Meet the Team

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

At Hillel at Miami University, we wish to include everyone. We also recognize we may not be meeting everyone’s needs. We want to hear from you. If you have an accommodation request for future programs or an accessibility concern, please let us know by emailing admin@muhillel.org or a staff member or student leader for follow up.

Staff

Whitney Fisch, Executive Director

She/Her/Hers

Whitney started her career in Jewish communal work in 2003 as the Director of Jewish Student Life at the University of Georgia and moved to Chicago in 2004 to begin work as the Graduate and Young Professional Program Director for the Hillels of Illinois. During her time as a Hillel professional, she was able to take advantage of living and learning in Israel for a summer through Hillel’s partnership with the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies.

Upon completion of her year at Pardes, Whitney was back in Ann Arbor as a Master’s student at the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work. Whitney's studies focused on community organizing with children and youth and she subsequently spent the last 10 years working in Jewish day schools as a school counselor and education administrator. Before taking on her role at Hillel at Miami University, Whitney was the Director of Health and Wellness at Milken Community Schools in Los Angeles. Her personal and professional goals in life have always led from the proactive--she wants to create structures, programs, and systems that allow young people to not only survive but to thrive and she wants to do so while role modeling the leadership and thoughtful communication that she hopes to cultivate in the young people she serves. 

Whitney is currently living in Blue Ash, OH with her husband, three young children, and their dog, George Shmulick. During her free time, she loves cooking, eating, hiking, reading and drinking copious amounts of coffee. 

Whitneyf@muhillel.org

Diane Morgan, Operations Manager

She/Her/Hers

Diane joins the Hillel at Miami University team bringing a diverse career in marketing, sales and management. She started her college education at the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati studying broadcasting, then transferring to Wilmington College of Ohio where she received her B.A. in Business Administration. Diane not only attended Wilmington as a student but also worked there while completing her education. After graduating, Diane’s career path took her into various industries including publishing, technology and manufacturing. Her most recent career was as sales manager for a large greeting card company. Over the last two years, Diane stepped away from her career to become a caregiver. Taking care of others is something that Diane is passionate about and believes is what connects us all. 

Nothing is more important to Diane than her family and friends. She and her husband John have been married for over 25 years and are parents to their amazing daughters Delaney and Izzy. Delaney and her husband Johnny have two beautiful daughters, Calliope and Oakleigh. Being a mom and a grandma brings Diane tremendous joy. 

In addition to spending time with her family, Diane enjoys attending concerts, doing yoga and swimming. Diane loves to try new things, learn new things and is always up for an adventure. 

dianem@muhillel.org

Tess Cohan, Engagement Associate

She/Her/Hers

Growing up in the suburbs of Boston, Tess has always been immersed in a vibrant Jewish community. She graduated from the University of Kansas in 2020 with a Sociology and Jewish Studies degree. After graduation, Tess completed the Springboard Fellowship at the University of Iowa, where she was promoted to Engagement Manager.

In June 2023, Tess and her fiancé, Steven, relocated to Cincinnati for his job. In addition to helping out at Hillel, Tess works at the Seven Hills School as their Director of Alumni Engagement. Together, she and Steven run the Moishe Pod in Cincinnati.

Tess enjoys exploring Cincinnati, catching up with friends, and trying out new restaurants in her free time. 

tessc@muhillel.org

Devra Sadler, Assistant Director

She/Her/Hers

Devra has always been proud to come from a long line of Jewish leaders in Youngstown, Ohio. From a young age she was active in her Jewish community through BBYO, working at JCC Day Camp, and being involved in her synagogue. During her college years at the University of Cincinnati, she was an active member of Hillel and advisor of the local BBG chapter. It was during this time that Devra was inspired to give back to the Jewish community and decided to pursue a career as a Jewish communal professional. 

In 2015, shortly after graduation, Devra moved to Savannah, Georgia where she became the Community Engagement Coordinator at the Savannah Jewish Federation. She worked in a variety of programmatic areas designing unique Jewish experiences for PJ Library, BBYO, and SCAD Hillel students. She became passionate about connecting individuals to Jewish experiences and helping them along their Jewish journeys.

In 2018, Devra moved back to Cincinnati to work at the Mayerson JCC as the Manager of Youth, Family, & Jewish Life. While working at the JCC, she completed her master’s degree in Jewish Professional Studies from the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning & Leadership. Devra is excited to join the Hillel at Miami University team and help create a welcoming space for students to meet, engage, and foster a love of Judaism.

