Ana Igornov joined Temple Sholom in 2024 as an Executive Assistant to Rabbi Conover. Ana moved to the US from Israel, and prior to joining Temple Sholom, worked for the Dean of Students of the University of Haifa as Chief of Staff, and Clergy Executive Assistant in North Suburban Synagogue. 

Ana is a classical archaeologist and has a PhD from the University of Haifa, Israel. Her main research interest is the meeting of cultures in the Middle East in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. She was engaged in many archaeological fieldwork and taught courses on the Archaeology of the Land of Israel and the Jewish Diaspora. 

Ana resides in Wisconsin.

Lori is the Assistant to clergy, making sure their calendars tell them where they need to be, which is no easy feat given their busy schedules! She has been with Temple Sholom since 2010 and comes from a background of working with clergy at other temples, previously serving as the rabbi’s secretary for 11 years in the south suburbs. She resides in the Ravenswood Garden neighborhood in Chicago with her husband, and in her spare time enjoys walking, hiking, traveling, and dancing.

Maria del Sol Sanchez Perez Gavilan has been a dedicated member of the Temple Sholom Chicago team since 2018, initially serving at the front desk where she welcomed congregants. In 2023, she expanded her role to include administrative tasks, and in 2024, she was appointed as Administrative Assistant and Event Coordinator. In these roles, Sol is responsible for organizing events and providing administrative support, ensuring smooth operations and a welcoming environment for the temple’s members.

Sol holds two bachelor’s degrees: one in Textile Design and the other in Primary Education. Additionally, she earned a Diploma in Communication and Journalism. As a Textile Designer, Sol was recognized for having the best academic average in Mexico, an achievement that earned her recognition from then-President Carlos Salinas de Gortari and UNAM rector José Sarukhan in 1992. She also spent 23 years teaching preschool and primary education and worked as a journalist and communicator from 2011 to 2014, contributing articles to the El Heraldo de Aguascalientes newspaper and magazines, as well as working with RYTA Radio and Television in Aguascalientes.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sol has built a strong bond with congregants at Temple Sholom through her ability to listen and address their needs. Her role at the temple has allowed her to develop meaningful relationships and establish a deep sense of connection with the community. She values the opportunity to be part of a congregation where she feels actively involved and engaged in all aspects of its life.

Outside of work, Sol has lived in Chicago since 2014 with her husband and two children. She enjoys traveling to Mexico whenever possible to visit her parent, eldest son, and two granddaughters. A passionate traveler, Sol seeks out new countries to explore each year, often capturing photographs and immersing herself in the history and cultures of the places she visits. She occasionally writes articles or participates in discussions, particularly in Spain, where she dusts off her pen and microphone to reconnect with her journalistic roots.

Patrick joined Temple Sholom as the Development Associate in April 2022 and shifted to join the B’nai Mitzvah team in 2023. After graduating from Saint Louis University with a marketing degree, Patrick spent two years volunteering through the AmeriCorps program in St. Louis. In his words, "the experience was life-changing and allowed a fresh prospective on building relationships within diverse communities."

Outside of work, Patrick can be found exploring new ice cream shops, watching a musical downtown or cheering on the White Sox. He is always looking for new travel destinations and the best karaoke bars around!
 

Isabel joined Temple Sholom in late 2019, initially contributing her talents to general graphic design efforts. She has since ascended to the role of Manager of Communications, playing a pivotal role in enhancing the temple's outreach and ensuring that congregants and the broader community remain deeply connected to our dynamic activities.

A Chicago native, Isabel has also lived in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Ramle, Israel. She holds an undergraduate degree in Art and Digital Communications from the University of Mary Washington and a Master of Science in Communications from Northwestern University.

Isabel resides near Roscoe Village with her wife, Sam. She is deeply passionate about website development, graphic design, and digital art. An avid creator, Isabel enjoys experimenting with her 3D printer, engaging in game nights with friends, and embarking on new home projects. She and Sam are often found exploring the outdoors, whether metal detecting or magnet fishing, always in search of their next great find.

Heidi Cooper joined Temple Sholom of Chicago in 2012, where she first taught at the temple’s early childhood education program, Gan Shalom. In 2013, she became Early Childhood Education Director.

Heidi and her husband Stuart relocated to Chicago from New York -- where she spent most of her adult life -- working with young children. While teaching full time in New York City, Heidi earned a Master of Arts in Education from Hunter College, New York. After spending 15 wonderful years in the classroom, Heidi decided to bridge her teaching experience with her love for working with parents and children and was accepted at Columbia University, New York, where she earned her Master of Social Work with a clinical concentration.

Heidi has dedicated over 25 years to becoming a strong leader, educator, and advocate for young children and creator of programing, while bringing a positive, nurturing energy to Gan Shalom/Temple Sholom.

The other loves in her life are her husband, Stuart and her son Max.

Leah Fotieo began at Temple Sholom in 2017 as a teacher in the early childhood education program, Gan Shalom. In addition to teaching in the 2 year-old and Parent/Child programs, she now also serves as Gan Shalom’s Administrative Assistant.

Leah graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations & Advertising from DePaul University and went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Childhood Development with a speciality in Infancy & Administration from Erikson Institute. Leah grew up in Michigan and now resides in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. In her free time she loves spending time with family, taking walks along the lakeshore and hearing live music.

Lori began her role as Director of Education at Temple Sholom in 2023. She is thrilled to be doing the work she loves! Lori has years of experience teaching all ages – infants to adults -  in a variety of settings and is passionate about Judaism and Jewish Education. In addition to heading up Religious Schools in New York City and the suburbs of Chicago, Lori has led an American Jewish World Service Trip for teens to El Salvador, staffed JUF’s Israel trip for eighth graders, and has spent time at Jewish day and overnight camps throughout the country.

Lori has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Jewish Studies from American University in Washington DC and a master’s degree in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City. She also participated in the Mandel Teacher Educator Institute; a two-year program designed to upgrade the quality of the Jewish educational system in North America. Lori is a published author and her articles have appeared in Lilith and Moment Magazine. She also co-authored the activities in Hineni: Prayerbook Hebrew for Adults [Behrman House].

Lori enjoys being outside, playing sports, hiking, paddleboarding, going to Cubs games, and hanging out with friends and family.

Noa began her role as the Family and Youth Engagement Associate at Temple Sholom in 2023. Noa is very excited to help provide a fun, safe, and meaningful Jewish space for everyone! She moved to Chicago this year, and loves it!

Noa graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2022 (go Gophers) with a double major in Jewish Studies and Communication. She was a participant in Cohort seven of The Nachshon Project. After college, she lived in Tel Aviv! She worked as a Projects Intern at KeepOlim through the "Masa Career Israel" program. Noa then moved to Chicago and worked for Chicago Jewish Funerals as an administrative assistant. 

Noa loves going on walks, spending time with her family and friends, and trying iced coffee from new places! 
 

Rachel began at Temple Sholom as the Religious School Administrator in July 2020. She provides general support for the Religious School Sunday and Midweek Hebrew programs, and works with the Lifelong Learning team on a broad range of programs throughout our Religious School and to support Religious School families and faculty.

Before joining the Temple Sholom team, Rachel worked at Metro Chicago Hillel for five years. She studied Ethics and Public Policy at the University of Iowa, and has a  Master’s degree in Jewish Professional Studies from Spertus.

Rachel lives in Lakeview and enjoys exploring the city and re-watching her favorite sitcoms (it’s a long list!). She is proud to be supporting the local Jewish community in Lakeview and beyond.