Marcie Greenfield Simons, Director
Joanna Ballantine, Executive Director, HGF
Matthew Motyka, Chief Financial Officer, HGF
Adrian Bailey, Director of Operations
Chris Barash, Chair, Book Selection Committee
Michele Becker, Marketing Associate
Jordanna Birnbaum Amsel, Director of Community Development
Wendy Blondin, Data Analyst
Rosalie Eisen, Director of Community Development
Diane Freedland , Director of Community Development
Valerie Gintis, Music Selection Committee Member
Dena Glasgow, Book Selection Committee Member
Beth Grafman, Director of Community Development
Lauren Harvey, Director of Data Management
Ed Kline, Sifriyat Pijama and Keren Grinspoon Israel
Lisa LaFortune, Administrative Assistant
Eva Lee, Data Coordinator
Adrianne Levine, Data Coordinator
Paul Lewis, Director of Community Development
Lisa Litman, Director, PJ Goes to School
Kevin Martone, Technology Manager
Vivian Newman, Book Selection Committee Member
Geoffrey Oldmixon, Director of Web Communications & Online Services
Tamar Remz, Director, New York Office
Joe Ruotolo, IT Solutions Specialist
Michelle Scott, Operations Associate
Liron Shoham, Director, New York Operations
Peter Wansick, Director of Information Technology
Judi Wisch, Community Outreach Consultant
Dyan Wiley, Community Development
Shauna Zomek, Operations Associate

Marcie Greenfield Simons

Marcie Greenfield Simons is the Director of PJ Library. Before working at the HGF, Marcie taught at Sinai Academy of the Berkshires and Knesset Israel Hebrew School, both in Pittsfield, MA. She is a founder of Sinai Academy, the first and only Jewish day school in the Berkshires. Marcie was the recipient of the National Harold Grinspoon Award for Excellence in Jewish Education in 2000 and served on the Board of Directors of the HGF from 2001-2004. She holds a BA from Wesleyan University and a Master of Education degree from Boston University.

Joanna S. Ballantine

Joanna S. Ballantine is the Executive Director of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Prior to her engagement with the HGF in 2000, Joanna was the Director of Community Planning for the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts and a Senior Planning Associate for the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco. Joanna has an MSW from the University of Maryland and an MA in Jewish Studies from Baltimore Hebrew University. She is also a graduate of the Baltimore Institute for Jewish Communal Service, now the Darrell Friedman Institute for Professional Development. Joanna received the 2007 Distinguished Alumna Award from Baltimore Hebrew University as well as the 2008 JJ Greenberg Award from the Jewish Funders Network.

Adrian Bailey

Adrian Bailey is Director of Operations for PJ Library. In her position, Adrian works with more than 40 publishers, purchasing books for PJ Library in North America and Israel. Before coming to PJ Library, Adrian worked in research at the Austen Riggs Center, a private psychiatric hospital in Western Massachusetts. Adrian holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a MBA degree from Bay Path College.

Chris Barash

Chris Barash is Director of the PJ Library Book Selection Committee. Her authorship includes PJ Library Reading Guides. Before her work at HGF, Chris taught various elementary grades in Jewish day schools for 25 years and was Head of School at Sinai Academy of the Berkshires, a Jewish day school in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Chris holds a BA in Russian Literature and History.

Michele Becker

Michele Becker is Marketing Associate for PJ Library. She works closely with PJ Library communities across North America, supplying them with marketing materials and support. Michele is passionate about children's literacy, and is eager to help local PJ Library programs promote reading in their communities. Before coming to PJ Library, Michele worked in the Undergraduate Admissions Office of Saint Joseph College, helping to create a variety of marketing plans and materials. Michele graduated from Saint Joseph College in Connecticut, with a BA in English and a secondary education teaching certification.

