Life's Door Staff

  Dr. Corn earned his Bachelor of Arts and Medical degrees from Boston University where he graduated with honors.  His post-graduate training was completed at the University of Pennsylvania.  As a Professor of Oncology (cancer specialist), Ben became one of the leading lecturers in the scientific community. The author of over 150 publications in the medical literature, he built an... [ More ]

 

Dr. Corn earned his Bachelor of Arts and Medical degrees from Boston University where he graduated with honors.  His post-graduate training was completed at the University of Pennsylvania.  As a Professor of Oncology (cancer specialist), Ben became one of the leading lecturers in the scientific community. The author of over 150 publications in the medical literature, he built an international reputation for his dynamic speaking style that allows him to translate potentially dry data into engaging presentations.  In addition to his clinical responsibilities, he served as the Vice-Chairman of one of the largest and most profitable and prolific Oncology Departments in the United States.  In that capacity, he was responsible for administrative, operational and fiscal management of the department.  His formal business career commenced with his appointment to Chief Executive Officer of SignalSite Inc.; a start-up biotechnology company.  Dr. Corn subsequently negotiated the merger of SignalSite with another biotech company to form Keryx Biopharmaceuticals Inc.  As president and then CEO of Keryx, he co-led the initial public offering which culminated in a dual listing on NASDAQ and the London AIM Exchange. Professor Corn currently serves as Chairman of Radiation Oncology at Tel Aviv Medical Center-Ichilov Hospital and maintains academic appointments at Tel Aviv Medical School and the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He is also a board member and consultant to several biotechnology companies. Ben co-authored the chapter “Counseling the Terminally Ill Congregant in the recently released book A Practical Guide for Rabbinic Counseling (Twerski and Levitz Feldhiem, 2005). He makes time in his busy life for other strong interests which include singing, storytelling, swimming, often with his wife and their 4 daughters.

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Dvora earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the Sargent College of Boston University where she graduated with honors.  Having founded one of the foremost rehabilitation therapy and consulting organizations in the U.S., Dvora’s leadership skills enabled her to build and manage a diverse team of professionals.  After 10 years of leading the firm to success, she negotiated the acquisition... [ More ]

Dvora earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the Sargent College of Boston University where she graduated with honors.  Having founded one of the foremost rehabilitation therapy and consulting organizations in the U.S., Dvora’s leadership skills enabled her to build and manage a diverse team of professionals.  After 10 years of leading the firm to success, she negotiated the acquisition of the company to one of the largest publicly traded nursing home and rehabilitation companies (NYSE:HCR) and served as a Vice President of HCR’s rehabilitation division, Heartland Rehabilitation Services. Her business acumen extends to organizational development, acquisitions and expansion, as well as personnel management.  Subsequently, Dvora received her Master’s Degree from the University of North Texas in Clinical Sociology and Family Therapy and certification from the Neve Yerushalayim Family Institute as Marital and Family Therapist.   In addition to her private practice, Ms. Corn directs the Hatomechet Program at Bet Natan which in collaboration with Life’s Door-Tishkofet features training of end of life volunteers and case management to provide home hospice support services in the Greater Jerusalem area. She is a frequent lecturer in the areas of illness and death and dying and its impact on the family and is actively involved in the development of models of spiritual care in Israel.  Dvora co- authored the chapter “Counseling the Terminally Ill Congregant in the recently released book A Practical Guide for Rabbinic Counseling (Twerski and Levitz Feldhiem, 2005). Her other interests include cooking and, reading, exercising and dancing.  Dvora and her husband also spend a considerable amount of time in their Jerusalem residence with their 4 beautiful daughters. [ Less ]

Michal studied English Literature as well as Communications & Journalism atBar-Ilan University. She served as Director of Public Relations for Ramot Shapira Educational Centre, coordinating Fundraising and PR events for the organization and promoting programs that instill Jewish values in Israel's youth. She was also Executive Coordinator for the International Coalition for Missing Israeli Soldiers,... [ More ]

