Our Staff

“Shwayder gives my kids their own sense of being Jewish and it makes it special and important to them.”
— Eliza, Parent

Shwayder Camp staff hail from around the world. With diverse backgrounds and years of camp experience, our staff will ensure that campers have a safe, fun, and meaningful time at camp. Our Directors are dedicated to creating a feeling of community at Shwayder. They build campers’ confidence and maintain a balanced lifestyle throughout the summer so that campers can flourish and develop long-lasting relationships. Temple Emanuel clergy also play a large role at Shwayder Camp by teaching Jewish values through activities and celebrations.

Shwayder Camp Leadership

Rose Savage Levenson, Director

Director Rose Savage Levenson standing on a porch smiling out from behind a large, sky blue cotton candy.

Hailing from the sweet town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, Rose Savage Levenson (she/her) is grateful to have worked in the Jewish communal space for the past decade. Rose’s love for Jewish camp began when she was a camper at URJ Camp Harlam. Since then, Rose has worked seasonally as a counselor and unit head, and full-time as an assistant, associate, and interim camp director for camps and programs across the country.

Prior to her most recent work at BaMidbar, Rose was the Associate Director of Camp Bob Waldorf in Glendale, CA. In this role, Rose cultivated her growing passion for creating healing spaces in the outdoors for all youth and families, regardless of socio-economic status. Rose received her BA from Mount Holyoke College in Psychology and Education as well as an MBA in Non-Profit Management and an MA in Jewish Professional Leadership as a Wexner Graduate Fellow / Davidson Scholar from Brandeis University.

When not at camp, Rose enjoys spending time outside backpacking, hiking, and playing pickleball all over Colorado. She also enjoys reading and learning to play new board games. Please reach out at any time; Rose can’t wait to meet you all!

Jack Leopold, Assistant Director

Assistant Director Jack Leopold playing guitar in front of tall evergreen trees, illuminated by rays of sunshine.

I’m honored to be a part of helping build and support this wonderful community. I am excited to be the Shwayder Camp Assistant Director. I am a song leader, meditation instructor, and community organizer with roots in Maine and Colorado. After graduating from the University of Maine in 2021, I worked as the program coordinator of an interfaith community center, song lead for various communities across the country, and spent a semester studying Hebrew and Jewish texts in Jerusalem. I look forward to bringing my passions for Judaism, music, meditation, outdoor education, and community organizing, to this lovely place.

Temple Emanuel Clergy and Staff

  • Rabbi Joseph R. Black standing in front of a sand-colored brick wall, wearing a black suit and bowtie.

    Rabbi Joseph R. Black

    Senior Rabbi

  • Cantor Elizabeth Sacks standing in front of a sand-colored brick wall, wearing a black shirt.

    Cantor Elizabeth Sacks

    Senior Cantor

  • Rabbi Emily Hyatt standing in front of a sand-colored brick wall, wearing a black shirt..

    Rabbi Emily Hyatt

    Assistant Rabbi

  • Steve Brodsky standing in front of a sand-colored brick wall, wearing a black suit and red-patterned tie.

    Steve Brodsky

    Cantorial Soloist/Music Director

  • Steven M. Starck standing in front of a sand-colored brick wall, wearing a red-patterned tie.

    Steven M. Stark

    Executive Director

  • Francie Miran standing in front of a sand-colored brick wall, wearing an olive sweater, over a black shirt.

    Francie Miran

    Development Director