Meet Lindsay, Our New Senior Associate of Family Experiences
October 13, 2025 | People in Our Neighborhood
When you meet Lindsay Gaister Montague, you can instantly feel her warmth, creativity and love for Jewish community. As The Network’s new Senior Associate for Family Engagement, she’s excited to bring families together through joyful experiences that celebrate tradition, connection and belonging. From leading Tot Shabbat to helping parents and kids make Jewish life their own, Lindsay is ready to inspire families across Baltimore with her passion and heart.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Baltimore, growing up in the Reisterstown and Owings Mills area in a close-knit Jewish family with my mom, dad and younger brother, Eric. Baltimore has always felt like home to me—not just because of the familiar places but because of the people and the strong sense of community.
I went to high school at Beth Tfiloh, graduated from the University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Jewish studies and met my husband, Travys, in 2007. Together we have three children: Logan, 7; Shayna, 5; and Lacey, 4. I also have two stepsons, Davyn, 25, and Corbyn, 21, who both live with their girlfriends in New Mexico, where the boys are from and two dogs: a cocker spaniel named Bella, 15, and a Shih Tzu–Yorkie mix named Shorty, 8. All our kids—both human and furry—keep life full of energy, love and laughter.
My parents, grandparents (of blessed memory) and a lifetime of Jewish education have played an important role in shaping who I am and my love for Jewish traditions and community.
Can you share a bit about your background and what experiences have shaped your approach to community and family engagement?
Throughout my career, I’ve dedicated myself to creating meaningful, joyful and creative programming for children, teens and families in the Jewish community.
I’ve spent more than 15 years at Beth Tfiloh, serving as director of after-school programming and director of STEAM Camp at BT Camps, a position that also once included director of social action.
For the last five years, I worked at Har Sinai–Oheb Shalom Congregation as youth and teen engagement specialist and director of congregational life, focusing on family engagement and building a sense of belonging through community events, religious celebrations and multigenerational programming.
At the heart of my work is a simple belief: Jewish life should feel warm, welcoming and personal. I love finding creative ways to make every family—no matter their background or level of observance—feel like they truly belong.
What drew you to The Network and this new role?
The Network represents everything I love about Jewish community: connection, collaboration, and meaningful experiences that meet families where they are. I’ve always admired The Associated’s impact on Baltimore and the way The Network brings people together. This role feels like a natural next step—an opportunity to dream big, collaborate across organizations and help families feel seen and supported.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin leading family engagement?
I’m looking forward to creating moments that families will remember for years—moments that spark connection, laughter and tradition. I’m excited to collaborate with partners throughout the community, meet new families and help strengthen each family’s building blocks for meaningful Jewish experiences starting from their children’s earliest years.
You’ll be leading Tot Shabbats and representing PJ Library. What do you love most about working with families and young children?
There’s something so special about the way young children experience the world—their joy is pure and their excitement contagious. I love how Tot Shabbat gives families a chance to slow down, sing together and create warm Jewish memories. Working with young families is about planting seeds. The songs, stories and lessons we share now will stay with them for a lifetime.
How do you hope to help families connect with Jewish life through these experiences?
My goal is to create spaces where families feel welcomed, celebrated and inspired. Whether through song, story, or hands-on experiences, I hope to help families feel that Jewish life is something they can make their own—not something they have to fit into. I want families to leave each experience feeling seen, connected to one another and excited to bring Jewish traditions into their homes in their own meaningful ways.
What’s your favorite Tot Shabbat song?
It’s hard to choose just one, but “Bim Bam” always has a special place in my heart. There’s something about the way little ones light up when the first “Shabbat Shalom” rings out—it’s joyful, familiar and full of energy.
What’s something fun or surprising people might not know about you?
I’m incredibly nostalgic. I love capturing and preserving meaningful moments and finding creative ways to turn everyday life into special keepsakes. I have a passion for planning themed events—especially ones with centerpieces that have twinkle lights—and I can turn just about anything into a craft project.
Something less fun but important to know is that I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2012 and that plays a part in my daily life. Finally, if there’s good music playing, there’s a 100% chance you’ll catch me singing along.
What is your favorite PJ Library book and why?
I love A Basket Full of Figs by Ori Elon. It’s a beautiful story about love, commitment, resourcefulness and family tradition—and it reminds me of my own grandparents and how they passed down treasures, memories and gifts through simple, meaningful gestures. It’s a story that feels both timeless and personal.
When you’re not working, where might we find you? (Think favorite coffee spot, hobby, or weekend activity.)
You’ll probably find me with an iced coffee in hand, spending time with my family, exploring local spots—HomeGoods is my happy place—or knee-deep in a creative project. I love wandering through Target or Trader Joe’s for fun finds, decorating for the next holiday, or working on something crafty with my kids.
One of my favorite traditions is going to Ravens games with my dad and I love shooting hoops whenever I can. I’m all about making everyday moments feel a little magical—whether it’s a cozy family movie night, a spontaneous ice cream trip, or turning a simple idea into a fun memory.
Lindsay can’t wait to meet families and start creating meaningful memories together. Whether you’ve joined a Tot Shabbat before or you’re new to The Network, this is the perfect time to connect, sing and celebrate Jewish life in your own way. Come say hi at an upcoming Tot Shabbat or explore more family experiences.