Our Team of Social Workers
Hillel has a team of amazing social workers and social work interns. This resource is open to all students across our eight campuses and beyond. Whether it be supporting students’ mental health, implementing wellness programs, assisting with the management of our food insecurity program, or just being a sounding board, the social work team is essential to the Hillel mission; to ensure ensure that all students’ basic needs are met above all else. Schedule a meeting today!
Senior Social Worker
Email: raphi@baruchhillel.org
Raphi Cooper
Raphi Cooper is over the moon to be joining the Hillel staff as the Senior Social Worker! Originally from Long Island, Raphi completed his Masters in Social Work from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College after previously studying Economics as an undergrad at Queens College. Before joining Hillel, Raphi spent a number of years working at Yachad, running programs for individuals with all levels of abilities in the Jewish community.
Outside of Hillel, you can Raphi cooking healthy recipes, taking his goldendoodle to the dog park, playing basketball, and exploring the best hikes around.
Social Work and Engagement Coordinator
Email: Jennifer@baruchhillel.org
Jennifer Aghavian
Jennifer was born and raised in Queens, New York and has recently graduated with her Masters in Social Work from NYU Silver School of Social Work. Jennifer has previously worked at Hillel as a social work intern and is now back as social work and engagement associate, which she is so excited about! Jennifer is very proud of her Jewish Persian identity and is very passionate about supporting others' mental health needs, both of which she hopes to integrate when working with students at the Hillel. She hopes to support and uplift others as they navigate their journey within mental health and their Jewish identity.
Jennifer has been proactive among various Jewish organizations both on and off campus during her time as an undergraduate at Queens College and beyond and also has a background in supporting others in a therapeutic capacity. She hopes to encourage mental health literacy within communities that struggle with stigma around the topic. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys exploring the city by foot, spending time with animals, basking in nature, and trying new foods!
MSW, Social Work Intern
Email: benny@baruchhillel.org
Benny Klein
Benny Klein has lived in many places making the classic question “where are you from?” Pretty complicated. He graduated from Yeshiva University with a Bachelors in Psychology in the Community and now pursues his Masters in Social Work from Wurzweiler. A big event programmer, Benny works in a Jewish Sleep away camp, a local synagogue, and a Moishe House to generate community wherever he goes.
Benny loves soccer, dance, and board games. He also spends way too much time at the pickleball courts.
MSW, Social Work Intern
Email: taylor@baruchhillel.org
Taylor Kallman
Taylor was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Marlboro, New Jersey. Having dual citizenship in Israel and being brought up with Jewish morals and values she is super passionate about her love for Israel and being Jewish. Taylor graduated New York University in 2021 where she majored in Media, Culture, and Communication. She is back at NYU pursuing her master’s degree in social work. With her degree she hopes to become a therapist. Taylor is super excited to be a part of the Hillel team and provide support to students at Baruch, John Jay, Pace, Fordham, FIT, and New School. Outside of Hillel you can find Taylor reading a book, being with family and friends, or traveling somewhere warm.