MEET OUR STAFF

Interim Executive Director
​Abbey (she/her/hers) brings a deep commitment to Jewish education, along with extensive experience in leadership, organizational development, and community building within and outside the Hillel movement. This includes serving as the immediate past Chair of the Board of Trustees at the University of Michigan Hillel and assisting on-site during its recent leadership transition. Abbey also brings valuable perspectives as a native and current resident of the Washington, DC area and as the parent of three young adults, including a current GW medical student.

Assistant Director
Sara (she/her/hers) comes to GW Hillel with a passion for developing the next generation of strong Jewish leaders and a love for the work that Hillel does in helping students develop their unique Jewish identity. Originally from Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Sara grew up in an interfaith family and has thought critically about identity, pluralism, and Jewish values in various Jewish communal spaces. She completed her undergraduate education at The George Washington University with a major in Sociology and a double minor in Jewish Studies and Communications. Sara holds a Masters degree in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary, and a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Harvard. In her free time, Sara loves attempting to recreate her favorite foods at home in her kitchen, watching reality TV shows, playing Jewish geography, and reminiscing about her years at camp. Sara lives in Navy Yard with her fiancé, Nate, and their dogs, Orli and Feeny. Want to grab coffee? Schedule time with Sara!​

Senior Jewish Educator
Rabbi Dan (he/him/his) has been the Rabbi at GW Hillel since 2016 and has loved every minute of it. Rabbi Dan received his Masters degree in Israel Education from The George Washington University. Previously, Rabbi Dan worked as a financial adviser at JP Morgan in Manhattan, but realized his true calling was in the world of Torah; he now helps students take stock and form bonds with God and with themselves. Raised in Queens, New York, and a graduate of Queens College, Rabbi Dan now lives in Silver Spring, Maryland with his amazing wife Odelia and their three children, Emmett, Emunah, and Ahava.​

Engagement Associate
Noah (he/him/his) is a recent graduate of American University, and comes to GW Hillel with a passion for exploration and community building. Leaving his Ohio hometown for school in Washington, DC, his new kehilla became his extended family, emphasizing how vital community is to our wellbeing and happiness. He looks forward to fostering a fun and inviting home-away-from-home where students can create meaningful experiences, explore the world around them, and become leaders. Noah loves spending his free time finding new restaurants, playing pick-up soccer, and going to Wizards games. Want to grab coffee? Schedule time with Noah!​

Innovation Springboard Fellow
Yael Klucznik (she/her/hers) is so excited to be joining the GW Hillel team as the Innovation Springboard Fellow! Yael was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina but has lived most of her life in South Florida. She grew up surrounded by a beautiful and supportive Jewish community where she danced at her local JCC for almost 12 years. Yael is a recent first-gen graduate from Johns Hopkins University where she received a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering. One of the best things that came out of her college experience was her appreciation for different cultures, especially through trying new foods. Yael loves going on walks, reading, watching daily news updates, and playing a whole bunch of card games! Her weakness is a good cup of coffee or indulging in her culture by drinking mate. She can’t wait to get to know you over a delicious cup of coffee and help to foster a welcoming and fun community for all. Schedule time with Yael!
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Israel Community Coordinator
Nil (he/him/his) is thrilled to join the GW Hillel team as the Israeli Community Coordinator. Born and raised in Israel, Nil comes from an Israeli-American family and moved to the U.S. after serving in the IDF. His life has been a constant back-and-forth between Israel and the United States, giving him a deep appreciation for both cultures and a passion for connecting people to the many facets of Israeli life. Nil is excited to share the vibrant cultural, historical, and social dimensions of Israel with GW students—helping American Jews connect with the idea of a Jewish nation in meaningful and engaging ways. Outside of Hillel, Nil is a commercial pilot and Certified Flight Instructor, teaching people how to take to the skies. He also swears the most valuable skill learned in the IDF is brewing traditional Israeli coffee—strong, rich, and best enjoyed over good conversation.

Director of Finance & Operations
Shaw (she/her/hers) is excited to join the GW Hillel family, bringing over 15 years of non-profit finance & accounting experience to Hillel. As a mother of two college students, she strongly supports Hillel’s mission – enriching lives, so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. Both of her boys are actively involved with Hillel. “Hillel is my boys’ home away from home” said Shaw. Prior to joining GW Hillel, Shaw worked for The Arc of the US as the Finance Manager and later as the HR Director, Finance Manager for the Eno Center for Transportation and Accounting Associate for the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. Shaw received her BS in Accounting and Business Management from the University of Massachusetts.
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ARIELLE SCHWARTZ
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Campus Marketing and Development Manager
Arielle (she/her/hers) brings over a decade of nonprofit experience, with a strong background in fundraising, design, and marketing. Passionate about Jewish life and community, she is excited to support GW Hillel and Hillel of San Diego in their fundraising and communications efforts. Arielle earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a French minor from Tulane University, where she later spent five years on staff at Tulane Hillel. She then joined the Hillel International team, where she completed her first two years supporting grassroots fundraising and marketing for Hillel teams at Arizona State University, University of Vermont, and University of Connecticut. Arielle has also worked with the Creative Alliance of New Orleans, the National WWII Museum, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her dog Stella and soaking up the culture and energy of New Orleans, LA!
MOLLIE KATZ

Rental & Events Manager
Mollie Katz (she/her/hers) manages event space rental in our beautiful new building. She books events and markets our dining rooms, auditorium, and rooftop. Her experience in marketing, communications, and management includes work for Jewish and interfaith organizations. To unwind, Mollie often opts for swims, long walks, and puzzles, and
she’s always reading at least one book. ​
JESS CARBINO

Mental Health Extern
Jess Carbino (she/her/hers) is excited to join the GW Hillel community as a mental health extern. Originally from Philadelphia, Jess has gradually made her way back to the East Coast after a 12 year stint in Los Angeles. Prior to beginning graduate school at GW, Jess worked in the tech world running research for the dating apps Tinder and Bumble. Jess says her love language is quality time with family and friends. In her free time, Jess tries to hunt down the best tacos and pasta in DC.​
SKYLER SCHAUMBERG

Mental Health Extern
Skylar Schaumberg (she/her/hers) is thrilled to be joining the GW Hillel team as a mental health extern. Skylar grew up in Maryland and now loves living in DC. Skylar is currently a doctoral student in the GW PsyD program and is studying to become a clinical psychologist. Skylar recognizes the importance of taking care of one’s mental health while in school and is excited to meet and talk to GW students. She can't wait to get to know you and support a welcoming and mentally healthy community for all.​
IRMA CARTAGENA

Custodian
Irma (she/her/hers) was born and raised in El Salvador and is the proud mother of two sons. She loves spending her free time traveling and cooking on the weekends. She works each day to keep our Hillel home in great shape. Please thank her for her hard work- and she's always happy to help you practice your Spanish skills.