The Association of Jewish Psychologists decries the unprovoked antisemitic violence committed against Jewish Americans in Boulder, Colorado. We are heartbroken and outraged to learn of yet another episode of egregious violence that has been committed against American Jews.
The group of targeted Jewish community members were peacefully demonstrating their support for the release of all Israeli hostages, who are still being terrorized by their Hamas captors.
We stand in solidarity against hate and violence. We are calling for more groups to stand up and speak out against the hateful rhetoric that we are seeing on college campuses and the streets of America, unfortunately becoming an incitement to violence.
We will continue to create partnerships with communities around the world that promote understanding, peace, and ongoing dialogue. We treasure our Jewish values of generosity toward others, the protection of our own communities, a love for Jewish tradition and history, and intellectual curiosity and understanding of the world in which we live.
Mission Statement
The Association of Jewish Psychologists is the scientific and professional home of Jewish psychologists and our allies whose primary focus is Jewish culture, ethnicity, religion, including issues of antisemitism.
The Association promotes the psychological understanding of Jewish history, culture, religion, and ethnicity, and its relationship to our field of Psychology and the larger society.
The Association advocates for the funding of scientific work on the psychological health of Jewish communities and other marginalized communities. We promote research on the predictors and consequences of antisemitism and hatred directed at targeted groups.
The Association promotes research on the efficacy of a broad range of educational interventions to combat antisemitism.
The Association disseminates knowledge of the history of the Jewish people, its culture, varying cultural and religious subgroups related to forced migration to the Diaspora, and a shared identity as a people, rooted in a common identification with its Jewish homeland, now found in modern day Israel.
The Association advocates for the inclusion of Jewish people in EDI frameworks as a marginalized ethnic, religious, and multiracial people.
AJP Executive Committee & Board Members
Executive Committee
Beth N. Rom-Rymer, Ph.D.
Co-Founder and President
Dr. Rom-Rymer has been a pioneer throughout her life. She was in the first class of women undergraduates at Princeton University (Class of ’73); created the first Victim-Witness Assistance Unit, Florida’s 2nd District State Attorney’s Office.
Steven Stein, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Vice President
Steven Stein is a clinical psychologist and the Founder and Executive Chair of Multi-Health Systems (MHS), a leading psychological assessment developer and publisher. He is a Past President of the Ontario Psychological Association.
Shayna E. Davis, Ph.D.
Secretary of the Board
Dr. Shayna E. Davis earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Florida State University. Dr. Shayna did her master's and doctorate in clinical psychology from Alliant International University / California.
Lenore E. Walker, Ed.D.
Co-founder and Treasurer
Dr. Lenore Walker is a licensed psychologist and Professor Emerita from Nova Southeastern University’s College of Psychology. She is a trauma psychologist who has developed evidence-based treatment programs.
Ester Cole, Ph.D., C. Psych.
Director
Dr. Ester Cole, C. Psych. (Retired) was a psychologist in private practice until April 2024. At the Toronto Board of Education, she was a Senior Team Coordinator of psychologists. She is the recipient of several Awards of Merit.
Sarah L. Friedman, Ph.D.
Director
Dr. Sarah L. Friedman is a developmental psychologist with an MA degree from Cornell University, a Ph.D. from George Washington University and post-doctoral training at the National Institute of Mental Health.
Board Members
Daniel Burston, Ph.D.
Daniel Burston, Ph.D. received his doctorate in Psychology from York University in Toronto and is an Emeritus Professor and former Chair of Psychology at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.
Mary G. Hardiman, MS
Mary G. Hardiman is a non-profit professional in Washington, DC, with a proven record of accomplishment in advancing collaborations, and continuous quality improvement.
Richard Kagan, Ph.D.
Richard Kagan, Ph.D., is the author of 12 books & 35+ articles, chapters & papers on practice & research issues in trauma therapy, child welfare, foster care, adoption and quality improvement.
James Packman, BA
James Packman is a PhD. student in Princeton University’s Department of Psychology. He received his B.A. in psychology with a certificate in Chinese language at Princeton University (2021).
James Pann, Ph.D.
Dr. James Pann received his B.A. in Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin and obtained his M.S.Ed.
Leonard Saxe, Ph.D.
Leonard Saxe is Klutznick Professor of Contemporary Jewish Studies at Brandeis University where he directs the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies.
Abigail Weissman, Psy.D.
Dr. Abigail "Abi" Weissman, (they/she) is a queer enby (nonbinary) and female Jewish California Psychologist and Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist (MHP-500).
AJP Partners
