Executive Director
Amanda Morgan
Email
(913) 663-2641
Amanda Morgan is a life-long Kansas Citian and member of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah. She currently serves as Executive Director, having served as President of the Board for the past two years. With her husband Chad King and their daughter Susanna King, Amanda has participated in the religious education programs from Tot Shabbat, through Religious School, Machane Jehudah, Bat Mitzvah, Kesher, and Confirmation. She serves outside the Temple community in various roles within the greater Kansas City area, including as the COO of the Morgan Family Legacy Foundation, a charitable giving trust. These roles give her a unique understanding of Kansas City philanthropy. An avid reader, Amanda enjoys travelling, spending time with family, and the Kansas City Royals.
Music Director
Laura Payne
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Laura Payne graduated from the University of Kansas with a fine arts degree in Opera and Musical Theatre, and has been singing professionally for more than 25 years. She has had the incredible opportunity to regularly sing and pray with every age group and enjoys creating meaningful and connected experiences for all. Laura began teaching early childhood music at B’nai Jehudah 10 years ago, which expanded to leading early childhood music for much of the Kansas City Jewish community.
During the last 10 years, Laura has also spent many years as the music specialist for B’nai Jehudah’s Religious School and Machane Jehudah summer camp. She enjoys singing for Shabbat services, High Holy Day services, and other holiday and life cycle events. Laura is excited to help grow the musical experience at B’nai Jehudah and support our amazing Jewish community. She lives in Prairie Village with her husband Elliot, and daughters Lily and Stella.
Director of Education
Dayna Gershon
Email
(913) 663-3047
Dayna originally joined our staff as the Director of Machane Jehudah. She has a wealth of experience, especially in informal Jewish youth education. Her work with Y’alla! has been remarkable, bringing the program from the idea-stage to fruition. Her creativity, sensitivity, and understanding of Jewish informal learning has made her a valuable part of our congregational community. Dayna is married to Danny Gershon and has two children Max and Drew.
Membership and Development Coordinator
Kelley Cowman
Email
(913) 378-1204
As our Membership and Development Coordinator, Kelley oversees prospective and new members and is excited to welcome and guide them through the membership process. She uses her exceptional organizational skills to help with congregation-wide events and the many logistics involved with Yalla! Be sure to say “hello” to Kelley when you see her around the building on Sunday mornings!
Kelley has been a part of Kansas City’s Jewish community since 1991. She was extremely active in Jewish youth organizations and Jewish leadership initiatives during her youth and is excited to be a part of those types of initiatives for the congregation. Kelley graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Communication Studies and an emphasis in Organizational Leadership. Her passion for Judaism and the impact programming can make on young Jewish lives is her drive for success. Kelley resides in Overland Park with her two children, Gracie and Jack.
Membership and Development Coordinator
Pam Jones
Email
Pam is a lifelong Kansas Citian. Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Ottawa University with dual degrees, she brings over 30 years of accounting and human resources experience to B’nai Jehudah. Outside of work, Pam enjoys Broadway musicals, reading, attending K-Pop events and concerts and spending time with family and friends.
Marketing Consultant
Rabbi Melissa Stollman
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Serving as our remote marketing consultant, Rabbi Melissa Stollman manages all of our digital and print communications as well as our website and online registrations. Joining Congregation B’nai Jehudah in 2023 she is an integral part of our staff team.
Rabbi Stollman is the CEO and Founder of MZS Services, LLC, serving several Reform congregations throughout the country in addition to many Jewish non-profit organizations. She lives in Florida with her family and loves attending sleepaway camp in the summer as the rabbi-in-residence.
Cemetery Caretaker
Veotis Freeman
Email
Facilities Coordinator
Scott Frazee
Email
Director of Communications
Jane Blumenthal Martin
Email
913-663-2085
Jane Blumenthal Martin is an experienced marketing director who has worked in Kansas City’s Jewish non-profit community for more than 15 years. Her strengths are strategic communications, digital marketing, writing, and planning. She is excited to be able to strengthen B’nai Jehudah through enhanced communications that keep members informed and engaged in congregational life, and through philanthropic development that will support a vibrant and thriving B’nai Jehudah community. An active member of Kansas City’s Jewish community, Jane is a lifelong member of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.
Facilities Coordinator
Robert Sautter
Prior to joining B’nai Jehudah, Robert was a Facilities Supervisor for both a large building of a worldwide corporation and a community recreation center. He previously owned and operated a very successful home inspection and handyman business. He enjoys helping others and keeping busy. Robert’s passion is to troubleshoot all issues related to the building’s functionality and appearance, while doing so in the most cost-effective way. His goal is to have “The Temple” remain the beautiful building of which we are all proud.
