Meet Our Peer Engagers
Find connection, community and belonging in Jewish Baltimore.
Through trusted conversations and personalized introductions, our Peer Engagers help you discover people, opportunities and Jewish experiences that feel meaningful to you. Whether you want to meet new people, explore Jewish life, or find support from someone who understands, we’re here to help you take the next step.
Our Peer Engagers
Community Connectors bring people together through conversations, gatherings, and shared experiences.
Partner Connectors welcome families and strengthen relationships within schools, preschools, and congregations.
Peer Engagement Fellows offer trusted support grounded in shared lived experience and help create more welcoming, inclusive pathways into Jewish life.
Looking to Connect?
Complete our matching form and we’ll connect you with a Connector or Fellow who can help you find community in a way that feels right for you.
Meet Our Peer Engagers
Allison Abarbanel (she/her)
SoBo (South Baltimore) Parent Connector
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Allison Abarbanel (she/her)
SoBo (South Baltimore) Parent Connector
- Grew up in Reisterstown, MD
- Lives in Locust Point with her husband Jay, baby Ace, and cat Midnight
- Background in advertising and event sales
FUN FACT:
I was a volunteer at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital for over a decade and on their gala committee
Lisa Akchin (she/her)
Peer Engagement Fellow for Multifaith Intergenerational Families
Lisa Akchin (she/her)
Peer Engagement Fellow for Multifaith Intergenerational Families
- Born in Baltimore, then raised in the 1960s Deep South
- Returned to Charm City with husband Don in 1984
- Member and Past President of Beth Am Synagogue
- Following a full-time career in communications and marketing, she now consults for mission-driven organizations
- Board member of the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies
FUN FACT:
I create and deliver “Challah Days,” an at-home Jewish learning experience for my four Catholic grandchildren.
Sivi Andorsky (she/her)
Beth Tfiloh Preschool Partner Connector
- Pediatric RN Clinical Director dedicated to supporting children, families, and compassionate care in home health.
- Wife and mom of three awesome kids, passionate about creating a home filled with faith, family, and adventure.
- Raised Orthodox Jewish, with a deep appreciation for Jewish tradition and community.
FUN FACT:
Loves the beach, outdoors, games (mahjong), and any adventure with my family.
Ellie Batkhan (she/her)
Beth Am Synagogue Parent Partner Connector
- Beth Am Synagogue Families with Young Children Partner Connector
- Baltimore transplant, current resident of Mt. Washington
- Resident of Mt. Washington with her husband, Daniel, their two sons, a sweet dog named Lilah, and a small but mighty flock of chickens
- Works in early childhood education and media literacy
- Member of Fluid Movement, a community performing arts group of synchronized swimmers
FUN FACT:
She loves a good song circle!
Jill Blum (she/her)
Bolton Street Synagogue Partner Connector
- Lifelong Baltimore Resident
- Works at UMBC in the University Communications and Marketing Division
- Attended McDonogh School, and University of Baltimore
- Former Adjunct Professor of Integrated Design at University of Baltimore
- Raising son, Ben, since 2017
- Loves Bolton Street Synagogue and excited to work with our community
FUN FACT:
I was the oldest person on my Birthright Trip at 26 yrs old. When I returned, I told the story of my experience with Stoop Storytelling.
Megan Brantley (she/her)
LGBTQ+ Adult Connector
- Grew up in Baltimore County
- Currently lives in Reisterstown with her cat and 2 dogs
- Director of Community Relations at Baltimore Jewish Council
- Teaches in The Atid Teen Program at Har Sinai-Oheb Shalom Congregation
- In her free time, loves hiking with her dogs and playing guitar
FUN FACT:
Megan was a Drag King in college
Sarah Brodsky-Simon (she/her)
JLab at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation Partner Connector
Sarah Brodsky-Simon (she/her)
JLab at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation Partner Connector
- Grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland
- Lives in Mount Washington with husband Ari, two daughters Dalia & Amiya, and dog Zelda
FUN FACT:
Sarah is a craft artist who loves refinishing and building furniture, repurposing materials and keeping her hands busy working on projects.
