401.331.1244 info@jcsri.org

Our Leadership

Jewish Collaborative Services employs a team of highly trained and credentialed professionals. Our staff includes licensed marriage and family therapists, master’s-level and licensed independent social workers, licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants, certified medication technicians and assisted living administrators. Beyond their impressive qualifications, they bring a deep commitment and compassion to their work, caring for individuals and their families with dignity and respect.
 

Our leadership team and board of directors consist of dedicated mater’s-level professionals with many years of experience. They guide the agency in its mission, easing the burden of those facing hardship or navigating transitions in housing, health, family or social situations.

JCS Board of Directors

Chair
Kayla Rosen

Vice Chair
Mindy Stone

Treasurer
Matthew Blank

Secretary
Hal Matzkin

Members

Doug Emanuel

Minna Ellison 

Robin Engle

Felice Farber

Marcia Werber Feldman

Judith Fishman

James Galkin

Marilyn Katz

Richard Licht

Jeffrey Rogg

Bonnie Ryvicker

Gary Serby

Niecie Weiner

Staff Leaders

Pamela Morris, MSW

Pamela Morris, MSW

President and CEO

Pam is responsible for overseeing all business, finance, and personnel operations at Jewish Collaborative Services. In this role, she provides strategic leadership for the agency also directs the agency’s long-term planning, guiding initiatives for organizational growth, program development, and future sustainability. Pam joined JCS in 2022, bringing more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in the senior living sector across New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation, always focused on enhancing services and outcomes for the communities she serves. 

She holds a Master of Social Work degree from Rhode Island College and a Postgraduate Certificate in Long Term Care Administration from Iona College in New York. 

Renee St. John, CPA

Renee St. John, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Renee is responsible for the overall financial strategy and direction of the organization. She guides staff, the finance committee, and the board of directors on all financial matters, including budgeting, external audits, banking, investments, tax reporting, and human resources. Renee joined JCS in 2019, bringing over 20 years of experience as a CPA. She has extensive expertise in the nonprofit sector, with a strong track record of developing sound accounting policies, implementing reporting procedures, and maintaining compliance with GAAP standards. 

She received her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Bryant University. Beyond her professional work, Renee has served on multiple boards and committees, and she currently serves on the Board of Directors and Finance Committee for the Rhode Island Community Foodbank. 

Patricia Burns Harwood, LICSW

Patricia Burns Harwood, LICSW

Chief of Programs

Patty oversees the coordination, integration, and delivery of all programs and services at JCS. With credentials in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Patty has been helping clients as a licensed independent clinical social worker for more than 25 years, bringing deep expertise in supporting older adults and individuals with diverse needs. She began her career with Jewish Family Service of Rhode Island in 1999, taking on increasing responsibilities and ultimately becoming Director of Older Adult Resources before assuming her current role as Chief of Programs at JCS. Known for her professionalism and knowledge, Patty combines a strategic mindset with a compassionate approach, making her a trusted leader and advocate for both clients and staff alike.

Patty received her BA in Psychology from Boston College and earned a Master of Social Work from Rhode Island College School of Social Work, with a concentration in health, aging, and disability. 

Casey Gilfillan Amaral, MBA

Casey Gilfillan Amaral, MBA

Senior Director of Human Resources

Casey is a seasoned HR professional known for her strategic leadership and innovative approach to human resources. With over 20 years of experience, including a decade in the nonprofit sector, she has a proven track record of driving organizational success through people-centric strategies and transformative HR solutions. Her expertise spans diverse industries, where she has excelled in talent management, employee engagement, organizational development, and succession planning. 

Casey earned her Master’s in HR Management and an MBA from the University of Phoenix while advancing her career. Her expertise spans diverse industries, where she has excelled in talent management, employee engagement, organizational development, and succession planning. 

Jessica Hoard, MS

Jessica Hoard, MS

Director of External Relations

Jessica leads the agency’s external relations strategy, overseeing fundraising, marketing, and volunteer & Community engagement to strengthen JCS’s visibility and impact.  Jessica began her career with the agency with Jewish Family Service of RI in 2016 as a Program Coordinator. Her organizational skills, strategic vision, and creative approach to branding played a key role in establishing the Marketing and Communications Department during the formation of Jewish Collaborative Services in 2018.

Jessica earned a Bachelor’s degree from Rhode Island College and a Master’s degree from Merrimack College. Guided by her passion for nonprofit initiatives and community wellness, Jessica takes pride in building connections, advancing JCS’s impact, and supporting programs that serve the community.

Trevor McCarthy

Trevor McCarthy

Executive Assistant and Office Manager

Trevor oversees key areas of agency operations, including staff and board administration, vendor relationships,  and organizational IT systems. He brings more than 20 years of experience in administration, banking, business development, and operational leadership to his role. Prior to joining JCS, Trevor spent more than eight years as Vice President of Branch Administration and Business Development Officer in the banking industry. His career also includes leadership roles in banking, mortgage lending, and community services. Known for his thoughtful and solutions-focused approach, Trevor works to streamline agency operations and strengthen vendor operations across campuses.

Trevor holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Nichols College and brings a strong combination of financial expertise, operational leadership, and a commitment to exceptional service to his work at JCS.

Michael McMahon

Michael McMahon

Executive Director of Tamarisk Senior Living

Michael brings more than 30 years of experience in healthcare operations and senior living to his role as Executive Director at Tamarisk. A licensed Nursing Home and Assisted Living Administrator in Rhode Island, Michael is known for his thoughtful leadership, collaborative approach, and deep commitment to providing compassionate, resident-centered care. Throughout his career, Michael has led skilled nursing and assisted living communities with high standards of clinical care, operational excellence, and creating environments where residents feel safe, supported, and truly at home. 

His ability to balance high-quality care with responsible financial stewardship helps ensure the long-term sustainability of Tamarisk’s not-for-profit mission. 

Rachael Adams

Rachael Adams

Director of Shalom Housing Operations

Rachael serves as the Director of Housing Operations for Shalom Apartments, located on JCS’s Warwick campus. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of these HUD-subsidized communities, ensuring that residents receive high-quality services and support. Prior to joining JCS, Rachael gained extensive experience in housing operations and property management, equipping her with the skills necessary to lead and innovate in the affordable housing sector. Her commitment to service excellence and community engagement is evident in her work, as she strives to create an environment where residents feel supported. Rachael is passionate about advocating for affordable housing solutions and is involved in local initiatives aimed at improving housing accessibility for seniors and individuals with disabilities.