Elyssa Hammerman

Experience

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  Camp Towhee (Therapeutic, Residential Program)

  Jan 2004 - Jan 2007

  Summer Camp Counselor

  • Counseled boys and girls ages 10-16 with learning disabilities, behavior challenges, and emotional disabilities to develop self esteem and leadership skills

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  Indiana University Bloomington

  Jan 2006 - Jan 2006

  Instructor of Foundations of Fitness and Wellness

  • Instructed 12 college students on a weekly basis for 8 weeks• Taught and discussed concepts of wellness including healthy lifestyles, physical activity, dimensions of fitness, nutrition principles, sex, alcohol and stress management • Evaluated assignments, assessed participation, and assigned course grades

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  Denver Academy of Torah

  Jan 2007 - Jan 2014

  Elementary School Teacher

  • Taught the Colorado curriculum including: reading, writing, math, science and social studies Spring 2014• Evaluated students in all academic areas• Communicated with parents regarding academic and behavioral concerns• Created a caring community in the classroom and school• Participated in professional development workshops and curriculum development• Helped plan school wide community building days • Served as student government advisor

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  Indiana University Bloomington

  Jan 2007 - Jan 2009

  Graduate Supervisor of the Fitness and Wellness Living Learning Community

  • Supervised and evaluated 6 undergraduate Resident Assistants and team supervised an additional 14 undergraduate Resident Assistants• Collaborated with professional, graduate and undergraduate staff members to provide a welcoming and educational residence life experience • Articulated department expectations and goals through bi-weekly one-on one meetings and small staff meetings• Provided live-in staff management of 1000 bed first-year student residential facility• Responded to students in crisis, including eating disorders, weather emergencies, severe roommate conflicts, mental health issues, and alcohol and drug incidents as part of a 24 hour on call duty rotation• Advised 12 member executive fitness and wellness board meetings and assisted with planning programs for the 250 residents in the community• Managed a $35,000 budget, for a Living Learning community• Adjudicated conduct cases as a judicial advisor in the department of Residence Life Show less

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  Camp Towhee (Therapeutic, residential program)

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2008

  Counselor Supervisor

  • Oversaw the daily activities of two cabins• Supported counselors with behavior management and cabin dynamics• Provided communication between counselors and the directors

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  Camp Ramah in California

  Jan 2009 - Jan 2009

  Tikvah Educator and Buddy Program Coordinator

  • Taught a Jewish curriculum to individuals with learning, emotional, and developmental disabilities ranging in ages from 10-22 • Coordinated and implemented a buddy program for campers and staff with disabilities to interact with their typically developing peers to enhance friendships and interpersonal skills

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  Ramah in the Rockies

  Jan 2010 - Jan 2011

  Program Director

  • Lead staff training sessions• Helped staff form and implement programs• Developed camper and staff daily schedules • Consulted with staff members on how to handle difficult campers • Provided staff and campers with emotional support • Communicated with campers’ families• Presented staff formal and informal feedback • Assessed programs to ensure their success

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  URJ Camp Newman & Swig

  Aug 2010 - Aug 2010

  Camp Nefesh Director

  • Directed a 1 week overnight camping program for children on the Autism Spectrum • Developed, trained, and supervised staff

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  Ramah in the Rockies

  Jan 2012 - Feb 2019

  Founding Director of the Tikvah Program

  The Tikvah Program at Ramah in the Rockies serves adolescents ages 11-17 with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities including Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, and Executive Functioning Disorder.• Created and implemented a program for campers with special needs• Recruited campers with intellectual and developmental disabilities• Interviewed perspective campers and their families and counselors• Communicated with campers’ families • Hired, supervised, and evaluated Tikvah staff members• Consulted with all staff members on how to handle challenging campers Show less

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  Jewish Student Connection

  Sept 2014 - Sept 2016

  Educator/Advisor

  I was an educator, mentor and program director. Through experiential education, discussions and one-on-one meetings, I built relationships with students and guided them on their journeys. I created communities where students, campers and camp staff felt safe, challenged and an ownership over their learning. I have successful program development and staff management experience. I am passionate about promoting the intellectual growth and character development of youth and adolescents.I worked with High school students in order to help them explore what being Jewish means to them. • Guided students on their Jewish and high school journey• Worked with student leaders on recruitment, advertising, and programming• Designed and delivered relevant educational materials to public high school students• Built strong relationships with other Jewish organizations to add to the resources of the students• Lead presidents meetings and trainings Show less

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  JEWISHcolorado

  Sept 2016 - Feb 2019

  Director of Strategy and Programming
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  Hillel International

  Mar 2019 - now

  • Chief of Staff, Campus Climate Initiative

    Aug 2024 - now

  • Project Director, Campus Success

    Mar 2019 - Aug 2024