Shechunah Shel Ramah Meet Anna Elfenbaum Voc-Ed Program Supervisor

Meet Anna Elfenbaum the Voc-Ed Program Supervisor at Machaneh Ramah.

Anna came to work at Machaneh Ramah in 2005 after a friend who had been on tzevet (staff) suggested that she come and work while her children were campers. Fourteen years later Anna says that she loves so many things about being at Machaneh Ramah. For Anna being a part of the Tikvah community is the best part, and she cherishes all the special moments that she sees around camp every day.  For Anna, the best part of her job is watching the Tikvah program participants gain independence at their worksites all around camp and seeing their pride when they realize that the jobs they are doing at camp, truly impact the lives of campers and staff people all summer long. Anna did not attend Ramah, however, her husband grew up at Ramah Wisconsin, so it was always important for them that their children go to Ramah. Anna said, “it was just a bonus that I got to work here too!” One of the many highlights about being at camp for Anna is that she likes to run and she gets to go on long runs with her friends and explore the roads of Palmer and surrounding towns. She also practices yoga and tries to remember to take deep breaths when things get crazy!

When not at camp Anna lives in West Hartford, CT. During the year Anna is the Transition Coordinator for the West Hartford Public Schools. Anna said, “I have the amazing opportunity to work with students with disabilities and their families as they navigate life after leaving the public-school system. I am also the principal of the Religious School at Adath Israel in Middletown, CT.” Anna studied Judaic Studies at Brandeis University and more recently received a Master’s in Special Education at University of St. Joseph and a Connecticut Teacher Certification.

Anna started working in the Tikvah program in 2009.  At that point, she said, “I had very little training or education in working with people with disabilities.  It was through my involvement in Tikvah, that I made a life/career change and decided to focus more on Special Education not only at camp but year-round. I got a Masters in Special Ed and Teacher Certification.  I don’t think that I would have made that decision, had I not had the Tikvah experience!”

We are truly privileged to have Anna as an integral member of the tzevet here at Machaneh Ramah!