Jordanna Birnbaum Amsel

Jordanna Birnbaum Amsel is a Director of Community Development for PJ Library. Jordanna recently graduated from New York University, where she earned a B.A. in Public Policy & Social Justice at the Gallatin School for Individualized Study. Jordanna was recently named one of NYU's 15 Most Influential Students by the university's student-run newspaper. While at NYU, Jordanna served as President of Hillel, which was awarded the NYU Presidential Service Award. On campus, she was actively involved in Muslim-Jewish interfaith programming and co-founded the BRIDGES Dialogue Group, which brings together and engages Muslim and Jewish students from various New York colleges. For her work building community at NYU, she was awarded the Exemplar of Excellence award by the Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life & The NYU President's Service Award. In her time off campus, Jordanna interned at MyJewishLearning.com, The Charter School Office of The NYC Department of Education, and Tuckner, Sipser, Weinstock & Sipser, a women's rights & workers' rights law firm.

Wendy Blondin

Wendy Blondin is a Data Analyst for PJ Library. She continues her work in the non-profit sector after being employed for almost 25 years as a systems analyst in the Information Services department of a local hospital. Wendy is a member of the Board of Trustees for her congregation, and she also volunteers at the local animal shelter. Wendy graduated cum laude from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor's degree in Health Systems Management.

Rosalie Eisen

Rosalie Eisen is a Director of Community Development for PJ Library. She has held professional positions as a teacher, non-profit director, life coach, and financial consultant, with more than 20 years' experience in Jewish professional leadership. She co-founded Basherte, an international network of workshops focusing on Jewish relationships. Rosalie holds a special smicha (ordination) as a Jewish Relationship Counselor and Master of Blessings and has an MA in Early Childhood Education.

Diane Freedland

Diane Michalowski Freedland is a Director, Community Development for PJ Library. Prior to her role at PJ Library, she was Executive Director of Young Audiences of Massachusetts, an affiliate of one of the nation's largest arts education organizations. Freedland is a seasoned nonprofit leader, and has extensive experience developing and improving the operational, programmatic, marketing, publications, and philanthropic health of community programs. She has written and developed numerous exhibitions, programs, and projects -- throughout the U.S. and Asia -- about topics ranging from contemporary art, art and civic dialogue, and social justice. She holds a Master of Education degree from Harvard University.

Dena Glasgow

Dena Glasgow is a member of PJ Library Book Selection Committee. Dena is Education Director at the Boston-Area Jewish Education Program (BJEP), a religious school that meets on the campus of Brandeis University. Dena has many years' experience in curriculum development, teaching, and storytelling in Jewish settings. Dena holds a BA from Yale University in Judaic Studies and History. She received a master's degree from the Hornstein Program at Brandeis University in Near East Judaic Studies and Jewish Communal Service.

Valerie Gintis

Valerie Gintis is a member of the Music Selection Committee of PJ Library. In addition, she is the Director of B'nai Tzedek and Family & Teen Education for the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Valerie has worked with HGF since 2005.

Beth Grafman

Beth Grafman is a Director of Community Development for PJ Library. Most recently, Beth served as librarian and Judaic Studies teacher at Solomon Schechter Westchester, spreading her passion for Jewish continuity. She is a Board Member and Sisterhood President at Temple Israel Center in White Plains, NY, serves as Board Secretary for Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake, and is a member of Hadassah's National Camp Committee. Beth's corporate experience includes marketing and business development for GE Capital. Born in Chicago, Beth holds a BS in Psychology and an MBA from the University of Illinois.

Lauren Harvey

Lauren Harvey is the Director of Data Management for PJ Library. Prior to joining the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Lauren worked for a company that promoted energy efficiency and spent many summers working at a Jewish day camp in St. Louis. Lauren holds dual bachelor's degrees in Statistics and Religion from Mount Holyoke College.

Ed Kline

Ed Kline handles oversight and coordination of Sifriyat Pijama and Keren Grinspoon Israel. Prior to retiring, he served as HGF's Chief Operations Office. Before joining HGF, Ed worked for thirty-six years at, and retired from, the MassMutual Life Insurance Company where for eleven years he served as Corporate Vice President and Treasurer. Ed holds a degree in engineering and a MBA.

