The Shanti House Team

I’m Ronit, born on February 4th, with my “Shanti birthday” on December 4th.
I arrived after a personal journey, driven by a strong desire to give back the goodness others showed me throughout my life. A job interview that began with a hug could only herald the good things to come.
For me, Shanti House is:
• A nest where we try everything to help youth and young adults who arrive here spread their wings and soar
• A breeding ground for dreams
• A microcosm of the good world I want my children to grow up in
• Not just a workplace, but a place to dare, laugh, and know that hard work pays off 🙂
I’m happy to bring my husband, children, and even my dogs into this colorful house!
“Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true” August 1936

Dekel, married to Patrick and mother of 3 wonderful sons. Working at Shanti House since October 2002 😊. Arrived through a friend to “fill a gap” and immediately felt like a puzzle piece falling into place. Lives and breathes this wonderful house.

At Shanti House since 2017 in resource development and project management. Professional background: licensed attorney, certified group facilitator, NLP graduate, and certified personal and emotional coach with extensive experience empowering children and working with at-risk youth.
My “why” is the desire to engage in meaningful, proven social work that directly impacts young souls. Every day I come “home” to work with an amazing team and heroic children. Nothing excites me more than seeing a child choose to lead their life independently and healthily, regardless of time, place, and environment.

Born when Shanti House was founded, hence named after it. Life experience led me to expand my mother Mariuma Klein’s work. Grew up alongside thousands of youths who came to our door – Shanti House children remain my greatest teachers.
Trained in various therapies: psychodrama, 12 steps, coaching, and Imago. Working in our family’s life project for over 19 years, grateful to witness daily moments of growth, change, and miracles.

Married to Dikla and father to three amazing sons – Gil-Or, Harel, and Uri. Joined Shanti House 10 years ago. Was abandoned in childhood and adopted by an amazing family who saved me – my parents and three brothers. Privileged to be part of and help lead this incredible life-saving organization established by Mariuma, giving back goodness to our world.

I’m 37, with 21 years at Shanti House. Arrived as a 16-year-old resident, experiencing family warmth I’d never known before. Here I found new life – returned to school, joined the army, studied therapeutic methods, and grew as a person.
From my first week, I knew I wanted to work at Shanti House. Realized my dream was to pass on what was given to me – helping youth is my calling. Proud of my journey.

Married to Yosef, mother of 3. Working in Shanti House’s finance department since August 2012. Over the years, witnessed Shanti House graduates and staff grow and develop – each in their unique way while walking together.
Grateful to be part of this process and the Shanti House family. Enjoys daily connections with children, volunteers, donors, suppliers, graduates, and staff who strengthen and develop this home that does so much good for so many souls passing through.

Working in Shanti House Tel Aviv’s marketing and resource development department since 2012. Blessed to work in a meaningful place with constant action. Daily work alongside amazing youth residents, collaborating with department colleagues to create fundraising projects and raise awareness on their behalf.

Married, mother of 2. Working in Shanti House finance department since January 2020. Loves the work and amazing people representing Shanti. Shanti House is home for all where dreams come true.

Joined Shanti House at 18 for volunteer service before military duty. After 6 years in IDF Armored Corps and post-army travels, returned to help youth at Shanti House. For 5 years, living and working passionately here while completing social work degree.

Age 50, married, mother to Lior and Tal. At Shanti House for 3 years. Views Shanti as home for herself and our amazing children – one large, diverse family. Joined to give back what she received as a child in a hostel. 20 years professional experience enjoys giving warmth and love.

Married to Liat, father to Ofer and Yarden. Maintenance manager at Shanti House Desert for over six years. Considers Shanti his second home, loves his work. Important place for at-risk youth.

Married to Guy, mother of Arbel and Daria. Found Shanti House while seeking meaningful work – a place with daily encounters of unconditional love, generosity, and inspiring action.

Lives in Mitzpe Ramon, mother of 3. Working at Shanti Desert’s stables since December 2023. Certified riding instructor and Eagala 🐎 equine therapist. Drawn to horses’ magic since childhood, experienced their healing power. My mission is to connect others to this magical world. Found authentic embrace and empowerment at Shanti House.

Connected to Shanti House since age 14. Found life, love, joy and family here. Now works at Shanti House, welcoming visitors to the desert with a smile and ensuring they leave with one too!

Age 27, serving as a “big sister” to Shanti House children for two years – they’re the younger siblings she never had. Found meaning and fulfillment at Shanti House, where giving strengthens her daily work. Proud member of the Shanti House family!

Clinical social worker, mother to 1.5-year-old Reef. Found deep warmth and love at Shanti House, different from anywhere else. Values both children’s and staff’s well-being, attentive to every detail. Chose Shanti as ideal place to support youth growth and development.

Discovered passion for at-risk youth work during service year at Neve Malki’shua at 18. After 10 years military service, joined Shanti House. Age 32, holds psychology and business degree, pursuing MA in sports psychology.
Found family at Shanti House, grew personally through work with children and staff. Believes in empowering Shanti House youth – their choice to pursue life makes them heroes. Despite challenging backgrounds, their potential is limitless when they believe in themselves.

Age 38, partnered, mother of 2. BA in Criminology. At Shanti House for 11 years, starting in Tel Aviv before moving to desert for a “temporary” month that continues today 😀. Views Shanti as safe space for professional and personal growth. The children give meaning to her work.

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Boys’ Coordinator, Desert