcher for Hatzalah Chicago, she connects people to the resources they need--and she furthers the local Jewish community's emergency preparedness as Hatzalah's CPR coordinator.
Karli doesn't just help adults enhance their medical knowledge; in her role as program director at Hugo's Heroes, she helps to organize first aid teams in Jewish day schools to manage emergency situations until paramedics arrive.
Every Shabbat, you can find Karli at Anshe Sholom B'nai Israel in Lakeview, where she loves to attend services and find inspiration to be her best self. Her door is always open to guests for Shabbat and holiday meals and celebrations, and she enjoys cultivating a close-knit community.
AGE:
36
PRONOUNS:
she/her/hers
PRIMARY GIG:
I am a clinical manager managing psychological group therapy for patients with severe mental illnesses in nursing homes.
ON THE SIDE:
I am a CPR/first aid instructor, emergency medical dispatcher, EMT-B, and avid Cubs fan.
HOW DO YOU GIVE BACK:
I make people laugh (sometimes on purpose!) and teach CPR and first aid skills so people can feel confident to act in an emergency.
SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I've been known to buy plane tickets out of boredom, and I can quickly and easily make friends with complete strangers given the opportunity.
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS:
Watching a group of high school students who I taught CPR to teach bystander CPR at Wrigley Field to baseball fans.
A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
Tzvi Montrose— As a paramedic and founder of Hatzalah Chicago, he has saved thousands of lives and always with a smile. He encourages people to be the best selves they can be and always has another idea to help the community.
