Meet Our Staff

Addie Lewis Klein (She/her)

Executive Director

Addie is a non-profit leader with the spirit of a socially-minded entrepreneur. As executive director, she leads our relationship-based engagement strategy, and pushes our team to help people develop new connections in creative ways. You’ll find her out in the community meeting with community leaders, and at many of our gatherings eager to get to know you. Previously, Addie led the leadership development and community engagement efforts at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. She received her BA from Haverford College and a Masters degree in Near Eastern Judaic Studies and Jewish Communal Leadership from Brandeis University. She recently completed the Wexner Field Fellowship. Addie and her family moved to Baltimore the summer of 2022 and enjoy exploring their new city.

FUN FACT:
Addie is a museum enthusiast and she’d love to know your favorite one.

aklein@thejewishnetwork.org

Alli Berger (She/her)

Assistant Director, Jewish Experiences

Alli is our enthusiastic curator of service opportunities, where she not only meets urgent needs through volunteering but also fosters meaningful connections with and among volunteers. She holds a B.A. in Cinema Studies from the University of Central Florida, as well as a minor in English, and she uses that creativity to help others make a difference in our community.

FUN FACT:
Alli is a retired competitive dancer, musical theater nerd, and rollercoaster enthusiast.

aberger@thejewishnetwork.org

Erica Bloom (She/her)

Senior Director, Community Connections

Erica is the guiding force behind our Community Connections team. With a passion for building strong relationships, Erica also helps manage our group of Community Connectors and VolunTeams. Erica earned her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and Bachelors from York College of Pennsylvania. When she’s not empowering connections, you can find her enjoying the outdoors, soaking in live music, and savoring delicious meals with her husband, two sons, and dog in Lutherville.

FUN FACT:
Erica hiked the Angel's Landing trail in Zion National Park and was once certified to teach archery

ebloom@thejewishnetwork.org

Gabrielle Burger (She/her)

Senior Director, Jewish Experiences

Gabrielle is the inspiring leader of our Jewish Experiences team. With a keen eye for detail, she oversees our Jewish Connection Network gatherings, making sure they’re not only accessible but also infused with rich Jewish elements that bring meaning to our community. Gabrielle has her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from University of Baltimore and a Master’s degree in Jewish Professional Studies from Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership.

FUN FACT:
Gabrielle loves Sci-fi TV and movies and lived in Israel for 10 years before moving to Baltimore.

gburger@thejewishnetwork.org

Brenda Footer (She/her)

Senior Associate, Community Connectors

Brenda is the heart of our Community Connections team. As a skilled relationship builder with a genuine spirit, she recruits and supports our team of Community Connectors who work tirelessly to create engaging opportunities within the Jewish Community. Brenda has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Trinity Washington University and Master’s of Religious Education from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.

FUN FACT:
Brenda loves to read and listen to podcasts.

bfooter@thejewishnetwork.org

Amy Goldberg (She/her)

Senior Associate, Community Connectors

Amy plays a vital role in recruiting and supporting our Community Connectors, the individuals who foster relationships and create meaningful opportunities within the Jewish Community. Amy graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies from the University of Missouri and a Master’s degree in Jewish Education and Jewish Communal Service from Towson University. When she’s not busy, you can find Amy enjoying life in Towson alongside her husband Ben and their two kids, Asher and Lilah.

FUN FACT:
Amy enjoys planning and celebrating holidays and special days.

agoldberg@thejewishnetwork.org

Martha Goodman (She/her)

Coordinator, Disability Resources

Martha is our remarkable information broker who goes above and beyond to support families with children who have disabilities, with resources both within and beyond the Jewish community. With a degree in Political Science from Drew University, Martha uses her advocacy and research skills to help families navigate complex systems. She also serves on the Kodem Kol Advisory Panel (for infants and toddlers), the Special Education State Advisory Council, and the Educational Advocacy Coalition.

FUN FACT:
Martha is about to be an empty nester for at least for the year which will leave more time for reading, waterhiking, baking, and closed captioning projects.

mdsnap@thejewishnetwork.org

Kate Kirby (She/her)

Associate, Partnerships

Kate is our go-to for helping individuals find the perfect volunteer opportunity! She expertly connects you with direct service options and maintains our partnerships with schools and non-profits. With a B.S. in Family and Human Services from Towson University, along with a minor in Psychology, Kate’s background as a maternal-child health home visitor at the Family Tree in Baltimore City brings invaluable insights to her role.

FUN FACT:
Kate is originally from the Philadelphia suburbs, speaks Spanish, and is always looking for a new book recommendation.

kkirby@thejewishnetwork.org

Abigail Malischostak (She/her)

Director, Operations and Strategy

Abigail is a driving force behind the Jewish Connection Network, ensuring our goals and mission come to life through daily operations, future planning, and partnerships. Abigail studied Religion and Education at Carleton College in Minnesota. She then ventured into two years of AmeriCorps service before earning her Masters in Social Work and Jewish Studies through the Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary.

