Rebecca Elkus-Ferst, MA, RJE
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, 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 then joined Temple Israel of New Rochelle in 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 also a past participant of the inaugural Pardes Senior Educator Leadership Fellowship. Rebecca also holds an RJE (Reform Jewish Educator) title from the Association of Reform Jewish Educators, as well as a certificate in Jewish Leadership from the Spertus program at Northwestern University.
Rebecca lives in New Rochelle with her family.
Allison Horn, MA
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!
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Giavonna Levene, M.Ed.
Giavonna Levene, our Kehillah School for Early Learning Director, had a love for early childhood education beginning at the age of sixteen!
Gia started working with children ages four and up at Eyes on the Priz afterschool program, which would host a summer camp as well. She wanted to continue her passion for teaching, but also enjoyed reading and writing so much. Majoring in English, Gia attended C.U.N.Y Medgar Evers college where she received her Bachelors in English- Creative Writing. However, her heart was still in early childhood education, so once she graduated she continued her passion for teaching at Kehillah in October 2016. While she was a Toddler Teacher in Tzofeem for four years, she also knew she wanted to become more knowledgeable in school operations. In February of 2021, Gia began her role as Office Manager which she truly enjoyed because she was able to still spend time with all these smiling faces, while taking on new tasks. Deciding this role was important to further her knowledge and understanding in child development, Gia enrolled in graduate school. She attended Grand Canyon University, majoring in early childhood education, and obtained her Masters in May of 2025.
Working with children means the world to Gia, making connections with families and children, but most importantly it’s guiding them as their children begin their educational journey. Fostering relationships that are built on communication, trust, and genuineness is something she prides herself on. Community makes up such an intricate part of Kehillah and she continues to look forward to supporting and growing this Community!
You can reach Gia at:
Giavonna Levene
914.637.3808 Ext. 247
Click here to explore the Kehillah School!
Michele Birnbaum
Frank Chavez
Isabelle Graham
Brian Reiner
Karen Robinson
Orietta Schneider