We are a collection of individuals who care
Our Staff
Our motivated staff is made up of a team of caring and hardworking professionals that put ETTA's goals into action.
Dr. Michael Held
Executive Director
Dr. Michael Held founded ETTA in 1993. As the visionary for ETTA’s wide range of programs, Dr. Held has led ETTA from a start-up to its current position as the largest agency of its type in the Los Angeles community.
Scott Saliman
Chief Operating Officer
After overseeing Treasury Operations for The RAND Corporation, a leading global non-partisan public policy research nonprofit organization, Scott returned to ETTA in 2022 as Chief Operating Officer after previously working as ETTA’s Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Senior Advisor from 2004-2015. An expert in nonprofit, for-profit and financial management, he formerly served as the Director of Strategy and Finance at the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation, advised many nonprofits including Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and was a Vice President at Goldman Sachs. He received his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Colorado, holds an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business and studied Rabbinics at the University of Judaism (now American Jewish University).
Manijeh Nehorai
Director of Iranian-American Division
Manijeh Nehorai joined ETTA in 1995 as the Director of ETTA´s Iranian-American Community Services Division. She has been an innovator in the fields of social work and special education for over 40 years. In Iran, Mrs. Nehorai was the Executive Director of the Social Welfare Office of Queen Farah Pahlavi (Director of the Iranian Social Welfare Department for the Queen), a post she held for 18 years. Upon moving to the United States, and prior to joining ETTA, she worked for Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles and taught parenting at Nessah Israel Synagogue, Valley Beth Shalom and Maimonides Academy, among other venues. Mrs. Nehorai holds an M.A. in Social Work and Marriage & Family Counseling.
Executive Director
Dr. Michael Held founded ETTA in 1993. As the visionary for ETTA’s wide range of programs, Dr. Held has led ETTA from a start-up to its current position as the largest agency of its type in the Los Angeles community.
Scott Saliman
Chief Operating Officer
After overseeing Treasury Operations for The RAND Corporation, a leading global non-partisan public policy research nonprofit organization, Scott returned to ETTA in 2022 as Chief Operating Officer after previously working as ETTA’s Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Senior Advisor from 2004-2015. An expert in nonprofit, for-profit and financial management, he formerly served as the Director of Strategy and Finance at the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation, advised many nonprofits including Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and was a Vice President at Goldman Sachs. He received his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Colorado, holds an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business and studied Rabbinics at the University of Judaism (now American Jewish University).
Manijeh Nehorai
Director of Iranian-American Division
Manijeh Nehorai joined ETTA in 1995 as the Director of ETTA´s Iranian-American Community Services Division. She has been an innovator in the fields of social work and special education for over 40 years. In Iran, Mrs. Nehorai was the Executive Director of the Social Welfare Office of Queen Farah Pahlavi (Director of the Iranian Social Welfare Department for the Queen), a post she held for 18 years. Upon moving to the United States, and prior to joining ETTA, she worked for Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles and taught parenting at Nessah Israel Synagogue, Valley Beth Shalom and Maimonides Academy, among other venues. Mrs. Nehorai holds an M.A. in Social Work and Marriage & Family Counseling.
Hillary Kessler
Director of Client Services
A long-time social services professional, Hillary joined the organization in 2020 as Director of Programs, a newly created position. She supervises and works closely with our six directors of client-facing programs: residential, non-residential, volunteer, intake and Summer@ETTA. Prior to joining ETTA, she worked in the Regional Center system for 23 years, including as Director of Adult & Residential Services. She holds a B.A. in English from Adelphi University and has studied at the Center for Modern Psychanalytic Studies.
Leah Schachter
Director of Special Projects & Volunteers
Upon joining ETTA in 2000, Leah created its Leadership Program. This program focused on helping high school students strengthen their volunteering skills as well as interacting with teens and adults with special needs. She serves as the Director of Summer@ETTA, a unique social and life-skills summer program. She also directs ETTA’s Shabbaton weekends and mentors the ETTA Youth Board. She holds a B.A. in psychology, and an M.A. degree in Family Counseling.
Heidi Schofield
Director of Residential Group Homes
Heidi has a 20-year track record working with children and adults with disabilities. She has held positions in Pennsylvania, Washington State and the United Kingdom before settling in Los Angeles.
