Pikesville Resident Ilysa Cohen Helps Seniors at The Myerberg Center

Cohen's journey reflects a deepening connection to her Jewish roots and a passion for senior wellness.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Ilysa Cohen has been the wellness and engagement coordinator at The Edward A. Myerberg Center, a program of Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc. (CHAI), for three years, but she was a volunteer for almost a decade. Growing up in Pikesville, Cohen wasn't connected to the Jewish community until high school when she met her now-husband. After getting married, she served as a preschool teacher at Beth El Congregation for about nine years. When her daughters left for college, Cohen wanted to do something for herself and started volunteering with CHAI's Northwest Neighbors Connecting group, eventually taking on a role at the Myerberg Center.

Why it matters

Cohen's story highlights how individuals can deepen their connection to their Jewish identity and community later in life, and how that can inspire a passion for serving seniors and promoting wellness programs. The Myerberg Center provides important resources and activities for the local senior population.

The details

At the Myerberg Center, Cohen schedules outside speakers, brings in health professionals, and coordinates wellness programs like fitness classes in tai chi, cardio drumming, and resistance band barre-style. She got certified in teaching these classes after starting on a personal health and wellness journey, despite not having a background in sports or dance previously.

  • Cohen has been the wellness and engagement coordinator at The Myerberg Center for 3 years.
  • Cohen volunteered at The Myerberg Center for almost a decade before taking on her current role.
  • Cohen served as a preschool teacher at Beth El Congregation for about 9 years after getting married.

The players

Ilysa Cohen

A Pikesville resident who is the wellness and engagement coordinator at The Edward A. Myerberg Center, a program of Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc. (CHAI).

The Edward A. Myerberg Center

A program of Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc. (CHAI) that provides resources and activities for the local senior population.

Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc. (CHAI)

A nonprofit assistive housing organization supported by The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore.

Beth El Congregation

The synagogue that Cohen's husband's family belonged to, where she became more involved in the Jewish community.

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What they’re saying

“Growing up, we weren't religious at all. We didn't go to shul. But when I met my husband … I really wanted to learn more.”

— Ilysa Cohen (jewishtimes.com)

“I just loved the connection that I had with her, and I think that's what really inspired me.”

— Ilysa Cohen (jewishtimes.com)

The takeaway

Ilysa Cohen's journey reflects how individuals can deepen their connection to their Jewish identity and community later in life, and how that can inspire a passion for serving seniors and promoting wellness programs. Her work at the Myerberg Center demonstrates the important role community organizations play in supporting the health and well-being of local senior populations.