Meet Our Staff

Executive Director & CEO
jackie@washuhillel.org
314-935-9042
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Originally from Buffalo, NY (go Bills!), Jackie moved to St. Louis to attend Washington University. During college, she interned at Hillel, co-founded a group called “Black Women/Jewish Women” and was President of Student Union, WashU’s student government. Jackie loved St. Louis and WashU, and after a fellowship and political campaign work in Washington, DC, she returned to WashU for law school. After 8 years practicing law in St. Louis, it was time to return to the campus that she loves and help foster one of the most vibrant campus Jewish communities in the country. She still can’t believe she’s been given this opportunity to work with such amazing students each day, helping to cultivate the next generation of Jewish leaders during one of the most important times in our history. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, photography, and spending time with her husband Jim, son Asher, her daughter Maddie, and their rescue dogs, Barley and Bo.

Silk Foundation Campus Rabbi
Chief Experience Officer
rabbijordan@washuhillel.org
314-935-9037
Pronouns: He/Him/His

Rabbi Jordan Gerson, known by his students as RJ, is currently working in his dream job as WashU Hillel's Campus Rabbi. After growing up here in St. Louis, RJ earned his BA from Binghamton University in Jewish Studies with a focus in Jewish History. In 2005 he moved to Los Angeles where he attended The Ziegler School of Rabbinic studies. Ordained in 2011, Rabbi Jordan simultaneously earned his MA in Rabbinic Literature from the American Jewish University. Today, RJ loves being back in St. Louis with his wife, Becky, and their three daughters, Daliya, Ashira, and Nessa, and their new son, Ishai. RJ loves introducing students to the rich compendium of knowledge that Judaism has to offer in new and innovative ways and through a modern lens. He believes torah can be found wherever we look, it is simply a matter of uncovering it. When he’s not in the office, Rabbi Jordan loves spending time with his family, cooking healthful and creative dishes, reading, and watching movies.

Assistant Director
hannah@washuhillel.org
314-935-9044
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Hannah is ecstatic to return to her hometown of St. Louis as Hillel's Assistant Director. Before moving back to St. Louis, Hannah and her family lived in Dallas, Texas for six years where she was the Associate Director of Learning and Innovation at Temple Emanu-El. Hannah received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin- Madison and her masters' degrees of Jewish Education and Nonprofit Management from Hebrew Union College, where she met her husband, Rabbi Andrew Terkel. Hannah is thrilled to be part of the Hillel team and hopes to serve as a resource, guide and support system as students' enter this part of their Jewish journeys. Hannah and Andrew have two sons, Avi and Micah, and a goldendoodle, Mollie. In her free time, Hannah loves going to Cardinals games, building legos with her family, and spending time at the beach.

Administrator
hillel@washuhillel.org
314-935-9038
Pronouns: She/her/hers

Missy was born and raised in St. Louis. She graduated in 2001 from the University of Missouri St. Louis with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in English. Completely unrelated to the degree, she spent many years in the Printing Industry as a Quality, Safety and Environmental Manager before leaving her full-time career behind in favor of more time with her family. Married to Lee since 2007, they have two gorgeous, smart, sassy daughters, Ellie and Grace. They also have 2 rescue cats, 1 rescue dog, an aquarium, 3 mice (yes, mice), and 12 chickens (yes, chickens!) At Hillel, Missy handles all things building related, accounts receivable and payable, creates the newsletter and maintains the website, handles logistics for programs and events. In her free time she loves reading, hiking, and adventuring with her family.

Programming & Engagement Associate
marisa@washuhillel.org
314-935-9043
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Originally from Minnesota, Marisa is super excited to be a part of the WashU Hillel team. She graduated from Bradley University in 2021 where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. During her four years, she was extremely involved with the Hillel on campus. She served as both the engagement and FYSH (First Year of Hillel) intern, and met some of her closest friends at Hillel. After graduation, Marisa wanted a change of pace and decided to move to St. Louis. She is so excited to be a member of the WashU Hillel team and work with the incredible Jewish community on campus. In her free time, Marisa loves spending time with her friends, reading, and traveling back home to see her family and dog.

Campus Marketing & Development Manager
lsocha@hillel.org
636-541-7682
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Born and raised in St. Louis, Lilly is thrilled to work with Hillel International and WashU Hillel to support Jewish life on campus in her hometown. Prior to joining the Hillel team, Lilly received her B.A. in Communication from Truman State University. She also spent several years in the corporate communications field, which fostered a love of storytelling and visual design. In her current role, she assists WashU Hillel, Cincinnati Hillel, and Hillel at Miami University with their communications and digital fundraising efforts. When Lilly’s not working, she enjoys exploring new places and playing fetch with her toy poodle, Lucy.