Josh Taff
Director of Community Relations and Intake
Josh has been involved with the special needs community for 15 years, beginning as a counselor in Camp Ramah’s Tikvah program. He then joined ETTA as an Administrator of the ETTA Group Homes and as Co-Director of Summer@ETTA. Josh also plays a key role in planning and participating in the ETTA Shabbaton weekends. He is a graduate of Indiana University.
Kathy Zimmerman
Director of Program Operations
Joining ETTA in 2022 as the Assistant Director of Programs, Kathy has over 25 years of experience in the field, including 20 years of management experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in Michigan and California. She previously held the position of Senior Manager of Supported Living with IABA and has had the privilege to work with innovators in the field of Positive Behavior Support. She holds a B.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University and an M.S. in Clinical Behavioral Psychology from Eastern Michigan University.
Jacqueline Chavez
Senior Program Manager, Supported Living Services
Jacqueline Chavez has been in the field of social services as a program manager for 13 years. She joined ETTA in 2021 as an SLS program manager. She has her B.A. in Sociology and two Masters degree in Criminal Justice and Adult Education. She is currently working on her behavior analyst certificate to provide support for our clients with behavioral needs.
Elana Cohen
Program Manager, Employment Services
Elana Cohen first became involved with ETTA as a volunteer counselor for Summer@ETTA. Her interest in working with ETTA clients prompted her to pursue a career in the field. After college, she joined ETTA in 2015 as a Direct Service Professional, progressing to Program Manager of Tailored Services and to her current role of Program Manager, Employment Services.
Menachem Litenatsky
Program Manager, Employment Services
Menachem has been involved with ETTA for more than two decades. He has functioned in various departments and capacities including heading the Youth & Volunteer Services Division. In 2007 he was a recipient of ETTA’s Children’s Champion award. Menachem returns to ETTA as a Program Manager in the very robust Employment Services Division.
Andrelisa Livingston
Program Manager, Valley Day Program
Since joining ETTA in 2020, Andrelisa has gone from being a Life Skills Coach to managing the Valley Day Program. She combines 5 years of previous administrative management experience with ETTA’s person-centered philosophy to facilitate continued program growth.
Daniel Ortiz
Program Manager, Employment Services
Daniel joined the ETTA family in 2015 and has served clients in ETTA’s day program, SLS-B program, and employment services department. He focuses on managing Supported Employment services and serves as our resident DOR expert.
Hannah Ortiz
Senior Program Manager, Supported Living Services
Originally from the mid-west, after college Hannah moved to LA in August of 2014 for an internship focusing on supporting inner-city youth. A year later Hannah joined ETTA as a Life Skills Coach in February of 2016. A couple months later was promoted to Program Manager of Supported Living. She received her B.S. in Rehabilitation Psychology at the University of Wisconsin Madison.
Bianca Ramos
Employee Development Manager
Bianca joined ETTA in 2016 as a Life Skills Coach and has progressed to her current position of Employee Development Manager. Originally from New York, Bianca has an extensive background working with individuals with special needs under the New York State Developmental Disabilities Services Office. She studied Education and Business at Hofstra University.
Skye Songprapa
Program Manager, Supported Living Services
Skye brings over 19 years of experience in Supported Living Services to ETTA. She has a strong background in Applied Behavior Analysis, Positive Behavior Support, and is a certified life coach. Skye has worked and trained with pioneers in autism and developmental disabilities and has expertise in transitioning individuals from state hospitals and group homes into independent living. She takes pride in setting up individuals for success through a person-centered approach that promotes growth and quality of life.
Director of Client Services
A long-time social services professional, Hillary joined the organization in 2020 as Director of Programs, a newly created position. She supervises and works closely with our six directors of client-facing programs: residential, non-residential, volunteer, intake and Summer@ETTA. Prior to joining ETTA, she worked in the Regional Center system for 23 years, including as Director of Adult & Residential Services. She holds a B.A. in English from Adelphi University and has studied at the Center for Modern Psychanalytic Studies.
