Leadership & Staff
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Rabbi Andi Berlin, Interim Rabbi
Rabbi Andi Berlin notes, “I came to know Shomrei Torah when I worked for the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and have always been impressed with the community’s warmth, engagement, and religious diversity. Given my blend of rabbinic expertise and organizational development skills, I can help Shomrei Torah process the retirement of your long-time senior rabbi, support the remaining staff, and look forward to welcoming a settled rabbi.”
Rabbi Berlin spent most of her congregational rabbinic career at Temple Sinai of Oakland, where she is known for her teaching and pastoral care. Rabbi Berlin developed a passion for helping organizations through transition, conflict, and development when she worked for the URJ. Most recently, she operated Berlin Consulting, LLC in the San Francisco Bay Area, working with corporations to resolve conflict, develop leaders, negotiate difficult decisions, and ensure organizational growth and strength. Rabbi Berlin was a member and chair of the Ethics Committee of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR); the president of the Pacific Area of Reform Rabbis; and chair of the East Bay Council of Rabbis.
Rabbi Berlin holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology/Sociology/World Religion from Ohio Wesleyan University, where she was recognized with several community and academic honors. She received a Master’s of Hebrew Letters and Ordination through the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, where she received prizes for her sermons and community organizing. The Interim Search Committee, Board of Directors, clergy, and staff were impressed with her ability to make Torah accessible and relevant and found her personally approachable and engaging.
In her free time, Rabbi Berlin enjoys hiking with Jon and Buddy (her spouse and her dog), spending time with her family, cooking, reading, camping, traveling, and performing with her improv troupe.
OFFICE STAFF
Katie Evenbeck
Executive Director
Erica Wisner
Cantorial Soloist & B'Mitzvah Coordinator
Julie Hash
Communications & Office Manager
Pieter Palmer
Facility & Operations Manager
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Executive Director
Katie Evenbeck (she/her) comes to CST with a wealth of management, budgeting and fundraising experience.
For more than 17 years, Katie served as the Executive Director of St. Dorothy’s Rest, an Episcopal camp and retreat center located in West County. Katie has also served as the Community Services Director in the Indiana prison system; ran YMCA Camp Roger in Salt Lake City, UT; and is an AmeriCorps Alum.
Katie has a BA in Economics & Sociology, MS in Sociology, and an M.Div. from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific.
When not working or in school, Katie enjoys spending time with Lucie, her fourteen-year-old, Ike, her partner, and Rosie, her Lab Corgi. She is an avid documentary film fan, softball mom, Zumba instructor, and creator of pediokies, an experience of getting a pedicure while singing Karaoke!
Erev Cantor
Erica Wisner (she/her) is honored to serve as Erev Cantor, B'Mitzvah coordinator, tutor, and choir director at Congregation Shomrei Torah.
As a young child, Erica grew up going to services and fell in love with Jewish musical liturgy when her parents started a synagogue in Sacramento County. Erica recently completed her third year of cantorial school at the Academy for Jewish Religion, California, and also serves on the board of the Guild of Temple Musicians, an affiliate organization of the American Conference of Cantors.
Erica holds a master’s degree from The Boston Conservatory and a bachelor’s degree from UCLA.
Erica and her husband, Chris, moved to Santa Rosa in 2008. They have two great kids and two dogs. Listen to Erica's Music.
Director of Education and Youth Engagement
Lara Brown (she/her/ella) began her work with children in 2006 as an in-home daycare assistant. After receiving her AA in Music from Cuesta College and B.S. in Child Development with a minor in Psychology in 2013, she worked in various roles such as Lead Preschool Teacher at Acorn Learning Center, Music Educator at Art and Soul, and Therapeutic Behavioral Services Coach with Seneca Family of Agencies. In 2016, Lara began her work in Jewish Education as Assistant Director and later Co-Director at Beth Ami Community Nursery School. In May of 2021, she accepted the role of Area Director at North Bay Children's Center supervising six preschools and one elementary aftercare program across two counties. Now, she is thrilled to be back in the world of Jewish Education as the Director of Education and Youth Engagement with Congregation Shomrei Torah.
In her spare time, Lara is a member of the local Reggae/Rock group Sonomacana, and can be found performing original compositions and covers on most weekends. She enjoys playing the flute, ukulele, and singing with her bandmates. She also enjoys spending time with her dog Sampson, roaming around in nature with her partner Kyle, watching Star Trek, and playing video games on her VR headset.
Communications & Office Manager
Julie Hash (she/her) has been a part of the Shomrei Torah team since 2015. She manages the publicity for programs and events, including the quarterly printed VIEW publication, the weekly CST Connect email, and the CST Website. In addition, Julie handles membership pledges, billing, the CST database, and general office inquiries.
Julie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis. Before her tenure at CST, she gained valuable experience in retail management and successfully ran her own businesses on eBay and Etsy.
Outside of her professional life, Julie enjoys time spent with her husband, two daughters, and two playful cats. She also has a passion for plants, gardening, gaming, and crocheting, which bring her joy and relaxation.
Facility & Operations Manager
Pieter Palmer (he/him) joined Shomrei Torah as Administrator, but with his support of the facility and technology operations at CST, he quickly moved into the role of Facility & Operations Manager.
Pieter holds degrees in philosophy and music from the University of California, San Diego. Prior to joining Shomrei Torah, he was working as a sales manager in the fitness industry. You can find him at the gym, on the tennis court, or in the music studio.
Pieter's hobbies include hiking, tennis, music production, cooking (and eating), listening to philosophy lectures, and taking in a good novel.
Administrator
Angelica Steinman (she/her/ella) not only is she part of the office team, but is also a member of the congregation. She brings over 20 years of experience in customer service, administrative, and accounts payable roles.
Angelica completed her Associate in Arts in Dance at SRJC in 2008, and she’s performed with local dance companies in Sonoma County since the early 2000’s. Over the years she has worked for local organizations such as: Community Market, Oliver’s and recently LandPaths. She also spent a year exploring a career as a Flight Attendant and traveling to new places.
Angelica enjoys spending time with her family, time in nature, making home cooked meals and dancing around the house with her toddler.
Operations Associate
As of mid-July 2024, Amir Wilson (he/him) has joined CST as our newest Operation Associate. With extensive experience in customer service roles, Amir leads with a blend of charisma, a warm smile, and most importantly, kindness.
He is deeply passionate about worker’s rights and advocating for social justice, particularly for black and brown queer folk. Amir aims to forge a career in employment law to champion those who are underrepresented in the workplace.
Outside of his professional commitments, Amir manages multiple roles and enjoys spending his free time hiking or dining with friends at local restaurants. A favorite spot of his is Sea Noodle Bar in Santa Rosa, which he enthusiastically describes as "offering the best Thai food in town!"
