Our Story
Following the events of October 7, 2023, Jessica and Shelly, like so many others, witnessed the alarming rise of antisemitism endured by Jewish students and faculty on America’s college campuses. Many students have shared painful stories of seeking professional help, only to encounter mental health practitioners who dismissed or diminished their experiences. As the year unfolded, biases among therapists became increasingly pervasive within the field.
As both psychologists and mothers, Jessica and Shelly felt a deep calling to act. They were inspired to create Gesher Campus Care, a referral service dedicated to ensuring that Jewish students and faculty have access to safe, supportive, and culturally competent therapists. Gesher exists to provide the compassionate, warm, and sensitive care that every individual deserves—a space where being Jewish is not just understood, but embraced. Our mission is to empower Jewish individuals to navigate these complex times with strength, resilience, and dignity.
Jessica Zmood, Psy.D.
Dr. Zmood is a New York State Licensed Clinical Psychologist working in private practice in Manhattan since 2010. After receiving a B.A. in English Literature & Spanish at Washington University in St. Louis, Dr. Zmood volunteered at the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, while pursuing a post-baccalaureate in Psychology from Baruch College. Jessica earned her Masters and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology in Bronx, NY.
As part of her interest in treating clients with substance abuse disorders, Dr. Zmood worked on the intensive outpatient and inpatient units at the Addiction Institute at Mt. Sinai (formerly Smithers) and in Harlem’s North General Hospital. There, she co-lead support groups, provided supervised psychotherapy and gained an in-depth knowledge of sobriety-based pharmacotherapy. Jessica also conducted psychiatric evaluations and provided supervised individual, group therapy and case management at NYSPI’s Washington Heights Audobon clinic, serving primarily Spanish-speaking clients. Jessica completed her doctoral internship at Lincoln Medical & Mental Health Center, where she was trained in psychological assessment and cognitive-behavioral treatment of adults and children.
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Dr. Zmood’s areas of specialty include stress management, treatment of anxiety, depression, sexual identity, and relationship issues. In private practice, Dr. Zmood works with adults, adolescents and couples. She is a level-two certified Gottman therapist, using an empirically validated method to treat couples experiencing co-morbid challenges, such as trauma, addictions, infidelity, and domestic violence. Jessica is also a member of AJMA, AJP and PAA.
Shelly Steinwurtzel, Psy.D.
Dr. Steinwurtzel is a New York state licensed clinical psychologist who has been working with children, adolescents, and adults since 2004 in their pursuit of lasting positive change. Shelly earned her BA from Brandeis University, M.S.Ed. in School Psychology in 2008, and her Psy.D. in School and Clinical Psychology in 2011. Her clinical experience includes work in psychiatric in-patient and out-patient units in urban hospitals in the Bronx.
In 2014, she became an Instructor of Clinical Medical Psychology and staff psychologist for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Columbia University Medical Center. Prior to this role, she served as the Assistant Director of the McShane Center for Psychological Services, a community-based out-patient clinic affiliated with Pace University’s Psychology Doctoral Training Program. Shelly also continues to provide consultation services to the NICU at NYP/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital while primarily focusing on her private practice.
In addition to her clinical work, Shelly has pursued further training and certifications through Resolve Through Sharing (Grief and Bereavement), Feeling Good Institute (CBT), Postpartum Support International (PMH), the Institute for Creative Mindfulness (EMDR), and Journey Clinical (Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy).​ Dr. Steinwurtzel is a member of a number of professional organizations including the APA, AJP, National Network of NICU Psychologists, Postpartum Support International, PAA and the AJMA.
Board of Trustees
Jessica Zmood
Director
Guy Baron
Treasurer
Laura Compagni-Sabella
Shelly Steinwurtzel
Director
Matthew Schneider
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Jen Mittelman
Adeena Rosen
Secretary
Haina Just-Michael