Leah Schachter
Director of Special Projects & Volunteers
Upon joining ETTA in 2000, Leah created its Leadership Program. This program focused on helping high school students strengthen their volunteering skills as well as interacting with teens and adults with special needs. She serves as the Director of Summer@ETTA, a unique social and life-skills summer program. She also directs ETTA’s Shabbaton weekends and mentors the ETTA Youth Board. She holds a B.A. in psychology, and an M.A. degree in Family Counseling.
Heidi Schofield
Director of Residential Group Homes
Heidi has a 20-year track record working with children and adults with disabilities. She has held positions in Pennsylvania, Washington State and the United Kingdom before settling in Los Angeles.
Josh Taff
Director of Community Relations and Intake
Josh has been involved with the special needs community for 15 years, beginning as a counselor in Camp Ramah’s Tikvah program. He then joined ETTA as an Administrator of the ETTA Group Homes and as Co-Director of Summer@ETTA. Josh also plays a key role in planning and participating in the ETTA Shabbaton weekends. He is a graduate of Indiana University.
Kathy Zimmerman
Director of Program Operations
Joining ETTA in 2022 as the Assistant Director of Programs, Kathy has over 25 years of experience in the field, including 20 years of management experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in Michigan and California. She previously held the position of Senior Manager of Supported Living with IABA and has had the privilege to work with innovators in the field of Positive Behavior Support. She holds a B.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University and an M.S. in Clinical Behavioral Psychology from Eastern Michigan University.
Jacqueline Chavez
Senior Program Manager, Supported Living Services
Jacqueline Chavez has been in the field of social services as a program manager for 13 years. She joined ETTA in 2021 as an SLS program manager. She has her B.A. in Sociology and two Masters degree in Criminal Justice and Adult Education. She is currently working on her behavior analyst certificate to provide support for our clients with behavioral needs.
Elana Cohen
Program Manager, Employment Services
Elana Cohen first became involved with ETTA as a volunteer counselor for Summer@ETTA. Her interest in working with ETTA clients prompted her to pursue a career in the field. After college, she joined ETTA in 2015 as a Direct Service Professional, progressing to Program Manager of Tailored Services and to her current role of Program Manager, Employment Services.
Menachem Litenatsky
Program Manager, Employment Services
Menachem has been involved with ETTA for more than two decades. He has functioned in various departments and capacities including heading the Youth & Volunteer Services Division. In 2007 he was a recipient of ETTA’s Children’s Champion award. Menachem returns to ETTA as a Program Manager in the very robust Employment Services Division.
Andrelisa Livingston
Program Manager, Valley Day Program
Since joining ETTA in 2020, Andrelisa has gone from being a Life Skills Coach to managing the Valley Day Program. She combines 5 years of previous administrative management experience with ETTA’s person-centered philosophy to facilitate continued program growth.
Daniel Ortiz
Program Manager, Employment Services
Daniel joined the ETTA family in 2015 and has served clients in ETTA’s day program, SLS-B program, and employment services department. He focuses on managing Supported Employment services and serves as our resident DOR expert.
Hannah Ortiz
Senior Program Manager, Supported Living Services
Originally from the mid-west, after college Hannah moved to LA in August of 2014 for an internship focusing on supporting inner-city youth. A year later Hannah joined ETTA as a Life Skills Coach in February of 2016. A couple months later was promoted to Program Manager of Supported Living. She received her B.S. in Rehabilitation Psychology at the University of Wisconsin Madison.
Bianca Ramos
Employee Development Manager
Bianca joined ETTA in 2016 as a Life Skills Coach and has progressed to her current position of Employee Development Manager. Originally from New York, Bianca has an extensive background working with individuals with special needs under the New York State Developmental Disabilities Services Office. She studied Education and Business at Hofstra University.
Skye Songprapa
Program Manager, Supported Living Services
Skye brings over 19 years of experience in Supported Living Services to ETTA. She has a strong background in Applied Behavior Analysis, Positive Behavior Support, and is a certified life coach. Skye has worked and trained with pioneers in autism and developmental disabilities and has expertise in transitioning individuals from state hospitals and group homes into independent living. She takes pride in setting up individuals for success through a person-centered approach that promotes growth and quality of life.
Mike Bernstein
Head of Fundraising & Special Events
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Michael became part of the ETTA team in July 2023. An alumnus of Hillel Hebrew Academy, YULA, and Yeshiva University with degrees in Marketing and Management, his entrepreneurial journey spans property management, construction, insurance as well as wine and spirits. Michael’s heart lies in philanthropy, and has facilitated over $10 million in fundraising for numerous charities over the past two decades.
