Meet Our Staff
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Contact Debbie about...
debbie@hillelasu.org |
Debbie Yunker Kail, Executive Director
A self-identified coffee addict, Debbie can most likely be found in a local coffee shop chatting with students, staff or community members about why Judaism is amazing, inspiring and challenging. Debbie prioritizes pluralism, innovation, collaboration, and leadership development and her favorite Hillel moments bring these values together in ways that are advancing ASU Hillel to become one of the best Hillels in the country. She welcomes conversations with students from all political and religious backgrounds. After completing SafeZone training, Debbie is recognized by Arizona State University as an Ally for the LGBTQIA community.
Debbie works hard to strengthen the Jewish community on and off campus, cultivating partnerships between ASU Hillel and BBYO, NFTY, Moishe House Phoenix, AIPAC, JNF, and several local synagogues. Debbie uses these partnerships to bridge the gaps between high school, college, and post-college Jewish life. Debbie also serves on the core team for Hillel International’s Measuring Excellence Program, a group of professionals redefining metrics of excellence for the entire Hillel movement. Outside of the Hillel world, she serves on the Camp Daisy and Harry Stein Advisory board and the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix’s NOWGen Task Force. She is a mentor for the Women’s Jewish Learning Center Women’s Leadership Institute and serves on the board that founded LimmudAZ.
Before coming to ASU, Debbie spent seven years at the University of Pennsylvania Hillel, overseeing a multi-tiered engagement approach to Jewish life on campus. While at Penn, Debbie completed Weinberg ACCELERATE: Hillel’s Executive Training Program. Debbie began her Hillel career at Washington University in St. Louis where she was a Steinhardt Jewish Campus Service Corps Fellow for two years. Originally from Framingham, MA, Debbie holds a B.A. in psychology from Emory University and an M. A. in Higher Education Administration from New York University, where she also worked in residential and fraternity/sorority life and planned a national conference about the Jewish college student experience. Debbie lives in Phoenix, AZ with her husband Ben, son Gabe and daughter Emma. They enjoys supporting the local food movement (buying, cooking, and eating!), working out, exploring the Valley, and traveling.
Debbie works hard to strengthen the Jewish community on and off campus, cultivating partnerships between ASU Hillel and BBYO, NFTY, Moishe House Phoenix, AIPAC, JNF, and several local synagogues. Debbie uses these partnerships to bridge the gaps between high school, college, and post-college Jewish life. Debbie also serves on the core team for Hillel International’s Measuring Excellence Program, a group of professionals redefining metrics of excellence for the entire Hillel movement. Outside of the Hillel world, she serves on the Camp Daisy and Harry Stein Advisory board and the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix’s NOWGen Task Force. She is a mentor for the Women’s Jewish Learning Center Women’s Leadership Institute and serves on the board that founded LimmudAZ.
Before coming to ASU, Debbie spent seven years at the University of Pennsylvania Hillel, overseeing a multi-tiered engagement approach to Jewish life on campus. While at Penn, Debbie completed Weinberg ACCELERATE: Hillel’s Executive Training Program. Debbie began her Hillel career at Washington University in St. Louis where she was a Steinhardt Jewish Campus Service Corps Fellow for two years. Originally from Framingham, MA, Debbie holds a B.A. in psychology from Emory University and an M. A. in Higher Education Administration from New York University, where she also worked in residential and fraternity/sorority life and planned a national conference about the Jewish college student experience. Debbie lives in Phoenix, AZ with her husband Ben, son Gabe and daughter Emma. They enjoys supporting the local food movement (buying, cooking, and eating!), working out, exploring the Valley, and traveling.
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Contact Taylor about...
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Taylor Millman, Assistant Director
Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Taylor is a proud California native. For her undergraduate studies, Taylor attended Sonoma State University where she received a B.A in Psychology and held numerous leadership roles in residential and campus life, as well as Sonoma State Hillel. Upon graduation, Taylor decided to take her passion for student life full-time and served as the Director of Engagement at Santa Barbara Hillel. Building meaningful micro communities for a diverse student population, Taylor strived to bring intention to all of her engagement efforts.
