Connect with a PJ Library Parent or Grandparent in Your Community!

Angelica lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their two-year-old daughter.  Angelica is excited to be a PJ Library Connector in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. She is currently completing her Master’s in Psychology and Education with a focus on spirituality at Teachers College at Columbia University, with a goal to apply her degree in working with new mothers and families during this huge transition in their lives. Angelica enjoys connecting with people and has experience managing community events and partnerships across the NYC area. Angelica is passionate about education, food justice, childhood development, Jewish rituals and mindfulness practices. She is looking forward to connecting with local families and bringing PJ Library to these different communities. Please feel free to reach out to say hi! 

Anna is a highly respected educator and accomplished writer, also serving as a key leader in the parent liaison team her local JCC. With over ten years of experience in the field, she has dedicated her career to fostering effective communication and engagement within the educational community. Her ability to build strong relationships between parents and the institution has been instrumental in creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all. A strong advocate for the importance of creativity in education, Anna believes that nurturing creativity is essential for developing well-rounded and innovative thinkers. She integrates creative approaches into her work, encouraging both students and parents to embrace imaginative solutions and perspectives. Based in Brooklyn, Anna is also a devoted mother of three. Her commitment to communication and creativity extends beyond her professional role, as she continually seeks to inspire and support her children on their own journeys toward personal growth.

Anya is the Parent Connector for Staten Island, where she resides with her husband, three kids (18, 16 and 3.5), and their dog. She's lived on SI for the last 20+ years, building community connections and sending her kids to JCC camps. Anya is a book lover and runs a small bookstore/subscription library on the island. Anya enjoys gathering parents outdoors for walks, playground dates, and building sandcastles on the beach. Anya is looking forward to meeting you and your families on Staten Island, building up the community, and sharing useful information about everything SI-related and beyond!

Carrie (she/her) lives in Bedford, Westchester County with her husband and three children (ages 4, 6, & 9). She is an active volunteer at her temple and children's schools. Carrie loves spending time outdoors, getting together with friends, being creative, exercising, and cooking. Having grown up in Westchester, and having always been involved in the Jewish community, she is excited to continue her PJ Library Connector work as a Mentor to the Connector team!

A former Brooklynite, Dina (she/her) lives in Staten Island with her husband, toddler, and dog. They all enjoy exploring the Island’s cultural offerings, food scene, and nature. She is looking forward to sharing what Staten Island has to offer by connecting families through Jewish joy and, of course, PJ Library books!

Elyse is the very proud mother of one daughter and grandmother of one granddaughter. She lives in the beautiful community of Northport on the North Shore of Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. She is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and works in a local school district and in a private clinical practice setting.  Elyse has been very active in leadership for many years at her synagogue and presently serves as the Vice President of Education. She enjoys traveling, cooking, kayaking and various crafts. Lately, she has been learning Yiddish online and wants to learn to play the guitar. Elyse is excited about this opportunity to support Jewish grandparents and  families.  She believes that through engagement in grandparent focused activities and inter-generational experiences we can give our very precious little ones a head start by helping to create a community for them which values meaningful Jewish connections across the lifespan.

Galit (she/her) lives in New Rochelle with her husband and two-year-old son. Before moving to New Rochelle, Galit lived in Manhattan and founded sightseenyc.us, working as a licensed tour guide for the Museum of the American Gangster, the New York Adventure Club, and Inside Out Tours, among others. She is now loving Westchester living and meeting and connecting with other local families. You can catch her trying to juggle three languages in her household (English, Hebrew, and Greek), singing songs unnecessarily elaborately from her toddler's baby gym class, and being an excellent wing-woman for parents looking to meet other parents. She is thrilled to be starting as a Connector and is so excited to meet you at what are to be super fun events! Feel free to share ideas -- she can't wait to see you soon!

Hailey lives in Merrick with her husband, three boys (ages 2. 4 and 6), and dog. She is taking time off from teaching high school Earth Science and loves transforming her passion for teaching into hands-on learning with her children. Hailey enjoys crafting, traveling, charcuterie boards, and spending time with family and friends. She has been involved in Jewish programming for years and is excited to do so through a parenting lens and build community locally with PJ Library!

Harriet is a teacher by day and mom of two by day and night. Harriet lives in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn in a tiny but perfect apartment with her husband and two kids, ages 4 & 6. She loves enjoying all that her neighborhood has to offer, and also enjoys cooking and baking, skiing in winter, and sitting on the beach in summer. She also loves to travel and share her experiences and advice to anyone who wants to hear it! As a part of a JoC/Sephardic/Interfaith family, her children have enjoyed exploring their various identities using PJ Library books and look forward to making friends in the neighborhood and larger Brooklyn community.

Ilana (she/her) is a PJ Library Parent Connector for the Upper East Side and LGBTQ+ families in New York City. She resides on the Upper East Side with her wife Madeleine and their three-year-old son, Rocco. Ilana is a residential real estate broker, helping New Yorkers navigate the city's unique property market. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exploring new restaurants, entertaining friends and family, and cheering on the New York Knicks. As a Parent Connector, Ilana is excited to organize engaging events and foster meaningful connections with fellow Jewish parents and families, both on the Upper East Side and within the LGBTQ community across the city.

