About the Staff
Early Childhood Camps 407-645-0923 plus listed extension| Carol McNally, ECLC Director carolm@orlandojcc.org; x265 | 
| Carol is a graduate of Monmouth College, Monmouth, IL, where she majored in Sociology and Speech Communications. She secured her elementary teaching certification from Lesley College in Boston and holds her Director's Credential in the State of Florida. Carol has been at the JCC for 20 years as a teacher, supervisor, Assistant Director, and assumed the role as Director in 2001. Carol is active in local and state organizations including a tri-county directors' group, Advisory Board for ECE at Seminole State College (formerly Seminole Community College), and Advisory Board at Community Coordinated Care for Children (4C). She is dedicated to the education of young children and providing quality education within a safe and nurturing environment.
| Jodi Alter, ECLC Camp Director jodia@orlandojcc.org; x270
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| Jodi has been at the JCC for ten years, during which time she has worked as a Team Supervisor, Assistant Director, and Camp Director for the ECLC. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, teaching kindergarten for eight years and working in administration at various preschools. She is originally from New York, but moved to Florida for the weather in 1985. Since then, she has lived all over the state, but the Orlando area is her favorite. She has a 10-year-old son, Matthew, who has attended the JCC since he was an infant.
| Karen Duncan, Shayna's Village Director karend@orlandojcc.org; x271 | 
| Karen has been with the Early Childhood Learning Center for 17 years. She attended UCF and has her degree in Elementary Education and has either taught or supervised every age group in our school. Karen’s passion is fostering optimum social and emotional development in young children through small group experiences and adult role modeling. | Marcy Rosenbaum, 4s & Pre-K Supervisor marcyr@orlandojcc.org; x268 | 
| Marcy has been with the Early Childhood Learning Center for 25+ years. She attended Indiana University, taught preschool for 21 years and has been supervising our 4s and Pre-K for the last 8 years. Her passion is children and one of her specialties is working with our children and families who have exceptionalities. | Anne Krudo, Infants & Toddlers Supervisor annek@orlandojcc.org; x275 | 
| Anne has been with the ECLC for 11 years. Anne’s expertise is with our youngest children and she is currently enrolled at Seminole State College earning her degree in Early Childhood. Anne’s passion is recognizing the needs of very young children who cannot speak for themselves and helping them promote a sense of self worth and independence. | Youth Department Camps 407-645-5933 plus listed extension| Julie Varkonyi, Camp Director juliev@orlandojcc.org; x238 | 
| Julie is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Judaic Studies and Public Administration, and obtained a Master's Degree in Nonprofit Management. Julie has been at the JCC for six years as a teen counselor, program coordinator, Assistant Camp Director, and assumed the role of Camp Director in 2007. She is active in the Jewish community, teaching at Beit Hamidrash and as a board member of Or Hadash. She is dedicated to the education and Jewish fulfillment of young children in the Orlando area and strives to make the JCC a safe and nurturing environment for all.
| Liz Loftus, Assistant Camp Director lizl@orlandojcc.org; x250 | 
| Liz is the Assistant Youth and Camp Director and currently runs the after school enrichment program, J University, here at the JCC. She has nine years experience working with kids and is currently pursuing her degree in Psychology. Liz is super excited to work camp this year!
| Gwen Blake, Youth Camp Office Manager camp@orlandojcc.org; x249 | 
| "Ms. Gwen" has been at the JCC almost three years. She came to us from New Jersey, where she managed group homes for mentally challenged individuals. During the school year she is the Youth Department Administrative Asst. and helps out with J University. And during the summer months she is the Youth Camp Office Manager and handles all medication and first aid for grades 1-10. | Eli Bercovici, Sports Director elib@orlandojcc.org; x259 |  | Eli has been working as the sports director for the Roth Jewish Community Center for 27 years. | Dana Penrod, Aquatics Director elib@orlandojcc.org; x259 | 
| Dana obtained her AS degree in Criminal Justice from Nova. She is a Certified Pool Operator (NSPF) and an American Red Cross Certified Lifeguard/First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor and Water Safety Instructor. She is NRPA and AEA certified in Aquatic Management. Dana has been a volunteer/lifeguard with the American Red Cross since 1976. She has worked for the JCC of Greater Orlando since 1993.
| Marnie Bernstein, Fitness Director marnie@orlandojcc.org; x293 |  | Marnie is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a B.S. in Sports and Fitness and is a Certified Personal Trainer by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She believes that an exercise program should be challenging, meaningful, and fun! Whatever method an individual chooses to pursue, it is key that they get some kind of satisfaction from the activity. She brings this philosophy to summer camp participants, teaching children how to have fun while keeping fit. | Registration 407-645-5933 plus listed extension
| Robin Merkel, Registrar robinm@orlandojcc.org; x336 |  | Robin, our always friendly Registrar, takes great pride in assisting our members and the community with all of the JCC happenings. The Registrar’s office is locate in the main lobby of the Roth JCC and is open for registrations and questions Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. | Eli Bercovici, Financial Assistance elib@orlandojcc.org; x259 |
Youth Camp Specialists
 | Anthony Bowie is a former player for the Orlando Magic, playing eight years in the NBA and 8 years in Europe. He has over 20 years of teaching experience.
