Youth Staff

Anat Pissetzky, CBS Director of Youth

Anat began as the Director of Youth in July 2024. A native of Deerfield, Illinois, Anat is an alum of Deerfield High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Jewish Studies from Michigan State University. Before going away to college, Anat was an active member here at Beth Shalom. Anat was a Madrichol, working in the religious school, and a devoted USYer. She was a committed member of chapter, regional, and international boards during her time in USY. As a senior in high school, Anat received the honor of Beth Shalom’s Youth of the Year award. Anat will oversee programming from 3rd through 12th grade, as well as engage with younger children aged birth to second grade. She is eager to introduce innovative programming to Chaverim, Gesher, and USY, aiming to inspire and mentor youth toward achieving their goals.

Melissa Kaplan, CBS USY Advisor

Melissa Kaplan grew up in Buffalo Grove and spent many summers attending and working in Jewish camping. Melissa graduated from Washington University in St. Louis where she earned a degree in Middle School and Secondary Education and a Minor in Jewish Studies. While in school, she worked as a JUF Lewis Intern.  Melissa currently works as the SVP, Head of Total Rewards and HR Business Partner at Kemper Insurance in Chicago and resides in Northbrook with her husband, Jordan, and 2 kids, Blake and Taylor.