Meet Our Team

Before joining the team at Gateways, Brian Coonley spent 5 years working at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, where he led the state’s significant disproportionality in special education initiative and guided the work of other equity in special education projects. He also provided training and supports to teachers, students, school leaders and families across the state. Prior to working for the state, Brian taught 4th grade, 7th grade world geography, and high school special education. He holds a B.S. in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education and Political Science from Syracuse University and a M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Vanderbilt University. Brian lives in Waltham with his wife, Francine, two daughters, and his in-laws. When not spending time with family or listening to records, Brian is involved with the Boston Jewish community. He volunteers at CJP, served on the board for JBBBS Yom Sport and is co-chair for ADL New England’s associate board. Brian also loves spending time outdoors and anything to do with Philadelphia or Syracuse sports.

Sharon has worked with children and families for more than 15 years. She previously worked as the director of early childhood services at The Home for Little Wanderers in Boston, where she managed programs in early intervention, therapeutic childcare, and the development of an early childhood system of care. She has experience working with children (through age 21) and their families, teachers, special education providers and schools, as well as acting as a liaison, regarding case coordination and the IEP process. Sharon received Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Hebrew and Semitic Studies from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She holds Masters in Social Work from Columbia University School of Social Work and in Jewish Studies from the Jewish Theological Seminary. She is a licensed clinical social worker.

Jodi Katz is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a graduate of Wheaton College in Norton, MA, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience. She began her career working in school settings supporting students with diverse learning and behavioral needs, including five years at the May Institute in Wilmington, MA, where she collaborated closely with both education and behavior teams across a wide age range. Jodi went on to earn her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Simmons University, where she was the recipient of the Sutcliffe Award.

For the past three years, Jodi has consulted with Jewish schools across the Greater Boston area, partnering with educators, mentoring teachers, and working alongside public school teams to support inclusive and responsive learning environments. Her work prioritizes family collaboration and a shared commitment to making Jewish education accessible and meaningful for all learners. Jodi is currently part of a cohort with the M2 Kehillot group and serves as a Behavioral Specialist in Jewish Day Schools as well as the Assistant Director of Gateways’ Jewish Education Programs. She believes strongly that behavior is always a form of communication and approaches her work through a lens of empathy, collaboration, and understanding.

Amy Schulman most recently held the position of Director of Development for Temple Shir Tikva in Wayland, and has also worked in development and cause marketing for New Balance and the Arthritis Foundation. Prior to switching career paths, Amy practiced criminal law in Brooklyn, N.Y., where she worked as a judicial clerk and a juvenile prosecutor. Amy graduated from Brandeis University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in American studies, and minors in legal studies and Spanish, and she holds a Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School. Amy is passionate about building connections and strengthening relationships throughout the Greater Boston Jewish community. She currently serves as co-chair of the Schechter Boston Parent Association, and sits on the board of Temple Aliyah in Needham, where she lives with her husband, Seth, and their two daughters.

Rebecca is an educational specialist who is passionate about making education accessible, meaningful, and joyful for all students. Rebecca has an A.B. degree from Harvard University and an M.Ed. degree from Boston College in Severe Special Education and Deafblindness. Rebecca previously taught students of all ages with combined sensory, physical, and communication related disabilities. As a previous teen volunteer herself and a family member of a Gateways B’nei Mitzvah alum, Rebecca firmly believes in Gateways’ mission of building inclusive and accessible Jewish spaces for all.

A proud Kansas City native who now calls Boston her home, Susanna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Brandeis University. With a deep commitment to Jewish communal life, she has contributed her time and talents to both professional and volunteer roles, including her work at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah in Kansas City, and Temple Beth Avodah in Newton. She is passionate about the impact and long-lasting future of Jewish non-profits and brings both heart and insight to every organization she serves. Susanna also loves all things baseball and finding new gluten free restaurants. 

Elianna Mentzer is a graduate of Skidmore College, where she earned her B.A. in International Affairs. At Skidmore, she cultivated a love of writing, minoring in English literature and working as the Head Tutor of the Skidmore College Writing Center, where she tutored undergraduate students from every academic department. Herself a former Gateways teen volunteer, Elianna is enthusiastic about Jewish education and community engagement. She loves working with kids and young people, and has held positions at Temple Israel Hebrew School, MetroWest Jewish Day School, and Camp Yavneh. When not at Gateways, Elianna volunteers at the Dedham branch of the Animal Rescue League and sings with the Boston Cecilia.

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Joanna brings a strong local spirit to our team at Gateways. She holds an Associate’s Degree from Northern Essex Community College and has worked in the events industry since 2017, with roles at major venues such as Boston College, Harvard University, Gillette Stadium with the Kraft Group, and currently at MGM Music Hall at Fenway. Her commitment to community is longstanding—Joanna volunteered at Temple Beth Zion for nearly a decade, from 2007 to 2016. Outside of work, she’s an enthusiastic fan of live music, a dedicated follower of the NHL, and enjoys solving all kinds of puzzles.