Staff

Jeff joined Temple Beth Sholom as its Executive Director in 2020. He oversees synagogue business operations, including finance, human resources, development, membership, and marketing/communications. Jeff served as Temple President and has held other board positions, including Treasurer and Chairman of the Budget Committee, as well as serving on numerous other committees and task forces. Before joining the Temple as Executive Director, Jeff worked as a real estate developer, an auditor, and a commercial lender. Jeff and his family joined the Temple more than 15 years ago. He and his wife Leslie have two adult daughters, Erica and Brittany, who grew up at the Temple and became b’nei mitzvah and confirmands. A native Floridian, Jeff graduated from Miami Beach Senior High, received his bachelor's degree from Florida State University, and has a master's degree in accounting from Florida International University. jeff@tbsmb.org

Stacy Penson holds a Master of Science Degree in Education with a specialization in Progressive Leadership from Bank Street Graduate School of Education. She holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Florida and completed her Certificate in School Management and Leadership, a joint program of the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Harvard Business School. She started her tenure at the Innovative School in 1999, first as a Pre-K teacher, later as the Curriculum Coordinator for the Foundation Level and most recently as the Director of the Elementary Level. Prior to being at Innovative School, Stacy was a second-grade teacher for ten years at various public and private schools in Miami and California. Stacy’s Professional Development and Trainings include the National Jewish Learning Initiative, the Early Childhood Director, Seminar Series, Developing Intentional Curriculum in The Reggio Approach,

A native of Toronto, Canada, Mark attended the Associated Hebrew Day School of Toronto, followed by the Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto. He completed his undergraduate work in International Relations at York University in Toronto. Later, he achieved his Master’s Degree in the Horenstein Program from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts.

In 1983, Mark launched his career as Assistant Director of Education at Temple Emanu-El. He then spent eight years as Director of Education at Temple Samu-El or Olom. In 1997, Mark joined Temple Beth Sholom as the Director of Education and Youth; encompassing education programs from “birth to college.” mark@tbsmb.org

As Director of Membership, Craig leads the recruitment, engagement, retention, and stewardship of congregants. He welcomes and creates meaningful connections for new members through outreach and programming. Craig joined Temple Beth Sholom in 2019, and his career has focused on facilitating the growth of the community. Previously, he served as Executive Director of the Florida Chiropractic Society, growing membership and managing conferences. Craig earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Florida Atlantic University and a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Doctor of Chiropractic from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Los Angeles. craig@tbsmb.org

Carlos is a deeply experienced senior financial leader of area nonprofits. Before joining Temple Beth Sholom’s administration, he was Controller at St. John Vianney College Seminary – Archdiocese of Miami, and he has also served as Senior Accountant for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami.

Prior to joining the nonprofit sector professionally, Carlos held sales and accounting positions for Maroone Nissan of Kendall and Brickell Motors. Carlos earned his B.S. in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. carlos@tbsmb.org

Heriberto Cardona came to the U.S in 1997 from Colombia where he was working for a funeral home. He joined the Temple Beth Sholom maintenance department in 1998 as an outstanding floor supervisor. Heriberto is married and has two children and two grandchildren.

Noemi spent the last fifteen years working within various Jewish organizations and joined Temple Beth Sholom in May of 2015. She was born and raised in Chile and moved to Miami when she was twelve years old. Noemi attended ITT Tech where she graduated with a degree in Computer Science and is currently back at college pursuing an Ocean Engineering degree. She loves staying active and practices Brazilian jiu-jitsu. In her spare time she enjoys outdoor activities, especially surfing. noemi@tbsmb.org

Ariane has a long history with Temple Beth Sholom, with more than 16 years in various office management and administrative positions. 

