Temple Beth Avodah is your home.
The door is always open and the light is always on.
Our staff and lay leadership are committed to the TBA community in every way. They work to make sure the congregation is engaged, everyone feels welcomed and valued and all lifecycle milestones are celebrated, mourned and properly honored.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Becky Oliver, Executive Director, boliver@bethavodah.org, ext.108
Becky is honored to be serving in the role of Executive Director working with the congregation to further our vision of a supportive and vibrant community. She joined the staff team in 2005 and has worked with children, teens, and adults at TBA in a variety of roles making strong connections with congregants of all ages. Becky grew up in Dover, MA and discovered her love of Judaism as a camper at URJ Eisner Camp in the Berkshires. Through her 12 years as a camper and counselor, she discovered the impact Judaism can have and the importance of a supportive and innovative Jewish community. In addition to her time at Eisner, Becky’s involvement in NFTY (youth group) and as an undergrad at Brandeis University inspired her passion for Jewish communal leadership. In 2019, she earned her Master’s degree in Education from Lesley University. Becky brings a dedication to synagogue life and a philosophy of sacred and open partnership to her work with the community. Becky met her husband, Mike, when they were participants in NFTY-NE as teens. She lives in Wayland with her two children, Eli and Noah, who affectionately view TBA as their second home. Becky is thrilled with the continued privilege to lead the TBA community.
Eileen Brooks, Director of Communications and Marketing, ebrooks@bethavodah.org, ext.112
Eileen plans, develops, and implements TBA's communications and marketing strategies and serves as TBA's photographer. She majored in human resource management at Bridgewater State University and is certified in advanced social media strategy by the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Eileen lives in Dedham with her husband and Yorkie named Kirby. She loves welcoming her adult children and their significant others on weekends for family dinners.
Jenna Walker, Administrative Assistant, office@bethavodah.org, ext.100
Jenna moved to Massachusetts from England with her husband and daughter several years ago, and quickly grew their family to include their dog Coco. Jenna Studied sociology at University of Sussex before relocating and has worked for several large companies; most noticeably being Babcock International, where she oversaw the safety and service coordination of the Metropolitan Police fleet of over 4000 vehicles. When not at TBA, Jenna loves to cook and is always keen to try a new recipe!
EDUCATION STAFF
Heidi Baker, Director of Education, hbaker@bethavodah.org, ext.110
Heidi connects families with young children to the community through our full-time Early Learning Center as well as synagogue programming and education for children, parents, and families. She majored in Education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and earned her Master’s Degree in Jewish Education from Hebrew College. Heidi is a founding member and past president of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ). She has two grown children and lives in Easton with her husband Todd, her dog Charleston and cats Ally and Alex.
Rebecca Baizen, Education Manager, rebecca@bethavodah.org, ext.102
Rebecca has been with Temple Beth Avodah for over fifteen years. She is instrumental in supporting our education department in various ways including building security, licensing and enrollment. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Hartford. Rebecca lives in Canton with her husband Andrew and daughter Ava.
Stacey Gabriel, Education Coordinator, sgabriel@bethavodah.org
Stacey's role is to provide support to students, administer the onsite Religious School Sunday program, and assist during the Monday and Wednesday programs. She also serves as the ELC Judaic Coordinator. Stacey holds a Master's Degree in special education and has been working in our ELC and Religious School for over 20 years.
Gaby Yurrita, ELC Coordinator, gyurrita@bethavodah.org
Gaby supports teachers in the classroom, assists with administration, and heads up our extended hours program. Gaby is in her fifth year at TBA and recently received her early childhood lead teacher and director certifications. Prior to joining TBA she studied exercise and health science at The University of Massachusetts.
Iris Sonnenschein, B'nai Mitzvah Tutor, isonnenschein@bethavodah.org
Iris has been tutoring Beth Avodah B’nai Mitzvah for over 15 years. Together with Rabbi Stern and our education staff, she makes sure the process is individualized and customized for each student. Every child, regardless of learning style, is challenged to achieve the best s/he can, to chant Torah and help lead the service with confidence and joy. When not working at TBA, Iris loves to quilt, cook, read and spend time with her family. Any reading or recipe suggestions are always welcome!
FACILITY STAFF
Doug Ball, Facilities Manager, dball@bethavodah.org, ext.103
Doug has been a member of the Temple Beth Avodah staff since August 2004. His knowledge of facilities comes from a combined ten years of employment at both Tufts Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital. He also held the position of field service technician for eight years with Air Systems Technologies. Doug works closely with temple families when planning their celebratory life-cycle functions. He and his staff are responsible for keeping our temple looking beautiful. Doug lives in Newton with his wife Amy and has three sons, Jonathan, Zachary and Graham.