JCP Staff Team
Jewish Community Project: 212-334-3522
Meet JCP’s Staff
Eli Kornreich, Executive Director of JCP
eli@jcpdowntown.org
Eli was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and attended Brooklyn College for his undergraduate studies. A proud member of Class VI of the Wexner Foundation’s Graduate Fellowship Program, Eli went on to complete both a Masters of Science in Social Work at Columbia University, and a Masters of Arts in Jewish Studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. Eli has spent much of his career in the Jewish Community Center & Federation fields, including 9 years as President/CEO at JCCS of Eastern Fairfield County, CT – a merged JCC-Federation agency. Most recently, Eli held the position of Executive Vice President at Lincoln Square Synagogue in New York City. Eli and his wife Iva, have three children, and live in New Rochelle, N.Y.
Sharon Shorofsky Mack, Director of Education and Early Childhood, Associate Director, JCP
sharon@jcpdowntown.org
Sharon Shorofsky Mack graduated from Barnard College and went on to earn a Masters Degree in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She was the Founding Director of the Brotherhood Synagogue Nursery School in Manhattan. Sharon has worked in the field of education since 1989. Sharon’s background also includes preschool teaching as well as admissions work in preschools, elementary schools and higher education. Sharon and her husband Alex have three children and live in Manhattan.
Alex Kogan, Senior Business and Finance Manager
alex@jcpdowntown.org
Alex has a background in not-for-profit administration in the Jewish community. He graduated with a BA in Psychology and Economics from Hunter College. Among his many interests are travel, foreign languages, history, music, and writing.
Marcia Marks Thaler, Assistant Director, Preschool
marcia@jcpdowntown.org
Marcia is a life-time Manhattanite and experienced early childhood educator. Marcia received her BA from University College, NYU and did her various graduate work at institutions throughout the city. Marcia was formerly the Admissions Director at the 92nd Street Y Nursery School for over 20 years. Marcia is the mother of Karen and Lawrence and grandmother of Henry and Charlie. Her spare time favorites – grandsons, gardening and golf.
Wendy Gelsanliter, Associate Director, JCP Early Childhood Center
wendy@jcpdowntown.org
Wendy graduated from Hamilton College and earned her M.S. from Bank Street College of Education. With over twenty years of experience working with young children, Wendy’s most current positions include Director of the Park Slope Child Care Collective and Assistant Director of Beginnings Nursery School in Manhattan. Music is another passion of Wendy’s. As a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, she has produced three CD’s for children and their families.
Stephanie Amarnick Hessol, Associate Director of Events
stephanie@jcpdowntown.org
Stephanie graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in Marketing and Business Administration. After some brief runs in the marketing profession, she found her way to non-profit programming, events, and community building. Stephanie joined the JCP team in the very early days and continues to be engaged and excited by the warmth, growth and innovation inherent in the JCP staff and community members. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband Michael and in downtime is often practicing yoga, cycling, experimenting in her kitchen and spending time with her family.
Rabbi Kara Tav, Associate Director of the Hebrew School Project
rabbikara@jcpdowntown.org
Rabbi Kara holds ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary, and earned an MA from Columbia University Teachers’ College. Her diverse professional background includes community organizing for the Jewish community of Romania, as well as leadership roles in congregational education, central agencies, hospitals and institutions of higher learning. She has enriched the lives of her community and her learners, serving as a skilled leader, teacher, chaplain and mentor. Rabbi Kara has professional and spiritual interest in the lives of Jewish children, but also draws on her personal reservoir of expertise as a parent.
Shari Pick, Education Coordinator
shari@jcpdowntown.org
Shari joined our administrative team after four years as the head teacher in the JCP ECC’s Rainbow Room. She has a Masters in Education from Bank Street College. In addition, Shari has been working as our camp supervisor. This year Shari will be working with students and parents in the Hebrew School Project as well as the Early Childhood Center.
Staci Myer-Klein, Administrative Assistant, Early Childhood Center
staci@jcpdowntown.org
Staci earned her B.A. from New York University with a double major in Jewish History and Civilization and Psychology. She is a native of Philadelphia who now resides on the Upper West Side. Staci was employed by the Jewish National Fund for two years and has taught Hebrew School. Staci enjoys travel, “trekking” through New York City, reading, and entertaining her friends.
Beata Jarosz, Administrative Assistant
beata@jcpdowntown.org
Beata has received her BA from Hunter College in 2008, where she majored in English. Before coming to JCP, she had spent two years managing a fitness club in Battery Park City, as well as working in the New York office of Hebrew University. In her free time she enjoys running, travel, photography, and hanging out with her friends.
Jenna Mulberry, Administrative Assistant for Events
jenna@jcpdowntown.org
Originally from the Space Coast of Florida, Jenna moved to New York shortly after graduating from Florida State University in 2009 with a double major in Studio Art and Art History. After four years of working with JCP on an event basis, she is thrilled to be officially joining the JCP team part-time. Jenna also works for another nonprofit as an event coordinator. She is a resident of Brooklyn, and in her free time, she enjoys going for bike rides, attending museums, photography, and traveling.
Laura Ross, Welcome Desk and Communications Coordinator
laura@jcpdowntown.org
Long Island native Laura Ross joins the JCP after spending two years working in programming for The Museum at Eldridge Street. She’s an alumna of Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal arts where she received her BA in Liberal Arts with concentrations in Theater and Religious Studies. Outside of JCP, she enjoys participating or attending theatrical performances around the city. She enjoys reading theater/religious theory, cooking, traveling, hiking and practicing her French with anyone who will listen.
Danny Dignazio, Facilities
Danny has been with JCP from its very first days on White Street as our inaugural security guard. Danny was the Assistant Scout Master of Troup 304 in Harrison, NJ. He is the Past President of the Harrison Chapter Lions Club International. Danny grew up in New Jersey and has been a lifelong follower of classic rock.
Brian Mieles, Facilities
Brian joins the JCP Team after having spent the past four years as Facilities Manager at Tribeca Hebrew, where students fondly referred to him as “The Popcorn Man”. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Brian is a die-hard Mets fan. He also is interested in graphic arts and has taken illustration classes at TCI.