A Bit About Me
I have been a Jewish and secular teacher and school leader over the course of my career and have a background in the hospitality industry as well. I earned my doctoral degrees later in life from Northeastern University and Hebrew College, both in Boston. Our Pollin family have been Portlanders for more than 5 decades; my brothers and sister and I grew up at Congregation Beth Israel and Portland’s community Hebrew school. I am mom to three grown children who were raised at Congregation Shaarie Torah, and I’ve been blessed with an adored daughter in law, two delicious grandchildren, and a loving extended family.
I’m an active volunteer, and currently co-chair the Women’s Giving Circle of the Jewish Federation of Portland and sing weekly with the Songbirds at the Harold Schnitzer Center for Living. I have served as a mentor for young professionals and am a Pardes Institute for Jewish Studies Mahloket Matters Fellow, an initiative that teaches respectful conflict engagement skills.
Regular yoga practice helps to keep things supple and grounded, and I am a walker, swimmer, and reader. Music fills me and I regularly attend Oregon Symphony concerts, play a bit of guitar, and can still be found dancing to the bands of my youth.
My favorite blessing is the She’hechyanu, a b’racha that honors and expresses the wonders of our lives.