We will be discussing going back to school with an incredible panel of LGBTQ+ parents and educators consisting of Sylvia Miller, Ari Rosen, Elaine Klein, and PC Ganger. The conversation will be moderated by SOJOURN Board secretary Harrison Bleiberg.
Sylvia Miller (she/her) was born in Atlanta and attended the Hebrew Academy of Atlanta and then graduated from Lakeside H.S. She attended Boston University and graduated from Stern College for Women with a Bachelor’s in Judaic Studies and Political Science. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University.
She has dedicated the past 30+ years to nurturing Jewish youth as they learn, grow and navigate the evolving world. She is a social worker, teacher, mentor, guide, and parent supporter. Sylvia has dedicated her career and life to empowering children and teens by centering their intrinsic value and uniqueness. Her approach supports families and communities through the ups and downs of life while gently embracing them with love and compassion.
Ari Rosen (they/them) is the director of philanthropy at the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. When Rosen isn’t fighting for change, having recently led an LGBTQ forum for the Greater Houston Jewish community and fundraised for the Federation, they’re raising two children with their partner, Elaine. Rosen also proudly serves on the board of directors for Grace Place, a local nonprofit that supports and empowers youth of all sexualities and gender identities experiencing homelessness.
Elaine Klein (she/her) is a Science Educator at BSCS Science Learning, where she designs and researches opportunities for equitable, justice-focused science learning that brings together youth, teachers, and scientists. Klein has over 15 years of experience working in science learning environments, ranging from environmental education and after-school contexts to undergraduate Biology classrooms.
PC Ganger (They/Them) is a parent, spouse, and teacher who is proudly queer, disabled, and Jewish! They are a teacher of the visually impaired for Gwinnett County Public Schools and a faculty sponsor for their high school’s pride club. They are nonbinary and legally blind. They converted to Judaism in 2019 with their wife, Lauren, and they are proud members of Congregation Bet Haverim where PC is now a board member. Their six-year-old daughter, Ada, can usually be found dancing to the music on Friday nights.
Our moderator, Harrison Bleiberg (he/הוא) is a lifelong educator who is passionate about Jewish Education and Inclusion. He is a graduate of Emory University’s Jewish Studies program and has a Masters in Jewish Education through Yeshiva University. While at Emory, he led award-winning education programs and fundraisers for Emory’s LGBTQ+ community and Lost-n-Found Youth. He is now a full-time Hebrew and Judaics teacher at the Alfred and Adele Davis Academy in Sandy Springs, as well as SOJOURN’s Board Secretary.
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