Sign Up! Donate

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

PJ Library Parent and Grandparent Connectors create meaningful gatherings for families with young children and serve as guides in connecting families with Jewish resources or organizations in their neighborhoods. Connectors throughout New York are planning stroller walks, baby and caregiver playgroups, parents’ nights out, holiday celebrations, and playground meetups. In addition to reading your PJ Library books at home with your family, we hope that you will join your local PJ Library Parent Connector for a gathering soon!

We are hiring Connectors for the 2026-27 cohort. Details here!

If your neighborhood community or affinity group is not currently represented and you would like to organize a gathering in your neighborhood with our support, please contact Liz Mueller (she/her), Family Engagement Manager, PJ Library in New York. 

We are grateful to UJA-Federation of New York for their support of the PJ Library Parent Connector program.

Angelica R.

Brooklyn
Crown Heights
Prospect Heights
About Contact
Angelica R.
Brooklyn
Crown Heights
Prospect Heights
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! 
Close Contact

Anya M.

Staten Island, Brooklyn, RSJ Lead
Russian-Speaking Families
About Contact
Anya M.
Staten Island, Brooklyn, RSJ Lead
Russian-Speaking Families
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!
Close Contact

Avery H.

Queens
Long Island City
LGBTQ+ Families
Spanish-speaking families
About Contact
Avery H.
Queens
Long Island City
LGBTQ+ Families
Spanish-speaking families
Avery (he/him/his) was born in New York City and currently lives in Queens with his wife and daughter.  He is a first generation Nuyorican and the first in his family to graduate college, where he obtained a degree in psychology with a concentration in Neuropsychology. He is a former parent coach, where he worked with parents of foster children to help them learn bio-behavioral catchup.  

Avery now works at the Translatinx Network, where he serves HIV positive clients. He enjoys spending time with his family, taking walks, hiking and traveling. Avery is consistently attempting to learn something new and loves the arts, languages, and music. Currently he is in the pursuit of improving his French and Greek skills and as a hobby attempting to learn the dead language of his people, the Taino Arawaks (Borikenaiki).
Close Contact

Courtney F.

Suffolk County
Huntington
About Contact
Courtney F.
Suffolk County
Huntington
Hi, I’m Courtney—a mom of three, a wife, and a teacher. I’m a lifelong learner with a deep love for reading, and in my free time, you can usually find me with my family, trying out new recipes, or soaking up the sun at the beach. I’m so excited to spread the word about PJ Library and their incredible program that brings the joy of Jewish stories into homes like mine!
Close Contact

Danielle M.

Nassau County
Summer Vacation Connector, Long Beach
About Contact
Danielle M.
Nassau County
Summer Vacation Connector, Long Beach
Danielle Mussafi lives in Long Beach, NY with her husband and two young sons (7 and 1.5). She is an early childhood educator with over a decade of experience in play-based and Jewish preschool settings, and holds additional certifications in kids’ yoga, mindfulness, and newborn care. Danielle is passionate about supporting families with young children, helping them cut through the noise to find calm, connection, and joy in the everyday.  
She is half-Israeli and deeply values her familial and cultural connection to the land and people. In her free time, she loves to read, write, take long meandering walks, and hunt for treasures at local thrift stores. She’s thrilled to be a PJ Library Parent Connector and can’t wait to build community by the beach this year!
Close Contact

Dina G.

Staten Island
Russian-speaking families
About Contact
Dina G.
Staten Island
Russian-speaking families
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!
Close Contact

Dori R.

Manhattan
Upper East Side
About Contact
Dori R.
Manhattan
Upper East Side
Dori (she/her) is so excited to be a PJ Library Connector for the Upper East Side of Manhattan as the lucky mom of her 9-month-old daughter! Dori works as the Director of NY Student Programs at Exploring the Arts, an organization that supports arts education in high schools across New York City and Los Angeles/Pasadena. She earned her degree in Human Services from the University of Delaware, focusing on children, families, and communities, and went on to study clinical social work at the Graduate School of Social Work at Touro College. She is on the Associate Board of SCOPE (Summer Camp Opportunities Promote Education).
Close Contact

Elyse P.