Jamie (she/her) is a PJ Library Parent Connector for Brooklyn Heights and, in the summer, for families spending time in the Hamptons. She resides in Brooklyn Heights with her husband Matt and almost three-year-old daughter Sydney. During the summer she spends a lot of her time in Bridgehampton with Sydney’s grandparents. Jamie is a patent litigation attorney, and in her free time, she enjoys traveling and going on adventures with her family. Jamie is very excited to connect with other families with young children in Brooklyn this year and the Hamptons this summer and looks forward to planning many fun outings and activities for the kids! 

Jenn (she/her) lives in Cortlandt Manor with her husband and two children (ages 2 & 4). Growing up she was always involved with Jewish organizations and is looking forward to bringing PJ Library to the area. She enjoys traveling, exercising, getting together with friends, and baking. She enjoys setting up play groups with her children's schools and volunteering for class activities.  Please feel free to reach out to join or suggest an event, or to say hi. She is looking forward to connecting!

Joanna is a mom of two boys (4 and 6) living in Astoria, Queens for the past 16 years. She's excited to continue to build the PJ Library community in Western Queens and meet new families. She also works in photo production and loves putting on a fun event!

Joy (she/her) moved to Plainview, NY over the summer after living in Great Neck for 21 years. Joy lives with her husband, three girls (7,5,1) and dog (2). During the day, Joy works as a Jewish communal professional in Long Island. Joy is excited to combine both her love for building Jewish community and bringing people together in her new role as a PJ Library Parent Connector. Joy is excited to meet people in Plainview and build friendships! In Joy’s free time, you can find her at a new coffee spot, at the library with her girls or at the park. Joy is looking forward to connecting and hearing different perspectives about raising Jewish Children on Long Island! 

Lauren (She / Her) lives in Brooklyn Heights with her husband and two-year-old daughter. She holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and currently oversees the HR function at a dynamic startup. Passionate about traveling, music, the beach, and animals, she is excited to deepen her involvement with the PJ Library network and contribute to building an inclusive local community.

Liz is proud to lead the incredible New York Parent Connector team as PJ Library's Family Engagement Manager. She started with PJ Library as a Parent Connector in Westchester and has been with the organization for over four years. Liz and her husband are the proud parents of three energetic PJ Library kids. When not parenting or working, Liz serves as President of her local Library Friends group and on her synagogue's Board of Trustees.

Marcie is the proud full-time Nana to her grandson, Cody. She moved to the Hudson Valley eight years ago. After retiring from her position as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Marcie became a full-time caregiver for her grandson and PJ Library in New York’s inaugural Grandparent Connector. Marcie serves on the board of End-of-Life Choices New York as well as the Putnam County Services Board. Marcie grew up in a Conservative Jewish home and has always maintained a connection with the Jewish community. Marcie enjoys spending time with family and friends and loves theater. Marcie looks forward to bringing grandparents and their grandchildren together and supporting grandparents throughout the Westchester County area.

Marisa (she/her) lives in downtown Manhattan with her husband and two young daughters, ages 1 and 3. She has been an elementary school teacher for over 14 years. On weekends, Marisa enjoys finding different fun activities for her family. She is excited to be a Parent Connector and looks forward to meeting other families who live in the area. 

Originally from the Philadelphia area, Matt is the grandson of a Conservative rabbi (z'l) who taught Matt just how much enjoyment you can get studying our Torah. Also, reading Jewish children's books illustrated by a cousin, Matt brings his love of Jewish children's books to his Jewish journey across Long Island. Matt is a paralegal, was active in USY and attended Camp Ramah in the Poconos as a teenager, and now is a board member of Temple Israel of Great Neck. When he isn't in the office in Manhattan or at home in Great Neck, Matt enjoys sports, a steaming cup of coffee with a slice of chocolate babka or ruggelach (or even both!), comedy, and spending time with his wife Ava, daughters Harper and Shayna, and dog Fudge.

Melanie (she/her) lives in Ossining with her husband and two children (1.5 y/o son & newborn daughter). She is the Director of Refugee Resettlement and Legal Services for Jewish Family Services of Greenwich and is involved with many local Jewish organizations throughout Westchester County. She is looking forward to connecting with local families and bringing PJ Library to the area. Please feel free to reach out to join or suggest an event, or to say hi. She is always up for a coffee, stroller walk or play date at the park!

Michael is a new parent and recent transplant to Riverdale, NY. He loves the PJ Library program and is looking forward to connecting with other parents in the area. Growing up Michael attended Jewish summer camp and felt deeply connected to the community he met there.

Michelle Dinenberg lives in Chappaqua, NY and is the proud mom of her daughter, Ayla (age 10) and son, Charlie (age 7). She is an active volunteer for UJA of Northern Westchester, Chappaqua School Foundation (CSF), and on various committees at Ayla and Charlie's elementary school. Michelle enjoys working out and playing tennis. She worked as a Parent Connector for three years and is excited to return to the team to mentor the Manhattan Connectors this year.

