Abbeygail Epelman - Peer Network Engagement Intern - 

Abbey is a junior at the University of Michigan-Dearborn where she is studying anthropology, history and religious studies. Her focus is on bio archaeology and identifying human remains using skeletal markers, giving her the nickname "Bones". As a second generation Holocaust survivor Abbey has always been passionate about Jewish life and hopes to promote involvement and engagement at UM-Dearborn as well as create bonds amongst Jewish and Muslim students using what she has learned from Tectonic Leadership. Abbey has participated in a Holocaust Study Abroad in Poland and two archaeological digs- one in Cortez, Colorado working on Anasazi and Pueblo Native Americans and one in Menorca Spain doing skeletal analysis on the Talayotic and Ancient Romans.  Abbey loves reading, music, lacrosse, leadership and peace projects, anything that has to do with anthropology, her puppy Mia and traveling. She is super excited to meet everyone.

  E-mail Abbeygail!

Alyssa 'Bracha' McMillan - Peer Network Engagement Intern -

Alyssa is a junior at Oakland University studying journalism and Judaic studies.  She first became involved with HMD when she went on HMD's Taglit-Birthright Israel trip in May 2008. After Birthright she interned for HMD as a Grinspoon Israel Advocacy intern, with a focus on Israel's multicultural dialogue. Alyssa's most rewarding experience was having the chance to serve as an Americorps member, providing services to the homeless. Her life's mission is to help those in need - with the dreams of opening her own non-profit organization. Alyssa loves the arts; having played violin, piano, and some guitar. She also loves to sing, model, act, draw abstract art, and shoot photography. Alyssa loves her parents - they are joined at the hip! She also works for the Detroit Jewish Community Relations Council.  

E-mail Alyssa!

Daniel Snyder - Peer Network Engagement Intern -

Dan is a junior at Wayne State University majoring in history and plans to attend law school. He likes to meet new people and enjoys going to HMD Shabbat dinners! Dan has a passion for sports, and loves to go to the JCC to workout. He also likes video games and playing on his iPhone.  Dan went on HMD's Taglit-Birthright Israel trip in May 2011 and would love to go back to Israel as soon as possible. When not at HMD, Dan is serving up tables at a local restaurant.

E-mail Dan!

Shugmi Shumunov- Peer Network Engagement Intern

Shugmi, pronounced Shug-Me, is a senior at Wayne State University studying biology and Russian. Shugmi hopes to one day pursue a career in medicine. Shugmi first became involved with HMD as the kitchen manager in charge of purchasing kosher meals for Jewish students on campus. He went on HMD's Taglit-Birthright Israel trip in May 2011. Shugmi likes to meet new people, play basketball, workout, laugh, and have a good time.

E-mail Shugmi!

Ari Jacobovitz - MASA Israel Intern -

Ari is a junior at Wayne State University School of Business studying marketing.  He became involved in HMD when he needed a delicious kosher meal on campus in the beginning of fall semester in 2009.  Ari's perspective on being Jewish changed dramatically after spending a year in the Old City of Jerusalem studying in a yeshiva program.  Since returning from Israel, Ari has been reaching out to Jewish students and young adults in metro Detroit to encourage them to study abroad in Israel or to go on an immersive experience trip in Israel.  When not at HMD, Ari likes to pretend he can play the guitar.

E-mail Ari!

Katie Knapp - MZ-Grinspoon Intern -

Katie is a senior at Wayne State University studying biomedical physics. She first fell in love with Israel during her Taglit-Birthright Israel trip with HMD in May 2010. Since returning, she has participated in HMD's Israel Fellowship and is looking forward to her MZ-Grinspoon Advocacy internship. She hopes to positively influence the campus climate pertaining to Israel. In her spare time she likes to read, ride her bike, and hang out with her cat.

E-mail Katie!