Our Staff at Adat Shalom Synagogue

Michael Wolf, who has experience in both informal and formal Jewish education, was excited to come back full time to “Synagogue life,” in July of 2017, recognizing that “Adat Shalom is truly a special place that is committed to our traditions while remaining open to creative possibilities…” Academically and professionally, Michael brings experience and expertise. He has a Master's in Jewish Communal Service with a concentration in Jewish Education from Brandeis University, and a B.A. in Religious Studies with a certificate in Jewish Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. He has held the positions of Director of Education and Youth at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, Director of Camp Ramah in Canada and, most recently, Director of Programming at Hillel Day School. Michael and his wife Betsy are the proud parents of four wonderful children: Shira, Ilana, Jonah and Adena. Email: mwolf@adatshalom.org

Melissa Ser joined Adat Shalom’s professional staff in July 2012. She holds a MA in Jewish Educational Leadership from the Davidson School of the Jewish Theological Seminary, as well as both a MA and PhD in Literature from the University of Rochester and a BA in English from Florida State University. Melissa is a graduate of the 8th Cohort of the Mandel Teacher Educator Institute (MTEI) and was recognized as a Conservative Jewish Educator (CJE) by the Jewish Educators Assembly in 2018. She was selected to be part of the inaugural cohort of the Pardes Senior Educator Learning Fellowship, and is a senior participant in the Pedagogy of Partnership Midwest Fellowship program. She is Vice President of the Jewish Educators Assembly, and past president of the Metro Detroit Board of Jewish Educators. Melissa believes that a strong community makes each individual institution stronger, and therefore teaches classes for local Jewish teachers and serves as a mentor for educators new to the field. She prides herself on keeping an open line of communication, fostering a sense of warmth and growth in all formal educational opportunities for youth, and exploring innovative ways to make authentic learning come alive for all. She and her husband, Sam, are the proud parents of Ariel, Yonatan, and Maya. Email: mser@adatshalom.org

Susan Steinberg enthusiastically joined the Adat Shalom “family” in November of 2016. In conjunction with the clergy, professional staff, lay leaders and many volunteers, her intention, as Communications Director is to actively inform and engage the membership and the surrounding community in the many extraordinary synagogue programs. Susie has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan, and extensive experience in public relations, communications, and project management. Susie and her husband Jonathan are the proud parents of Erin & Michael Priebe and Jane & Josh Haskell, and proud grandparents of Max, Justin, and Lev. Email: ssteinberg@adatshalom.org

Jodi Gross joined our staff in August 2006, as Associate Director of Education & Youth. Jodi came to us from Abington, Pennsylvania, where she was the Youth & Temple Programming Director at Old York Road Temple – Beth Am. A graduate of the James Madison Program at Michigan State University, Jodi went on to earn a double master’s degree in Jewish Education and in Jewish Communal Service from Gratz College. Jodi is a dynamic professional, who has experience creating and implementing educational programs and has worked very successfully with youth, professionals, and lay leaders. From 1997 to 1999, she worked as a Staff Associate at the Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit before moving to Pennsylvania. Email: jgross@adatshalom.org

Sammi Shapiro joined the Adat Shalom staff in 2015 but has been part of the Adat family since she was very young. She is excited to bring her professional experience to the education department and enjoys working with all ages of kids. She has a BA in Elementary Education and a MA in Teaching and Curriculum with a concentration in Educational Technology. She received both degrees from Michigan State University. Sammi began her career teaching elementary school but transitioned to the Jewish Communal realm after teaching for the Adat Shalom-Beth Achim Learning Community part-time. She loves spreading the joy of learning and Judaism to all ages. Sammi is currently pursuing a MA degree in Jewish Studies from Spertus and looks forward to broadening her own understanding of Judaism and Jewish education. Locally, she is a member of the Metro Detroit Board of Jewish Educators. Sammi and her husband, Michael, welcomed their first child in March 2020. Email: sshapiro@adatshalom.org