Our Team

Director of Education: Youth & Families

Rebecca Elkus-Ferst, MA, RJE
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For Rebecca, Jewish education is a lifelong journey that should be meaningful, challenging, dynamic, and inspiring. She works to weave these ideas throughout our educational programming for our youth. Whether it is with our youngest children in the Kehillah School, or our teens in Chavaya, Rebecca brings her enthusiasm and desire to help our youth connect to Judaism.

Originally from Michigan, Rebecca’s identity and early Jewish experiences were strongly influenced by her family, participation in youth groups, and summers spent at camp. Rebecca earned a B.A. in Journalism and a Specialization in Jewish Studies from Michigan State University, and a Masters in Jewish Education from the Davidson School at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Upon graduation from JTS, she served as the Assistant Director of Education at Congregation Habonim in NYC from 2009-2012.

Rebecca is a past fellow of the Leadership Institute: Shaping Congregational Leaders and Learners and Matan Institute for Education Directors, working on a communal approach to helping children with special needs. She is a past participant in the Qushiyot Fellowship: a program dedicated to working with educators and congregations to bring contemporary, meaningful, and relevant Israel curriculum to their programs. Rebecca is currently part of the inaugural Pardes Senior Educator Leadership Fellowship. Rebecca also holds an RJE (Reform Jewish Educator) title from the Association of Reform Jewish Educators.

Director, Camp Pinebrook

Allison Horn, MA
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Allison (Allie to most everyone) grew up on the Upper East Side of NYC, playing whatever sport she could.  She was a tennis, basketball, and softball player in high school before attending Hofstra University.  Her academic career continued at Teacher’s College, Columbia University, where she received her Master’s Degree in Developmental Psychology.

Allie’s first love is, and always has been camping.  First as a camper, then as staff, and ultimately as a camp director. She takes great pride in mentoring staff and teaching them the wonders of passing on their knowledge to children.  She is an active part of each camp day and enjoys interacting with her campers and their families and creating a culture of respect, kindness, ruach, and love.  Allie’s door is always open to kids and parents and she looks forward to becoming part of the Camp Pinebrook family.

Allie is mom to two beautiful children, Riley, 14, and Josie, 12.  Her kids are her pride and joy and she cannot wait until they are old enough to work at camp!  Allie lives in Dobbs Ferry with her kids, her wife, Jess, and their three mini schnauzers, Herschel, Buttercup, and Scooter.

She has been a drummer since age 11 and has played in a number of NYC and Westchester based rock bands.  She is also an avid photographer.

Allie is excited to be part of the Camp Pinebrook and Temple Israel families!

Click here to explore Camp Pinebrook!

Director, Kehillah School for Early Learning

Marie Masseo, MSECE
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“Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the water.” – Loris Malaguzzi, Educator/Reggio Emilia Approach

Marie had been honored to serve our community as Assistant Director, and now is moving into her new role as Kehillah School for Early Learning Director!

She has been an Early Childhood educator for over 35 years, earning a Bachelor in Communication Arts in 1985 from The College of New Rochelle and Masters in Early Childhood Education from CNR in 1992.

Marie began her career by originating preschool programs in Dobbs Ferry and Ossining. Then, moving to Weekday Nursery School in New Rochelle, where she was Head Teacher and Assistant Director for 17 years. Prior to joining Kehillah at Temple Israel, Marie was the Curriculum Director at Huguenot Nursery School in Pelham Manor, New York.

“I believe teachers and children have an opportunity to create reciprocal relationships in the classroom that foster respect, creativity, and a love of learning. As an Early Childhood Administrator, I will work to support and nurture relationships between families, children, and teachers to create purposeful experiences in classrooms and outdoors with nature.”  – Marie

You can reach Marie at:
MarieMasseo@tinr.org
914.637.3808 Ext. 247

Click here to explore the Kehillah School!

Clergy Assistant & Lifecycle Coordinator

Jeremy Arcus-Goldberg
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Program & Office Administrator

Michele Birnbaum
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Facilities Manager

Frank Chavez
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Bookkeeper

Kristen Dassler
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Reception / Special Projects
Mary Ann DeRosa

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Kehillah School Assistant Director

Giavonna Levene

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Facilities Professional

Brian Reiner

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Religious School Office Administrator

Karen Robinson

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Communications Director

Orietta Schneider

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