Lisa LaFortune

Lisa LaFortune is an administrative assistant at PJ Library. Prior to joining PJ Library , Lisa worked as an office manager for a construction company, serving as administrator of payroll/benefits, job-costing, and billing. Lisa has over 20 years of experience in office administration, payroll & benefits, and human resources. She holds an AS Degree in Executive Office Administration.

Eva Lee

Eva Lee is the Data Analyst for PJ Library. She works with the data team in processing, maintaining, and analyzing database properties for all participant enrollments. Before joining PJ Library, Eva worked as financial analyst for different investment companies. She holds a BS in Finance from the University of Florida.

Adrianne Levine

Adrianne Levine is a Data Analyst for PJ Library. Prior to her work with PJ Library, Adrianne spent three years working with the Grinspoon Institute for Jewish Philanthropy. Prior to joining the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Adrianne spent seven years working with Elms College in their Institutional Advancement office as the manager of prospect research. Adrianne holds a BA in Liberal Arts from Elms College and a master's degree in Communications and Information Management from Bay Path College.

Paul Lewis

Paul Lewis is a Director of Community Development for PJ Library. He travels the country to launch the program in new communities and grow it where it already exists. Paul joined PJ Library in 2009 after more than 30 years in journalism. He was an on-air TV reporter, an investigative producer, and a news executive. Along the way, he won numerous awards for journalistic excellence, including multiple Emmys and a Peabody. Paul is passionate about storytelling and loves to tell the PJ story.

Lisa Litman

Lisa Litman is the Director of PJ Goes to School. Lisa joins us after her tenure as Director of An Ethical Start, a values-based curriculum she co-created for JCC Association. Lisa had wide ranging responsibilities from curriculum writing and music composition to teacher training and conference coordination. Lisa continues to perform and direct musical theatre in the Philadelphia area. Lisa has a BA/BS from the University of Pennsylvania and a MJEd from Gratz College.

Kevin Martone

Kevin Martone is the Technology Program Manager for PJ Library. He helps PJ Library Communities utilize social media and other online tools effectively. Kevin also helps PJ Library manage internal fundraising and constituent data. He has more than 15 years' experience helping organizations utilize technology solutions to meet their goals. Kevin holds a BS in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering from Cornell University.

Matthew Motyka

Matt Motyka is Chief Financial Officer for the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation. Matt earned his CPA designation working with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Boston, specializing in investments, private equity valuations, and initial public offerings. In 1999, he chose to focus on nonprofit operations and endowment management; upon leaving PwC, Matt held financial positions with several educational institutions. Matt has also acted as a managing partner of two computer peripheral and software ventures and currently serves as a trustee and committee member on several non-profit boards.

Vivian Newman

As a member of PJ Library Book Selection Committee, Vivian shares books with children, parents, and teachers in order to gather feedback on current and prospective PJ Library books. In addition to her work on the Book Selection Committee, Vivian also creates PJ "Beyond the Book" program guides, which are designed to assist PJ Professionals in their development of family education programs. Vivian holds an MS in Education from Bank Street College of Education. She serves as an adjunct faculty member of Hebrew College, where she teaches online courses and conducts webinars about the ways in which to use PJ Library books as a means of exploring Jewish concepts and values with young children and their families. Vivian is an experienced early educator who has taught in a variety of childcare settings including: the Bank Street College Family Center, the Springfield (MA) Jewish Community Center, and Teacher's College Center for Infants and Parents.

Geoffrey Oldmixon

Geoffrey Oldmixon is Director of Web Communications & Online Services for the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. He helps steer, develop, and implement the organization's online marketing communications efforts. Prior to working at HGF, Geoffrey served as a Web Content Specialist and Marketing Copywriter for Jordan's Furniture and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Before that, he was a professional journalist, having served as managing editor of three national monthly magazines, a local daily newspaper, and several corresponding websites. Geoffrey has a BA in Writing from Bridgewater State University and a Web Development certificate from North Shore Community College. He is a MS, Interactive Communications candidate at Quinnipaic University.

