LFT Program Facilitators

Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) is American Jewish Committee’s (AJC) education and advocacy program for teens, which empowers young Jews to speak up for Israel and the Jewish people. The LFT program is taught by AJC staff professionals who receive extensive educational and facilitation training. Below you will find a full roster of AJC's LFT facilitators and staff. For questions about the LFT program, please email [email protected].

 

Atlanta: 
 

Camellia Heart-Katz
Camellia Heart-Katz is the AYL Alexander Associate for AJC Atlanta. Camellia earned a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs from the University of Georgia and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Camellia began her clinical social work career working as a therapist in community mental health and substance use, went on to become the intake coordinator at a methadone clinic, and finally, worked with families in need in a NICU. Camellia made the decision to transition to the Jewish non-profit world after October 7th. She is the daughter of Israeli immigrants, a proud Sephardic Jew and Zionist. She is driven by her passion for humaCamellia Heart-Katzn rights, democracy, and love of people. 

Marissa Fine Marcus

Marissa Fine Marcus is passionate about bringing people together through stories, culture, and community. Born and raised in Atlanta, she graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2014. After four years of braving the arctic cold (and a serious sweet tea drought), she donated her snow shoes to Goodwill and returned to Atlanta, where she now lives with her husband, Oliver, and their two cats. A lover of maximalist design, fantasy books, interesting trivia facts, and a good debate, Marissa leads a team of creative designers and copywriters at the WITH Agency in Atlanta, GA. She has served on the AJC Atlanta Access Board, the 2024 Project Understanding Steering Committee, and the 2023 Black Jewish Teen Initiative Committee. 

Chicago:

Jake Rosenfield 

Jake Rosenfield is the Alexander Associate for AJC Chicago where he works to grow ACCESS, AJC's young professional division. Jake arrived in Chicago after two years in Israel where he completed his master's degree in Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution from Reichman University in Herzliya, Israel. Jake also has undergraduate degrees in Global/International Studies and Jewish Studies from the University of Kansas, but is still a proud born and raised Texan at heart.

Cassie Schwartz 

Cassie Schwartz has been an educator and lifelong learner in the Chicagoland area for the past 20 years. She is most recently an elementary school principal and adjunct professor. Cassie is completing her doctorate in curriculum, advocacy, and policy, with a focus on the experiences of Jewish American educators in the face of rising antisemitism. Her passions and hobbies include: advocacy work, reading, gardening, and anything to do with Tikkun Olam.

Kansas City: 

Rachel Kaseff is the Education and Programs Coordinator at JCRB/AJC Kansas City. She earned her B.A. in Religious Studies with a minor in Judaic Studies from Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. Her senior thesis explored the intersection of religion and politics in America. Before starting with JCRB/AJC in March of 2024, Rachel was a preschool teacher at Rhyme and Reason Preschool of the Arts in Brookside.

Sarah Markowitz 

Sarah Markowitz is the Director of Education and Programs for the JCRB|AJC Kansas City. Originally from California, Markowitz earned her M.A. in War and Society from Chapman University. Her thesis explored Jews’ reactions to pogroms perpetrated by their neighbors in Lithuania in June 1941. Markowitz holds a B.A. in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University, paired with minors in Jewish Studies, International Relations, and Classics & Archaeology. Previously, Markowitz has worked at AJC Los Angeles, the Museum of Tolerance, and the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism.

Lappin Foundation: 

Katie Cohen

Katie Cohen is the Administrative Assistant at the Holocaust Legacy Foundation in Boston and the lead LFT Facilitator for the Lappin Foundation cohort. She graduated from the University of Southern New Hampshire in January 2024 with a B.A in History. She has always felt the importance of preserving history, democracy, and cultivating a thriving Jewish community. The work she does with HLF and AJC allows her to translate those passions into action to ensure that Jewish education, critical thinking, and the importance of truth is not lost on future generations.

Los Angeles: 

Noah Schlossberg

Noah Schlossberg is the Alexander Associate of AJC Los Angeles. In this role, Schlossberg oversees programming and recruitment for LFT in L.A. as well as AJC’s young professional group, ACCESS. Schlossberg graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.A. in Family and Human Services focusing on social-emotional and outdoor education. During his undergraduate course, Schlossberg was the BBYO City Director of Eugene for two years as well as an active AEPI fraternity brother. Schlossberg currently resides in Los Angeles but remains a loyal Oregon Ducks fan

Jordana Lebowitz

Jordana Lebowitz is the Founder and Executive Director of ShadowLight, an immersive traveling exhibit housed inside a replica WWII cattle car, which has educated over 150,000 students across North America about the Holocaust and its relevance today. While still a student, Jordana took the initiative to attend the 2015 trial of former Nazi officer Oskar Groening in Germany, an experience that led her to co-author a book with Holocaust author Kathy Kacer. Her journey includes working at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles and serving in the Holocaust Education Department at the United Nations in New York. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Jordana holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Southern California. Jordana’s innovative approach combines immersive, interactive methods that resonate deeply with participants, inspiring them to make a lasting impact on the world around them.