Bea Caplan (she/her)
Peer Engagement Fellow for Russian Speaking Jews
- Born and raised in Forest Hills, Queens (NYC)
- Grew up speaking Russian with her mother, who emigrated to the U.S. from Ukraine (via Israel) in the late 1960s
- Spent each summer growing up in Israel with family and friends
- Former corporate immigration attorney
- Moved to Pikesville with her husband, son and daughter in 2014 (stay-at home mom since then)
- Excited to be part of The Jewish Connection Network and to help build long-lasting relationships between underserved Russian-speaking Jews throughout Baltimore and Baltimore’s broader Jewish community
FUN FACT:
Has a surprisingly high level of accuracy when determining what country a person is from based solely on their accent.
Max Cardin (he/him)
Owings Mills/Reisterstown Parent Connector
- Grew up in Owings Mills and has lived there the past three years with his wife, son and French Bulldog
- Former corporate lawyer now working in transactional risk insurance
- Recently completed the Associated’s Young Leadership Council
FUN FACT:
Max enjoys the outdoors - whether it's hiking, gardening, kayaking or travelling. He is one of four siblings including an identical twin.
Sydnee Chavis (She/her)
Baltimore City (Patterson Park) Parent Connector
Sydnee Chavis (She/her)
Baltimore City (Patterson Park) Parent Connector
- Born and raised in Baltimore County
- Lives in Patterson Park with her husband Dan, two sons, and greyhound Hula
- Dentist at University of Maryland School of Dentistry, and teaches about dental care for people with disabilities
FUN FACT:
Sydnee does stand up comedy!
Jessica Cohen (she/her)
Baltimore City (Canton) Parent Connector
- A Marylander through and through! Grew up in Gaithersburg Maryland, went to the University of Maryland, College Park, and has been living in Baltimore City for 9 years.
- Lives in Canton with my husband, two kids, and the sweetest/craziest cavapoo dog.
- Stay at home Mom (always up for a coffee/playdate with my littles)!
- Loves walking through the city and hitting up the Fells Point farmers market.
FUN FACT:
Studied abroad in Rome, Italy in college.
Menachem Mendel Davis (he/him)
Single Parent Connector
- Born and raised here in Baltimore, Maryland where he’s raising his two young daughters Ariella and Ahuva
- Loves riding motorcycles, playing saxophone, and cheering on Philly sports teams (go Birds!)
- Chief Executive Officer of Nova Insurance Company, specializing in alternative risk management solutions
FUN FACT:
Has a personal goal to see Earth from space one day
Carmen Ezaoui (she/her)
Timonium Parent Connector
- Multi-faith Family
- Sephardic
- Grew up near Ocean City, MD
- Lives with husband and two children
FUN FACT:
Tea Lover who wakes up early for the gym.
Erin Friedman (she/her)
Towson Parent Connector
- Grew up in Pikesville
- Now lives in Towson with her husband (who she met at sleepaway camp), 3 sons and dog
- Stay at home mom who likes to explore new playgrounds with her kid
FUN FACT:
October 27 is the dog's birthday, oldest son's birthday, and our wedding anniversary. Big day in our house!
Stacey Gerstenblith (she/her)
Shalom Baltimore Connector
- Grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania outside of Philadelphia
- Lives with her husband and 3 children in the Pikesville/Mount Washington area
- Works as a school social worker for Baltimore County Public Schools
FUN FACT:
Stacey enjoys spending time with friends and family, and loves to take walks and watch movies. Although she is from the Philly area, she has become a Ravens fan and has even met Jon Harbaugh in the parking lot at Wegmans!
Jessica Gertz (She/Her)
Suburban Young Professionals 30s+
- Grew up in Reisterstown
- Lives in Pikesville with my dog, who is a Pomapoo
- Been an Occupational Therapist for 13 years mainly working with the elderly population and in physical rehabilitation
FUN FACT:
Loves to cook and bake; currently on a sourdough baking journey!
