Daniel Bahner, LPC is the Jewish Community Liaison for the Northwest Suburbs and a Mental Health Educator, part of the Community Services department of JCFS Chicago. Daniel joined JCFS Chicago in the Spring of 2025 after completing a master’s degree in counseling psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2024. In addition to his work at JCFS, he is a with a licensed professional counselor at a private practice based in Evanston. Prior to his work at JCFS, Daniel’s experience as a Jewish communal professional started at Keshet. As National Director of Education and Training, he helped Jewish communal organizations become more inclusive and welcoming of LGBTQ+ Jews from 2014-2019. Daniel originally is from Cincinnati, Ohio and grew up in a small suburban Conservative movement synagogue. After spending his 20’s on the East Coast: the Lehigh Valley, PA; New York City; and Boston, he moved to Chicago in 2018. He currently lives in Andersonville with his partner and his dog, Athena.
As Congregation Beth Judea’s liaison to JCFS Chicago through the Synagogue Community Partnership program, he supports congregants by connecting them to community resources and providing educational programming, as well as the clergy and staff by, connecting them to professional development and training opportunities. Daniel can support community members as they navigate the milestones and challenges of life, such as financial and employment difficulties, food and housing insecurity, child and elder care, mental health care, grief, legal needs, and much more. When you work with Daniel, you can expect to speak with him a few times over the phone or video while he determines your needs and connects you to the appropriate referral. If you want to reach out to Daniel, you can email him at danielbahner@jcfs.org or call/leave a message at 847-745-5436.