Meet Our Team

Nanette Cohen oversees programs that assist individuals with developing their job search strategies and with securing and maintaining meaningful employment. She has proven to be effective in integrating businesses, industries, and employment programs to help participants achieve their full employment potential. As a Certified Employment Services Professional in Employment Services with emphasis in customized employment, she is committed to providing quality services. Nanette has served as a board member of the Illinois Chapter of APSE (spell out) and a local workforce development board. She is currently the Chair of the Facility Advisory Committee for the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation.

Leah Rudy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked for JCFS Chicago since 2010. Leah oversees five state vocational rehabilitation programs that place individuals with a variety of disabilities and skill levels into competitive, integrated employment. Leah and her team are trained in Customized Employment Techniques, which focus not only on the skills of a job seeker, but also the needs of the employer. Leah has a bachelor's degree in social work from Indiana University and a master's degree in social work from New York University Silver School of Social Work.

Sharon Folliard is an experienced business executive with a demonstrated track record of building value for stakeholders and organizations. She earned her MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management Executive Master’s Program and her bachelor’s degree from the  University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With expertise across various organizational structures - including family businesses, private equity-backed ventures, global public companies and nonprofits, Sharon is adept at navigating complex challenges. She excels at optimizing client experiences and ensuring success through a consultative and results-oriented approach. Sharon enjoys applying her expertise to positively impact people and organizations and was recently awarded the Kellogg Executive Scholar Certificate in Nonprofit Management.

With almost twenty years of professional experience, Leslie Glazer has built a career defined by adaptability, collaboration, and a commitment to service. She thrives in dynamic environments that require flexibility and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities. Leslie’s background includes a strong focus on marketing, sales, and community engagement. During her tenure at JCFS, she successfully established and nurtured relationships with a wide network of employers, significantly expanding opportunities for clients to engage in career exploration and skill development. Her ability to understand the needs of both clients and employers has been a key factor in her success.

A native Chicagoan with over seven years of experience working with high school and college students, Luis Martinez specializes in preparing youth for the next chapter of their professional careers. He has also worked in several non-profit community programs throughout Chicago's North Lawndale, Humboldt Park and South Shore neighborhoods, investing in communities where employment and resources can be more limited for young people. Luis meets with clients in various community locations in both Lake and Cook counties.

Sean McElhany has always been passionate about making a difference in the community. With a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University and years of experience in community services, Sean has worked to improve lives and create a positive impact by supporting individuals searching for the right job. He says that JCFS is the perfect fit for him because helping people is in his DNA. Outside of work, Sean enjoys visiting museums - The Art Institute is his favorite - and trying new and unique foods throughout the Chicago area. Sean meets with clients in our West Rogers Park, Skokie and Northbrook offices, as well as at libraries in surrounding communities.

Rebecca Schachter is dedicated to mentoring job seekers and helping them secure competitive employment, as well as advancing program development. Rebecca began her career as an Employment Specialist after earning a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University. She also holds a master’s degree in social work from Loyola University in Chicago. Her responsibilities over the last 18 years include managing programs in both adult community day services & employment services, while also successfully guiding several organizations through critical mergers. Rebecca recently developed and launched a pre-vocational training program designed to prepare individuals for workforce entry. She is passionate about empowering individuals through employment and self-advocacy. She meets with clients at all our JCFS locations.

Sheldon Schwartz has extensive experience supporting individuals with disabilities facing mental health challenges and employment barriers. As a State of Illinois Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS), he is well-equipped to assist those in need. He earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and completed his CRSS certification through the Illinois Institute of Technology's Psychology Department. Sheldon specializes in empowering individuals through employment peer support, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve their career goals. With a strong blend of formal education and practical experience in mental health and employment, he is a dedicated advocate for improving the quality of life and work opportunities for those he serves. Sheldon meets with clients at our Northbrook, Skokie, and West Rogers Park locations.