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
Sarah Shmoel, Executive Director
She/Her/Hers
Sarah Shmoel, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, is a graduate of Ohio University, where her passion for Jewish engagement first developed during her time as a student intern at Hillel.
After college, Sarah spent time at Tel Aviv University’s Hillel as part of an internship program, before returning to Cincinnati to begin her career with Cincinnati Hillel. Sarah later pursued a master’s degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Miami University.
Upon completing her studies, she returned to Cincinnati to begin her tenure at Rockwern Academy. With a strong background in student affairs, organizational leadership, fundraising, and community relations, Sarah is thrilled to return to Hillel.
Outside of her professional work, Sarah enjoys hiking, pickleball, and spending quality time with her two children, husband, and dog.
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.
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!
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 enjoys being a part of the Hillel at Miami University team and where she can 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, son, and their dog, Zev.
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.
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.
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.
Alli Becker ‘28
VP of Israel Affairs
She/Her/Hers
Alli is a freshman, double majoring in Biochemistry and Pre-med, with a minor in Spanish. She is from Dayton, Ohio, and was very involved with BBYO in high school. She loves helping others find their Jewish community and is excited to be on the Va'ad, where she can impact the Jewish community at Miami University! Outside of Hillel, Alli is part of the Miami Dance Corps and Miami Chemical Society. She also loves to read and listen to music.
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!
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.
Addison Claridge ‘28
VP of Community Service
She/Her/Hers
Addison is a freshman majoring in architecture at Miami. Originally from Houston, TX, she spent her summers at a Jewish summer camp and was an active member and leader of her BBYO chapter. Since arriving on campus, Addison has connected more deeply to her Jewish heritage through Hillel. Outside of Jewish Life, she enjoys connecting with students as the freshman representative of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). She is excited to meet and engage with more Jewish students at Miami University.
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!!
Mira Feingold ‘28
VP of Jewish Life
She/Her/Hers
Mira is a freshman double major in Human Capital Management and Leadership and Psychology. She is from Denver, Colorado, and was heavily involved in her Jewish community back home, serving as the BBYO Rocky Mountain Region's Regional President during her senior year. Mira is thrilled to continue her leadership journey, bringing joy and strength to the Jewish community at Miami University. Mira enjoys spending time with family, being outside, and working out in her free time.
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
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.