Our Team
At Camp Avoda, our administrative team is comprised of seasoned professionals with backgrounds in family counseling, social work, teaching, and healthcare. More than just managing daily operations, we uphold rigorous standards for our staff and are readily available to address any issues that may arise, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for every camper.
Directors and Administrators
Ken Shifman-Executive Director
Ken Shifman has been leading Camp Avoda for 17 summers, stepping into the role of Director in 2008. For Ken, returning to Avoda was a true homecoming; he spent 11 summers here as a camper and counselor from 1980 to 1990, making his total time at Avoda an impressive 28 years. Ken is deeply dedicated to the camp community—its campers, parents, staff, CITs, alumni, and the unforgettable experiences they share. He often says there's nothing like being part of Avoda, whether during the lively summer months or throughout the year.
Outside of Avoda, Ken is equally passionate about youth development, running sports enrichment programs for preschool-aged children in the Boston area and coaching youth sports. His greatest joy is watching kids and campers succeed and grow, and he’s committed to keeping Avoda’s inclusive, value-centered environment strong with the help of his talented leadership team.
ken@campavoda.org | phone: 781-433-0131
Ronni Saltzman Guttin-Director
Ronni Saltzman Guttin joined Camp Avoda in 2015, bringing over 30 years of experience in camp management and camper care. A true people-person with a positive outlook and a can-do attitude, Ronni’s expertise makes her an invaluable part of our team. With nearly 20 years as Camp Director at Camp JORI in Rhode Island and 10 years as Director at Camp Avoda, Ronni also has experience leading a local synagogue religious school, where she continues to work with teens.
At Avoda, Ronni oversees a wide range of initiatives, including our "Camper Care" program, providing vital support to campers and staff from a mental health perspective. She’s dedicated to fostering an inclusive, spirited community, helping campers build independence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. In addition to mentoring our counselors-in-training (CITs) and staff in behavior and camper management, Ronni ensures that every camper and staff member feels part of Avoda’s close-knit community.
ronni@campavoda.org | phone: 401-465-1516
Gary Rabinowitz-Assistant Director
Gary plays a vital role in the heart and soul of Camp Avoda, working tirelessly both on and off the field to ensure an unforgettable experience for every camper. He oversees a wide range of camp activities, including programming, scheduling, staff leadership, the renowned hockey program, and special events. A proud Avoda alum, Gary spent seven formative summers here as a camper in the 1970s. With 16 years as a coach, teacher, and administrator at a private school in upstate New York, his experience is as diverse as it is deep. His impressive coaching background spans collegiate, prep school, and international hockey teams, and he currently serves as an Academic Advisor at Johnson & Wales University. Gary’s wealth of experience and unwavering commitment make him an invaluable leader and mentor at Camp Avoda. gary@campavoda.org
Leon Dyer-Assistant Director
Leon joined Camp Avoda in 2003 as a woodshop instructor and counselor, and after 15 summers, he has become an indispensable member of our leadership team. Today, Leon heads our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program, coordinates field trips, overnights, and special events, and plays a key role in guiding our counselors.
Beyond Avoda, Leon brings his dedication to youth development as an Engineering teacher at Belmont Middle School and Athletics Manager at Belmont High School. An active member of his community, he also serves on the executive board of the Belmont Education Association and leads several student clubs, including Student Council, Community Service, Go-Kart Club, Soap Box Derby, Yearbook, and Bucket Golf. leondyer@campavoda.org
Jill Shifman
Jill Shifman, wife of Camp Director Ken Shifman, is an indispensable presence at Camp Avoda. With her own two sons attending camp over the years, Jill spends most of her summers at Avoda, where she’s known as the “camp mom.” She serves as a trusted liaison for parents, helping with everything from giving tours and welcoming new families to stepping in as a substitute arts and crafts instructor. One of her most beloved roles is leading “Cooking with Jill” during Shabbat—a camp favorite.
Outside of camp, Jill brings her leadership skills to her work as a Director at Mass General Brigham, in Boston MA. jillshifman@gmail.com
Staff
What truly sets Camp Avoda apart is our exceptional staff. The majority of our counselors are former Avoda campers who have successfully completed our Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.) program. With a camper-to-counselor ratio of 4:1, your son will receive personalized attention and guidance throughout his camp experience.
In addition to our dedicated counselors, we are proud to have Israeli staff members who enhance the Jewish cultural experience at Camp Avoda. Each staff member is carefully selected based on their experience, maturity, skills, and values, ensuring that they serve as mentors, teachers, coaches, and friends to your son.
Rest assured, your son is in good hands with our passionate and qualified team at Camp Avoda!
Board of Directors
Current Board of Directors
Russell Sherman-President
Michael Ross-Vice President
Robert Zuker-Treasurer
Sam Mirkin-Clerk
Lee Kaiser-Secretary
Dr. Jonathan Bamel
Nate Cohen
Louis Dennis
Jesse Faneuil
David Glattstein
Dan Gollinger
Ed Klayman
Mike Pemstein
Michael Roth
Willie Wilkov
Thomas Leavitt, Emeritus
Jim Singer, Emeritus
Alumni Association Committee
Dan Gollinger – President
Larry Rubin – Secretary
Ben Rubin – Treasurer
Jake Alexander
David Bacdayan
Jared Fixler
Seth Fox
Mark Goldberg
Ben Kassiff
Justin Lukoff
Andrew Stone
Sam Watman