Our Staff

Aliza Kline, Founding Executive Director, 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, Mikveh Center Director, holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work, and studied at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem.  A specialist in the field of Jewish experiential education, she has worked with children, teens, and adults from the entire Jewish denominational spectrum.  Prior to joining the staff, Carrie was trained as a volunteer Mikveh Guide and Mikveh Educator.  Her responsibilities now include ensuring that all immersions at Mayyim Hayyim are conducted with respect and dignity.  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.
 
Amy Chartock, National Programs Director, is a trained Mikveh Guide.  She went on to coordinate Mikveh Guide training within Mayyim Hayyim and, in November, 2008, ran the first national Mikveh Guide Training Seminar for 19 people representing 13 communities from across the United States. In spring 2009, she worked with organizational partners (Jewish Milestones and The Jewish Welcome Network) to create a regional cohort of Mikveh Guides in the the San Francisco Bay Area supported by a grant from the Covenant Foundation and The Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund.  Amy has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Brandeis University and a Masters degree in Social Work from Columbia University.  Prior to Mayyim Hayyim, she worked with teens at the adolescent OB-GYN clinic at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and with volunteers at the Jewish Big Brother and Big Sister Association of Greater Boston.


 
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.