Staff

Joy began her tenure as Executive Director in 2018, proud to lead the staff team at CSBE, working with the clergy, and dedicated to our congregants’ fulfillment. She is devoted to maintaining and enhancing Jewish life at CSBE, while committed to assisting and enriching the Jewish journeys of others in our community. In 2014, with her significant experience in Jewish communal life, Joy joined CSBE as Program and Social Media Coordinator. She is a proud graduate of Stoney Brook University where she earned her BA in English. Joy lives locally with her husband and their daughter.
 
She can be reached at jgluzman@csbeli.org.

 

Jeffery Kelman is the Director of the Religious School at Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth, also known as The Jewish Experience. Jeffrey was drawn to a career in Jewish Education and Youth & Family Programming, noting "It is my strong belief that the Jewish Education of our youth is the most important task facing our 4,000-year-old remarkable and most resilient nation, especially at this time.” Jeffrey attended Drexel University, and graduated from Gratz Hebrew College where he earned his teacher’s certificate. Having made Aliyah, they visit Israel often where many friends and former students now live. He and his wife happily reside in Westchester.
 

Jodi Proefriedt was appointed to the position of Early Childhood Director of Jacob’s Ladder in September 2022. In this role, Jodi ensures that all children and their families are treated with kindness, respect and love so they can fully develop into confident, independent, self-assured learners. She also oversees all teaching staff and maintains a positive relationship with families.

Jodi has over thirty years’ experience working as an Early Childcare Provider. Prior to becoming the Early Childhood Director at Jacob’s Ladder, Jodi’s journey began as a Three-year-old Assistant teacher September 2001. Soon after, Jodi became a lead Three-year-old teacher. When a position became available, Jodi became a Lead Pre-K teacher until 2022. During her time as a Pre-K teacher, Jodi also worked in our Early Morning program as well as our Extended Day program. When the community needs changed and parents asked for later hours, Jodi developed our Late Afternoon program. The Early Morning program and the Late afternoon Program included children aged two through five. Jodi has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

Diana grew up in Rosedale, Queens.  She has been a wife and resident of RVC for nearly 34 years, a Mom for 27 years, a Teacher (Birth-Grade 6) for 25 years, and a Scout Leader for over 20 years.  Her hobbies are reading, crafting, and gaming.  She wants to share her creativity and love of learning with the CSBE community.