Tamara Kushnir Groman is a Legal and Financial Educator at CJE SeniorLife.  She focuses on financial and legal matters in her work with older adults. Tamara has a law degree and has a practice background in legal services with the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago. She also worked as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable James Epstein. Tamara received her BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and her law degree from Loyola University Chicago. She is an active community member volunteering at food pantries and other service organizations. 

Rachel Lessem, JD, PhD, is a Research Scientist at the Leonard Schanfield Research Institute at CJE SeniorLife. She is a former family law attorney who received her JD from the University of Michigan.  Her work focused on survivors of domestic violence. She received her PhD from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University where she focused on Child, Youth, and Family Policy.  Her dissertation research examined the role of lay volunteers in improving domestic violence courts. Rachel’s  current research interests include intergenerational programs; aging in community; ageism and its effects on individuals and society; social isolation and loneliness; and volunteerism and activism among older adults. She is pleased to be a part of CJE Senior Life where she can use her research skills to further the mission of the organization.

Sam Goldstein, JD, MPA, Paralegal

Sam Goldstein, JD, MPA, is a Paralegal with the CJE Legal Help Desk and CJE Benefits Services Teams at CJE Senior Life.  Sam comes from Los Angeles, CA where he volunteered at Bet Tzedek Legal Services assisting clients from intake to solution of the legal matter.  Sam also was a Law Clerk at the Los Angeles County Counsel, Probate division while in law school where he gained invaluable experience in the area of probate law.  Sam received his BA in Political Science from University of California, Riverside and his law degree from Arizona Summit Law School. He obtained a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach, prior to law school.  Sam is dedicated to using his background and experience to serve older adults.