We know our campers are counting down the days, but a lucky few staff members have already arrived! They will be working hard for the next two weeks to prepare the tzevet (staff) and activity areas for opening day.  Introducing our senior staff members…

Joey Lichy
Rosh Merekazim

This summer I will be Rosh Merekazim. The Rosh Merakez is in Charge of all Merekazim (Unit Heads). I am from Miami, Florida. During the year I am working with my family business, some of you may know of it, the Kosher Subway, Elsies Cafe, and the J-Cafe in the JCC of Aventura, and am also a Realtor.
This is my seventh summer working at CJ! I was a counselor for two years, a Merakez for two years, and the quarter master/ trip coordinator for two years. This year I am so excited to take on a new role.My favorite memory at CJ would have to be my first summer at camp. I had just graduated from high school and didn’t know what to do so I decided to apply to CJ. Everyone was so welcoming! The first day the campers got there I remember seeing them smiling and being so happy to be at camp and from that point on I knew I was going to have an incredible summer, 7 years later and I’m still here! I’m looking forward to taking on a new role and leading a group of leaders on a new path.
Fun fact: the obvious, I love to sing; I sing all day long.

Melanie Shienbaum
Program Director

I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. I graduated from Florida International University majoring in Psychology and Speech Pathology. I have been working with children for over 8 years as a babysitter and camp counselor and I currently work at Ben Gamla Charter School. It has been extremely rewarding because I truly have a passion for working with children and I believe it is most gratifying when I can offer a safe, fun, and loving environment for them. In continuing with this line of work I hope to soon pursue a career as an elementary teacher. In my time working with children I believe that I have set positive examples where I have formed great lasting memories and can not wait to share more memories with all of you! As program director I will oversee the daily camp activities, supervise the Activity Directors, the activity areas and staff, and work with the Rosh Merekzim on the daily running of the camp program. Fun fact: I am afraid of dogs.

Elana Pollack
Communications Director

I grew up in Vero Beach, FL with my CJ alum parents and two younger siblings who are also members of this summer’s tzevet (staff). I graduated from Florida State University this May with a Bachelor’s degree in Editing, Writing, and Media and a Minor in Hospitality Management. After camp, I will live in Atlanta, GA.
A camper from 2002-2007, I am thrilled to be back at CJ! During the summer of 2011, I worked as an in-bunk counselor for Sayarim first session before switching to Drama counselor for second session. In 2012, I returned as the Drama counselor and in 2013, I joined the MASH team as the Head of Drama.
I am unbelievably excited to take on this position which is brand new to Camp Judaea. During the summer, I will manage the social media pages including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I will organize and compose entertaining and educational blog posts which will be added to the Camp Judaea website on a regular basis. My goal this summer is to keep parents, campers, alumni, and friends of Camp Judaea updated with the most recent happenings around camp so that everyone will continue to support CJ throughout the camp season!
Fun Fact: My dog, Shirley, is my roommate this summer at CJ. Sorry, Melanie!

Eddy Wagner
Camp Coordinator

I am from Hollywood, FL where I work as a construction project manager. My wife and I have three children, all of whom will be joining me at camp as first session campers!
This summer, I am responsible for ordering and tracking supplies, logistics around camp, and making sure that everything on our property functions properly. I coordinate day trips and overnights; booking buses, organizing luggage, and making reservations. I make sure that laundry is picked up and returned as scheduled and oversee all of CJ’s airport runs on opening and closing day and as needed throughout the summer.
From 1979-1992, I spent my summers at Camp Judaea. First, as a camper— then, as a staff member, I worked as the Teva (nature) counselor, dining hall manager, Head of Sussim (horses), and maintenance staff. I really know the ins and outs of this place!
I am looking forward to really making a difference this summer and making certain that everyone, tzevet and chanichim, have an amazing summer! It has always been my dream to work at Camp as an adult. And, of course, I am proud to be reppin’ the old school!
Fun Fact: My nickname is Waldo.

Neta Shani
Rosh Mishlachat; Education Coordinator

Shalom! I grew up in Israel on Kibbutz Einat, but I now reside in Aventura, FL with my wife, Hadar, and our son, Roee. They will both be joining me at Camp Judaea this summer!
I have been involved with Young Judaea since 2007, working as a Year Course madrich and a tour guide for Machon. When I graduated in 2011, I began working full time for YJ in Israel before moving to the states in 2013 to work as the Young Judaea Shaliach for the Southeast Region.
I am looking forward to my second summer working at CJ and to leading our 37-strong michlachat, one of the largest, if not the largest, Israeli delegations in North America. My hope is to implement Israel culture and education into all aspects of Camp, while keeping the activities engaging and fun for the chanichim and tzevet. This is my fourth summer working in a North American camp; before coming to CJ, I spent one summer at a camp in Alberta, Canada and one summer in a JCC in Minneapolis. (CJ is my favorite!)
Fun Fact: My wife and I are both runners. We enjoy running together and with the Hollywood Running Club.