Board of Directors Biographies
Eli Weinzveg
Eli grew up in Sebastopol and his family has been members of Congregation Shomrei Torah for almost forty years. After graduating high school, he moved to Sacramento to attend California State University, Sacramento. While living in Sacramento, he married his partner Nicollette, who grew up in Sonoma County as well. They decided to move back home in 2012 to be closer to family and raise their twins, Avi and Ella, in the most incredible place in the world! Upon returning to Sonoma County, Eli got involved in Congregation Shomrei Torah as an adult and has been serving on the board for the past 10 years.
Reuben Weinzveg
REUBEN WEINZVEG, M.A., C.P.A.(retired), Padi Selwyn and I have been members of Shomrei Torah since 1991. Both of our sons, Eli and Daniel, had their Bar Mitzvahs with Rabbi George and Eli and Nicollette were married at CST and our grandchildren are currently enrolled in Hebrew school at CST. For the past 44 years Padi and I have lived in Sebastopol on a small orchard where we, in our spare time, are avid amateur gardeners. An expert in Foundation and nonprofit financial management, Reuben is a past treasurer and past president of the Sonoma Land Trust, and served as a Board Trustee for 15 years. For 7 years until 2006 Reuben served as a board member and Treasurer of the Community Foundation - Sonoma County.
I am glad to serve on the Board of CST because I love the spirit and warmth of our Congregation., and also love our sanctuary. It was an honor to serve on the building committee and watch our dream become a reality.
Judith Richlin-Klonsky
My husband Dan, daughter Baylee, and I joined the CST community in 2007. A few factoids that reflect my life: Home bases before arriving in Santa Rosa: SoCal’s San Gabriel Valley and LA’s Westside. Most memorable workplaces: UCLA; SRJC; Andrus Gerontology Center (USC); Sonoma State. Words that family and friends say describe me: Caring; curly haired; funny; honest; organized. Recent involvement at CST: Board Secretary; 2021 Visioning Task Force; Meditation Planning Group; Religious Practices Committee; presentations on race relations. How I’d describe Shomrei Torah: Open-minded and open-hearted.
Sharon Bauman
My family and I joined Congregation Shomrei Torah in 2010. Since then I’ve had the honor of serving the congregation in many capacities including as the President of the Board of Directors for three years, a longstanding Board member, a member of the Executive Committee, a member of the Religious School Committee and a member of the Human Resources Committee. Both of my children (Hannah – 18 years old and Amelia – 15 years old) have grown up at Congregation Shomrei Torah and I can’t overstate the meaningful impact this community has had on me and my family over the years. Outside of synagogue life, I am an employment lawyer with a practice based in San Francisco and my husband, John, is living the Sonoma County dream – cultivating wine grapes on our estate vineyard and making both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for our family-owned winery, Westerhold Family Vineyards.
Ann DuBay
Ann, her husband Jeremy Olsan and then-newborn son Jake Olsan, joined Congregation Shomrei Torah in 1993. Through the synagogue, they’ve met some of their closest friends, forged deep connections to Judaism, and celebrated Jake and Ann’s B-Mitzvahs. Ann has been a Board member since 2017 and served as Board president from 2020-2022. Ann loves her job as a communications manager with Sonoma Water, reading, and bike rides with Jeremy.
Dave Fichera
My family and I joined Congregation Shomrei Torah in 2009 and I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the board since 2015 (with a one year hiatus in 2019). I am currently the chair of the Youth Committee on which I have served since 2012, and enjoy helping to steer the religious school and youth programming through the lens of being a public school administrator. With professional experience in technology, audio/visual systems, media production, and music, there are many opportunities for me to lend my expertise to Shomrei Torah. Some of my favorite projects have included engineering our streaming system and leading the youth Kol Nidre string ensemble. I am grateful for the many benefits that being a member of Congregation Shomrei Torah offers; it's an honor to serve the community and give back to an organization that gives us so much in return.
Pam Loman
My name is Pamela Loman, and I’ve lived in Santa Rosa for the past 18 years. I live with my husband, Mark Homicz , and our 16 year-old son Cole. Our 19-year-old daughter Maya is currently studying in Boston, pursuing a BFA in musical theatre at Boston Conservatory at Berklee School of Music.
I work as a psychologist in private practice, specializing in children and families, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and learning disabilities. When I’m not working, I enjoy traveling (I’ve been to 36 countries so far!), reading, and spending time with friends. Throughout my kids’ education, I have spent significant time volunteering at their schools. I have also provided foster care for dogs and cats through Dogwood Animal Rescue Project.
I have been honored to serve on Shomrei’s board for the past two years. We have been members for about 12 years now —celebrating my children’s B’nai mitzvahshave been two of the happiest days in our family’s lives. I grew up in New Jersey attending Temple Beth El, where my dad was an active volunteer. I am happy to carry on his legacy here at Shomrei Torah!
