Em grew up personally and professionally in shuls. A former NFTY kid, they use their natural ability to connect with people and their love of Judaism to follow their passions. They concurrently! Em has always known that Jewish teen experiences were vital and is constantly dreaming big. Recently, they co-created and participated in a Shabbat dinner experience called Queer Kehilah for Romemu Brooklyn.
As a queer Jew, they want to bring spiritual experiences to those who are looking for community and conversation. A common theme in her life is silliness, and when not at work can be found reading in a cozy sweater, adding to her vinyl collection, and walking around New York City. One of the standout benefits of this career has been the opportunity to work closely with Jewish teens, whose passion for and dedication to changing our world for the better inspires her every day.
She feels excited and blessed to be part of this work through Kol Koleinu this year. Lynn Anne holds an M. When not discussing the future of the Jewish world, Shayna loves to dissect Taylor Swift lyrics, cook, and run half-marathons without training. She has published chapters and articles in more than a dozen academic books and journals, and currently serves as Co-Editor of Youth Theatre Journal. Abby has a background working in all levels of clinical care, including two years running monthly groups for Yesh Tikva, an organization supporting Jewish people facing infertility.
She is also the mother of a current Kol Koleinu fellow and another teenage daughter. She enjoys reading, making decorative cookies, British crime dramas, and being outside. Rebecca holds a degree in English and Creative Writing from Brandeis University and a Master of Arts in Literary and Cultural Studies from Carnegie Mellon University where her research focused on feminist theories of ritual practice and gendered performance in Jewish spaces.
Rebecca lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her partner and their cat, Romeo. Valerie was the director of education at a synagogue where she ran a vibrant madrichim program and she is currently the Community Manager for the Institute of Southern Jewish Life. She has raised three phenomenal young women with her husband and lives in Frisco, Texas, a suburb of a suburb of Dallas.