Barri (she/her) & Steve (he/him) Goldstein
Earth Based Connectors
Barri (she/her) & Steve (he/him) Goldstein
Earth Based Connectors
About Barri (she/her) and Steve (he/him)
- Steve and Barri Goldstein live in Lake Walker with their daughters, Lily and Talia
- Steve teaches second grade Hebrew school at Chizuk Amuno, and is an exercise kinesiologist and Holistic Lifestyle Coach.
- Barri is a yoga and Pilates instructor, a leader of women’s circles, retreats, and baby & me classes.
FUN FACT:
Together, they love exploring nature, singing in community, and hosting gatherings.
Martha Goodman (she/her)
Peer Engagement Fellow for Parents of Children with Disabilities
Martha Goodman (she/her)
Peer Engagement Fellow for Parents of Children with Disabilities
- Lived in the Park Heights neighborhood since 1990, with my husband Jonathan
- Panini generation – living between two high need generations
- Been to Israel three times, including once to visit my daughter who has Down Syndrome while she was in seminary there
- I love to meet new people, even though I’m shy, and looking forward to building community
FUN FACT:
I can ride a unicycle and drive a forklift!
Lindsay Grossman (she/her)
Parent Connector – Supporting Families & Young Children of All Abilities
Lindsay Grossman (she/her)
Parent Connector – Supporting Families & Young Children of All Abilities
- Lives in Lutherville with Husband Mick, sons Benji and Leo, and cat Yoshi
- Grew up in Baltimore and graduated from Towson University
- Early intervention teacher with Baltimore County Public Schools
- Passionate about inclusion and acceptance
FUN FACT:
Mick and I lived in Israel and got engaged in Rome before heading back to Baltimore
Yael Hamburger (She/Her)
Jews on the Move: Young Adults (20s and early 30s) Connector
Yael Hamburger (She/Her)
Jews on the Move: Young Adults (20s and early 30s) Connector
- Hopes to engage active young adults in their mid-late 20s-early 30s through various activities all around the Baltimore area! This can look like hikes, walks, partnering with local run clubs, Volo events and more!
- Completed her Master’s of Science in nursing and is a working as a pediatric nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital
- Born and raised in Owings Mills
- Currently lives in Canton where she loves her daily walks along the waterfront!
- In her free time, you can find her running, hiking, playing pickleball or exploring new coffee shops around Baltimore
FUN FACT:
Wrote a book to help pediatric patients and their care providers communicate more effectively, which has been donated to pediatric hospitals nationally
Betty Jontiff (she/her)
Grandparent Connector
Betty Jontiff (she/her)
Grandparent Connector
- Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland
- Went to Milford Mill High School and the University of Maryland.
- Received a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design. Worked as a graphic designer for many years. Worked until retirement at North Oaks Retirement Community.
- Married to Mark and live in the Owings Mills area. 3 lovely daughters and 2 lovely grandchildren named Jordyn and Elon (so far).
FUN FACT:
Took a year off before going to the University of Maryland and lived in Israel on a kibbutz. Betty worked on the kibbutz and did an Ulpan program speaking conversational Hebrew. She love to travel and enjoys art.
Sam Kahan Strakes (she/her)
Carroll County Parent Connector
- Grew up in Reisterstown
- Lives in Finksburg (Reisterstown) with husband and two kids, Zoey and Ezri
- Worked professionally in the Jewish community for over 10 years before deciding to take some time to stay at home with her two girls
FUN FACT:
Sam is an escape room enthusiast and has even created her own escape rooms for events
Danielle Kasoff (she/her)
20s-40s Living Jewishly Connector
- Born and raised in Howard County, Maryland and made Baltimore her home in 2016.
- You can find her hosting many Jewish events at her apartment in Federal Hill, including her largely-attended Shabbats.
- A Registered Nurse with most of her years spent in the Emergency Department. She is currently a nurse manager of a Primary Care Practice.
