Our Staff

Jennifer Pierce Smith, Executive Director
Jennifer has recently relocated to Austin from Atlanta.  She received her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Behavioral Science at Drew University in NJ, her law degree and certificate in Governmental Affairs at University of the Pacific - McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, CA and her Masters of Public Administration in Non Profit Management from Kennesaw State University in GA.  Prior to moving to Austin, she worked as Program Director at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.  She relocated to Austin to be with her husband, whom she met at the JCC Maccabi Games in San Antonio.
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Marilyn Epstein, Director of Child Development Center
Marilyn, a Yankee by birth and Texan by choice, is a graduate of Massachusetts State College at Salem. She taught grades Pre-K through 6th and has been the Assistant Director at the Jewish Community Center in Trenton, New Jersey. Marilyn was a member of Beth Israel from 1976-81 before she moved to Florida. She returned to Austin to become the director of our Child Development Center in 1995.
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Gail Manuel, Clergy Assistant
Gail Manuel is a native of Texas, born and raised right here in Austin! Gail currently lives in Pflugerville with her husband and two children. She attended St. Edward’s University. Over the past 10 years has worked in a variety of administrative and accounting roles. Gail enjoys reading mystery novels, writing short stories and poetry.
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Pam Hanna, Membership Services
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Tony Davila, Senior Custodian