Mid-Atlantic: GP - Education Day: Light in Uncertain Times, Mental Wellness and Jewish Identity - 2026

Hadassah Greater Philadelphia warmly invites you to join us for our popular annual event and fundraiser, Education Day—a meaningful day of learning, connection, and community. This year’s program will focus on mental health and wellness, practical coping strategies, and personal resilience, along with the enduring resilience embodied by Hadassah itself.

Guests will enjoy a delicious luncheon and try their luck with beautiful raffle baskets generously donated by our chapters. This year’s Education Day will include a tribute in loving memory and honor of Bobbi Kraft, past Region President and long-time Shalom Tamid Chapter President, whose dedication and leadership continues to inspire us all.

Drawing tickets are available to purchase now for a discount or can be purchased at the full amount of $25 at the door.

We are honored to welcome expert panelists to share insights on mental health and wellness and we’ll be joined by Joyce Laiter reflecting on Hadassah’s resilience.

Sharon R. Katz, PMHNP, CNS, CRNP

Sharon Katz is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and psychotherapist with nearly 40 years of experience. She is the founder of Mindful Psychiatry, specializing in complex and treatment-resistant conditions, and provides medication management and psychotherapy. She is also the author of the psychiatric nursing theory Mindful Care.

Aviva Perlo, MSW, LSW

Aviva Perlo is a social worker, educator, author, and artist with over 25 years of experience in trauma recovery, mental health education, and coping skills. She is the author of Rebuilding Your Life After Trauma: A Coping Manual and has taught loss and grief at Temple University. Aviva brings creativity and Jewish wisdom to healing spaces through teaching, advocacy, and joyful spirit-lifting.

Elizabeth Turk-Karan, Ph.D.

Elizabeth Turk-Karan is an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Director of Practicum and Internship Training at the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety. A licensed clinical psychologist, with degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Rutgers University, she specializes in evidence-based treatments for anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD, including Prolonged Exposure Therapy and cognitive behavioral treatment. Her work spans research, training, and clinical care for children, adolescents, and adults.

Joyce Laiter, Hadassah Coordinator, Education & Advocacy Division

Joyce Laiter is the Co-Coordinator of the Member Outreach & Engagement Division and a past Region President of Hadassah Greater Philadelphia. She has held numerous Hadassah leadership roles at the local, regional, and National levels and is a graduate of the Hadassah Leadership Institute and Hadassah Young Women’s Leadership Mission to Israel. Joyce is a retired physical therapist with a lifelong commitment to education, advocacy, and community building.