Camp Ramah Darom is thrilled to introduce our incredible team of Yoetzim for Kayitz (Summer) 2026
Jason Cathcart
I couldn’t be more excited to return to Ramah Darom for my 15th 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 while working at Darom—we’re proud to be the first Ramah Darom marriage! We’re the parents of Jordan (18) and Samara and Daniella (15), and our whole family is looking forward to being back in the 30525.
Stacy Chassen
I’m trading South Florida humidity for camp humidity for my second summer 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!
Lauren Green
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Atlanta native who has worked with children, teens, and families in therapeutic, school, camp, and community settings for over 15 years. I earned my B.S. in Child and Family Development from Georgia Southern University and my Master’s degree in Community Counseling with a Marriage and Family Therapy emphasis from Argosy University.
I began my counseling career in 2009 as an intern at Emory Decatur Hospital and have since worked across inpatient, outpatient, crisis intervention, and community mental health settings, including Peachford Hospital and Georgia Crisis and Access Line. I currently work as a therapist with Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta.
In addition to my clinical work, I have extensive experience in early childhood education and love helping children build confidence, connection, creativity, and resilience. I am especially excited for my first summer at Camp Ramah Darom, especially because my own children will be first-time campers there, too!
Rachel Herman
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 the Ramah Darom Retreat Center. In this role, I oversee the mission-based retreats Ramah Darom offers as part of its year-round programming.
Meryl Kalish
I have been part of the Ramah Darom community since its first summer in 1997. As both a camper and later a counselor, Camp played a meaningful role in my life, creating memories and friendships that have lasted for decades. Now, I am excited to return as a Yoetzet while my own kids experience Camp as campers.
I am looking forward to a small break from my day-to-day work as an attorney for the Department of Children and Families, and I can’t wait to help create the same fun, connection, and lifelong memories for the next generation of campers.
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 (Gesher, and Ari (Shoafim)
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 Tecktiel
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 28th 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 24th 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!
Robyn Winnick
I am happy to join Ramah Darom for my first summer as a yoetzet! I am a school psychologist with 20+ years of experience working with children and families in the school, community, and camp settings. In my various roles I have focused on consultation, conducting assessments, and facilitating social skills groups to help children become stronger social thinkers. Most recently, I served as a director of community care at a day camp in Atlanta. I am excited to play a role in helping campers have fun, build relationships, and create lasting memories. I live in Atlanta with my husband, Keith, son Seth (age 9), and our two dogs, Fozzie and Ollie.
Harriet Workman
I’m the proud mom of two Ramah Darom campers, and together they have spent 11 wonderful summers at Camp. I’m actively involved in my synagogue and the Jewish community in Nashville, TN, and I care deeply about helping children build strong Jewish identities through joyful Jewish experiences and meaningful connections. After a year of training and preparation for this role, I’m excited to bring my passion, experience, and commitment to the Ramah Darom community this summer. Camp, here I come!
I am thrilled to be working alongside incredible counselors to give your campers a magical experience at Ramah Darom.
Susan Tecktiel
