Staff

Kathy Stevens

Interim Executive Director

Kathy Stevens brings more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit, education, and philanthropy sectors. She has served as Executive Director of the Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy (MCAEL) and President & CEO of the Healthcare Initiative, with earlier work in higher education, law, and international nonprofits. Known for her collaborative and mission-driven leadership style, Kathy also consults with local nonprofits on strategic planning and board development. She holds degrees from Swarthmore College, the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and the University of Richmond. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking with her black lab, Blair, live music, home-cooked meals with friends, and time near the water in Maine.

Rozzie Eppsteiner

Education Programs Manager

Rozzie Eppsteiner (she/her) is an Atlanta native who moved to the DMV for college, graduating with a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maryland. After teaching in the public school system, she shifted to Jewish education and worked for two years at Congregation Beth El in Bethesda before joining Adat Shalom’s staff in August 2021. She lives in DC with her two cats, Peter and Patsy.

Pam Sommers

Educator

Pam Sommers (she/her) grew up attending Anshe Emet Day School in Chicago, where she developed her love of Torah and cantillation. A conservatory-trained musician and former Washington Post critic, she has tutored over 100 students for B’nai Mitzvah. Pam created Tikkun Ha’Ir service learning program, directs Chords of Glory youth ensemble, and previously led service missions to Haiti with Rabbi Sid Schwarz. Pam lives in Takoma Park with her husband Fred.

Sarah Shachar

Office & Clergy Coordinator

Sarah Shachar (she/her) grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and moved to the DMV during her highschool years. She lived in Israel for two years studying Permaculture before obtaining her degree in Early Childhood Education at Trinity University in DC. After teaching for the past six years she decided to transition to work in the Jewish community at Adat Shalom. In her free time she enjoys hiking, music festivals, and traveling! 

Elizabeth Orellena

Facility Staff

Elizabeth grew up in San Miguel and has made Maryland her home for over 20 years with her husband and two children. She’s been part of the Adat Shalom team since 2013 and enjoys spending her free time with family and friends. 

Alma Pineda

Facility Staff

Alma Pineda joined the Adat Shalom team in 2007 after many years at Oseh Shalom Congregation. She grew up in El Salvador and has lived in New York and Maryland. Alma enjoys spending her free time on various hobbies including metal embossing, caring for plants, and exploring DIY crafts. 

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