After three years in sunny Santa Barbara, Taylor decided to trade in her beach bag for a backpack as she pursued a dual-degree master’s program in Los Angeles. She received a Master of Social Work from USC and a Master of Jewish Nonprofit Management from Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion. During her time in graduate school, Taylor focused her research efforts on stress and wellness management, studying best practices in mitigating burnout and integrating effective wellness initiatives into the workplace.
Taylor is a recipient of The Rosalind Ellenson Prize for Commitment to Social Concerns at HUC and The Order of Arete at USC for her leadership efforts on and off campus.
When Taylor is not at Hillel, she is most likely exploring a new coffee shop, hiking one of Arizona’s trails, or perusing the local farmer’s market with her fiancé, Zach. While Taylor will always be a beach bum at heart, she is so excited to be exploring all of the beauty the desert has to offer! Forks Up (and Fight On!)
After three years in sunny Santa Barbara, Taylor decided to trade in her beach bag for a backpack as she pursued a dual-degree master’s program in Los Angeles. She received a Master of Social Work from USC and a Master of Jewish Nonprofit Management from Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion. During her time in graduate school, Taylor focused her research efforts on stress and wellness management, studying best practices in mitigating burnout and integrating effective wellness initiatives into the workplace.
Taylor is a recipient of The Rosalind Ellenson Prize for Commitment to Social Concerns at HUC and The Order of Arete at USC for her leadership efforts on and off campus.
When Taylor is not at Hillel, she is most likely exploring a new coffee shop, hiking one of Arizona’s trails, or perusing the local farmer’s market with her fiancé, Zach. While Taylor will always be a beach bum at heart, she is so excited to be exploring all of the beauty the desert has to offer! Forks Up (and Fight On!)
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Contact Rabbi Suzy about...
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Rabbi Suzy Stone, Senior Jewish Educator/Campus Rabbi
Born and raised in Minnesota, Suzy is proud to be among the “frozen chosen” (along with Alaskan Jews of course) who have endured real winters and enjoyed summer days under 100 degrees. When she isn’t busy unpacking Jewish texts or reinventing Jewish tradition, she enjoys cycling, cooking, and comedy. Having lived in Boston, Jerusalem, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and D.C., she is happy to be in the Phoenix area where her family now lives part-time.
After graduating from Brandeis University in 2002, with a B.A. in History and Art History, she worked as a community organizer. She set out to become a rabbi as a way to balance her passion for Tikkun Olam (healing the world) with her belief in the need for Tikkun HaNefesh (healing one’s self).
Most recently, Suzy served as a Senior Organizer at the Religious Action Center where she worked with Reform synagogues to restore the vote 1.5 million Floridians. As part of the inaugural cohort of the Jewish Emergent Network, Suzy served as rabbinic fellow at Sixth & I where she created innovative shabbat, holiday, and interfaith programmings for young professionals in the D.C. area.
Before moving to D.C., Rabbi Suzy enjoyed running on the beach and hiking in the mountains of Santa Barbara, where she served for four years as an Associate Rabbi at Congregation B’nai B’rith. She was ordained by the Reform Movement at HUC-JIR in 2012 and is a proud alumna of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship
After graduating from Brandeis University in 2002, with a B.A. in History and Art History, she worked as a community organizer. She set out to become a rabbi as a way to balance her passion for Tikkun Olam (healing the world) with her belief in the need for Tikkun HaNefesh (healing one’s self).
Most recently, Suzy served as a Senior Organizer at the Religious Action Center where she worked with Reform synagogues to restore the vote 1.5 million Floridians. As part of the inaugural cohort of the Jewish Emergent Network, Suzy served as rabbinic fellow at Sixth & I where she created innovative shabbat, holiday, and interfaith programmings for young professionals in the D.C. area.
Before moving to D.C., Rabbi Suzy enjoyed running on the beach and hiking in the mountains of Santa Barbara, where she served for four years as an Associate Rabbi at Congregation B’nai B’rith. She was ordained by the Reform Movement at HUC-JIR in 2012 and is a proud alumna of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship
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Contact Andrew about...