Erica Magers
Erica Magers, her husband, Justin, and their two children joined Congregation Shomrei Torah in 2011, and in 2019, Erica was invited to join the board. In addition to this role, she has served on and chaired the Shomrei Torah Religious School (STaRS) Committee, has assisted with annual budget planning, and recently joined the Membership Committee. Erica and her family enjoy many of the programs and activities offered at Shomrei Torah; the monthly Rabbi’s Tisch being a favorite.
Erica’s two children attended STaRS and had their B’ Mitzvahs at Shomrei Torah. Her eldest child was a madrich and served on the youth board. Her youngest is currently a member of the youth board and will be participating in the Tzedek Social Justice Fellowship in 2023-24.
Erica grew up in Westchester County, NY and obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis. Professionally, she is a Senior Project Manager for an engineering company that produces automated test equipment. When not working or volunteering, Erica enjoys spending time with family and friends, mountain biking and hiking in Annadel State Park, cooking, reading, and traveling.
Nicole Novach
Nicole Novach has been an educator and tutor for both children and adults since 2002. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from The American University in Washington, D.C., where she studied both Elementary and Special Education with a focus on Learning Disabilities and individualizing educational programs. Since moving to Santa Rosa in 2012, she has worked inside and outside of schools and school settings developing innovative curriculum for children of all ages. Nicole is a board member at CST and is the PJ Library Parent Connector for Sonoma County where she helps Jewish Families form friendships and connect to the larger Jewish community. Nicole, and her husband Wayne are proud parents to Hazel and Tallulah.
Kevin Scheier
My name is Kevin Scheier, and I live in Sebastopol with my wife, Hillary, a talented kosher chef, and my youngest daughter Isabella, a talented product designer. My oldest daughter lives in Santa Rosa with her husband and my new first Granddaughter Naomi. My parents moved to Redwood City from New York in 1963 where we started a 60 year affiliation with Congregation Beth Jacob and where I had the honor to work on the Executive Board and other committees. Recently retired from a successful 35-year career in silicon valley, we moved from Mountain View to Sonoma County about three years ago. I enjoy gardening, investing and quality family time including our lovable Labrador Retriever, Spike.
Des Shapiro
I am an expat South African, having immigrated with my wife Margaret to the US in 1975. I’m a retired physician nephrologist, parent of two children and grandparent of three, all of whose presence we are blessed with in Santa Rosa.
We became synagogue members on our arrival, initially at Beth Ami, and then at Shomrei Torah, since before Rabbi George’s arrival.
I started the Jewish nursery school at Beth Ami and the Jewish Day school of Sonoma County. My main interests are ensuring a vibrant, curious and safe community and future for the Jewish people of Sonoma County, and contributing our strengths for the benefit of others.
Ellen van den Berg
In 2009 I joined Shomrei Torah and was SAC’s co-chair for 6 years till 2021. I continue to be a member of SAC and am currently the co-chair for the Sonoma County Community Yom Hashoah Committee. I joined the CST Board in 2021 as the SAC liaison. It’s an honor to be contributing to the growth and health of this wonderful Shomrei Torah community which has become such an important part of my life.
My professional life spanned from retail to certified financial planner till the mid 90s. I then got my MA in Organization Development and established my own business as a consultant and executive coach. I retired from my business at the end of 2021.
On a personal level - I was born and raised in post-WWII Netherlands and came to the United States in my early 20s and eventually settled in Sonoma County.
In my spare time you can find me at Spring Lake, Annadel, Sugarloaf etc. or at the Coast walking the many trails in our beautiful county. I enjoy painting and have a yoga and meditation practice that keeps me sane.
Donna Waldman
Donna Waldman has lived in Sonoma County since 1988. She works at the Jewish Community Free Clinic as Executive Director, and was one of the original clinic founders. In addition to her extensive involvement in various local and national non-profit organizations, Donna also has more than 40 years of experience as a corporate manager. Many of you might know her as the founder, designer and owner of Pantropic, a national hat brand that was based in Sebastopol which was sold to the Bollman Hat Company in 2007. Fluent in Spanish, Donna has been a community organizer and social justice warrior since the early 1970′s, and has been instrumental in the design and management of several health care and educational organizations.
Elisette Weiss
Elisette Weiss has a deep connection to the CST community and a strong desire to help it grow to meet the evolving needs of the future. With previous experience serving on multiple boards and a professional background in reproductive health social science research, education, and advocacy, Elisette brings a wealth of expertise in nonprofit operations and management. She has a proven track record of effective board leadership and a commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. Currently leading District Partnerships for ClassDojo, Elisette is dedicated to building stronger classroom communities for elementary schools worldwide. As a mother of two young sons, Judah (4) and Lev (1), she, alongside her husband Jacob, is driven by a desire to create a resilient and inclusive environment for future generations. With her diverse experiences, community dedication, and proficiency in nonprofit operations and management, Elisette is eager to contribute to the CST board and help shape its successful future.