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| Stephen Duncan, instructor for Digital Media, Claymation Creation, has an AA from Valencia Community College and is presently working toward a Bachelor’s degree in the field of Digital Media. He has written for the Orlando Sentinel and various Web sites. His art has been displayed at the After Dark show at the Tampa Museum of Art. He wrote and directed a commercial that was awarded 2nd place in a Cold Stone Creamery commercial contest. He enjoys every aspect of the creative process and is excited to pass on his knowledge to children.
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| Jun Shihan Gil Alstein, Karate, holds the rank of 6th Degree Black Belt in the World Seido Karate Organization. Jun Shihan Gil began his training in 1979. From 1985 until 2000, Jun Shihan Gil also ran the Children’s program at the West Side YMCA. In his capacity as Chief Instructor, Gil has instructed classes in Japanese karate basics, Flexibility, Conditioning, Sparring, Kata (Forms), and Self defense. Gil holds a B.S. in Physical Education and has taught in both NYC and Seminole County, Florida public schools.
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| Alice Reen, JCC Tennis Director, played at the University of Georgia where she was an All-SEC selection and Number 1 Doubles player for four years. She has coached at Georgia, at the University of Tennessee, the University of Arkansas, head coached at Florida State University. During her five years at Florida State , she coached the school's first three All-American tennis players, and brought national attention to the Florida State tennis program. She was named ACC coach of the year in 1994. While serving as head coach at Florida State , Alice earned her Masters' Degree in Athletic Administration. Reen served as the Head Tennis Professional at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Florida from 2005-2008. Reen was recently selected as the USTA QUICKSTART Coordinator for Seminole County.
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| Kevin King was first bitten by the Magic Bug at the age of seven and when he turned eighteen he attended the prestigious "College of Magic” under the personal direction of Master Magician - Neil Foster. Later that year when he was invited to perform at the World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. From there Kevin would perform for the next ten years aboard various Cruise Ships further perfecting his act. King Magic & Entertainment, LLC to Florida in 1991 he continues with a wide variety of performance skills. Kevin King has also made numerous corporate show appearances in Las Vegas and has just completed a two year run at the popular Disney Boardwalk Resort.
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| Sabrena Allen-Biron, Art teacher, studied at Notre Dame College, De Paul University and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She worked in design, film making and then returned to her main interest of painting and taught at The Currier Gallery of Art for seven years. She now teaches all over central Florida.
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| High Touch High Tech, Science, has been fueling the imaginations of children everywhere, since 1994, by providing FUN, interactive, hands-on science and nature experiences for children. Through discovery style learning and inquiry based dialogue, children are engaged in exciting programs that encourage them to explore the many wonders of science.
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Sheli Nathan-Miller,
Theatre, has been studying theatre for 12 years and improv comedy for 9
years. She has her AA in Drama/Education, from Miami Dade College and
is currently attending UCF getting her BA in Theatre Studies and minor
in education. In Miami, where she grew up, she taught drama at the JCC
and the Miami Children’s Museum, as well as performed in a few college,
community theatre, and improv productions throughout South Florida. She
has worked as a counselor here at the JCC of greater Orlando for four
years, as well as directed 6 theatre shows. Presently, she can be seen
some Tuesday nights performing improv at SAK Comedy Lab, where she
happily resides as one of their improv Lab Rats.
| Joey Ochoa ("Coach/Mr. Joey"),
Gymnastics, originally comes from Southern California where he started
taking Dance and Gymnastics at the age of 11. He has performed at
Disneyland, California in many various roles, Las Vegas, Nevada in the
world famous Les Folies Bergere and now currently performs at Walt
Disney World here in Orlando, Florida. He has taught Gymnastics and
Tumbling sporadically through the years since the age of 15 and is
happy to be returning to the JCC for his second summer!
| Brittany Shouse,
Cooking, graduated Le Cordon Bleu in January 2005 and immediately went
to work for Gaylord Palms' Signature Restaurant Old Hickory Steakhouse.
A short time later, she transferred to their hotel in Nashville, TN,
Galyord Opryland, where Brittany became a Banquet Manager and Celebrity
Chef for the Grand Ole Opry. She had the privilege of cooking for some
of the country music's finest including Garth Brooks, Vince Gill,
Carrie Underwood and more. Brittany also had the great opportunity to
cook for President George W. Bush and his wife twice during their stay
at the hotel. Now she has the joy of teaching children the art of
cooking, a life skill they can carry with them forever.
| | Kerry Ben-Evi,
Judaica, has been working at the JCC now for 17 years in the preschool
and youth department. During the year she is the Judaic Specialist for
ECLC and J University. She really enjoys doing Shabbat every Friday
over summer and can’t wait to do Judaica with the students again this
year! |
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