Meet the Yoetzim

Camp Ramah Darom is thrilled to introduce our incredible team of Yoetzim for Kayitz (Summer) 2025

Jason Cathcart

I couldn’t be more excited to return to Ramah Darom for my fourth summer as a yoetz! Since 2018, I’ve served as the Director of Congregational Learning at Beth David Synagogue in Greensboro, NC. With over 20 years of experience in Jewish education and synagogue programming, I’ve worked in Charlotte, NC; Chattanooga, TN; and Plano, TX.

My wife Vicki (Sykes) Cathcart and I met working at Darom—we’re proud to be the first Ramah Darom marriage! We’re the parents of Jordan (17), Samara, and Daniella (14), and our whole family is looking forward to being back in the 30525.

Vicki Cathcart

For me, Ramah Darom has always felt like home. This will be my 4th summer as a Camp yoetzet and my 19th at a Ramah camp (Wisconsin and Darom). I grew up in Northbrook, IL, and went to the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Jason and I met at Darom, and we’re celebrating our 25th anniversary this year. Our kids—Jordan, Samara, and Daniella—will all be at camp this summer. I’ve spent over thirty years working in the nonprofit world with organizations like Jewish Family Services, Jewish Federations, and Hillel.

Stacy Chassen

This summer, I’m trading South Florida humidity for camp humidity at Ramah Darom! I’m a licensed School Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and in my 6th year supporting students at Posnack East, a Jewish day school.

Originally from just outside of Boston, I grew up attending Camp Ramah New England events and couldn’t wait to send my own kids to Ramah. After years of diplomatic adventures abroad, my family has happily settled in the South.

With a heart for kids, a tote bag full of coping strategies, and years of experience, I’m ready to bring the ruach to Camp Ramah Darom!

Rachel Herman

My name is Rachel Herman and I am thrilled to be working alongside incredible counselors to give your campers a magical experience at Ramah Darom.

Ramah Darom is a unique Jewish setting where your chanichim (campers) will learn, grow, laugh, play and so much more. I began my Ramah Darom journey as a camper in 1999 and was a summer staff member for 10 years. I am so excited to create a meaningful and fun time at camp for all your campers that will keep them coming back year after year (just like me)!

Inspired by my time at camp, I went on to receive my master’s in Experiential Jewish Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS). From 2015 to 2020, I served as the Director of Education at Congregation Or Hadash in Atlanta. In that role, I oversaw the supplemental school and all youth programs. I have a lot of experience with hands-on Jewish education, staff supervision, and child care and development. I currently work as the Assistant Director of Kaplan Mitchell Retreat Center at Ramah Darom. In this role, I oversee the mission-based retreats Ramah Darom offers as part of its year-round programming.

Melissa Waksman Levine

I’m so excited to be back at Ramah Darom, supporting young campers, and helping spark their love of Jewish camp! I work at Repair the World, a Jewish nonprofit that connects people to meaningful volunteer opportunities and Jewish learning.

Born and raised in South Florida, I attended Ramah Darom as a camper and counselor, and graduated from the University of Maryland—fun fact: I decided to go there while on my Gesher trip!

Over the years, I’ve held roles in a variety of Jewish organizations, including the Foundation for Jewish Camp, Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, and Hillel International. I live in Cooper City, Florida, with my husband Shawn and our three kids: Logan (Halutzim), Darcy (Nitzanim), and Owen (future camper!).

Devorah Lowenstein

I’m so excited to return to camp for my 9th kayitz!

Hailing from Stamford, CT, during the year, I work as the Learning Specialist at a college prep high school.

My favorite place at Camp is the waterfall, and I’m thrilled to be coming back this summer with my daughters, Rachelle (Gesher ‘24) and Shira (Gesher ‘25).

Dani Luft

Being back at Ramah Darom always feels like coming full circle. This is my 6th summer as a yoetzet, and I was lucky to be on staff during Darom’s very first summer as a counselor and Rosh Aidah (Unit Head). I teach Judaic studies and Hebrew to Kindergarten and First Grade at the Jewish Day School in Greensboro, NC.

I’m married to Ryan and proud to be mom to Shaina (Gesher ‘24), Mira (Nivonim), and Ari (Kochavim)

Debbie Sasson

I’m thrilled to be returning to Camp Ramah Darom for my twelfth summer as a Yoetzet! As a passionate Jewish educator, I’ve spent most of my career in the Jewish nonprofit world—teaching in public high schools and Jewish day schools, working with teens in experiential learning environments, and most recently, helping high school graduates prepare for gap years in Israel.

Camp has been a meaningful part of my family’s life as well. This summer, my daughter Pnina (20) will be staffing Ramah Seminar in Israel, Yoni (19) will be on staff at Camp, and Beni (14) will be in Nachshonim. We’re all looking forward to another amazing summer with Ramah!

Shira Raviv Schwartz

As an educational advocate, veteran educator, and dyslexia specialist, I’ve supported over 500 Chicagoland families navigating IEPs, 504 plans, and a wide range of learning and behavioral challenges, including anxiety, autism, ADHD, and executive function issues.

My work includes contributions to the Illinois State Literacy Plan and ISBE’s Dyslexia Educator and Parent Handbook, and I currently serve as President-elect of Everyone Reading Illinois.

A former Ramah Palmer camper, I’m part of a proud Ramah family—my husband, Jeremy, went to Ramah Wisconsin, and our three kids have been both campers and staff at Ramah Darom. I’m excited to return, and can’t wait to jump into another summer of Ramah ruach!

Susan Teckteil

I’ve worked in Jewish day schools for over 25 years in New York, Atlanta, and Las Vegas. I grew up going to Ramah Wisconsin, where I met my husband. This summer marks my 27th at Ramah Darom. Over the years, I’ve been deeply involved in creating meaningful programs and spaces within the Camp community—including directing Family Camp, launching Garinim (the original “taste of Ramah” for younger campers), and serving as the founding and current director of Camp Yofi, which began in 2005. All three of my children grew up at Camp Ramah Darom, starting as Gan day campers, then as campers, and eventually as staff members—making this community truly feel like home.

Amy Wasser

Returning for my 23rd summer at Ramah Darom, I bring over 35 years of experience in Jewish education. I currently serve as Senior Director of School Consulting Services at Prizmah, supporting leadership searches, accreditations, and small schools across North America.

Originally from Philadelphia and a proud Akiba Hebrew Academy alum, I began my career at United Synagogue, directing USY on Wheels and serving as national assistant director of USY. I later spent 20 years at Hillel Academy in Tampa, including 13 as Head of School.

I hold degrees from JTS and Columbia, and I’m a proud Ramah parent—my three adult children are all Ramah Darom alumni, and my daughter Ayala is now assistant director of Camp!