Suffolk County
Grandparent Connector
About Contact
Elyse P.
Suffolk County
Grandparent Connector
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.
Close Contact

Galit T.

Westchester
New Rochelle/Soundshore
Hebrew-Speaking Families
Westchester and Bronx Connector Mentor
About Contact
Galit T.
Westchester
New Rochelle/Soundshore
Hebrew-Speaking Families
Westchester and Bronx Connector Mentor
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!
Close Contact

Harriet R.

Brooklyn
Prospect Heights
Summer Vacation Connector, Rockaways
Sephardic and Multi-racial families
About Contact
Harriet R.
Brooklyn
Prospect Heights
Summer Vacation Connector, Rockaways
Sephardic and Multi-racial families
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.
Close Contact

Jamie K.

Brooklyn
Brooklyn Heights
About Contact
Jamie K.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Heights
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! 
Close Contact

Jenn F.

Westchester
Cortlandt Manor
About Contact
Jenn F.
Westchester
Cortlandt Manor

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!

Close Contact

Joy A.

Nassau County
Plainview
About Contact
Joy A.
Nassau County
Plainview
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! 
Close Contact

Judy & Larry M.

Suffolk County
Summer Vacation Connector, Hamptons
Grandparent Connectors
About Contact
Judy & Larry M.
Suffolk County
Summer Vacation Connector, Hamptons
Grandparent Connectors
Judy and Larry are the proud grandparents of three grandchildren.

Both Judy and Larry are attorneys who retired to the East End of Long Island after several years in Washington, DC and Boston. They grew up in Jewish homes where celebrating the holidays was a special experience. They enjoy traveling, skiing, bicycle riding, kayaking and swimming.

Judy and Larry look forward to bringing grandparents and grandchildren, living in the Westhampton, Southampton and Quogue areas together, during the summer months as grandparent connectors. Please feel free to reach out to say hello or suggest an event.
Close Contact

Lauren B.

Brooklyn
DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights
About Contact
Lauren B.
Brooklyn
DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights
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.
Close Contact

Liz M.

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
PJ LIBRARY IN NY
About Contact
Liz M.
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
PJ LIBRARY IN NY
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 in 2019. Liz and her husband are the proud parents of three energetic PJ Our Way and alumni tweens and teens. When not parenting or working, Liz serves as President of her local Library Friends group and as Membership VP of her synagogue's Board of Trustees, in addition to being an active volunteer at her kids' schools. Liz is passionate about supporting and connecting families raising young children.
Close Contact

Marcie C.

Westchester
Grandparent Connector
About Contact
Marcie C.
Westchester
Grandparent Connector
Marcie Colon is the proud full-time Nana to her grandson, Cody. She moved to the Hudson Valley ten 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.
Close Contact

Marisa S.

Manhattan
Stuytown
About Contact
Marisa S.
Manhattan
Stuytown
Marisa (she/her) lives in Stuytown with her husband, Matt, and their 17-month-old daughter, Zoey. She works as a Wholesale Director at her favorite fragrance brand and loves every moment of her career. In her free time, Marisa enjoys barre classes at the gym, attending Broadway shows (she’s seen over 60!), reading to unwind, and dancing to music with Zoey. Marisa is thrilled to be part of this program and looks forward to connecting with other families through PJ Library. Though not Jewish herself, she is passionate about embracing Judaism with her family. She especially cherishes Friday nights spent at Tot Shabbat and reading Jewish stories together at home. As a proud advocate for interfaith families, Marisa feels grateful to be welcomed into this community and is excited to share that same sense of belonging with her neighbors.
Close Contact

Melanie Z.

Westchester
Ossining
About Contact
Melanie Z.
Westchester
Ossining
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!
Close Contact

Michelle D.

Manhattan, Westchester
Bronx Mentor, CONNECTOR MENTOR
About Contact
Michelle D.
Manhattan, Westchester
Bronx Mentor, CONNECTOR MENTOR
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.
Close Contact

Milene R.

