Bruchah Haba’ah - A Warm Welcome to Stephanie Dargoltz Arazi, CAJE’s New Assistant Director of the Teen Department
Posted on 06/27/2025 @ 06:00 AM
CAJE is excited to introduce our newest staff member to you!
Stephanie Dargoltz Arazi is a Miami-based mental health professional, educator, and multicultural advocate with deep roots in the South Florida Jewish community. Born in Colombia and raised in Miami’s vibrant cultural landscape, she brings a rich, bilingual perspective to her work with teens and families.
Stephanie is a proud graduate of the Scheck Hillel Community School, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology from Syracuse University, and holds a Master’s Degree in Science in Mental Health Counseling and a Bilingual/Bicultural Certificate from the University of Miami. She later earned a Post-Graduate Certificate in Sports Counseling from California University of Pennsylvania.
As Stephanie put it:
“One could say I’m a direct product of the Federation’s efforts to cultivate leaders within the community. I was part of the second cohort of JImpact (LDI), and that experience led me to CAJE — the organization that felt most aligned with my interests and personal causes. I served on the March of the Living Strategic Committee, have never missed a year at the film festival, and have attended countless events to stay knowledgeable and connected to the evolving conversation around Israel and the Jewish people.”
Her educational path has been shaped by a deep commitment to mental health, identity development, and inclusive care for teens across cultural and religious backgrounds.
In 2017, Stephanie was part of the Leo Martin Miami March of the Living staff, where she provided psychoeducation on the neuropsychological stages of adolescence and led workshops focused on grief, trauma, and loss for both students and staff. She traveled as a member of the medical team, accompanying over 130 high school students on a deeply impactful journey to visit concentration camps in Poland.
Stephanie noted:
“Because I was a competitive swimmer growing up, I wasn’t able to participate in the March of the Living as a teen. As an adult, bearing witness to the atrocities of the Holocaust, while also observing the teenagers’ first-hand reactions, was nothing short of revelatory. I came to understand just how powerful this trip is on multiple levels and how grateful I was to be a part of it... to witness the transformation that often took place after the March, and how, in many cases, it propelled these teens (and me!) to further commit to their Jewish identities and roles.”
A founding member of the American Jewish Psychologists (2024), Stephanie is also an active member of the American Psychological Association, including its Division 47 for Sport and Exercise Psychology, and the American Counseling Association. She is fluent in Spanish and English, conversational in Portuguese, and holds a working knowledge of Hebrew.
In her new role at CAJE, Stephanie brings together her clinical expertise, multicultural perspective, and deep-rooted commitment to the Jewish community. With years of experience working with diverse populations and the wide range of clinical issues that affect them, she has consistently supplemented her professional work by volunteering and serving the Jewish population.
In moments like these, especially in the aftermath of the October 7th attack, Stephanie is providing crucial support to those experiencing antisemitism and renewed feelings of chronic stress and trauma. She is excited to help shape spaces where teens can explore identity, community, and purpose with authenticity and care.
“Wars, the Holocaust, relentless antisemitism, and, most recently, October 7th have once again proven that as Jews, we must be in the business of constantly reshaping this resilience,” Stephanie remarked. “Educating our adolescents—our future leaders—is one of the most impactful ways to do so. My goal with CAJE is to continue to contribute and add to this effort on behalf of our community.”
At home, her family life reflects her values: her children speak three languages, and meals are rich with Middle Eastern, South American, and traditional Jewish dishes, always accompanied by stories that honor their layered heritage.
Starting on July 1st, we look forward to Stephanie’s contribution to CAJE, the March of the Living, and our Jewish community.
To reach her, email: stephaniedargoltz@caje-miami.org