In her free time, Devra enjoys shopping, baking, watching the latest Netflix shows, and spending time her husband, Scott, and their dog, Zev.

Devras@muhillel.org

Amir Smerling, Israel Fellow

He/Him/His

Amir Smerling was born in Netanya and grew up in Midrakh Oz, a village in northern Israel. Both of his parents made Aliyah, his mother from the Soviet Union, and his father from Argentina.

As a teenager, he was an active member of HaShomer HaTzair in Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmek, where he created activities and led the video and communication team.

During his military service, Amir served under the artillery forces and, later, participated in the War of October 7th under his reserve battalion.

Amir later enrolled in the Steve Tisch Film School at Tel Aviv University, where he practiced mainly as a film producer but also as a writer, director, actor, and editor.During his studies, he worked at the Israeli Public Broadcasting Service.

He also partnered with the Perach scholarship as a private tutor for children of families with financial problems and the Tozeret HaAretz scholarship as a volunteer who helped manage a community center in a challenging neighborhood.

His experience with the global Jewish community derives from his time in HaShomer HaTzair, his family, and his enthusiastic approach to people, which led him to establish connections with individuals around the world.

Amir speaks Hebrew, English, Spanish, Russian, and German, and he plays Guitar and drums in his free time. He is excited to begin his first year as a Jewish Agency Israel Fellow at Hillel at Miami University and share his love for film and culture with the students.

amirs@muhillel.org

Megan Rubenstein, Campus Marketing & Development Manager

She/Her/Hers

Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, Megan joins the Hillel at Miami team as the Marketing and Development Manager through Hillel International. This role combines her strong marketing background and her love for Jewish community work.

Megan graduated from the University of Missouri Journalism School in 2022, where she interned for NBCUniversal, worked as a writing tutor, and served on the executive board of the student television station. She was also a Marketing Intern for her campus, Hillel. Upon graduating, Megan worked in consulting before joining Hillel, where she assists WashU Hillel, Cincinnati Hillel, and Hillel at Miami with their communications and digital fundraising efforts.

Involvement in the Jewish community has always been a significant part of Megan’s life. Years of attending and working at summer camp, participating in and leading youth group events, working as a religious school teacher, and even writing for a Jewish newspaper have all cultivated a passion for the Jewish community, and she is excited to take her passion to the next level by working for Hillel!

mrubenstein@hillel.org

Equal Opportunity Employment

Hillel at Miami is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all applicants and employees in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. No applicant or employee will be denied opportunities for employment or advancement because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, unfavorable discharge from military service, disability, or other protected status in accordance with those laws.

 

Student Leadership

Hillel at Miami University provides a number of leadership opportunities for students during their time on campus.

Hillel: Association of Jewish Students (AJS)

Hillel: AJS is a registered student organization on campus. Students volunteer to serve on an executive committee that works closely with Hillel staff and student interns to serve the entire Jewish student body and create a warm and welcoming community for all. Staff serve as off-campus advisors to this organization.

Student Leadership

Hillel student leaders learn about the dynamics of a Jewish non-profit, assist with program planning and implementation, and develop their leadership skills. They work directly with our Assistant Director and Engagement Associate, and are supported by all professional staff to create a vibrant Jewish community on campus.

 

Hillel Board

Amanda Myers ‘27

President

She/Her/Hers

Amanda is a sophomore majoring in Speech and Language Pathology and Audiology from Cincinnati, Ohio. Her involvement within her Jewish community grew in high school when she began developing an appreciation for her heritage. Since starting at Miami, Amanda has grown in her love for all things Jewish through an internship she gained at Hillel, which has grown into a community beyond what she could ever imagine. Amanda enjoys spending time with loved ones, cooking, sustainable fashion, and running in her free time.

Jacob Pinder ’26

Vice President

He/Him/His

Jacob is a junior studying accountancy and entrepreneurship from Gurnee, Illinois. He is delighted to be Vice President of Hillel and is excited to make a meaningful impact. As a camper and staff member, he has spent 11 summers at a Jewish summer camp. Jacob spends time gardening, reading, and being outdoors outside of school. He is excited to enter a new role, starting as an engagement intern last school year. Jacob is looking forward to a wonderful year together!

Andrew Goldberg ‘26

Treasurer

He/Him/His

Andrew is a Junior from St. Louis, Missouri. He is majoring in Data Science and Statistics and minoring in Computer Science. He is also doing a combined program for a master's degree in Statistics. Outside of Hillel, Andrew is involved with Miami Metrics, where he serves as Vice President, and the Honors Student Advisory Board, where he is on the Professional Development Team. Andrew has spent four years as a religious school teacher and two summers as a Jewish summer camp counselor. He also grew up in NFTY, serving on his Temple's board. Andrew loves camping, hanging out with friends, and music. He is extremely excited for the upcoming year!