Manhattan
Inwood/Washington Heights
Spanish and French-Speaking Families
About Contact
Milene R.
Manhattan
Inwood/Washington Heights
Spanish and French-Speaking Families
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.
Close Contact

Natasha L.

Nassau County, Connector Mentor
Merrick
Russian-Speaking Families
About Contact
Natasha L.
Nassau County, Connector Mentor
Merrick
Russian-Speaking Families
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.
Close Contact

Nicole F.

Queens
Astoria
About Contact
Nicole F.
Queens
Astoria
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.
Close Contact

Rashel M.

Brooklyn
Brooklyn Heights
About Contact
Rashel M.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Heights
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!
Close Contact

Rebecca G.

Brooklyn
Cobble Hill, Summer Vacation Connector, Hamptons
About Contact
Rebecca G.
Brooklyn
Cobble Hill, Summer Vacation Connector, Hamptons
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!
Close Contact

Rebecca S.

Manhattan
Upper East Side
About Contact
Rebecca S.
Manhattan
Upper East Side
Rebecca (she/her) grew up on the Upper East Side and loves having the opportunity to raise her two children (age 5 and 1) in the same neighborhood where she was raised. Rebecca was a preschool teacher for 10 years in special education and general education settings before becoming a full-time mom. Her family celebrates quirkiness and its neurodiverse members; on the weekends they love spending time together reading, visiting museums and eating chocolate croissants. Rebecca looks forward to meeting you and your kiddos and creating an inclusive Jewish space for families to connect and have fun! Rebecca also needs help settling a year-long debate: she argues that Passover is the best holiday, but her son insists Purim takes the cake- let me know what you think!
Close Contact

Roni H.

Brooklyn
Bay Ridge
Hebrew-Speaking Families
About Contact
Roni H.
Brooklyn
Bay Ridge
Hebrew-Speaking Families
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!
Close Contact

Roz S.

Manhattan
Upper West Side
About Contact
Roz S.
Manhattan
Upper West Side
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!
Close Contact

Samantha T.

Westchester
Edgemont
About Contact
Samantha T.
Westchester
Edgemont
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!
Close Contact

Samantha W.

Queens
Forest Hills
Summer Vacation Connector, Montauk
About Contact
Samantha W.
Queens
Forest Hills
Summer Vacation Connector, Montauk
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.
Close Contact

Shana F.

Brooklyn
Greenpoint
Queens and Brooklyn Connector Mentor
About Contact
Shana F.
Brooklyn
Greenpoint
Queens and Brooklyn Connector Mentor
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.
Close Contact

Shelbi F.

Suffolk County
Stony Brook
About Contact
Shelbi F.
Suffolk County
Stony Brook
Shelbi lives in Stony Brook with her husband, two young daughters, and goldendoodle. She's a former early elementary school teacher who loves children's literature and working with young kids and their families. Shelbi enjoys reading, traveling, the beach and spending time with her family and friends. She is passionate about Judaism, parenting, and health & wellness. Shelbi is very excited to connect with local families and build Jewish community! 
Close Contact

Sivan V.

Bronx
Riverdale
Single-Parent Families,
Hebrew-speaking families
About Contact
Sivan V.
Bronx
Riverdale
Single-Parent Families,
Hebrew-speaking families
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!
Close Contact

Tali R.

Brooklyn
Bedstuy
About Contact
Tali R.
Brooklyn
Bedstuy
Tali lives in Bed Stuy with her husband Dan, their two boys Eitan (2) and baby Jonah, and their dog Bamba. She is the founder of Hushwell Sleep, a Brooklyn-based pediatric sleep consulting practice that helps families build healthy routines and get the rest they need.

Tali loves connecting with other parents and creating a sense of Jewish community in the neighborhood. Most days she is cooking, working out, or chasing her boys around the playground. She is always up for a coffee, stroller walk, or playdate. Come say hi!
Close Contact

PJ Library distributes award-winning Jewish children's books all over the world. Not a subscriber? Register now!

Copyright 2022 Harold Grinspoon Foundation. All Rights Reserved.