Meet Our Team

Discover the talented individuals behind our success, each with unique skills and inspiring stories.

President & Dean: Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz

Rabbi Yanklowitz has twice been named one of America’s Top Rabbis by Newsweek and has been named by The Forward as one of the 50 most influential Jews and 28 books on Jewish ethics and his writings have appeared in outlets as diverse as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Guardian, and the Atlantic among many other secular and religious publications. He has served as speaker at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and a Rothschild Fellow in Cambridge, UK.

Rav Shmuly received a Masters from Harvard University, a Masters from Yeshiva University, and his Doctorate from Columbia University. He was ordained as a rabbi by Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, along with 2 private ordinations in Israel. He serves as the President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash (a global Jewish learning and action center). His wife Shoshana, and their four children live in Scottsdale, Arizona. They have also served as foster parents.

Operations Associate: Alix Cramer

Alix has always had a passion for community engagement and Jewish education. A native of Winnipeg, Canada, she holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) degree and an MBA from the University of Manitoba. Alix loves serving her community and working as a Jewish professional. From 2018-2021 she worked for Repair the World Pittsburgh and enjoyed organizing service projects for children and their parents as the Family Programming Coordinator. She has also worked with PJ Library Pittsburgh, local Jewish day schools and with start-ups in the high tech industry. Alix is a board member of Congregation Shaare Torah and also serves as the synagogue’s Youth Committee Chair. She lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and their three children.

Program Manager: Karri Bernstein

An Arizona native, Karri is a graduate of The University of Arizona. She is an active participant in various local Jewish organizations as she is a member of the LAS (Leadership & Advancement Series) with the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix. She is excited to work with VBM to continue learning more about her community and the ways she can help them. In her free time, Karri enjoys spending time with her family dog and has a passion for sports, design, and music.

Development Associate: Shulamit Monina

Shulamit began her career as a domestic abuse advocate and program coordinator, serving the Jewish community for over 10 years. She is passionate about Jewish learning, community-building, and Israel relief. She is also involved in providing and coordinating meals for families in need of community support. She and her family are proud to be dual citizens of Israel. She is excited to be joining the VBM team, with the goal of expansion of Jewish activism and learning in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Program Associate: Isaac Blumenthal

Isaac Blumenthal is a motivated recent College graduate who is devoted to social justice. In December of 2023, he graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in environmental studies while minoring in food systems, sustainability, and equity. Immediately after, he moved to Arizona to work with Valley Beit Midrash. From a young age, Isaac has been interested in helping vulnerable populations both domestically and globally. He has demonstrated his passion for international aid as he has been involved with organizations based out of South Africa, Nigeria, Ecuador, and Israel.

Outreach Coordinator: Elijah Johnson

Elijah Johnson is a passionate, creative and driven professional who believes in leading with purpose, integrity, and authenticity. He has built his journey around blending artistic expression with strategic thinking, whether it’s through his photography, business ventures, or growing knowledge in cybersecurity. Elijah is always looking for ways to elevate the people around him, learn something new, and create work that makes a positive impact. At the core of everything he does is a deep commitment to growth, community, and staying true to who he is.

Outreach Coordinator: Brandon Nahsonhoya

Brandon Nahsonhoya (Tewa/Hopi) (His/Him). Brandon began work on sex trafficking as security and driver for Human Trafficking Recovery Program with F.I.R.E and Angels Go To Work in 2016. He has an extensive background in Personal Security as he has worked in Executive Protection which is Security of high-level Executives, Dignitaries and Professional Sports Athletes. He is trained to minimizing risk threats, de-escalation techniques, identifying, resolving and eliminating threats for clients. He has also been trained by survivors of human trafficking and Side by Side International Church in safe recovery techniques. He currently leads a Mens and youth empowerment program. He engages boys and men in addressing violence against women and all persons. Recently, expanded youth services through sports and providing education/awareness on sex trafficking, social media dangers, health and wellness. His experiences continue with Honwungsi Consulting Services, LLC who partners and works directly with Law enforcement and First responder personnel. Honwungsi also works closely with all 22 Arizona Tribal Nations and throughout the country bringing awareness and education on MMIP. Family Services are also provided through their Missing Persons Recovery Program and Human Trafficking Recovery Team. In his past time he is a football and basketball coach at the Junior high and High School level.

Valerie Smith is a senior at Arizona State University, where she passionately advocates for queer rights and embraces her Jewish identity. Committed to justice and equality, Valerie actively fights for social change while proudly upholding her Jewish ethics. Her dedication extends beyond human causes; she loves to volunteer in support of animal welfare, demonstrating her deep compassion for all living beings. Valerie’s vibrant activism and community involvement reflect her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.