Meet the AJWS Alternative Breaks Team
Ashley Carter
Administrative Coordinator (NYC)
Ashley is the administrative coordinator for the service department, responsible for the administrative and logistical functions of AJWS service programs. Before joining AJWS in February 2011, Ashley worked at Community Partners, a non-profit organization that serves the mental health needs of Strafford County, NH. While there, she worked with children with mental health or behavioral issues, assisting and supporting them in various activities within the community. Ashley recently earned her B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of New Hampshire, where she also spent a semester abroad at Regents College in London, England.
Aylah Cohen
Program Officer for Alternative Breaks (NYC)
Aylah is the program officer for AJWS Alternative Breaks, responsible for managing trips and coordinating with local Hillels. Aylah previously worked as a mission manager for United Jewish Communities where she planned and implemented fundraising missions to Israel and Eastern Europe for North American Federations. Aylah holds a B.S. in human development and family studies from the University of Rhode Island.
Nina Kaufman
Senior Program Officer for Group Leader Management (San Francisco)
Nina is the senior program officer for group leader management and is responsible for hiring, training and supervising group leaders for all AJWS group service programs. Previously Nina worked with Camp Tawonga, a Jewish children's summer camp in the Sierra Mountains, where she developed an international teen service-learning program. Nina has led Jewish groups of teens, college students and adults to Poland, Israel, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Uganda and Alaska through Camp Tawonga, Birthright International, March of the Living, the Jewish Community Center Association and American Jewish World Service. She holds a B.A. from the California College of Arts and Crafts where she studied glass blowing.
Rachel Profeta
Program Officer for Operations (NYC)
Rachel is the program officer for operations, responsible for ensuring efficient implementation of all AJWS service programs. Rachel previously served as program associate for short-term service programs. Prior to joining AJWS, Rachel worked at the Renfrew Center, a residential eating disorders facility. Prior to that, she worked with Habonim Dror North America, organizing local chapters and coordinating a study abroad program in Israel. She holds a B.A. in women's studies from Temple University in Philadelphia and is currently pursuing an M.S. in Organizational Change Management at Milano the New School for Management and Urban Policy.
Andrea Richardson
Senior Program Officer for Operations (NYC)
Andrea is the senior program officer of operations, overseeing a team responsible for ensuring efficient implementation of all AJWS service programs. Andrea previously served as program officer of operations for individual service programs and as program officer for Southeast Asia with Volunteer Corps, placing volunteers with NGOs in Thailand and Cambodia. Prior to joining AJWS in June 2004, Andrea spent several years in the legal field. She earned her B.A. in anthropology from Hamilton College in Clinton, NY, and formerly sat on the board of directors of JusticeWorks Community, an organization that advocates for just and effective criminal justice policies.
Samantha Wolthuis
Director of Service Programs (NYC)
Sam is the director of service, responsible for managing AJWS service programs. She previously held the position of associate director of service for individual service programs at AJWS. Prior to joining AJWS, Sam worked for Family & Children's Services in Tulsa, Oklahoma and with Princeton in Africa in Princeton, New Jersey. Sam holds an M.S. in international studies and has lived in Belgium, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia and Singapore.