In addition to strong interpersonal skills, Ariane also brings graphic design experience to her position at Temple Beth Sholom. Ariane earned her B.A. in Commercial Art from Miami’s International Fine Arts College. ariane@tbsmb.org

Lois Kotzen has been working at Temple Beth Sholom since 1990. She is a graduate of Miami Beach Senior High School, attended the University of Florida and George Washington University. She is also a graduate of the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School and had her adult bat mitzvah at Temple Beth Sholom. Lois’ children are Rabbi Andrew and Michal Koren, Stacy and Robert Budowsky, and Dean and Dr. Rosa Kotzen. She also has six grandchildren: Max, Avishai, Shiri, Ethan, Mia and Rex. lois@tbsmb.org

Jenny has been with Temple Beth Sholom since 2018. As the Marketing and Communications Director, she draws on her experience from both the for-profit and non-profit worlds to create a compelling presence for Temple Beth Sholom in print, direct mail, and digital media. She brings more than two decades of experience as a graphic and web designer to the position and also enjoys documenting temple life through photography. Jenny oversees the marketing for the Innovative School of Temple Beth Sholom and its Supplemental Programs. jenny@tbsmb.org

Madeleine brings to our community more than 15 years of proven success in fundraising and development—building meaningful, high-impact relationships to secure the resources that fuel organizational missions. She honed her development skills at leading nonprofits and institutions, including Rainforest Fund, Environmental Defense Fund, and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she helped launch and strengthen transformative programs to safeguard livelihoods and preserve environments.

Rooted in a deep commitment to social justice and human dignity, Madeleine’s work has spanned the protection of Indigenous land rights in rainforests around the world, the launch of a methane-monitoring satellite, and securing health access for survivors of human trafficking. She is guided by the belief that strengthening communities and expanding opportunity is core to repairing the world.

Madeleine is also deeply devoted to building community in her own life. Her greatest joy comes from her family — her husband, Jason, daughter, Rye, and son, Emery — who continually inspire her sense of purpose. Outside of work, she finds grounding in running, reading, and yoga.

She holds a B.A. in International Studies and Philosophy from Muhlenberg College and an M.A. in International Affairs from The New School. Madeleine is grateful to be part of a community that shares her values of connection, compassion, and collective responsibility.

Jesus Parra came to the U.S. from Colombia where he was working as a clerk in a bank in Bogota. He joined the Temple Beth Sholom maintenance department in 2003. He has three grown children in Bogota.

Antonio Rojas came to the U.S. in 1993 from Colombia, where he had been a professional boxer for many years. He started working for the Temple Beth Sholom maintenance department in 2006. He and his wife, Maria Claudia have three children.

Gabby graduated from Ithaca College in 2024. During her time at Ithaca, she was the president of IC's Hillel and worked on campus in the Office of Student Engagement as a Student Leadership Consultant. After graduation, she moved back home to the Philadelphia suburbs and spent the year working as a Paraeducator at an elementary school. Ready to escape the cold, she moved to Miami and joined the Temple. From attending her synagogue's religious school to her time as a camper and counselor at Habonim Dror Camp Galil, Jewish community and education have helped shape who she is today. Gabby is excited to be part of creating enriching and joyful Jewish experiences for our youth!

Barb Shimansky joined Temple Beth Sholom as the Director of the School for Living Judaism in June 2017. In June 2024, she became Senior Director of Judaic Studies, with the expansion of her role into the Elementary Level of the Innovative School. This will allow the exploration of what it will look like to have an alignment of Reform Jewish learning across multiple programs for learners of the same age. A native of suburban Detroit, she graduated from Michigan State University and earned a Master of Social Work from Wayne State University and a Master of Arts in Religious Education from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion. Barb has been granted the coveted title of Reform Jewish Educator (RJE).

Formerly, Barb was a social worker with a focus on children in school, foster care, and juvenile justice settings. She also has extensive experience in Jewish youth education at both the elementary and secondary levels, previously teaching and directing youth programs at congregations in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Barb worked in the area of congregational support for the Union for Reform Judaism, and most recently served as the Director of Education at Congregation Sinai in Milwaukee.  barb@tbsmb.org

A Miami native, Adam grew up in North Miami Beach and worked as a camp counselor for Camp Simcha at Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus. After graduating from the University of Central Florida, he moved to the Washington, D.C., metro, where he ran a team-building, outdoor education, and adventure summer camp company. Missing the warm winters and his family, Adam moved back to Miami permanently in early 2018. Adam enjoys anything outdoors, especially kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling. He likes running and exploring Miami. adam@tbsmb.org