Long Island: 

Ira Glasser 

Ira Glasser is AJC Director of K-12 Education Strategy, New York. Ira comes to AJC after an extensive career in Jewish educational leadership, most recently serving as the CEO of Hillel at Binghamton. Previously, he was the Director of Jewish Life and Learning at the Rodeph Sholom School in New York City, where he also taught middle school history and Jewish Studies. He has published and presented at national conferences on Israel and Jewish education. Ira has planned and led over 25 transformative Israel experiences throughout his career, including the capstone 8th grade Israel trip at Rodeph Sholom School, JNF’s Alternative Spring Break, and Taglit-Birthright Israel. Ira holds a Master’s Degree in Adolescent Education in Social Studies from Hunter College and is a graduate of The iCenter Graduate Program in Israel Education at George Washington University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Judaic Studies from Binghamton University. He lives on Long Island with his family and is a licensed New York City sightseeing guide.

Eric Post 
Eric Post is the AJC Long Island Regional Director, having worked for AJC since 2016. In this position, he oversees all aspects of AJC’s advocacy, leadership, and fundraising in the region. Post, alongside the AJC Long Island leadership team, holds meetings with elected officials on Long Island and diplomats in New York, and develops relationships with interfaith and intergroup leaders. Prior to his current position, he oversaw AJC New York’s interfaith and intergroup outreach to New York City’s diverse communities, which included overseeing the Latino-Jewish Coalition, Black-Jewish Clergy Council, and Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council. Post received his B.A. and M.A. in International Relations at The George Washington University.  

 

Dr. Beata Schulman 

Dr. Beata Schulman is the Director of Development and Leadership Engagement for AJC Long Island. She holds both an M.A. and a Ph.D. from Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, and has enriched her academic journey as a visiting scholar at NYU through a Fulbright Scholarship. She formerly served as a Philanthropy Officer at the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and as Development Director at YHT Jewish Day School. Prior to that, she worked for 12 years as Executive Director of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation, where she raised funds for an endowment to preserve the historic memorial site. She also worked as Program Director for the Auschwitz Institute for Genocide Prevention, organizing seminars for government officials and military officers. Born and raised in Poland, Beata discovered her Jewish ancestry in her early teens. This revelation inspired her lifelong commitment to working within Jewish organizations and teaching Jewish history. She has lectured as an adjunct professor at both Yeshiva University and Jagiellonian University. Beata resides on Long Island with her husband, Eylan, and their three children.

Daniel Small

Daniel Small is the Senior Associate for AJC Long Island. In his role, Small strengthens and builds relationships with community leaders and elected officials. He has extensive experience in government and politics, having previously served as Chief of Staff to a Nassau County Legislator. Small holds a B.A. in U.S. History from the University at Albany and an M.A. in Urban Affairs from Queens College. Additionally, Small volunteers as the Financial Secretary for the Sephardic Jewish Brotherhood of America in Forest Hills, NY. As a native New Yorker who grew up in Queens and on Long Island, Small is a life-long Mets fan, who in his free time, enjoys hiking and running.

Miami:

Max Adelstein

Max Adelstein is the Alexander Assistant Director for AJC Miami. In his role, he facilitates LFT and manages ACCESS Miami, AJC’s Young Leadership Initiative. Over the last decade, he has lead in development work on behalf of Jewish causes at organizations including AIPAC, StandWithUs, and Jewish Community Services of South Florida. Max has raised millions of dollars for these organizations through years of individual stewardship and grant writing. He is the grandson of a Holocaust Survivor, which motivated him to undertake Jewish communal work. Max believes that education and bridge-building are the best tools to create a more understanding and kind future.

New England (Boston): 

Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon is Senior Coordinator, Administration, and Development at AJC New England. Gordon also facilitates AJC's Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) program. He graduated from Brandeis University in 2021, majoring in Education Studies and minoring in Psychology, Judaic Studies, and Economics. Gordon is passionate about Jewish education and cultivating the next generation of Jewish leaders.

Coree Dovev

Coree Dovev is the Alexander Assistant Director at the AJC New England regional office. In her role, she facilitates LFT and manages Young Leadership initiatives, including the ACCESS program. Before joining AJC, Coree worked as a Special Education teacher in both California and Massachusetts. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master’s Degree in Education. Coree lives in Marblehead with her husband, two children, and their Yorkshire Terrier, Milly. She enjoys spending time at the beach with her family.

Washington, D.C.: 

Emily Jacobson

Emily Jacobson is the Alexander Assistance Director for the Washington D.C. regional office. In her role she manages the regions young professionals’ network, ACCESS, in addition to facilitating LFT. Currently she is working on growing ACCESS D.C.’s already thriving community and fostering future advocates through programming that reflect AJC’s mission.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs with a minor in Spanish from Indiana University in 2018 and is currently a Masters student at American University studying International Affairs: Global Governance, Politics, and Security.

