Meet Our Team

Discover the talented individuals behind our success, each with unique skills and inspiring stories.

President & Dean: Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz

Rabbi Yanklowitz has twice been named one of America’s Top Rabbis by Newsweek and has been named by The Forward as one of the 50 most influential Jews and 28 books on Jewish ethics and his writings have appeared in outlets as diverse as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Guardian, and the Atlantic among many other secular and religious publications. He has served as a speaker at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and a Rothschild Fellow in Cambridge, UK.

Rav Shmuly received a Master's from Harvard University, a Master's from Yeshiva University, and his Doctorate from Columbia University. He was ordained as a rabbi by Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, along with 2 private ordinations in Israel. He serves as the President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash (a global Jewish learning and action center). His wife, Shoshana, and their four children live in Scottsdale, Arizona. They have also served as foster parents.

Operations Director: Alix Cramer

Alix is a passionate Jewish professional with a lifelong commitment to community engagement and Jewish education. Originally from Winnipeg, Canada, she holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) and an MBA from the University of Manitoba. From 2018–2021, Alix served as the Family Programming Coordinator at Repair the World Pittsburgh, where she created and led meaningful service opportunities for children and families. She has also worked with PJ Library Pittsburgh, local Jewish day schools, and start-ups in the high-tech industry. Alix lives in Israel with her husband and their three children, where she continues to bring her dedication to community-building and Jewish life into all that she does.

Program Manager: Karri Bernstein

An Arizona native, Karri is a graduate of the University of Arizona. She is an active participant in various local Jewish organizations, as she is a member of the LAS (Leadership & Advancement Series) with the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix. She is excited to work with VBM to continue learning more about her community and the ways she can help them. In her free time, Karri enjoys spending time with her family dog and has a passion for sports, design, and music.

Development Associate: Shulamit Monina

Shulamit began her career as a domestic abuse advocate and program coordinator, serving the Jewish community for over 10 years. She is passionate about Jewish learning, community-building, and Israel relief. She is also involved in providing and coordinating meals for families in need of community support. She and her family are proud to be dual citizens of Israel. She is excited to join the VBM team to expand Jewish activism and learn in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Outreach Coordinator: Brandon Nahsonhoya

Brandon Nahsonhoya (Tewa/Hopi) (His/Him). Brandon began work on sex trafficking as a security and driver for the Human Trafficking Recovery Program with F.I.R.E. and Angels Go To Work in 2016. He has an extensive background in Personal Security, as he has worked in Executive Protection, which is the Security of high-level Executives, Dignitaries, and Professional Sports Athletes. He is trained to minimize risk threats, de-escalation techniques, identify, resolve, and eliminate threats for clients. He has also been trained by survivors of human trafficking and Side by Side International Church in safe recovery techniques. He currently leads a men's and youth empowerment program. He engages boys and men in addressing violence against women and all persons. Recently, expanded youth services through sports and providing education/awareness on sex trafficking, social media dangers, health, and wellness. His experiences continue with Honwungsi Consulting Services, LLC, which partners and works directly with Law enforcement and First responder personnel. Honwungsi also works closely with all 22 Arizona Tribal Nations and throughout the country, bringing awareness and education on MMIP. Family Services are also provided through their Missing Persons Recovery Program and Human Trafficking Recovery Team. In his past time, he was a football and basketball coach at the Junior high and High School level.

Valerie Smith is a senior at Arizona State University, where she passionately advocates for queer rights and embraces her Jewish identity. Committed to justice and equality, Valerie actively fights for social change while proudly upholding her Jewish ethics. Her dedication extends beyond human causes; she loves to volunteer in support of animal welfare, demonstrating her deep compassion for all living beings. Valerie’s vibrant activism and community involvement reflect her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

Program Associate: Valerie Smith

Ariel Rosen is an Arizona native who grew up in Scottsdale before pursuing a degree in theater at Fordham University in New York City. She later continued her studies in Israel at Midreshet Rachel, where she also led educational trips for college students through Pathways Israel. A graduate of AJJ’s Social Justice Fellowship, Ariel is deeply committed to advancing pluralistic Jewish values and community engagement in the Valley. She resides in Phoenix with her three children, dog, and cat.

Fellowship Coordinator (AZ): Ariel Rosen

Wendy Aron DeTata has spent her career dedicated to strengthening communities, advancing social justice, and empowering children and families. A graduate of UCLA School of Law, Wendy served in various roles across the child and family services landscape, including county government, juvenile court and philanthropy. Wendy brings to Valley Beit Midrash a passion for Jewish community, direct service and social advocacy. Originally from Southern California, she now lives in Chandler, Arizona with her husband, dog and two kids when they are home from college. In her free time, Wendy enjoys exploring the outdoors, live music and travel.

Director of Community Engagement & Office Management: Wendy DeTata

Program Associate: Isaac Blumenthal

Isaac Blumenthal is a motivated graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania who is devoted to social justice. In December of 2023, he graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in environmental studies while minoring in food systems, sustainability, and equity. Immediately after, he moved to Arizona to work with Valley Beit Midrash. From a young age, Isaac has been interested in helping vulnerable populations both domestically and globally. He has demonstrated his passion for international aid as he has been involved with organizations based out of South Africa, Ecuador, Israel, and most recently, Nigeria.