Youth Directors

We have been married for three years and have been blessed with our daughter, Emunah Shira, who is one! Ilan is originally from Ketchikan, Alaska (yes, Alaska!) but grew up in Portland, Oregon. After earning his BA in Marketing from Yeshiva University, Ilan has been pursuing Semicha through RIETS and is currently in his 4th year. We have spent the last two years in Israel where Ilan has been learning in the Gruss Kollel. Ilan is a super positive and upbeat guy who loves to make everyone around him smile. In the past several years, he has worked in summer camps, NCSY, and other platforms for informal Jewish education. He has also entertained children and adults around the world with his beatboxing workshops and acappella concerts. You’re most likely to find Ilan singing niggunim while playing his guitar. He works as an Account Manager at AMC.

Chana is originally from Teaneck, NJ and earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Touro College. She loves kids and has worked in both mainstream and special-education settings. When teaching and running activities, Chana strives to create experiences that both fulfill the goals of the group and focus on the needs of the individual. Her attention to detail and artistic intuition give her some serious graphic design and flier-making skills. You’re most likely to find Chana making up a new song and dance with our daughter Emunah. Chana plans to pursue a career in pediatric Occupational Therapy, where she can support children to gain a sense of empowerment and independence.

We love creating meaningful, fun and engaging Jewish experiences for the kids at YIWP!