Aaron Kaufman (Executive Director)
Aaron has been with Penn State Hillel since 2007. Aaron hails from the great state of Michigan, and attended the University of Michigan where he met his wife Stephanie at Hillel, and also received a degree in Judaic Studies, Cultural Anthropology, and Studies in Religion as well as a Masters Degree in Social Work. Prior to working at Penn State Hillel, Aaron was the Director at the Eastern Michigan University Hillel and the Associate Director at the Cornell Hillel, and picked up a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management along the way. Aaron is thrilled to be back in the Big Ten, and loves living in Happy Valley and working with the best students and staff in the country. He plays guitar, loves good food, and has two adorable little girls, Ellie Pearl and Ruby Mae (pictures canbe found on facebook). Aaron also suffers from a constant craving for coffee, and is happy to indulge by buying a cup for any student who wants one.
Aaron can be reached at adk12@psu.edu or 814-863-4825
Lori Thompson-Given (Director of Operations)
Lori has worked at Penn State Hillel since 2005. She is a graduate of South Hills School of Business and Technology, State College Campus. Lori is the facilitator of all office management, accounting, development database, and financial transactions. Additionally, she represents Hillel in the Chamber of Business and Industry for Centre County. Because she has been a life-long resident of the Centre Region, Lori has a comprehensive knowledge of Happy Valley and the surrounding area. Aside from being an avid reader, Lori enjoys spending time with her husband, Scott, and daughter, Hannah, as well as her three beautiful cats. All the State College woodland creatures love Lori so, when you stop by to see her, you’re likely to notice a bird, chipmunk, and/or squirrel staring through the window waiting for a tasty treat.
Lori can be reached at lat11@psu.edu or 814-865-4828
Elizabeth Moser (Senior Engagement Associate) Elizabeth graduated from the University of Georgia in May 2010 (gooo dawgs!!) with a degree in Natural Resources Recreation and Tourism. As an undergraduate, Elizabeth enjoyed doing science experiments with 3rd graders, dressing up in various bear and gorilla costumes, and exploring the outdoors. Much like Captain Planet, Elizabeth believes that with our powers combined, we can all do great things! She is loving living here in Happy Valley, but when it comes to Creamery ice cream, her willpower has not been great. Elizabeth is always willing to have a cup of coffee with students (or throw the frisbee, go for a hike, chase butterflies...), and she is looking forward to meeting you!
Contact Elizabeth at eam25@psu.edu or 814-863-3816
Michal Berns (Campaign Associate)
Michal graduated from Penn State in May 2011 with a degree in Media Studies (Media Law and Policy) and Art History. While an undergrad, Michal was involved on campus in various student organizations, including Penn State Hillel, as the student president for two years as well as an executive director on the student government’s board. Michal is so thrilled to be staying in Happy Valley, as she couldn’t imagine a better place to work. While not busy working for Penn State Hillel, she enjoys reading, playing sports, and catching up with friends.
Contact Michal at mxb5025@psu.edu or 814-865-4827
Kayla Kahn (Engagement Associate)
Kayla graduated from Johns Hopkins University in May 2010 with a degree in Writing Seminars and a minor in French (parlez-vous?). As an undergrad, Kayla was involved in Greek life and student affairs, and spent most of her time buried in the depths of the library (just kidding, she majored in writing). She loves traveling and cooking, and has eaten her way through most of Europe and Israel. Kayla feels at home in Happy Valley already, and is eager to explore the hiking trails near State College. She is BEYOND excited to meet you and, together, try every flavor of ice cream and fro-yo that Penn State has to offer!
Contact Kayla at klk36@psu.edu or 814-863-3816
Assaf Levinton (Israel Fellow)
Assaf graduated from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem with a degree in Medical Biology. Assaf is 
originally from the city of Haifa on Mount Carmel and finds it difficult to navigate flat (or relatively flat) cities, so if you see him confused on the street, please help him get to his destination. Assaf loves to cook (and even more to eat) and once ate 8 gefilte fish (on a bet); he feels he is now ready to try anything. He is always happy to meet with students for coffee--or ice cream--or any food State College has to offer, and to talk about Israel or anything else.
Contact Assaf at 814-380-8484
Devon Herrick (Development Coordinator)
Devon graduated from Penn State University in May 2009 with a B.A. in Public Relations. She is currently pursuing her M. Ed. in Higher Education from Penn State part-time. Before joining Penn State Hillel, Devon was the Assistant Director of Development for the College of Health and Human Development at Penn State. Devon originally hails from the Philadelphia area where her family still lives. In her spare time, Devon enjoys playing music with her band, serving as a board member for the Alumni Blue Band Association, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Contact Devon at dmh5026@psu.edu or 814.865.0005