Meet Our Next Chapter Connectors
October 23, 2025 | People in Our Neighborhood
Building Jewish Community with Baltimore’s Adults
Did you know The Network supports a team of incredible Community Connectors? These part-time, paid peer-engagers are sparking meaningful connections all over Baltimore. Each Connector focuses on a different life stage, identity or neighborhood—and together, they’re creating spaces where everyone can find friendship, belonging and purpose.
Our Next Chapter Connectors work with adults who are eager to stay active, meet new people and explore Jewish life in fresh and meaningful ways. Get to know them below!
Lisa Akchin (she/her)
Multifaith Intergenerational Connector
- Born in Baltimore and raised in the 1960s Deep South
- Returned to Charm City with her husband, Don, in 1984
- Member and past president of Beth Am Synagogue
- Long career in communications and marketing; now consults for mission-driven organizations
- Serves on the board of the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies
Fun Fact: Lisa created Challah Days, an at-home Jewish learning experience for her four Catholic grandchildren.
Email Lisa: akchin.onpurpose@gmail.com
Marci Elkin (she/her)
Grandparent Connector
- From Livingston, New Jersey
- Lives in Reisterstown with her Baltimore-born husband
- Proud mom of four and grandmother of four
- Former preschool teacher and preschool camp director at the Owings Mills JCC
Fun Fact: Marci went to high school with presidential candidate Chris Christie and author Harlan Coben.
Email Marci: mhe325@gmail.com
Lisa Greenberg (she/her)
Next Chapter Connector
- Native Baltimorean
- School counselor at Beth Tfiloh Lower School
- Author of Kindness Lives Inside All of Us and contributing author to Passion, Purpose, and Possibilities
- Blogger for more than 10 years, writing about everything from grief to gratitude
Fun Fact: Lisa’s two adult children, Hannah and Brady, bring her endless joy.
Email: Lisajoy.greenberg@gmail.com
Adriana Luftman (she/her)
Next Chapter Couples Connector
- Originally from Argentina; lived in Israel for seven years before settling in Pikesville with her husband
- Architect and former Morgan State adjunct professor of Professional Practice
- Avid reader and book club member
- Proud mom and grandmother
Fun Fact: Adriana can be found at the JCC three times a week taking Body Pump and Body Attack classes.
Email: arqa319@gmail.com
Stan Scherr (he/him)
Next Chapter (55+) Connector
- Born and raised in Baltimore; lives in Mt. Washington with his partner, Bill
- Graduate of Talmudical Academy, Baltimore City College, and the University of Baltimore
- Congregant at Bolton Street Synagogue
- Former CCBC Special Needs adjunct professor
Fun Fact: Stan is passionate about music and art.
Email: Stanbalto@aol.com
Marina Vurgaftman (she/her)
Russian-Speaking Grandparent Connector
- Lives in Pikesville with her husband and two sons
- Grew up in Kyiv, Ukraine, and completed her teaching degree in Moscow
- Works as a special education teacher
Fun Fact: Marina owns her own travel agency, Flamingo Family Travel.
Email: Flamingofamilytravel@gmail.com
Want to connect?
Reach out to any of our Connectors to get involved or learn more about upcoming programs for adults. There’s a place for you in The Network’s Next Chapter community.