Tamar Remz

Tamar Remz is Director of PJ Library's New York Office. Prior to her work with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Tamar completed an MPA in Nonprofit Management at New York University. She has experience in the nonprofit and consulting sectors, working in development, communications, and program development. Tamar received an award from the National Crime Prevention Council for her work with Safety Zone, a crime prevention program in the Bronx that creates a network of local businesses working together to promote safety.

Joe Ruotolo

Joe Ruotolo is IT Solutions Specialist for the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and its programs. Joe has a wide range of technology experience, with specialties in social media development and website management. For PJ Library, Joe develops and maintains PJ Library's unique Facebook Apps. Joe holds a BS in Information Systems Management from Quinnipiac University.

Michelle Scott

Michelle Scott is Operations Associate for PJ Library. She works closely with new PJ Library communities, walking them through the initial steps to launch the PJ program in their local areas. Prior to joining the PJ team, Michelle managed nonprofit organizations and worked in the publishing industry. She holds a BA in English with a minor in Religion Studies from Lehigh University and a master's degree in Information Science from SUNY Albany.

Liron Shoham

Liron Shoham is Director of New York Operations for PJ Library. Prior to working for the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Liron was part of the Major Gifts and Foundation Relations division of the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science. Liron holds a master's degree in Conflict Resolution from the University of Bradford in the UK, and a bachelor's degree from Brown University in cultural anthropology and arts-semiotics. PJ Library ties together many of Liron's long-standing interests -- community building, organizational development and philanthropy across Israeli and American communities.

Peter Wansick

Peter Wansick is the Director of Information Technology for the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. He acts as "information officer" and is responsible for identifying, evaluating, implementing, and maintaining various IT systems, tools, and processes. For more than 20 years, Peter has successfully generated creative IT solutions to mitigate cost and risk. Peter has worked in English- and Japanese-speaking environments. Peter studied Energy System Technology at STCC and Computer Science at Clark University.

Dyan Wiley

Dyan Wiley is a Director of Community Development for PJ Library, working two days a week to support new and existing communities in the program. Dyan has been with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation for seven years, where she established and directs the Foundation's Jewish Arts & Culture Initiative. The initiative provides grants and marketing resources for cultural projects in Western Massachusetts. The initiative also supports the Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival, Rekindle Shabbat, and JewishCultureConnect.com, a web site and monthly e-newsletter to link area residents with local Jewish programs, classes, and special events. Dyan brings over two decades of service in arts and culture, as an agency director, program presenter, grants maker, board member, and non-profit management educator and consultant. Her diverse career also includes broadcast journalism work at CBS News, and corporate market research with Sprague Electric.

Judi Wisch

Judi Wisch is the Community Outreach Consultant for PJ Library. Judi supports PJ program professionals in developing strategies to connect and engage families with young children to Jewish community. Her past endeavors include running a Jewish supplementary school, coordinating the Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival, and teaching Judaic Studies at the local day school. Before moving to the Pioneer Valley, Judi founded a havurah and a small Jewish school in rural New Hampshire, served as director of the Conference on Judaism in Rural New England, and facilitated conflict resolution workshops for Arab and Jewish Israeli teens at the Neve Shalom/Wahat al Salaam School for Peace in Israel. She received a BA from Hebrew University and a MA from the School for International Training.

Shauna Zomek

Shauna Zomek is Operations Associate for PJ Library. When new communities join the PJ Library, she works closely with the implementing organizations to launch the program in their local areas. She guides them through the initial steps and all legal compliance paperwork. Prior to joining the PJ Library team, she worked as an assistant for The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, CA. She holds a BA in Communication from Vanguard University of Southern California.