Biography
Dr. Jessica Kalmar holds a Ph.D. in psychology with a neuropsychology specialization from The Graduate Center of the City University of New York. She is the recipient of numerous professional honors and several foundation grants, and served as a co-investigator on a grant from the National Institutes of Health. At Lakeland University, Dr. Kalmar received the Faculty/Student Research Grant to study the factors that influence attitudes towards people who suffer from mental illness. Her research has been published in more than 30 professional journal articles and book chapters, and she co-edited a book, “Information Processing Speed in Clinical Populations.” She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and political science from Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women and a master’s degree in psychology from Queens College, City University of New York.
Jessica and her husband, Rabbi Wesley Kalmar, are Rabbi and Rebbetzin at Anshe Sfard Kehillat Torah (ASKT) in Glendale, Wisconsin. Jessica takes an active role in the shul including teaching varied classes, leading book reviews, providing inspiration at Women’s Tehillim Group and teaching kallot. Prior to serving as a Rebbetzin, Jessica’s involvement in Jewish communal work included teaching with Operation V’shenantem in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, YUSSR in Minsk, Belarus and T’Chiya Volunteers in Israel. Jessica and her husband are the proud parents of four children who love living in the wonderfully warm ASKT community. The Kalmars are 44% of the way towards reaching their goal of hiking in the beautiful 79 Wisconsin state parks, forests, and recreation areas.