RENEE STERN has had a varied career, working as a teacher, writer, and researcher. She holds a Masters degree in Linguistics from the University of Texas at Austin and is currently working on a second Masters, in Jewish Studies, from the Siegal College of Jewish Studies in Cleveland. She is a long-time student of Rabbi Abrams, first studying with her at Temple Emanu El and later in the Melton Mini-School program at the Houston Jewish Community Center. Renee works for the Cornerstone Consulting Group, Inc., in Houston, where she is responsible for researching, writing and/or editing background papers and reports developed as a part of Cornerstone's varied projects in the areas of health and human services and community and organizational development. She has written publications for various social service and advocacy organizations, including the Mental Health Association of Greater Houston. She has also taught writing and linguistics to undergraduates and English-as-a-second language and literacy skills to adults.