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Home > Leadership > Our Staff

Staff, Leaders, Board

The professional team is available to get to know current and future members of our congregation, and we're always happy to sit down with you. Each person plays a vital role in making KAM Isaiah Israel the vibrant and historic congregation we are, and our entire staff wants to help you find your role in our congregation, too. 

Our Staff

 
Scott oversees all aspects of the synagogue's operations, including strategic planning, day-to-day management, budgeting and finance, membership, security, tenants, and the ongoing Mishpacha: Our Future. Our Family. capital campaign.  
 
He joined the KAM Isaiah Israel staff in 2020 and is an active member of the National Association of Temple Administration.
 
An Atlanta, Georgia native, Scott started his career working behind the scenes for major performing arts organizations  Highlights of his theatrical career include productions at the New York City Center, Sydney Opera House, Teatro Versace in Milan, London’s Barbican and the National Theatre of Bosnia.
 
Scott lives in Buena Park with his husband and their Shepard Husky rescue dog.  When not at the synagogue, he is usually in the kitchen perfecting his gluten-free recipes, exploring the city’s arts and restaurant offerings, brainstorming his next international vacation, and hiking through state parks.
 
 
Religious School Director 
Lauren is the Religious School Director at Shoresh, our Shabbat-based religious school program. Lauren is passionate about Jewish life and children, creative in programming and learning, and dedicated to developing Shoresh for learners and families. She has brought family education programs, interactive and experiential activities, and energetic, high-quality learning to Shoresh during her tenure. Lauren believes that Judaism is meaningful and accessible to learners of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
 
Lauren has experience as the Family Activities Coordinator at The Temple in Atlanta, Georgia and teaching religious school, during which she developed a foundation of interacting with children and creating welcoming and interactive learning environments. With training in public health communications and after working with several member-based health organizations, Lauren’s passion for Jewish education led her back to congregational life. Lauren is active in her professional networks for Reform Jewish education in Chicago and around the country, leading and connecting Jewish educators to improve the field. Lauren is a dedicated volunteer for public education and engaging teens in Hyde Park.
 
Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Lauren has a BA from Emory University and an MPA from Georgia State University. She, her husband Rabbi Frederick Reeves, and their children are often at KAM Isaiah Israel or exploring Hyde Park, Chicago.
 
After a formative six-year stint in the Pacific Northwest, Cody returned to his Chicago roots at the end of 2019, starting at KAM Isaiah Israel in July 2021. He is very blessed with this very rewarding opportunity for managing the front office, supporting operations and facilities teams, and daily congregant needs.
 
As an alumnus of North Central College in Naperville with a B.A. Sociology and Marketing, Cody brings an array of non-profit management and human resources experience, as well as the continual, joyous, daily expressions of a Jewish spiritual life.
 
Cody remains an active, remote-based volunteer and board member for a non-kill animal shelter just outside of Portland, with an emphasis on Development and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) committee work, along with participation in state and local politics and initiatives.   
 
A film/whiskey/concert/reader/travel and outdoors connoisseur, and frequent sports watcher (#GoPackGO as a shareholder/#BRUINS/College Football tailgaiting!), he is also an avid coffee consumer. Cody hopes you’ll join him for a cup or three whenever you’re visiting the office.

 
Corey is a dedicated leader of our facilities team. His commitment to KAM Isaiah Israel shines in his work and interaction with the congregation. Through early mornings and late nights, Corey and his team demonstrate how integral their work is to our congregation's success.
 
 
 
James assists the facilities team and is a wearer-of-many-hats while also helping all functions of each departments for everyday needs, whether it be for Shabbat services or daily activities.  
 
He is always eager to help out and is very passionate about spreading peace, love, caring and sharing in the world.  
 
 
        Olga Perez
        Facilities
 
          Olga has been one of KAMII's long-standing staff members,                      and always looks forward to the High Holy Days as she is able                  to see and connect with all of the KAM Isaiah Israel community. 
 
          She is always eager to meet new people and help in any way                    that she can.  Outside of work, Olga enjoys reading and walking                and the best parts that Chicago has to offer.  Beloved mother and            grandmother to many, she also enjoys traveling back home to Guatemala as much as she is able. 
 
 
    John Sefner
     John enjoys his role at KAM Isaiah Israel as the all-around 'go-
     to' for any and all maintenance requests that come his way, and       is very engaged with all tenants in the building for any needs             that may arise. 
 

      Additionally, John is a great asset for vendor management as a        contractor liaison for all construction-related activities.   A long-playing bassist and a recent newlywed, John enjoys spending his time with his wife and daughter and their cats- watching all of the hockey games they can, trying the latest restaurants in Hyde Park, and especially going fishing when weather permits. 


     Ben Hagaman 
    Office Assistant/Work Study

     Ben is in his first year of UChicago's Masters in Social Work           program, focusing on a clinical track currently. He hopes to           focus on trauma-informed mental health and community               development. Ben wants to find a balance between working           with individuals while providing support for the communities. 

Ben cares a great deal about storytelling and the importance of people sharing their stories within the world. He says, "the stories we hear and carry with us shape our perspectives and add value to our shared experiences. Especially through film, literature, and art, I love being able to learn about experiences similar and vastly different to my own."

     Jacob Perkins
     Office Assistant/Work Study

      Jacob is a first year Master of Divinity (MDiv) student at the                University of Chicago Divinity School, pursuing ordained                      ministry in The Episcopal Church.

     Additionally, Jacob studies medieval Spanish interfaith society          (al-Andalus), Mysticism, and Liturgy.

Jacob cares deeply about building positive, mutually respectful relationships between Abrahamic faiths in a way that is genuine and embraces differences, rather than being reductive.

Mon, March 27 2023 5 Nisan 5783