Milene (she/her) lives in Inwood with her wife and three children (a three-year-old toddler and one-year-old twins) in a tri-lingual home. She is a Cuban Jew who lived in France for many years. She graduated as a Theatre Director and is passionate about art, creativity, and networking. She enjoys outdoor activities like bike rides, hiking, jogging, and visiting the beach with her family. Milene looks forward to gathering PJ Library families and building community in her beloved Inwood.

Natasha is the PJ Library Parent Connector for Russian-speaking parents on the South Shore of Long Island. She loves meeting new families! Some of her favorite Parent Connector activities include pumpkin painting, moms' yoga night, and her recurring Walk Club. In addition to being a Connector, she is also a pharmacist. She lives in Merrick with her husband and two active boys (ages 3 and 6) and enjoys the many outdoor activities Long Island has to offer.

Nicole (she/her) is a Jew by choice and the mom of a toddler daughter. She's lived in Astoria for 8 years, and the New York City area for over 17 years, though she's forever a Californian at heart. She's a former journalist working in advertising and an avid runner and baker. Nicole is excited to meet new families in Western Queens and continue to build the PJ Library community.

Rashel lives in Brooklyn Heights with her husband, baby boy, and their silly cat Maya. Rashel is looking forward to bringing PJ Library to the Brooklyn Heights (and BoCoCa) community. She has traveled to over 40 countries, loves taking walks around the neighborhood, trying new restaurants, cooking, exercising, and getting together with friends, old and new. Please feel free to reach out to join or suggest an event or just say hi. She is looking forward to connecting and is always up for a coffee, stroller walk or play date!

Rebecca (she/her) is a PJ Library Parent Connector for families in Brooklyn. She lives with her husband, and 2 year old daughter in Cobble Hill Brooklyn, and spends her summers in Sag Harbor. She is a professional dancer and Pilates Instructor/Pilates Teacher Trainer. She is a proud granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, and feels very strongly about being involved in her local Jewish community. She cannot wait to connect with more PJ families in Brooklyn and beyond!

Roni is the PJ Library Parent Connector for Israeli/Hebrew-speaking families in Brooklyn. She lives in Bay Ridge with her husband and two daughters (2yo and 6 yo). Roni moved to the U.S 22 years ago from Israel and been living in Bay Ridge for the past 15 years, where she teaches Hebrew at her local synagogue to 5-6 year olds, who love reading PJ Library books in class!

In her free time Roni loves working out and doing art projects with her kids. She is very excited to be part of the PJ Library team and is looking forward to meeting other Israeli families in Brooklyn!

Roz lives on the Upper West Side with her husband and 3-year-old daughter. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Roz has lived in New York City since 2008. She loves all the wonderful options available to families in the neighborhood, especially the parks, playgrounds and museums. She especially enjoys the free concerts and events during the summertime. Please reach out to suggest an event or just say hello. She is looking forward to connecting!

Sam (she/her) lives in Edgemont with her husband and toddler son. She grew up in the Reform Jewish community, and spent much of her career working in digital marketing for Jewish non-profits. She is also a content creator with a focus on fashion, lifestyle, and of course, motherhood. Sam loves to read and spend time outdoors. She is new to the area and so excited to connect with other parents who love PJ Library!

Sam (she/her) is excited to be part of the PJ Library family. She is a mom of a toddler, dog mom of three, and wife living in Forest Hills, NY. Originally from Long Island, she loves to spend the summer out there traveling to Montauk and the Hamptons frequently. 

During the school year, Sam is a teacher and family yoga instructor for both kids and adults. Throughout the year, Sam loves to be outdoors, go on day trips with her family, art projects, and dance parties.

Sam is excited to meet you and plan fun, engaging activities for you and your family.

Shana (she/her) lives in Greenpoint, Brooklyn with her husband, toddler daughter, and their Jack Russell terrier. She is a music therapist and Hebrew school teacher for children of all ages. She also conducts Tot Shabbat programs in Queens and Long Island and runs her own “grown up and me” music class. She loves getting together with family and friends, cooking, traveling, exploring new places, art, music, taking walks, and being outdoors. Being a part of a Jewish community is important to her and she is excited to team up with PJ Library as a way to help other Jewish families connect together with fun outings, activities, and gatherings.

Shari (she/her) lives in Miller Place with her husband and three boys (ages 1, 4, and 7). She grew up in this area and loves everything about it! Shari and her family enjoy the beaches, parks, farms, and wineries. In her free time, she loves to paint and create photo books. Shari looks forward to play dates, holiday celebrations, crafts, and more!

Shira (she/her) lives in Port Washington, NY with her husband and two sons (ages 5 and 1). As a Speech-Language Pathologist with strong Jewish values, she is thrilled to be able to combine her love of books and bringing people together within her new role as PJ Library Parent Connecter. Shira looks forward to supporting parents raising Jewish children and gathering families throughout Port Washington and surrounding areas.

My name is Sivan and I live in Riverdale with my sweet 6 year old daughter, who gives me so much joy. I grew up in Israel and and Jewish values and traditions are very important to me. I was an officer in the Israeli army and was always involved in volunteer work. I am looking forward to connecting with fellow single parents. Together, we can create connections and strengthen our community in the neighborhood!