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Andrew Gibbs, Israel Center Director
Andrew Gibbs joined Hillel in August 2015 as our Israel Education Coordinator through a great partnership with Jewish Arizonans on Campus. This position is generously funded with support from the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix. Although he was born in the Sunshine State, Andrew has been fortunate to call Arizona home for the majority of his life. A graduate of Horizon High School in Scottsdale, Andrew spent his first year after graduation in Israel attending Hebrew University in Jerusalem and doing community work in Be’er Sheva. A die hard Sun Devils fan, Andrew returned to Arizona and graduated from ASU with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and certificates in Jewish Studies and International Relations. During his undergraduate career, Andrew co-founded Sun Devils for Israel (now Students Supporting Israel).
Whether preschool at the JCC, attending Jewish summer camp or in more recent years, holding various leadership positions in numerous local Jewish and pro-Israel organizations, Andrew has been involved in the Jewish community for as long as he can remember. Outside of Hillel, Andrew has previously served on the boards of Ahavas Torah: The Scottsdale Torah Center, Arizona JNFuture, and AIPAC Arizona.
Before joining Hillel, Andrew was a Development Associate for BBYO and taught various classes in Congregation Beth Israel’s Religious School for 8 years. After seeing firsthand the apathy many Jewish young adults have for Israel, he feels privileged to have the opportunity to share his passion for the Jewish homeland through educational, cultural, religious, and social events.
Andrew’s door is always open to talk all things Israel, Judaism, sports, sitcoms, and 80's music. Andrew lives in Scottsdale with his wife Rachel and adorable son Ezra.
Whether preschool at the JCC, attending Jewish summer camp or in more recent years, holding various leadership positions in numerous local Jewish and pro-Israel organizations, Andrew has been involved in the Jewish community for as long as he can remember. Outside of Hillel, Andrew has previously served on the boards of Ahavas Torah: The Scottsdale Torah Center, Arizona JNFuture, and AIPAC Arizona.
Before joining Hillel, Andrew was a Development Associate for BBYO and taught various classes in Congregation Beth Israel’s Religious School for 8 years. After seeing firsthand the apathy many Jewish young adults have for Israel, he feels privileged to have the opportunity to share his passion for the Jewish homeland through educational, cultural, religious, and social events.
Andrew’s door is always open to talk all things Israel, Judaism, sports, sitcoms, and 80's music. Andrew lives in Scottsdale with his wife Rachel and adorable son Ezra.
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Contact Mikayla about...
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Mikayla Laufer Stokes, Educational Engagement Director
Mikayla is a graduate of Northern Arizona University where she majored in Geology. While completing her degree, Mikayla was involved with NAU’s Alpha Omicron Pi where she served as VP of Academic Development, was a Senior Student Ambassador of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation, and served as “Headmistress” of the Harry Potter Appreciation Club. Mikayla took particular interest in fundraising for Juvenile Arthritis and advocating for funding for higher education in Arizona. While not involved in her local Jewish community in Flagstaff, Mikayla’s annual Purim party and Passover Seder were a hit among her friends.
After graduating from NAU in the spring of 2016, Mikayla spent a year in Israel teaching English at a religious school in Ashdod. During that time, she completed fellowships with the Masa-Jewish Federations of North America, Hillel International, and Birthright Israel. Mikayla also served as a Hillel Shabbat Scholar, working alongside Hillel Professionals on Birthright Israel trips implementing Shabbat programming. It was while in Israel that Mikayla discovered her passion for Jewish education and outreach.
Mikayla grew up as a member of the “frozen chosen” in Alaska and was active in the Anchorage Jewish community from a young age. She’s excited to continue to expand her network in the Phoenix Metropolitan Jewish community and is looking forward to working with students on all things Birthright Israel, Hebrew, Jewish Learning, Student Engagement and Bagels!
Mikayla loves and is always excited to discuss Israel, rocks, her killer Amazon skills, baseball (Go Dodgers!!) and lives in Mesa with her husband Derek and their two cats Bubba and Sissy.
After graduating from NAU in the spring of 2016, Mikayla spent a year in Israel teaching English at a religious school in Ashdod. During that time, she completed fellowships with the Masa-Jewish Federations of North America, Hillel International, and Birthright Israel. Mikayla also served as a Hillel Shabbat Scholar, working alongside Hillel Professionals on Birthright Israel trips implementing Shabbat programming. It was while in Israel that Mikayla discovered her passion for Jewish education and outreach.