Student Leaders

Gavi Bernstein ‘26

VP of Social Programming

She/Her/Hers

Gavi is a Junior Classics major with a Pre-Med co-major from Cincinnati, Ohio. She is excited to make meaningful and lasting connections with other Jewish students through Hillel. Outside of Hillel, Gavi is involved in Ski Club and is on the board of Olami. She spends most of her time reading and studying with friends.

 

Jenna Cumbers ‘25

Engagement Intern

She/Her/Hers

Jenna is a senior chemistry major from Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to her involvement with the Hillel, Jenna is involved with the Miami Chemical Society (MCS) and is an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Rusinek’s electroanalytical chemistry lab. In her free time, Jenna loves reading YA novels, re-watching Star Wars, cheering for the Vegas Golden Knights, and advocating for gender equality in STEM. As someone from a non-traditional Jewish background, she is excited to reach out to Jewish students from all walks of life and create a welcoming environment at the Hillel. She is very excited to join the Hillel family!

 

Halle Rochman ‘27

Engagement Intern

She/Her/Hers

Halle is a sophomore from Ann Arbor, MI. She is studying Medical Laboratory Sciences. In addition to being part of Hillel, she is also on the rowing team! Growing up, Halle went to Jewish sleep-away camp in the summers and was a part of BBYO! Halle loves being outside, snowboarding, traveling, reading, and going out with friends! She is super excited for this year!!

Dylan Kay ‘26

VP of Greek Life

He/Him/His

Dylan is a junior from Beachwood, Ohio, studying marketing with a minor in sports leadership and management. Outside of Hillel, He is involved in the MML business club, where he is the VP of marketing, is in Greek Life, and works at Brick Street Bar. In his youth, he attended a seven-year Jewish sleepaway camp and BBYO Inc. for five years, where he held many leadership roles. He likes hanging out with friends, playing poker, and working out in his free time. Dylan is excited to be a Hillel leader this school year and help develop more Greek relations.

 

Nathan Harris ’25

Social Media and Marketing Intern

He/Him/His

Nathan is a senior at Miami University, majoring in Emerging Technology in Business and Design with a minor in Entrepreneurship.  He is from Cincinnati, Ohio, and is excited to learn more about Jewish Heritage and make lasting connections with fellow Hillel members! Outside of Hillel, Nathan is involved in many extracurriculars with Miami sports and picking up side gigs to expand his portfolio. He spends most of his time hanging out with friends or studying for school.

 

Board of Directors

Patty Rubin, ‘79, Board Chair
Gerry Korkin, Immediate Past President
Marc Rubin, former Dean of Miami University’s Farmer School of Business, Treasurer
Ruth Engel, Secretary
Jeff Blumental, ‘06
Andrea Abrams
Rabbi Josh Brown, ‘02
Walter Frank, ‘59
Cindy Ginsberg
Julie Glazer, ‘82
Rachel Hillman
Jeff Lazarus, ‘02
Dr. Jenna Kamrass Morvay
Christopher (Chaim) Harrison, ‘13
Karin Goitman, ‘15
Bernie Reiss
Cydney Topaz, ‘99



Meet Rachel Marchese:

The Director of Cincy Internships

Email: rmarchese@jvscareers.org

Rachel Marchese is the Director of Cincy Internships and College Scholarship Coordinator at JVS Careers. Her role includes managing the Cincy Internships program and Workum Internship. As well as helping students secure internships and real-world experiences that will advance their careers and sense of community. She also helps students through JVS’s HILB scholarship program.

Rachel, a Cincinnati native, brings years of experience working with Jewish nonprofit organizations. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Public Communication from Kent State University and after graduating was the Springboard Innovation Fellow with Brandeis University Hillel in Waltham, Massachusetts where she was trained in Design Thinking methodology and developed creative redesign for student engagement. After returning to Cincinnati, she joined the JVS team in 2021 as the Talent Acquisition and Program Coordinator. She is a passionate community builder who brings expertise in relationship building, communication, marketing, and student engagement.

Rachel likes to spend her free time strength training, spending time with her fox terrier-mix Sam and her partner DeVon, and hanging out in Cincinnati’s coolest neighborhood, Northside.

But Enough About Us.

Come visit us and find out what makes our community special.