CALO Member Spotlight: Tzipi Nagel-Edelstein, CEO, Oti – The Israeli Autism Association, CALO Member since 2021

When Tzipi Nagel-Edelstein stepped into her role as CEO of Oti – The Israeli Autism Association over two decades ago, she was seeking something more meaningful than her career in law had offered. At just 33 years old, with experience in legal counsel and private firms, she joined a small nonprofit with a bold vision—but limited resources. At the time, Oti operated just 17 kindergartens with minimal infrastructure.

Today, Oti has grown under her leadership into one of Israel’s most impactful autism organizations, now supporting over 5,000 individuals across the country—from toddlers to adults—through more than 500 unique service frameworks.

This evolution wasn’t just about size. It was about impact, innovation, and integrity.

Landmark Achievements Under Tzipi’s Leadership:

• Early Intervention at Scale: Tzipi helped design and implement a comprehensive health treatment package for children with autism from diagnosis through age 7. When the government initially rejected the proposal citing lack of budget, Oti took the issue to the Israeli Supreme Court—and won. This package has since become the national standard of care, ensuring children receive critical early intervention services when they matter most.

• Transforming Access to School-Based Therapy: Recognizing a major gap in services for school-aged children, she led efforts to integrate therapeutic services directly into educational settings for children aged 7–18—removing accessibility barriers and allowing more consistent developmental support.

• Championing Adults with Autism: Tzipi also focused on what comes after childhood. Under her guidance, Otilaunched higher education and employment programs that enable adults on the autism spectrum to lead fulfilling, economically independent lives.

A Culture of Excellence

Tzipi has made organizational culture a cornerstone of Oti’s success. She’s built a multidisciplinary, data-driven organization that:

• Invests in professional development for every team member.

• Leads evidence-based research to inform care.

• Implements rigorous evaluation systems to track quality and outcomes.

• Attracts and retains top-tier talent by fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

All of this has enabled Oti to grow sustainably, maintaining a high standard of care while scaling its reach.

Leadership Lessons & Challenges

The journey hasn't been easy. Financial stability was a recurring challenge, and the emotional difficulty of turning away families due to capacity constraints was heartbreaking. The prolonged war in Israel only deepened these challenges, as individuals with autism and their families faced heightened stress and complexity.

Today, with 1 in every 142 Israelis on the autism spectrum, Tzipi continues to advocate for national investment in services and research—because, as she says, "quality treatment is not a luxury, it's a necessity."

A critical challenge remains: the widening gap between therapist availability and growing demand. To meet it, Tzipi prioritizes recruitment, professional growth, and the cultivation of deep dedication among her team—knowing that skilled, compassionate people are the foundation of real impact.

Her advice to fellow leaders?

“Build robust organizational infrastructure before rapid expansion, invest heavily in staff development, and establish clear quality metrics. Sometimes saying "not yet" to growth opportunities is as important as saying yes. It enables much more responsible and stable expansion .”

CALO's Role in Her Journey

As a longtime member of CALO, Tzipi describes the experience as a lifeline:

“My experience with CALO has been invaluable. Being a manager can be a lonely position – there are many challenges you face by yourself. Being part of an impressive group of managers, especially from the nonprofit sector, has provided me with information sharing, innovative tools, and a safe space to discuss all areas of life.”

“The forum offers practical solutions, but more importantly, it provides the kind of moral support, perspective, and advice that you can only get from peers who face similar challenges.”

Tzipi frequently recommends CALO to other nonprofit leaders and says they always

thank her for it.

From advocating in Israel’s highest court to transforming national care standards, Tzipi Nagel-Edelstein embodies what it means to lead with purpose, strategy, and heart. At Oti, she’s not just changing lives—she’s reshaping a system to support individuals on the autism spectrum across their entire lifespan.