Miriam Starkman - Executive Director - Miriam is the long-time Executive Director of HMD. For the past 17 years she has seen students come and go, and sometimes come back again. As an informal Jewish educator, she welcomes the opportunity to help students as they develop both Jewishly and personally. There are few questions or comments from students that would surprise/shock her, but she encourages any student to try!
E-mail Miriam!
Sheri Ginis - Development Director/Assistant Director - Sheri joined HMD in December 2003 after moving to Michigan from Atlanta. She has worked in the Jewish community forever and loves having a little part in making the world a better place. When not at HMD, Sheri can be found hanging out with her husband, Dan or busy with her two teenage daughters, Abbie and Ellie. Her advice for college students … take advantage of this time to become independent and explore the possibilities.
E-mail Sheri!
Neil A. Cantor - Director of Jewish Student Life - Neil has always had a passion for working with Jewish students and young adults. He is originally from Richmond, Virginia, and still has a true love for the South. Neil received his Juris Doctor degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Journalism from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. Prior to joining HMD as the Director of Jewish Student Life, Neil worked in state government for many years and worked with Jewish youth and students. Since shifting his professional career, Neil does not miss having to wear a tie at work every day and he has enjoyed the opportunity to connect with students and help them embark on their Jewish Journey. When not at work Neil spends most of his time with his wonderful wife Ilene and their new born son Robby.
E-mail Neil!
Karen Gales - Program Associate - Karen is our program associate at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and at Oakland University. Prior to joining HMD Karen spent several years teaching in secular and non-secular education and taught 7th grade at ATID: Alliance for Teens in Detroit. She also taught at Beth Shalom, Beth Ahm, and was director of the Grosse Pointe Jewish Council. Karen worked as a college recruiter for 5 years and has always taken a special interest in advising college students. After graduating from the University of Michigan, with a degree in psychology, Karen attended culinary school and worked in the catering field. In her spare time, Karen loves to cook.
E-mail Karen!
Emily Weitz - Program Associate - Emily Weitz is our Program Associate at Wayne State University, at Lawrence Tech University and at Oakland Community College. A recent graduate of Oakland University, Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree in journalism with specializations in marketing and public relations. While studying at Oakland University, she interned for the Detroit Zoo's public relations department. A metro-Detroit native, Emily grew up involved in the Jewish community and is thrilled for the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of Jewish students. In her free time Emily enjoys writing, reading and volunteering at the local animal shelter.
E-mail Emily!
Arlene Carter - Office Manager - Arlene is the gatekeeper of HMD. Since 1997 she has been greeting our students, answering the phones, policing the lounge and mothering all who enter the HMD compound. Mother of 4 and grandmother of 13, Arlene spends her free time ‘not babysitting’ and reading everything except murder, blood and gore.
E-mail Arlene!