OUR STAFF
exdir@cbi18.org
Sam Brown joined CBI as Executive Director in April of 2023. Prior, she was the Senior Director of Programs at Lost Tribe, an online Jewish, non-profit, youth-serving organization. For more than 25 years, Sam has worked with the Jewish community in various roles, including marketing, development, programming, and engagement, always furthering connectivity between children, families, and organizations.
shoffman@cbi18.org
Samantha has spent her entire professional career in Jewish education. Her passion is creating learning experiences that go beyond the four walls of the classroom, leading her to earn a Masters in Jewish Experiential Education from Hebrew College. She has served in diverse settings – including religious schools, day schools, and overnight camps, and was recognized by the Foundation for Jewish Camp with their Award for Excellence in Jewish Education.
(714) 730-0860
salkin@cbi18.org
Sharon Alkin has been in the field of Early Childhood for over thirty years. She is a graduate from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, with a degree in Education, and received her Early Childhood Education credential from Saddleback College.
youth@cbi18.org
Melanie Edwards is a dedicated nonprofit professional with nearly eight years of experience in the sector, primarily within the Jewish community. After college, she spent a year in Israel with JDC Entwine, working with the employment division on empowering vulnerable communities with the support needed to transition into the workforce. This transformative experience shaped her career path, igniting a passion for supporting underserved populations and fostering meaningful community connections. Since then, she has worked with esteemed organizations such as Hillel, Jewish Long Beach, and Big Brothers Big Sisters focusing on community engagement, leadership development, and youth and young adult programming. Currently, Melanie is pursuing her Master of Social Work with the goal of becoming a therapist, integrating her background in nonprofit leadership with a deep commitment to mental health and well-being.
Carl brings his joy of music and Judaism to each and every service he leads. In addition to leading services, he teaches music and tefilah at our Religious School with a passion for transmitting the joy of Jewish music to the great kids of CBI.
Emma Douglas has spent her whole life as a resident and participant of the Orange County community. She is a graduate from UC Davis, where she studied English Literature and Professional Writing. Emma hopes to continue her involvement in the Tustin community by working with the good people at CBI. She is excited to collect interesting stories and characters she can use when attending a graduate school program for English Literature and Creative Writing.