We are Michelle and Rosanne, proud second generation descendants of Holocaust survivors, and currently active social workers in New York. When the atrocities of October 7th unfolded, we couldn’t sit back. We immediately began rallying our communities, filling suitcases with boots, hand warmers, electrolytes, and letters of support from New York families for soldiers.
After spending time on the ground in Israel, it became painfully clear: the deepest wounds weren’t only physical — they were invisible, buried beneath the surface. Survivors, families of hostages, soldiers, and entire communities were drowning in trauma, grief, and fear.
As social workers, we knew this was where we had to step in. So we shifted gears and built Kadima Beyachad to provide direct support to anyone, anywhere in the world, impacted by October 7th.
Michelle and Rosie bring deep, clinical expertise and heartfelt dedication to guiding Kadima Beyachad’s mission of helping people heal and rebuild lives.
I’m a licensed clinical social worker, educator, and community builder with over 30 years of experience helping individuals and families move through life’s transitions with resilience, connection, and purpose.
After October 7th, I began traveling back and forth to Israel to volunteer and offer direct support to those impacted by the war. What I witnessed on the ground, the trauma, the destruction, the loss, and the unwavering spirit of the Israeli people, is what compelled us to create Kadima Beyachad, which is Hebrew for “Moving Forward Together.” It grew out of a simple truth that people need more than emergency relief; they need ongoing emotional and spiritual care, tools to cope, and opportunities to reconnect—with themselves, their global community, and a sense of hope.
Israel is part of my identity. All four of my grandparents survived the Holocaust, and the strength, courage, and continuity of the Jewish people are values that were passed down to me from an early age. Those roots fuel my commitment to show up, build community, and help others rise from painful experiences with dignity and purpose.
I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University with a concentration in Practice and Programming. I’m licensed in New York and a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). My career has been devoted to supporting and advocating for underserved communities. I’ve worked in public and private organizations, curriculum development, training, and serve on various Jewish Boards. I currently maintain a private emotional and mental health support practice.
Kadima Beyachad strives to create space, both physical and virtual, where people feel supported, connected, and empowered to move forward. Whether it’s through therapeutic programs, educational experiences, or meaningful connections, our mission is to help people move forward, together.
I’m Rosanne Bogard, a licensed social worker with more than 25 years of experience working with children and families. I’ve dedicated my career to creating safe, nurturing, and supportive environments for young people—particularly those who are at risk, living with disabilities, or struggling with mental illness. Each day, I focus on the psychological and social well-being of my students, ensuring they have the tools and support they need to grow and thrive.
In addition to my work in schools, I’m a proud mom of two and spend my summers as the girls’ head counselor at a large residential camp in upstate New York. There, I work closely with teens and young adults, encouraging them to find their voice, advocate for what they believe in, and become agents of change—both during the summer and throughout the year.
As the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, I proudly identify as a Jewish woman deeply committed to serving my community. I taught Hebrew school for nearly 20 years and founded Chazak, a program for children and young adults with special needs. In addition to my school-based work, I also run a private practice where I offer both individual and group counseling to help clients navigate personal challenges and build resilience.
Empowering others has always been at the heart of everything I do. I’ve hosted fundraisers, organized panel discussions, and led events that educate and uplift. I believe in setting an example for kids, teens, and adults—showing them the power of education, advocacy, and using one’s voice to make a difference.
After the tragic events of October 7th, I turned my home into a warehouse for IDF supplies, helping to raise over $70,000 for meals and essentials. I traveled to Israel, visiting places like Nova, kibbutz Netiv Ha’asara, and Tel Hashomer, and have remained deeply involved in fundraising, resource coordination, and healing workshops for those impacted.
I stay connected with hostage families, lone soldiers and their parents, Nova survivors, and countless others who need ongoing care. Whether through counseling, organizing speaking events, or raising awareness around antisemitism, I continue to show up—with compassion, purpose, and the belief that we all have the ability to create meaningful change.
My motto has always been: “We are all in this together.”
Born in Israel and raised in New York, Dr. Amir Herman brings both medical and financial leadership to Kadima Beyachad, serving as Chief Financial Officer while continuing his distinguished career as Medical Director of East Northport Medical Care in Suffolk County, New York. A graduate of the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine (2001), He is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians as well as the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
In addition to his private practice, Dr. Herman remains deeply committed to serving patients in need. He continues as an Urgent Care Physician with the Long Island Medical Group and as Medical Director and Supervising Physician for LI Home Medical Care, ensuring that individuals receive quality care across diverse healthcare settings.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Herman is an active and dedicated leader in Jewish life. A frequent participant in several Chabad communities, he is recognized for his deep knowledge of Judaism and his remarkable cantorial voice, often enriching services with both scholarship and song. His dual commitment to medicine and Judaism reflects a lifelong devotion to healing, community, and compassion, values he carries into his role at Kadima Beyachad.
