Rebecca Elkus-Ferst, MA, RJE
Email
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.
Allison Horn, MA
Email
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!
Jennifer Pennucci, M.Ed.
Email
Jennifer has been an Early Childhood educator for over 20 years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Elementary Education from Southern Connecticut State University in 2000 and her Masters in Early Childhood Education/Administration and Leadership from Champlain College in 2017. After earning her BA, Jennifer began teaching preschool. This sparked a passion for all things Early Childhood. She has been a program director for 15 years and brings a wealth of knowledge related to child development, quality curriculum planning and program management.
Jennifer believes that it is her role to provide teachers with the tools to be successful, show them how to use those tools, and guide them through the entire process as their cheerleader. She focuses her energy on building strong positive relationships with teachers and families striving to foster a close feeling of community within the program.