Westchester/Fairfield: 

Jill Friedman
Jill Friedman is the Associate Regional Director of the AJC Westchester/Fairfield. Friedman’s responsibilities include overseeing the region’s diplomatic outreach, interfaith and intergroup outreach, and the Leadership for Tomorrow (LFT) program, which Friedman has directed since its inception in the region six years ago. Prior to joining AJC, Friedman held various roles at Hadassah. Friedman earned a B.A. in Spanish and Russian from Connecticut College and an M.A. in Russian and East European Studies from the University of Michigan. Friedman lives in White Plains, New York, and is a mother of three, all of whom are diehard New York Rangers fans.

Derek Grossman

Derek Grossman (Westchester/Fairfield) serves as the Assistant Development Director of AJC Westchester/Fairfield, where he works to grow AJC’s fundraising efforts and impact on the Jewish community. Previously, Derek worked in development roles for the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. He has a Master’s degree from Colorado State University and a Bachelor’s from The Ohio State University (Go Bucks!). Derek lives in White Plains with his wife and is an avid runner, sports fan, and environmentalist. He serves on the board of directors for Hillel at Baruch College.

The Sophie and Bernard Gould LFT Program in New York City:

Alana Wilck

Alana Wilck is the Senior Associate of ACCESS Global. Wilck became involved with AJC in the summer of 2022 when she served as a Goldman Fellow in the Development Department. She then served as the Vice President of ACCESS on AJC’s inaugural Campus Global Board. Wilck graduated from the University of Michigan in April of 2023 with a degree in Political Science and Judaic Studies, and a minor in Community Action and Social Change. During her time at Michigan, Wilck served as the president of Hillel for the 2021-2022 term. In her role at AJC, Wilck focuses on the development and leadership development of ACCESS Global and works closely with the ACCESS Global Board. Originally from Randolph, New Jersey, Wilck now resides in New York City.

Jill Cofskey

Jill Cofskey is the Alexander Assistant Director at AJC in New York City. In her role, Jill works with young leaders to engage them with AJC’s priorities of combating antisemitism, securing Israel’s place in the world, and promoting democratic values and human rights. Jill is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated from Miami University in 2020. She studied Art and Architecture History and enjoyed three years working in the Judaic Studies Department. With her love of art and passion for the Jewish community, she arrived in NYC to do development for the Jewish Museum in 2022. Prior to coming to AJC, Jill led membership at Young Jewish Professionals (YJP). In her free time, you can find her baking, doing crafts, and listening to obscure podcasts.

National Virtual Cohort:

Ben Goodman

Ben Goodman is the Program Coordinator of AJC’s Arthur and Rochelle Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs (BILLA). Responsible for the operational management of BILLA’s international missions, D.C.-based programs, and BILLA’s annual Strategic Forum, Goodman also leads BILLA’s engagement with its young Latino partner organizations, including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) and the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI). Goodman holds a B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service with a major in International Political Economy and minors in Spanish and Jewish Civilization. Goodman served as President of Georgetown’s Israel Alliance and studied for a semester at Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid, Spain. Goodman is originally from New Jersey, currently resides in Washington D.C. and enjoys playing tennis.

LFT Administration:

Aaron Bregman
Aaron Bregman is AJC’s Director of High School Affairs. Aaron began his teaching career in Boston, Massachusetts and has over a decade of experience teaching U.S., European, and Middle East Jewish history at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (CESJDS) in Rockville, Maryland. Prior to teaching at CESJDS, Aaron was the High School Curriculum/Program Manager for The David Project, a non-profit that helps shape campus opinions on Israel. Aaron has also worked with the Center for Israel Education in running their Teacher Training Institute. Additionally, he was accepted in both the Anti-Defamation League’s Glass Leadership Institute and the Israel Policy Forum’s Atid Charles Bronfman Fellowship. Aaron grew up on the North Shore of Massachusetts and attended American University in Washington, D.C., where he received his B.A. in history with a concentration in American foreign policy and Jewish studies and his M.A. in secondary education.

Corey Minkoff

Corey Minkof is the Senior Associate of AJC High School Affairs. In his role, he supports the department in developing the LFT curriculum, leading trainings and seminars for local high school students and faculty, and aiding regional offices in recruitment for high school leadership programs. Before working in High School Affairs, he served as the Alexander Associate for AJC Chicago, managing the regional ACCESS chapter, AJC's young professional division, and facilitating the Chicago LFT cohort. Prior to joining AJC, Corey worked for two years at Hillel at the University of Vermont as a Springboard Innovation Fellow, where he designed programming to enhance Jewish life and strengthen Jewish community on campus. He is a passionate believer in the value of experiential education and the benefit of people-centered creative problem-solving. As a fellow at Hillel, he earned a Foundations in Design Thinking certificate from IDEO U, and was trained in group facilitation and experiential education by Bamidbar Wilderness Therapy. Since 2017, he has toured Israel six times, as a student, an educator, and a guide. Minkoff, a Kansas City native currently residing in Chicago, graduated from the University of Kansas with dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Journalism.