Lynn Kaplan
Lead Consultant & Founder
Lynn Kaplan began her research into Divorce Through A Jewish Lens in 2014 after seeing the connection of the work she was doing in the Jewish community and her work with Jewish families as a Divorce Doula. She brings a myriad of life experiences to her role of spearheading this project. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Lynn always enjoyed challenging boundaries. She steeped herself in art and animals, nature – threads she has woven throughout her life. Her travels took her through art school, to a kibbutz in Israel and finally to Toronto. Here she developed a deep commitment to working with young people and their families, and helping them to discover their spiritual and emotional potential. Her involvements have included opening a successful business, Whimz Live Animal Programs, which provided children and adults with a unique hands-on opportunity to learn about animals and their habitats; founding Kesher, and arts-based Jewish Heritage Program for children in the St Clair West neighbourhood; establishing and facilitating the Toronto branch of the Mother’s Circle, which provides support to interfaith families; has served as a foster parent for Jewish Family and Child Services. She was on the founding Leadership Team of City Shul, Reform synagogue in downtown Toronto, where she developed the Family Programming department. Besides volunteering for a variety of Jewish non- profit organization across North America, Lynn is presently an active member at Temple Emanu-el. With training as Family Mediator, Arbitrator and Parenting Coordinator, Lynn has a private practice as a Divorce Doula & Coach. She parents as a single mother to a daughter and a son. Lynn brings to the table an open, warm, direct style, and a nonjudgmental approach. In her own life, she has worked at turning obstacle into opportunity, while motivating the people she works with to move forward in a positive manner.
Education
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Family Arbitration, Cooperative Solutions, Toronto, 2011
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Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate, Family Mediation, York University, Toronto, 2010
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Circle Work Training, Peacebuilders International, Toronto, 2010
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Family Law, Cooperative Solutions, Toronto, 2010
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Domestic Violence Screening, Cooperative Solutions, Toronto, 2010
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P.R.I.D.E., Training to Foster Parent, Jewish Family and Child Services, Native Family and Child Services, Toronto, 2009
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Bachelors of Fine Art with Distinction, California College of Art, California, 1985
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Associates of Science with Honors, Santa Rosa College, California, 1982
Work Experience
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Divorce Doula & Coach, Private Practice, Toronto, Canada- presently practicing
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Shoresh: Canadian Soil/Jewish Roots, Toronto, Canada Volunteer
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Heart to Heart: Hashomer Hatzair, Toronto, Canada Volunteer and Host Family
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City Shul:Downtown Reform Synagogue: Toronto , Canada, Family Programming Director
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Jewish Kensington Self Guided Tour, Toronto, Canada Author
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Shalom Institute Fellowship Program: Malibu, California ,USA Volunteer Developing and Implementing Farmers Market Projects
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City Shul: Downtown Reform Synagogue: Toronto, Canada: Founding Leadership Team
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Jewish Family and Child Services: Toronto, Canada, Foster Parent (former)
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Mothers Circle: J.O.I. Program for Non Jewish Women Committed To Raising Their Children Jewish: Toronto, Canada: Initiated Bringing Program to Toronto, Facilitator, Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre and Beth Tzedec Synagogue
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Kesher: Jewish Heritage Program , Toronto, Canada, Co-Founder Director, Teacher
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Whimz Live Animals Program:, Toronto, Canada, Founder and Developer of Shomrei Chayot Program
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Temple Holy Blossom, Toronto, Canada, Pre Confirmation Teacher
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Temple Emanu-el, Toronto, Canada, Confirmation and Post Confirmation Teacher
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National Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY), Jerusalem, Israel, Administrator
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Netzer Olami (Internatonal Reform Movement), Jerusalem, Israel, Administrator
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Camp JCA Shalom, Malibu California ,USA, Camp Counselor