FUN FACT:
Loves playing board games and owns over 40 and counting
Tori Kramer Ohana (she/her)
Caroll County Parent Connector
- Born and raised in Montgomery County
- Lived in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
- Currently resides in Carroll County with husband, daughter, and dog
FUN FACT:
I was once on a reality TV baking show
Morgan Lage (she/her)
LGBTQ+ Parent Connector
- Grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and recently relocated to Maryland
- Has a professional background in culinary arts and nutrition, and now puts that experience to use as a lactation consultant.
- Lives with her wife and daughter in Hampstead, and their five cats
FUN FACT:
Morgan wrote and published a fantasy novel in August of 2025 and is a proud member of the Maryland Writers' Association!
Jenna Lessans (she/her)
Krieger Schechter Day School Partner Connector
Jenna Lessans (she/her)
Krieger Schechter Day School Partner Connector
- Pikesville native
- Lives in Owings Mills with her husband and 3 kids
- Professional background in environmental management, specifically climate change policy
FUN FACT:
Jenna loves spending time outdoors, especially playing tennis and pickleball!
Esther Levine (she/her)
Zionist Connector
- Grew up in Miami Beach, FL where I learned to swim before I could walk! I’m still more comfortable in the water than I am on land!
- Attended a magnet school for marine biology in the Florida Keys
- Single mom to son, Avi and child, Max, as well as 2 goldendoodles, a toy poodle, and an Amazon parrot that flew into my house and has become part of the family.
- My parents and I relocated to Baltimore in 2001, and I spend many Holidays and Shabbatot at my parents’ house with my kids and pets! We also share custody of the dogs; the oldest one is named Chetzy (half in Hebrew) because he is half mine and half my parents’. I have two sisters, one in Memphis and the other in Israel.
- Attended Boston University and University of Maryland, College Park. I have a degree in Arabic Studies, with a minor in Israeli Studies.
- Traveled to Israel many times, as well as to Morocco and Egypt. I have a deep love for the Land of Israel and her people both inside the state of Israel and outside of it.
FUN FACT:
I've had some of the coolest jobs in the world! I was an animal care intern at the Miami Seaquarium, working mostly with the manatees but also sharks, other fish and my favorite, the dolphins! I also worked at Walt Disney World! But wait, there's more! Ask me about them sometime :)
Shelly Lohmann (she/her)
Widows and Widowers 60s and 70s Connector
- 70 year young vibrant widow since October 2024
- Native New Yorker, Baltimore is home since 1993, via living in Singapore, Istanbul & Hong Kong
- 3 amazing grandkids that call me Bubbie & live relatively close
- Retired from working as a Buyer for Macy’s, The Associated & State of Maryland (Department of Aging)
FUN FACT:
I love playing golf, hiking & traveling to exotic places.
Adriana Luftman (she/her)
Next Chapter Connector
- Originally from Argentina, lived in Israel for seven years and in Baltimore (Pikesville) for the last 24, together with her husband. They have two kids and two grandkids.
- She is an Architect, working full-time.
- Former Morgan Adjunct professor of Professional Practice.
- Avid reader, participates in a monthly book club.
FUN FACT:
Three times a week she can be found at the JCC taking group classes of Body Pump and Body Attack.
Jessica Nare (she/her)
E.B. Hirsh @ Baltimore Hebrew Congregation Preschool Partner Connector
Jessica Nare (she/her)
E.B. Hirsh @ Baltimore Hebrew Congregation Preschool Partner Connector
- Southern California native
- Multifaith family
- Career in higher education with a passion for student engagement and inclusive practices
- Made the big move from sunny San Diego to Baltimore in 2024!
- Now happily settled in Mt. Washington with her spouse, Tim, and their two sons, Albert & Philip
FUN FACT:
Jessica didn’t see snow until college—now she’s hooked on winter sports, especially cross-country skiing!