Meira Feinman
Director of Marketing
Meira joins ETTA with 13 years of experience in the marketing, communications, and PR field, working on global, national, and local accounts in industries ranging from healthcare, real estate and fintech to culture, education, and social services. She received her B.A. summa cum laude from UCLA. Meira is passionate about the organization’s mission and spreading its message.
Ben Hermes
Digital Marketing Manager
Ben joined ETTA in 2022 after being Creative Director at Mad Capper Studios, a digital media and marketing company. With a focus on programmatic content development and personalization, Ben combines his knowledge of design and video elements with his passion for digital marketing strategies, branding, video advertising and scriptwriting to bring deep narrative and emotional engagement to all of his projects. He holds a B.S. in Communication from Northwestern University.
Director of Marketing
Meira joins ETTA with 13 years of experience in the marketing, communications, and PR field, working on global, national, and local accounts in industries ranging from healthcare, real estate and fintech to culture, education, and social services. She received her B.A. summa cum laude from UCLA. Meira is passionate about the organization’s mission and spreading its message.
Ben Hermes
Digital Marketing Manager
Ben joined ETTA in 2022 after being Creative Director at Mad Capper Studios, a digital media and marketing company. With a focus on programmatic content development and personalization, Ben combines his knowledge of design and video elements with his passion for digital marketing strategies, branding, video advertising and scriptwriting to bring deep narrative and emotional engagement to all of his projects. He holds a B.S. in Communication from Northwestern University.
Beth Drake
Director of Finance
Beth joined ETTA in 2023 as the Director of Finance. A seasoned accounting and finance expert and CPA, her experience includes working at Big Four accounting firms as an external auditor; publicly held global entertainment and broadcasting companies as an internal auditor and controller; and various non-profits as a CFO. Beth sits on the board and is the Secretary / Treasurer of the Choristers Guild. A proud Texan, Beth earned her M.S. in accounting, M.M.E. in vocal pedagogy, and B.M. in music education at the University of North Texas in Denton.
Samvel Jayatyan
Accountant
A native of Novosibirsk, Russia, Sam moved to the United States in 2005. His work experience includes both public and corporate accounting and has held positions as Assistant Accountant, Full Charge Bookkeeper and Staff Accountant. He holds IRS certification for volunteer income tax preparation through the VITA program. He holds a B.S. in Finance from California State University, Northridge.
Artur Jayatyan
Assistant Accountant
Born in Gyumri, Armenia, Artur moved to the United States in 2005. His work experience includes full-charge bookkeeping, and he is currently a transfer student at California State University of Northridge, due to graduate in May 2024. In addition to bookkeeping, Artur has also been a DJ/Producer since 2016.
Director of Finance
Beth joined ETTA in 2023 as the Director of Finance. A seasoned accounting and finance expert and CPA, her experience includes working at Big Four accounting firms as an external auditor; publicly held global entertainment and broadcasting companies as an internal auditor and controller; and various non-profits as a CFO. Beth sits on the board and is the Secretary / Treasurer of the Choristers Guild. A proud Texan, Beth earned her M.S. in accounting, M.M.E. in vocal pedagogy, and B.M. in music education at the University of North Texas in Denton.
Samvel Jayatyan
Accountant
A native of Novosibirsk, Russia, Sam moved to the United States in 2005. His work experience includes both public and corporate accounting and has held positions as Assistant Accountant, Full Charge Bookkeeper and Staff Accountant. He holds IRS certification for volunteer income tax preparation through the VITA program. He holds a B.S. in Finance from California State University, Northridge.
Artur Jayatyan
Assistant Accountant
Born in Gyumri, Armenia, Artur moved to the United States in 2005. His work experience includes full-charge bookkeeping, and he is currently a transfer student at California State University of Northridge, due to graduate in May 2024. In addition to bookkeeping, Artur has also been a DJ/Producer since 2016.
Allen Remer
Director of Administration
A long-time friend and supporter of ETTA, Allen joined the organization in 2014. Prior to joining ETTA, he served as Head of Finance at the law firm of Irell & Manella LLC for 22 years. He then joined Remco Wholesale Hardware as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Human Resources. He attended UCLA and New York University with a double degree in sociology and comparative literature with a minor in art history.