Mikayla grew up as a member of the “frozen chosen” in Alaska and was active in the Anchorage Jewish community from a young age. She’s excited to continue to expand her network in the Phoenix Metropolitan Jewish community and is looking forward to working with students on all things Birthright Israel, Hebrew, Jewish Learning, Student Engagement and Bagels!
Mikayla loves and is always excited to discuss Israel, rocks, her killer Amazon skills, baseball (Go Dodgers!!) and lives in Mesa with her husband Derek and their two cats Bubba and Sissy.
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Contact Kira about...
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Kira Singer, Innovation Specialist/Springboard Fellow
Kira was born and raised in San Diego, CA. After graduating high school, she decided to make the move across the country to attend college in Ithaca, NY. Kira graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Psychology, a concentration in Counseling, and minor in Jewish Studies. Throughout college, Kira had many professional Jewish roles; she was the madricha for a 6th/7th grade class at the local Reform synagogue, the Hebrew TA at Ithaca College, and a Peer Network Engagement Intern for Hillel at Ithaca College. Growing up, Kira spent her summers at URJ Camp Newman where she developed her love for Judaism. Kira loves to travel and experience different aspects of Judaism all around the world! She has lived in California, Israel, New York, and Prague, and now loves living in Scottsdale and being part of the ASU Hillel team!
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Contact Sara about...
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Sara Winkler, Office Manager
Sara studied City and Regional Planning at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, on the central coast of California. She has held many leadership roles not only in the college, but in the community as well. She comes with over 17 years of volunteer and work experience with Jewish youth and community members. She grew up attending Congregation Eilat in Mission Viejo, California. She has been a part of a few other synagogues as she relocated from Aliso Viejo to San Luis Obispo and now to Phoenix. She attended Jewish youth group and Jewish leadership camp weekends from 2001-2006. She then followed her passion and became a youth adviser for Jewish youth groups in Mission Viejo and then San Luis Obispo from 2006-2012.
Since moving to Phoenix, Sara has become an integral part of the Jewish community. Her experience with Camp Daisy and Harry Stein was just the start of the great impact she strives to have to be involved and encourage others to be involved in the Jewish community. She is excited to pursue her passion of working in nonprofits by joining the Hillel community.
She currently lives in Phoenix. Her family followed right behind her and has relocated to Phoenix as well. She loves spending time with her family, traveling, working out, attending sporting events, and finding new restaurants around town. Sara lives with her husband and their animals, Boomer (Dog), Vega (Dog) and Cody (Cat).
Since moving to Phoenix, Sara has become an integral part of the Jewish community. Her experience with Camp Daisy and Harry Stein was just the start of the great impact she strives to have to be involved and encourage others to be involved in the Jewish community. She is excited to pursue her passion of working in nonprofits by joining the Hillel community.
She currently lives in Phoenix. Her family followed right behind her and has relocated to Phoenix as well. She loves spending time with her family, traveling, working out, attending sporting events, and finding new restaurants around town. Sara lives with her husband and their animals, Boomer (Dog), Vega (Dog) and Cody (Cat).
Ali Seltzer, Campus Marketing/Development Manager
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Mark prepares our Shabbat dinners and weekly lunches, and often provides food for our other classes and programs! He also has a kosher catering business; contact him for more information.
thedancingchef@me.com |
Mark Vanek, Chef
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Contact Rabbi Lee if you are an alum or old friend of Hillel! Rabbi Lee is still in town and would love to hear from you! He also is sometimes available for Jewish lifecycle events. bentzion@hillelasu.org |
Barton Lee, Rabbi Emeritus
Rabbi Barton Lee came to Hillel at ASU in 1972 and served as Executive Director for 42 years. He studied at Stanford, Hebrew University, and the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati where he earned a doctorate. A native of Texas who still celebrates Texas Independence day with students, he loves the desert, the Grand Canyon, ASU students, classical concerts, Israel, politics and sports. But most of all, Rabbi Lee loves ASU students, schmoozing with them, helping with problems, or studying Torah as it relates to our lives.
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