Meet the Senior Leadership for Camp JORI
KARA LIBERMAN: DIRECTOR
Hi, I am Kara Liberman, Director of Camp JORI. I grew up in New Jersey before moving up the East Coast to attend the University of Massachusetts. I obtained my B.S. in Communication Disorders and an appreciation for the Boston Red Sox. Following graduation, I moved to Boston to continue my education. I earned my master's degree in special education from Simmons College. I worked as a special educator in the elementary and middle school levels. In addition, I taught Sunday school at the local temple and was involved in many of their programs. Working with youth has always been important to me and continues to be something that I cherish.
I started working at JORI in 2018 after my boys had been attending camp and loving it. After spending every summer of my youth at camp, I was thrilled to have the chance to embrace camp in this other role. I treasure my time at camp and know that each day is unique and special. One of my favorite responsibilities at camp is the wake-up call. I have always been a true camp person and continue to appreciate all that summer camp. Being a director, it is essential that I immerse myself in everything “camp.” That goes beyond my love for all things tie-dye. I participate in activities, bond with our camp community, and always look for ways to grow our program.
Camp JORI is a special place where I have 3 children who join me at camp every summer. Josh (age 15), Matthew (age 13) and Stella (age 8) travel all the way from Austin, TX. We love life in Texas but look forward to returning to our friends and the cooler weather in RI every summer. And for anyone wondering about our favorite teams, we are proud New England fans!
If there is anything I can help you with, please do not hesitate to email me at Kara@campjori.com.
DON BLATE: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Hi, I am Don Blate the Assistant Director of Camp JORI. I grew up in Monroe, Louisiana and spent 10 years at Henry S. Jacobs Camp between being a camper and on staff in Utica, Mississippi. I graduated from the University of Alabama studying Public Relations and Marketing. Just so you all know, I love the Tide.
Post graduation I moved again to Atlanta, GA and found my new adult home. This city is a true melting pot and just keeps growing. From Atlanta I have enjoyed working with multiple companies in different leadership positions developing high performing teams, developing common sense processes, while aligning the individual with the team to elevate the experience for all involved.
So why Camp,
I got the opportunity to go back to camp last summer as the Program Director and had a blast creating fun experiences for the campers and staff. Based on that experience combined with my professional background I am well-equipped with valuable insights and a unique perspective to seamlessly transition into the AD role.
Being a parent of third-generation campers at Jori has allowed me to witness firsthand the positive impact of the camp experience with my own children Sam and Hannah. I can’t believe there has been a Blate at JORI since 2015.
It was brought to my attention last summer that I might have a Southern Accent. I believe in having fun, always smiling, and focusing on the positive. It is imperative to bond with campers, staff and family’s to create a sense of community that will help define the JORI experience.
Finally, the transformative power of the summer camp experience within a safe and nurturing space for campers to learn, grow, and create lasting friendships is the best way to invest my time, effort, and energy.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions about Camp. I can be easily reached at don@campjori.com.
BRIDGET CONNOR-FELDBAUM: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, ADMINISTRATION
I have met many of you in the visitor center, but am moving into the role of Assistant Director of Administration at Camp JORI. I grew up in western Massachusetts and studied theater at Mount Holyoke College. I relocated to Louisiana (New Orleans and Baton Rouge) before returning to my home state in 2021. I have an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts from Goddard College and a Masters' of Jewish Education from Hebrew College.
My biggest passions are theater and Jewish education, and I combine these passions with original puppet shows about Jewish holidays and traditions which I perform regularly throughout the Boston area.
As a Jewish educator, I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with kids of all ages, from preschool through teens. Although I never went to sleepaway camp growing up, I'm happy to have the chance to experience it at Camp JORI alongside my children Anton and Leora. I am looking forward to becoming more involved in the year round operations at Camp JORI.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions about Camp. I can be easily reached at bridget@campjori.com.
SETH FINKLE: DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Hi, my name is Seth Finkle and I am the new Director of Development for Camp JORI. I have a BFA in Acting and Stage Management from the University of Rhode Island and an MA in Educational Theatre from NYU. Currently, I sit as the President of the Board of Directors for URI Hillel.
Before starting at Camp, I was the Senior Advancement Officer at Gann Academy for the past three years. I was an advisor for sophomores, and the faculty advisor for a philanthropy club called Gann Gives. I have worked with many different volunteer groups including board members, alumni, and alumni parents. Before Gann, I worked at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island for seven years in the philanthropy department and ran our summer day camp. During my time at the Alliance, I was fortunate enough to be part of a very prestigious 18-month fellowship all about teen engagement.
I am excited to be working at Camp JORI and getting to know everyone. I am conducting a listening tour and want to hear your “JORI Story.” Why do you love JORI? How can we improve? What is your favorite memory about camp? I want to hear it all.
Please do not hesitate to contact me for a meeting, seth@campjori.com.
I look forward to meeting and getting to know you.