Hi, I’m Josh (he/him), and I’ve served as executive director of Goucher Hillel since 2008. I grew up in suburban Philadelphia and graduated from Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2001 with degrees in biology and Talmud. After a brief foray into veterinary medicine, I went to the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, where I interned for two years at University of Delaware Hillel before I was ordained as a Rabbi in 2008 and started up at Goucher!
I am continually energized by the students and community at Goucher College and all the possibilities in helping students, staff, and board members find meaning through interaction with Hillel each and every day. Outside of work, I love spending time with my wife, Nikki, and our blended family of five children (and two dogs!), playing guitar, nerding out on history and trivia podcasts, and playing either word games or Marvel anything!
Hi everyone! I’m Melanie (she/her), and I’m so excited to be joining the Goucher Hillel community. I grew up just outside of Philadelphia and graduated from Muhlenberg College in 2024 with degrees in mathematics and music. For the past two years, I’ve been at Syracuse Hillel serving as the Springboard Innovation Fellow. In that role, I loved building relationships with students, creating engaging programs, and finding ways to connect with students where they are. This past year, I also participated in Hillel’s MasterClass Israel cohort to continue growing as an Israel educator.
Outside of work, I love dancing, cooking and baking, exploring new restaurants, spending time with friends, and anything related to Taylor Swift or musical theatre.
After visiting Goucher’s campus and meeting students and staff, I immediately felt the warmth and energy of the community. I’m excited to build meaningful relationships with students, create partnerships across campus, and help foster experiences that feel authentic, welcoming, and community-centered. I’m especially passionate about helping students find connection, explore their identities, and create spaces where they feel they belong.