Amanda Rudin (she/her)
Single Parent Connector
- I have a daughter named Emma
- I grew up in NJ but have been in the Baltimore area since 2008
- I am working on my Doctorate in Educational Leadership
FUN FACT:
My birthday often falls on Father's Day
Stan Scherr (he/him)
Next Chapter Connector
- Born and raised in Baltimore, lives in Mt. Washington with his partner, Bill
- Graduate of Talmudical Academy, Baltimore City College and University of Baltimore
- Bolton Street Synagogue congregant
- Former CCBC Special Needs Adjunct professor
FUN FACT:
Stan is a music and art lover
Avi Spodek (he/him)
Peer Engagement Fellow for Parents of LGBTQ+ Children
- As a Peer Engagement Fellow, I’ll be building a network of relationships with parents of LGBTQ+ children in the Baltimore Jewish community and creating opportunities for them to connect, be supported, and feel less alone in their journey.
- I bring 25+ years of experience as a Jewish educator and community builder, plus lived experience as a parent navigating this journey myself.
- I’m excited to partner with Network staff and fellow Peer Engagers to shape a more inclusive Jewish Baltimore.
FUN FACT:
Born in Toronto, went to college in Israel, and has lived in the US since 2001 — ten of those years in Baltimore (the last five consecutively). Still a diehard Toronto Maple Leafs fan through it all.
Jamie Surell (she/her)
Goldsmith Preschool Partner Connector
- Baltimore native currently living in Timonium with her husband, Michael, and daughters, Charlotte and Lucy
- Speech Language Pathologist
FUN FACT:
I love photography, and especially love taking pictures of my girls!
Staci Weber (she/her)
Hunt Valley/Sparks Parent Connector
- Staci grew up in Reisterstown, MD
- Recently moved to the Cockeysville/Hunt Valley area with her husband and daughter
- Background is in higher education administration and works with nonprofits
FUN FACT:
Starting to learn all about gardening and woodlands now that we're living in Baltimore County
Jacob Wolf (he/him)
Parent Connector
- Lawyer and Mediator in Lutherville, MD
- Lives in Pikesville and has 3 boys, Hirsh, Judah, and Shai
- Loves to coach kids sports and cook for friends!
FUN FACT:
Received Varsity Letters in Cheerleading for being the school mascot (Go Vikings!)
Rabbi Tzadik Womack (he/him)
Peer Engagement Fellow for Jews of Color
Rabbi Tzadik Womack (he/him)
Peer Engagement Fellow for Jews of Color
- Black Orthodox Rabbi in Baltimore, blending fidelity to halacha with his Temne diasporic African heritage and African American traditions.
- Practicing attorney and former Senior Legal Counsel for a major technology company, supporting a public‑sector and enterprise portfolio valued at over $1 billion annually
- Experienced labor and employment attorney with a background in litigation under FLSA, Title VII, ADAAA, and ADEA.
- Writer and educator exploring identity, culture, and Jewish life, including Kwanzaa Through a Black Jewish Lens.
- Appointed to the Baltimore City Democratic Central Committee representing the 41st Legislative District from March 2026 through November 2026.
- Featured in Faces of Orthodoxy for his commitment to inclusive, halachic‑centered Jewish practice.
- An active member of Ner Tamid Greenspring Valley Synagogue.
FUN FACT:
Metalhead who loves live shows; holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a Red Patch in Krav Maga, and foundational belts in Tien Shan Pai and Chi Do Kwan Karate.
Jordan Zilberman (she/her)
Stoler Early Learning Center at the JCC Preschool Parent Connector
Jordan Zilberman (she/her)
Stoler Early Learning Center at the JCC Preschool Parent Connector
- Born and raised in Reisterstown and still residing there with her husband, Danny, daughter, Noa, and dog, Ovi
- Bachelor’s degree from University of Maryland, College Park
- Currently pursuing master’s degree from Towson University
- 2nd grade teacher for Baltimore County Public Schools
FUN FACT:
I am a former preschool & kindergarten student, camper, teen volunteer, AND camp counselor of the Owings Mills JCC!
Erica Zippert (she/her)
Owings Mills/Reisterstown Parent Connector
- Grew up in Reisterstown
- Lives in Owings Mills with her husband Alon and 2 kids, Talia and Judan
- Education Researcher, Consultant, and Trainer
- Lived in Nashville for 6 years
FUN FACT:
Erica still misses the southern sweet tea, banana pudding, and hot chicken from living in Nashville