FUN FACT:
Abigail lives next door to her parents (can you say “free child care!”) and loves to listen to audio books.

amalis@thejewishnetwork.org

Rachel Pototsky (She/her)

Senior Associate, Family Experiences

Rachel is your go-to partner in parenthood! She offers support for parents with children from pre-birth through 12 years old. Plus, she oversees PJ Library for the Baltimore area. Rachel earned her Associates degree from the Community College of Baltimore County. Currently, she’s pursuing her Bachelors degree at the University of Notre Dame of Maryland. When she’s not working, you can find Rachel playing with her kids, enjoying some online shopping, or diving into as many books as she can get her hands on.

FUN FACT:
Rachel can wiggle her ears

rpototsky@thejewishnetwork.org

Maian Rahvalschi (She/her)

JAFI Senior Community Shlicha

Maian brings the magic of Israel right to Baltimore, creating opportunities for everyone to experience the wonders of the Holy Land up close. Armed with a B.Ed. in informal education and a teaching certificate in Jewish Studies from Beit Berl College in Israel, as well as an M.A. in Israel Education from George Washington University, she’s all about making Israel come alive for you!

FUN FACT:
Maian is a geek at heart, loving everything Harry Potter, superheroes, and more. She is Argentinian, so feel free to say Hola!

mrahvalschi@thejewishnetwork.org

Abbi Sacks (She/her)

Administrative Assistant

Abbi is the first friendly face that greets you when you step into our office! As a valuable member of our support team, Abbi keeps our program supplies in check and ensures that our office runs like a well-oiled machine. Abbi received her Bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University in Human Development and Family Studies. After graduation, Abbi worked in Special Education for 3 years at Kennedy Krieger Institute.

FUN FACT:
Abbi was born and raised in Baltimore but loves to travel and try new restaurants.

asacks@thejewishnetwork.org

Jodi Teitelman (She/her)

Program Associate, Jewish and Volunteer Experiences

Jodi is our coordinator for incredible Jewish and volunteer experiences that leave a lasting impact. She’s all about making sure that everyone gets to engage in meaningful service and connect with fellow participants. Jodi earned her Bachelors in Family and Human Services from Towson University, and later continued with a Masters in Leadership in Jewish Education and Communal Service from the Baltimore Hebrew Institute. She is excited to be representing the Network as she joins the second cohort of the Catalyst Fellowship through the Jewish Federations of North America and Repair the World.

FUN FACT:
Jodi loves to share that she is a Baltimore transplant, originally hailing from West Hartford, CT.

jteitelman@thejewishnetwork.org

Rachel Turniansky (She/her)

Director, Disability and Inclusion

Rachel is our dedicated team member who’s all about making sure that everyone, no matter their abilities, can fully engage in Jewish life. She’s not just an advocate; she’s a believer in creating a truly inclusive environment for all. Rachel has Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Language from Long Island University and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Gallaudet University. When she’s not championing inclusivity, you’ll find her enjoying quality time with her family, and crafting up a storm with sewing and crochet projects.

FUN FACT:
Rachel enjoys listening to podcasts while taking her 115 lb dog on long walks.

rturniansky@thejewishnetwork.org

Dazia Wallerson (She/her)

Database Administrator

Dazia is our go to for all things data! She supports our operations by conducting best data hygiene practices and managing long-term data development to aid the growth of our engagement work. Dazia holds a B.S. in Social Work from the University at Albany and continued her graduate studies at Texas Christian University. Her previous experiences as a database administrator have helped sharpen her skills to assess the needs of Baltimore’s technology ecosystem.

FUN FACT:
Dazia is a devout foodie. She has a running list of 200+ restaurants to try in Baltimore!

dwallerson@thejewishnetwork.org

Laura Wilson (She/her)

Executive Assistant

Laura is the powerhouse behind the scenes who keeps our gears turning smoothly. With her knack for project management and a touch of content creation magic, she’s the ultimate multitasker. Laura earned her Bachelor’s degree from George Mason in Fairfax, VA, and then followed her passion into early childhood education for five rewarding years. Now, she’s our dedicated remote team member all the way in Dallas, TX, where she lives with her husband and lovable dog.

FUN FACT:
Laura is an avid true-crime enthusiast. She enjoys listening to the "Crime Junkie" podcast.

lwilson@thejewishnetwork.org

Staff Members

Addie Lewis Klein (She/her)

Addie Lewis Klein (She/her)

Alli Berger (She/her)

Alli Berger (She/her)

Erica Bloom (She/her)

Erica Bloom (She/her)

Gabrielle Burger (She/her)

Gabrielle Burger (She/her)

Brenda Footer (She/her)

Brenda Footer (She/her)

Amy Goldberg (She/her)

Amy Goldberg (She/her)

Martha Goodman (She/her)

Martha Goodman (She/her)

Kate Kirby (She/her)

Kate Kirby (She/her)

Abigail Malischostak (She/her)

Abigail Malischostak (She/her)

Rachel Pototsky (She/her)

Rachel Pototsky (She/her)

Maian Rahvalschi (She/her)

Maian Rahvalschi (She/her)

Abbi Sacks (She/her)

Abbi Sacks (She/her)

Jodi Teitelman (She/her)

Jodi Teitelman (She/her)

Rachel Turniansky (She/her)

Rachel Turniansky (She/her)

Dazia Wallerson (She/her)

Dazia Wallerson (She/her)

Laura Wilson (She/her)

Laura Wilson (She/her)