YTT WEST 2023 UPPER STAFF

Director
Yoram Roschwalb
Yoram comes to YTT bringing all the tools you could ask for from a summer program director.
Incredible enthusiasm, love for every Jewish soul, years of experience both working with teenagers and leading summer tours. Longtime Director of Student Activities at SAR High School, Yoram planned and executed trips and programming for thousands of high schools students over the years. He also led many Achva summer tours where he was beloved by participants for the limitless energy he put into every activity. Yoram lives in Israel with his wife and two children.

Logistics Coordinator/ Camp Mom
Sheri Mestel
Sheri is returning as our logistics coordinator (aka Camp Mom) overseeing many of the technical aspects of the tour. Sheri has years of experience working with teenagers including overseeing tours for Achva. During the year, Sheri works full time as an Art Teacher at a public school in Brooklyn. While on tour, Sheri's job is all encompassing. Wether it is preparing for hotel check-ins or taking care of a campers medical needs, Sheri does it all. But most importantly, Sheri provides our campers with endless love and attention so that they can feel like they are right at home!

Head Rabbi
Rabbi Jeff Ney
Rabbi Ney is an esteemed educator with many years of experience in both formal and informal education. Rabbi Ney is currently the Middle School Director for Westchester Day School. Rabbi Ney has spent his summers as a Division Head at Camp Mesorah, and more recently, the Director of Chinuch at Camp Nesher. He is an innovative and dynamic personality who will inspire the kids and guide them in all manners of halacha and hashkafa. Rabbi Ney knows how to turn even the most mundane situation into an unforgettable time, which is one of the many reasons he is so beloved by all!

Director of Technology & Social Media
Josh Lewis (aka JLew)
Returning for another summer on YTT, Josh is our Director of Technology & Social Media.
Josh will make sure you get to see great pictures and video footage of your son/daughter while they are having an amazing time on YTT. He also coordinates our social media and video recaps during the summer so you can stay up to date with the tour. During the school year, Josh is the Director of Technology and a member of the student activities team for TABC in Teaneck, NJ. Feel free to check out Josh's epic video footage by clicking here!

Boys Head Counselor
Michael Courtney
We are extremely excited that Michael will be joining our team for the summer of 2023!
Michael, who more recently served as Head of Upper Teens at Camp Lavi, was also Head counselor at Westchester Summer Day for eight summers. In addition to his affable personality, Michael brings years of experience and wisdom to our staff. During the school year, Michael serves as the Director of College Guidance at SAR High School. On YTT, Michael’s focus will be on creating fun and meaningful programming while ensuring that we will be providing top-notch supervision!

Girls Head Counselor
Abby Finkelstein
Abby is back for another summer on YTT! Abby brings incredible energy and enthusiasm to the tour. During the year, Abby works in respite care for children with special needs at Hamaspik Center for Human Services. Informal education is Abby's passion as she has previously worked as a counselor at Camp Moshava and an advisor for NCSY's Boston chapter. Abby's ability to connect with our campers while also providing them with structure and organization is absolutely remarkable!

Director of Chinuch
Rav Aaron Blustein
We are excited to announce that Rav Aaron Blustein will be joining our staff as Director of Chinuch. Rav Aaron will be focusing on teaching shiurim and infusing the trip with Yiddishkeit. He is also going to help oversee implementation of our religious policies and guidelines to be sure they reflect the highest standards of Modern Orthodoxy. Rav Aaron is a first year Gemara Rebbe at Frisch. He also serves as the Teen Mashpia of the Young Israel of Scarsdale’s Teen Minyan. Rav Aaron is not new to the teen tour business- he served as an advisor on Sulam and more recently, for NCSY’s Southern TJJ program. Rav Aaron's warmth and passion will undoubtedly enhance the YTT experience!