J. Biederman
Recruitment Manager
A native Californian, J. Biederman joined the ETTA family in 2018 as a Job Coach and Supported Living Services staff, working full time in the field with amazing ETTA clients. He was recruited by the Human Resources and Recruitment departments to work in ETTA’s main office, while continuing to work with client’s part time. In 2020, he was promoted to the position of Recruitment Manager.
Effie Bitton
Human Resources Manager
Hailing from Haifa, Israel, Effie Bitton joined ETTA with 18 years of HR experience and knowledge. She spent 10 years as the HR Manager at the JCC here in Los Angeles. Effie not only has HR experience, but has been involved in managing Payroll and Benefits. She spent five years working at Jewish Big Brothers and Sisters before joining the ETTA team.
Jaymie Garner
Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer.
Jaymie comes to us from the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, where she spent over five years in a variety of roles, including serving as the Executive Assistant to the Executive Vice President of Donor Relations, the Executive Assistant to the President and CEO, and as a Donor Relations Coordinator and Prospect Research Manager. Prior to working at the Federation, Jaymie owned and operated her own small business for many years. She is a graduate of Arizona State University. These days, she joyfully spends the majority of her free time with her 8-year-old son, Liam.
Michelle Ruggier
Office & Facility Manager
Michelle joined ETTA in 2016 as the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director. Currently she is now the Office & Facility Manager. Prior to joining ETTA, she worked in the legal services industry for over 18 years. A native to Los Angeles, Michelle received her B.A in Communications and Business Management at California State University, Northridge.
Dalia Saour
Executive Assistant to the Director of Iranian-American Community Services
With more than 20 years of experience helping individuals with special needs, Dalia serves the Iranian-American Division in a variety of capacities. She works directly with Iranian families, Regional Center, performs translation services, organizes parenting classes, helps obtain conservatorships, and assists in all special events for the Iranian-American Division.
Director of Administration
A long-time friend and supporter of ETTA, Allen joined the organization in 2014. Prior to joining ETTA, he served as Head of Finance at the law firm of Irell & Manella LLC for 22 years. He then joined Remco Wholesale Hardware as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Human Resources. He attended UCLA and New York University with a double degree in sociology and comparative literature with a minor in art history.
J. Biederman
Recruitment Manager
A native Californian, J. Biederman joined the ETTA family in 2018 as a Job Coach and Supported Living Services staff, working full time in the field with amazing ETTA clients. He was recruited by the Human Resources and Recruitment departments to work in ETTA’s main office, while continuing to work with client’s part time. In 2020, he was promoted to the position of Recruitment Manager.
Effie Bitton
Human Resources Manager
Hailing from Haifa, Israel, Effie Bitton joined ETTA with 18 years of HR experience and knowledge. She spent 10 years as the HR Manager at the JCC here in Los Angeles. Effie not only has HR experience, but has been involved in managing Payroll and Benefits. She spent five years working at Jewish Big Brothers and Sisters before joining the ETTA team.
Jaymie Garner
Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer.
Jaymie comes to us from the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, where she spent over five years in a variety of roles, including serving as the Executive Assistant to the Executive Vice President of Donor Relations, the Executive Assistant to the President and CEO, and as a Donor Relations Coordinator and Prospect Research Manager. Prior to working at the Federation, Jaymie owned and operated her own small business for many years. She is a graduate of Arizona State University. These days, she joyfully spends the majority of her free time with her 8-year-old son, Liam.
Michelle Ruggier
Office & Facility Manager
Michelle joined ETTA in 2016 as the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director. Currently she is now the Office & Facility Manager. Prior to joining ETTA, she worked in the legal services industry for over 18 years. A native to Los Angeles, Michelle received her B.A in Communications and Business Management at California State University, Northridge.
Dalia Saour
Executive Assistant to the Director of Iranian-American Community Services
With more than 20 years of experience helping individuals with special needs, Dalia serves the Iranian-American Division in a variety of capacities. She works directly with Iranian families, Regional Center, performs translation services, organizes parenting classes, helps obtain conservatorships, and assists in all special events for the Iranian-American Division.