The Spiritual Care Team

Following Rabbinic Ordination in 2008 at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (Reform), Rabbi Rena trained in hospital chaplaincy and became board certified as a chaplain with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care. She also holds a Certificate in Bereavement Education and a Certificate in Grief and Trauma Counselling. Prior to her rabbinical training, Rabbi Rena was a Registered Nurse in Montreal. She holds a BSc from Concordia University and completed a MHSc degree in Epidemiology at University of Toronto and worked for 20 years in clinical research. Rabbi Rena is a Board member of Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains and holds a PhD in Palliative Care from Lancaster University in England. She also volunteers with Bereaved Families of Ontario in the Children’s Program and the Infant Loss Program as a group facilitator and Professional Advisor.

Rabbi Rena was appointed Adjunct Lecturer to the Faculty of Family Medicine at University of Toronto.

Rabbi David Abeles is a native of Toronto and volunteered at Baycrest since he was 10-years-old. After finishing high school in Toronto, David studied at various yeshivot (Orthodox Jewish academic institutions of higher learning) in Israel and graduated from Yeshiva Tomimei Darech as an Orthodox Rabbi. He earned the equivalent of a Bachelor of Talmudic Studies prior to his ordination and also holds a diploma from Everett College as an Addictions and Community Services Worker.  While in Israel, Rabbi David volunteered in spiritual care with troubled youth and also the elderly. When in North America, he would travel to New York where he volunteered as a chaplain for the New York City Corrections Department at Rikers Island. He also volunteered as a chaplain in psychiatric care in Morristown, NJ. David returned to Baycrest as a CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) Intern in 2019 for specialized training in spiritually integrated psychotherapy. David is a member of CASC (Canadian Association for Spiritual Care).

Rev. Karen was ordained within the Canadian Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec in June of 1996 after having completed a BA in Biblical Studies (Canadian Bible College, 1987); BA in Religious Studies (McMaster University, 1990); MA in Theology (McMaster Divinity College, 1994) and later an honors diploma in Social Service Worker (Humber College, 2013). Karen’s areas of focused studies included world religions, gerontology, counselling, bereavement and crisis intervention. Over the years Karen’s studies also included bereavement across the lifespan, bereavement for those living with dementia, crisis intervention and post-traumatic stress, autism, and aging within the LGBTQ2 community. Karen was Certified as a Spiritual Care Specialist in the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC) in 2000 and registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) in 2015. Certified Supervisor-Educator in Clinical Pastoral Education (CASC) in 2021. Her specialties include pediatric trauma, oncology, neonatal services, women’s health, acute care geriatrics and bereavement.  Aside from working as the multifaith chaplain at Baycrest she provides supportive counseling within the Pamela and Paul Austin Centre for Neurology and Behavioural Support (here at Baycrest) for clients and their families who are living/ caring for someone with a chronic neurological disorder.

Hailing from Tangiers, Morocco, Raquel immigrated to Toronto at the age of 20 and is fluent in English, Spanish and French. Raquel holds a BA from College Lycée Regnault in Tangiers and recently completed her MPS (Masters in Psychospiritual Studies) and Certificate in Psychotherapy at Emmanuel College, Toronto School of Theology, University of Toronto. Raquel is a dedicated and compassionate Spiritual and Religious Care Practitioner and prior to her employment with Baycrest volunteered here, since 2015, in palliative care and dementia units. Raquel is a registered psychotherapist (qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Raquel is an active member of the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC) and Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC). Rooted in her admiration for the spiritual wisdom of Judaism and her unyielding "joie de vivre," Raquel is driven by a mission to radiate positivity and illuminate the world. Utilizing spiritually integrated psychotherapy modalities, including logotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Positive Psychotherapy, Raquel empowers individuals to connect with their inner light, uncover positivity within every circumstance, and cultivate hope for a brighter future. Her unwavering availability to attentively listen to others' concerns empowers individuals to discover meaning, purpose, connection, dignity, self-worth, and hope during times of adversity. Whether it's navigating the uncertainties of life, bolstering self-esteem and confidence, or addressing physical and mental health challenges, Raquel's profound empathy and expertise provide solace in moments of crisis or profound life changes. Raquel also spearheads engaging programs, such as Shabbat/folk stories, and other interactive initiatives for Baycrest residents.