JCHAI Staff

JCHAI is operated by a dedicated staff of professionals, as well as by a group of volunteer advisers. For more information on joining us as either a staff member or a volunteer, please contact our office at 610-667-7875.

Stacy Jarett Levitan, Esq.
Executive Director
stacylevitan@JCHAI.org
Stacy holds both a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of Pennsylvania. Before coming to JCHAI, Stacy worked for a decade as a litigation attorney at the Philadelphia firm of Schnader Harrison, LLP. Stacy served three years as JCHAI's Chairperson, when she dramatically increased fundraising and continued to increase JCHAI's profile in the community. Now Executive Director, Stacy is responsible for implementing her fundraising initiatives and overseeing JCHAI's day to day operations. Stacy is a passionate and tireless advocate who revels in opportunities to improve and strengthen the JCHAI community.

Stacy is intimately familiar with JCHAI's mission, as her brother, Doug Jarett, is a resident. Growing up with an intellectually disabled sibling gave Stacy a thorough and sympathetic perspective on the role JCHAI serves in families.

Janice Cooper, M.A.
Executive Program Director
janicecooper@JCHAI.org
Janice has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a Masters of Arts in Counseling. Before coming on board with JCHAI in 1994, she worked as a counselor for families with disabled children at Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Greater Philadelphia. Previously, Janice was also the Residential Director for the Bancroft School in Haddonfield, NJ, a residential program for individuals with disabilities.

Her other work experiences include working for 15 years with the Salvation Army to develop a camp program for individuals with disabilities as well as training programs for teachers. She has extensive teaching experience and training in the field of disabilities.

At JCHAI, Janice is in charge of most of the operational aspects of the organization. She is ultimately responsible for programming for both the houses and the apartment program. She is in charge of the staff and oversees their training. Janice also takes on a great deal of administrative tasks for the organization. Finally, Janice runs all consulting services provided by JCHAI and does some counseling herself. Despite all her obligations, Janice always remains intimately involved in the day to day events of the lives of JCHAI residents.

Jonathan Eicher, M.S.W., M.B.A.
Program Director
jeicher@JCHAI.org
Jonathan graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Program Development and Administration from the University of Delaware. He holds a Masters of Social Work degree from Marywood University, as well as a Masters of Business Administration from DeSales University.

Jonathan brings experience in both the fields of social services and the world of business and marketing. He brings a sense of compassion coupled with a passion for research and implementing ideas to help improve the quality of life for JCHAI residents.

At JCHAI, Jonathan is responsible for overseeing the operation of each of the houses, which involves staff supervision, goal planning for residents, and general interaction with our residents. Additionally, Jonathan has mentored social work interns from area universities as they fulfill their educational needs through JCHAI.

Candy Wiater, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
Progran Director
candywiater@JCHAI.org

Candy received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from West Chester University. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University and is a licensed clinical social worker. Candy was employed with PATH, Inc. for 5 ½ years where she worked as a case manager in both mental health and mental retardation services. Just prior to coming on board with JCHAI, Candy worked for Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia for 4 ½ years where she was the Developmental Disabilities Program Coordinator.

Candy joins JCHAI as the Program Director for the Independent Supportive Living Program. Tailored to individual’s specific interests and needs, this program is geared toward helping individuals with developmental disabilities to develop their independent living skills, become more comfortable and active within the community, and live rich and fulfilling lives.

JCHAI Staff
JCHAI’s personnel committee of the Board of Directors selects each staff member after background checks, interviews and a rigorous review of credentials. Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Welfare and the Department of Mental Retardation certify all staff when hired by JCHAI. JCHAI’s caring staff is licensed in First Aid and CPR and is required to attend yearly training sessions in Pennsylvania’s Human Services Education.

JCHAI’s caregivers meet regularly to evaluate the progress of each resident. The ratio of staff to resident is one to six, which ensures personalized attention. All of the JCHAI homes have live-in supervision.