Michal studied English Literature as well as Communications & Journalism atBar-Ilan University. She served as Director of Public Relations for Ramot Shapira Educational Centre, coordinating Fundraising and PR events for the organization and promoting programs that instill Jewish values in Israel's youth. She was also Executive Coordinator for the International Coalition for Missing Israeli Soldiers, working closely with the families of Israel's missing soldiers to bring their cause to the attention of the International community. As Deputy Executive Director for Life's Door Tishkofet, she assists in managing the organization and coordinating events. Michal lives in Beit Horon with her husband and five children. [ Less ]

Ilana, a graduate of Hadassah College, Jerusalem, is a certified medical laboratorian. After completing her studies she worked 15 years in medical school Hadassah Ein Kerem, the department of anatomy and embryology at the Hebrew University Givat Ram Institute of Life Sciences. Ilana was the Neurohistologist senior research assistant. She then worked 13 years in the Managing Director office of The Israel... [ More ]

Ilana, a graduate of Hadassah College, Jerusalem, is a certified medical laboratorian. After completing her studies she worked 15 years in medical school Hadassah Ein Kerem, the department of anatomy and embryology at the Hebrew University Givat Ram Institute of Life Sciences. Ilana was the Neurohistologist senior research assistant. She then worked 13 years in the Managing Director office of The Israel Museum Products, Jerusalem. At Tishkofet-Maagan Ilana the administrative manager and is responsible for the ongoing programs at the center. Ilana makes the initial contact with patients who come into the center and is cares for their continued participation in the activities at the center. [ Less ]

Margo received her BSW degree from Hebrew University and her Masters in Social Work from NYU. Her practicum work included family therapy at the Beth Israel Hospital Outpatient Psychiatric Unit for Children in New York as well as supportive care at the Hadassah Hospital Hospice in Jerusalem. Also atHadassah Hospital, Margo served as the oncological social worker in the oncology and bone marrow transplant... [ More ]

Margo received her BSW degree from Hebrew University and her Masters in Social Work from NYU. Her practicum work included family therapy at the Beth Israel Hospital Outpatient Psychiatric Unit for Children in New York as well as supportive care at the Hadassah Hospital Hospice in Jerusalem. Also atHadassah Hospital, Margo served as the oncological social worker in the oncology and bone marrow transplant departments. There she counseled patients and families around issues such as family communication, effective coping, and role changes as well as aiding them in navigating the medical system, and communicating with medical staff. While at Hadassah Margo was part of the multidisciplinary team that responded to mass emergency events such as terrorist attacks. Margo has been interested in the doorways to life for many years. She has been licensed as a direct entry midwife and has attended some 200 births. She lives in Jerusalem with her husband and two children. [ Less ]

Sandra is a clinical psychologist and psycho-oncologist.. Her BA in psychology is from Brandeis University which was followed by graduate work in neuropsychology and pscholinguistics at Boston University. Upon making Aliyah, Sandra studied at Hebrew University and graduated with honors and received her MA in bio-medical psychology. Sandra's apprenticeship was done in Hadassah University Hospital in... [ More ]

Sandra is a clinical psychologist and psycho-oncologist.. Her BA in psychology is from Brandeis University which was followed by graduate work in neuropsychology and pscholinguistics at Boston University. Upon making Aliyah, Sandra studied at Hebrew University and graduated with honors and received her MA in bio-medical psychology. Sandra's apprenticeship was done in Hadassah University Hospital in clinical psychology. Though Sandra has much experience working with varied populations, she has a speciality working with clients with serious and chronic illnesses and their family members. Sandra also specializes in grief therapy. [ Less ]

Eli was born in Magdiel Transit Camp, to a Holocaust surviving couple. Grown-up in the ultra orthodox community and later he joined Bnei-Akiva movement. Studied Economics at Bar-Ilan University Business School. Since 1976 Eli headed a business group with holdings of a travel agency chain, investment company and some other businesses. In 1997 he chaired of The Standards Committee of the Third Sector... [ More ]

