Our Staff

Aliza Kline, Founding Executive Director, (on sabbatical through June 2012) has led Mayyim Hayyim from its initial stages, overseeing fund raising, publicity, design, construction, staffing, recruiting volunteers, and board development. In May, 2009, Aliza was awarded an AVI CHAI Fellowship (best described as the "Jewish MacArthur Genius Grant) in recognition of her accomplishments, creativity and commitment to the Jewish people. Aliza earned her Bachelor’s degree in History and Psychology at Washington University in St. Louis and her Masters in Public Administration from New York University. Her past work experience includes UJA-Federation of New York, Jerusalem Open House – Community Center of LGBTQ Israelis, Arava Institute for Environmental Studies – Regional Academic Program for Middle Eastern and North American Students, JNF On Campus, and Hillel. 

  Lisa Berman, Paula Brody & Family Education Center Director, has been involved with Mayyim Hayyim since its opening in May 2004. Lisa trained as a Volunteer Mikveh Guide and then served as the liaison to area congregational religious schools and adult study groups.  Since 2006, Lisa has directed the Paula Brody & Family Education Center, where she develops curricula for all ages and interest levels; she also organizes and oversees more than 90 programs annually.  A convert, Lisa is especially sensitive to the challenges experienced by interfaith families, particularly around milestone events.

  Carrie Bornstein, Acting Executive Director, holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work, and studied at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem.  Carrie has worked with children, teens, and adults from the entire Jewish denominational spectrum; prior to joining the staff, she was trained as a volunteer Mikveh Guide and Mikveh Educator.  Her responsibilities now include ensuring the highest quality of service for all those who visit Mayyim Hayyim's mikveh.  She helps train and supervises volunteer Mikveh Guides, serves as liaison to area clergy regarding conversions, and assists people planning to immerse at Mayyim Hayyim.  Carrie oversees Mayyim Hayyim's communications and social media; follow her on twitter @carolinering.

 
  Sherri Goldman, Administrative Director, joined Mayyim Hayyim in May, 2007.  Sherri is responsible for managing Mayyim Hayyim’s financial and office operations, including accounts payable and accounts receivable, financial reporting, and building management.  Sherri holds an M.B.A. from Suffolk University and is a registered Notary Public in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.


  Nina Stewart, Administrative Assistant, joined Mayyim Hayyim in November, 2011. She is responsible for scheduling appointments, assisting with the gallery and special events, and contributing to the overall efficiency of the organization. Nina graduated from Hampshire College in Amherst, MA in 2008 with a Bachelor's degree in social sciences and philosophy and is currently pursuing a Masters in Social Work at Simmons College. Nina has five years of administrative experience, most recently as a prospect research coordinator at Tufts University Advancement.

Leah Hart Tennen, Mikveh Center Director , trained as a mikveh guide and educator in 2010. Before joining the Mayyim Hayyim staff in March, 2012, Leah was a Child Development instructor and Early Parenting Group facilitator at Isis Parenting. Prior to that, she was the manager of the Group Mentoring Department of The Big Sister Association of Greater Boston. Leah earned her Masters in Social Work, with a group work certificate, from Boston University. She is currently a community-based Big Sister, on faculty at the Boston University School of Social Work, as well as a teacher and clinical consultant for Girls' LEAP Self Defense.

Jody Comins, Development & Events Coordinator, joined Mayyim Hayyim in May of 2012. Prior to joining the staff, Jody worked at Combined Jewish Philanthropies in the Israel Advocacy Department promoting the Massachusetts-Israel economic relationship. Her past work experience includes- the Director of Fieldwork & Alumni Relations for the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership program at Brandeis University, consultant for Birthright Next, JCC's of Greater Boston, Boston University Hillel & the University Student Department of the World Zionist Organization. Jody currently serves as the President of the Board for the MetroWest Jewish Day School in Framingham, MA. Jody holds an MSW with a Clinical concentration from Boston University.