Giborim U Leadership

Dr. Diane K. Wilen - Giborim U Co-Chair

Dr. Diane K. Wilen is a Florida licensed psychologist and school psychologist.  She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish with distinction from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and a Master of Arts and doctorate degree in school psychology from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. She is currently retired after 36 years of service as a school psychologist for Broward County Public Schools.  Dr. Wilen is a member of the Board of Directors of the David Posnack Jewish Community Center (DPJCC), having served in a variety of executive positions and was a key proponent in the development of the DPJCC’s Ben and Dorothy Spencer Special Services Camp in 1991 (Camp Giborim). Camp Giborim has since grown into a highly acclaimed special needs day camp serving more than 145 children and young adults.

Beth Allen, M.S. - Giborim U Co-Chair

Beth Allen, M.S., is the community relations coordinator for the Lifelong Learning Institute at Nova Southeastern University. She holds a Master of Science degree in education/human resource development from Barry University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Buffalo. She served as assistant executive director at the David Posnack Jewish Community Center for 12 years, developing and supervising programs for children, teens, adults and the special needs population.  Beth has a passion for special needs individuals and is president of the Board of Directors of the Exceptional Theater Company (ETC), a drama program for individuals with disabilities, ages 2 to 85, in the tri-county area.

Arlene Abrams - Giborim U Administrator

Arlene Abrams has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Puerto Rico, a State of Florida Early Childhood Director Credential and over 20 years of experience in early childhood and camp supervision.

Abel Garza - Giborim U - Adult Coordinator

Abel Garza, M.S., has dedicated the past 22 years to working as a special education teacher for the public school system.  He has worked with learning disabled students (LD), varying exceptionality students (VE), specialized varying exceptionality students (SVE), and now runs the post graduate alternatives for secondary students (PASS), where he directs the work/life skills program.  Since January 2008, Abel has served as the director/coordinator for the Ometz Special Needs Program at the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center. He also directed the exceptional fitness program, exceptional basketball and coordinated teen and adult socials.  He holds several degrees and certificates including a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts education from Chicago State University, a Master of Science degree in special education from Indiana University, a certification from the Educational Leadership Florida Principal Program from Florida Atlantic University, and he earned an autism spectrum disorders endorsement from Florida International University.

Kevin Troonin - Giborim U - Youth Coordinator

Kevin Troonin obtained his bachelor’s degree in exceptional student education from the Teacher Education Program at Broward College. He currently serves as the ESE support facilitator at Pioneer Middle School and has been a Giborim counselor for four years, working with youth campers of all ages.

Rae White - Giborim U - Administrative Assistant

Rae White holds a bachelor’s degree in special education and a master’s degree in human resource development and adult education. She has over 20 years of professional experience in the administration of programs for people with developmental disabilities. Rae was also the director of the Center on Aging and Developmental Disabilities at the University of Miami where she implemented a federal grant training program that focused on parent and family planning for the future. Rae’s sibling had a significant developmental disability and as such, she has a lifelong commitment to the special needs community.