Eli was born in Magdiel Transit Camp, to a Holocaust surviving couple. Grown-up in the ultra orthodox community and later he joined Bnei-Akiva movement. Studied Economics at Bar-Ilan University Business School. Since 1976 Eli headed a business group with holdings of a travel agency chain, investment company and some other businesses. In 1997 he chaired of The Standards Committee of the Third Sector in Israel, and was a consultant to several NPO's. Eli is the co-author of "The Bill of NPO's – the Law and the Practice, 1998" as well as other professional publications in this field. Later, Eli held the position of CFO & COO in the Israeli High-Tech Industry. In the early 80's Eli received Rabbinical Ordination from "Knesset Ha'Rabbanim" and Masters of Jewish Philosophy at the Rabbinical Assembly College. He is a graduate of Beit Ariela, School of Story Telling Arts, Tel Aviv, Certified Psycho-drama Group Facilitator (Merkaz Ayelet, School of Psychodrama & Arts Integration). In 2008 Eli received certification as Cognitive Life Coach from Machon Tovanot, School of Life Coaching. In 2010 he received certification in Talmudic Biblio-therapy from Hebrew Union College, Jerusalem, as well as a graduation of "Issues of End of life" at The Geriatric Institute, Sha'arei Tzedek Hospital, Jerusalem. Eli is a graduate of the Clinical Pastoral Education Program in Israel directed by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Jersey. Eli serves as the Commander of the Naval Search Unit in the Israeli Navy and the Chief Advisor to the Navy H.Q. on identification and burial of the Navy's fallen soldiers. Eli's great Teachers: Father, Rabbi Zvi Kleinman, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, Simkha Holtzberg, Prof, Harold Silverman, Prof, Yehuda Don, Leo Buscaglia, Michal Porat. [ Less ]

Sharon August-Dalfen received her BSc. in occupational therapy and Master in Rehabilitation Science at McGill University in Montreal Canada. After working in research and teaching at McGill and Haifa University’s School of Occupational Therapy for over 20 years, she felt a need to return to more clinical work. At the time her specialty was ergonomics and technology for the disabled but Sharon decided... [ More ]

Sharon August-Dalfen received her BSc. in occupational therapy and Master in Rehabilitation Science at McGill University in Montreal Canada. After working in research and teaching at McGill and Haifa University’s School of Occupational Therapy for over 20 years, she felt a need to return to more clinical work. At the time her specialty was ergonomics and technology for the disabled but Sharon decided to explore a new area of expertise. In order to pursue this dream she completed a course at Kolot-MSR from Tel HaShomer Hospital and a diploma in expressive therapy from Bar Ilan University in addition to training in mindfulness meditation and story telling. Sharon is now the program coordinator for Tishkofet HaSharon. Additionally she runs groups on mindfulness and coordinates the volunteer program, with an ear to expand programs and fill community needs where necessary. Her hobbies include puzzles, pottery, bicycling and music. Sharon lives in Ra'anana with her husband and their four daughters. For Sharon, Tishkofet is a place where she hopes people can be themselves and let go of ‘masks and pretending’ and find true support and comfort while living with illness [ Less ]

Aliza graduated with honors from Columbia College, where she earned a B.A. in psychology. She earned her master’s degree in social work from New York University with a joint concentration in clinical practice and social work research, programs, and policies. Aliza’s social work training focused on child and adolescent mental health. After completing her training, Aliza worked as an outpatient oncology... [ More ]

Aliza graduated with honors from Columbia College, where she earned a B.A. in psychology. She earned her master’s degree in social work from New York University with a joint concentration in clinical practice and social work research, programs, and policies. Aliza’s social work training focused on child and adolescent mental health. After completing her training, Aliza worked as an outpatient oncology social worker counseling adults and adolescents with cancer at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland. There she provided support and counseling to individuals, families, and groups throughout the illness trajectory focusing on issues such as adjustment to illness, coping, communication, the impact of illness on the family and on relationships, finding meaning in one’s experience, survivorship, and bereavement. Aliza also initiated, developed, and implemented a psycho-oncology program aimed both at providing support and counseling as well as at educating staff about patients’ and families’ emotional and spiritual needs throughout their journey with illness. She has also worked in private practice treating individuals and families. Aliza currently lives in Efrat with her husband and four children. [ Less ]