Kara Lipsett
various Jewish organizations
1
Certification
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Founding Director + Lead Educator
1 Year 9 Months- Proposed, founded and directed educational bar mitzvah pilot program for incarcerated adults
- Designed comprehensive curriculum integrating Jewish ritual, education, and spiritual mentorship.
- Facilitated weekly group instruction and delivered tailored mentorship to enhance participant learning.
- Cultivated partnerships with donors, community organizations, and local community members to support program sustainability and meaningful communal connection.
- Fundraised $100,000 to support the launch of this innovative pilot program.
- Officiated the culminating ritual ceremony
Director of Young Adult Programs & Education
3 Years 5 Months- Crafted and led dynamic educational experiences tailored for over 200 young adults, fostering educational learning, personal growth and cultural connection.
- Facilitated curriculum instruction and training sessions aligning programs with learning objectives and enhancing participant engagement.
- Oversaw operational management and administration of young adult programming, ensuring sustainable practices and resource efficiency.
- Developed partnerships with local organizations to expand outreach and educational programs.
- Facilitated curriculum instruction and training sessions to ensure program alignment with learning objectives.
- Conducted weekly individual and group discussions to promote reflective learning and collaboration.
- Conducted weekly individual and group discussions promoting reflective learning and fostering collaboration among young adults.
- Created and implemented surveys and evaluations, analyzing data to refine program offerings and improve participant satisfaction.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Analyzed program outcomes, driving continuous improvement in service delivery and impact metrics.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
Senior Program Manager of Education
1 Year 7 Months- Spearheaded development, launch, and evaluation of a revitalized arts and music program.
- Spearheaded development, launch, and evaluation of revitalized arts and music program to enhance creative engagement among participants.
- Managed student recruitment and delivered engaging program orientations to increase participant retention and satisfaction.
- Cultivated and sustained strategic partnerships with community organizations, industry leaders, and local businesses to expand resources and opportunities for youth.
- Provided training, supervision, and support to instructors to foster professional development.
- Facilitated weekly restorative justice community building circles to foster dialogue and understanding.
Artistic Director, Producer, and Writer
5 Years 6 Months- Created original full-length theatre pieces, including script, lyrics, music, and stage direction
- Facilitated coordination and organization of diverse elements within the production workflow to enhance efficiency.
- Orchestrated casting and rehearsal schedules to maximize efficiency and alignment with creative vision
- Oversaw production budget planning and management to ensure financial efficiency.
- Created engaging promotional content for both digital platforms and print media to enhance brand visibility.
- Managed production processes and budgets for multiple large-scale projects.
- Oversaw marketing strategies, increasing attendance and participation in community arts programs.
- Managed auditions and cast selection processes, assembling talented ensembles for each production season.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners and sponsors.
Director and Facilitator, Teen Support Group
7 Years 8 Months- Facilitated group discussions to promote personal growth and community connections. for queer and trans youth.
- Developed curriculum and program materials tailored to diverse participant needs.
- Facilitated monthly 2-hour sessions exploring themes from each Hebrew month alongside critical discussions on LGBTQ issues, racism, feminism, sexism, mental health, and politics.
- Facilitated one-on-one support for youth through regular check-ins and proactive parent communication.
- Facilitated regular communication with families to provide updates on session content and discussions while ensuring teen privacy.
Program Manager of Community Service Learning
1 Year 11 Months- Recruited and supervised university student cohorts for impactful service learning projects
- Forged partnerships with professors, local businesses, and community organizations to enhance project reach
- Managed student placements at community partner organizations to ensure effective project execution
- Designed and facilitated workshops for university students on community-building and project development
- Designed, implemented, and evaluated a student leadership pilot program
- Managed and supervised cohort of university students and their community service projects
Shabbat and High Holiday Service Leader
9 Years 11 Months- Co-created engaging service content, melodies, and prayer experience arc that enhanced congregational participation
- Performed guitar and piano in services at Urban Adamah, Wilderness Torah, Chochmat HaLev, Jewish Studio Project, Temple Sinai, and JCC East Bay, enriching worship through music
- Led congregations and community in song, meditation, and prayer, fostering a sense of connection and spiritual growth
Teen Leadership Program Coordinator & Lead Instructor
1 Year- Designed and executed curriculum for Counselor-In-Training leadership program, fostering leadership skills in participants
- Conducted workshops for adolescents on self-image, gender identity, and community-building, enhancing personal development and social awareness
- Oversaw counselors-in-training, delivering constructive verbal and written evaluations to support their growth and effectiveness
Lead Educator, B’nai Mitzvah Program
1 Year 10 Months- Developed and implemented engaging B’nai mitzvah curriculum, enhancing middle school students' spiritual and educational experience
- Led orientations, retreats, and closing sessions, fostering community and connection among students and staff
- Supervised assistant teachers, facilitated collaborative team meetings, and constructed class schedule to optimize instructional delivery
Education
B.A. - Psychology and Italian
Certificate - Advanced Italian Studies
- Talmud
- Talmud, Aggadot, and T’fillah
- Modern Dance
- Hebrew Language
Skills
Strategic leadership
Student leadership development
Student engagement & mentorship
Stakeholder collaboration
Program development
Curriculum development & facilitation
Budget & resource management
Cultural competence & trauma-informed practice
Certification
- Nonviolent Communication, BayNVC (2021)
- Restorative Justice, International Institute for Restorative Practices (2019)
- Harm Reduction, Harm Reduction Coalition (2019)
- De-escalation and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, Crisis Prevention Institute May (2019)
- Motivational Interviewing, A Better Way (2018)
Selected Publications & Presentations
- Lipsett, K. H., Bate, C. J., Chapman, A. M., & Cuttler, C. (May 2010). Creativity and memory test performance: Thinking outside of the box. 12th Annual Northwest Cognition and Memory Conference, Bellingham, Washington.
- Lipsett, K. H., Bate, C. J., Chapman, A. M., & Cuttler, C. (April 2010). Associations between Creativity and Anxiety. Psychology Students Association 12th Annual UBC Psychology Undergraduate Conference, Vancouver, BC.
- Chapman, A. M., Lipsett, K. H., Bate, C. J., Denny-Keys, M., & Cuttler, C. (June 2010). The link between perfectionism and memory test performance: The bright side of perfectionism. Connecting Minds, Richmond, British Columbia.
- O’Neill, S. A., Heydon, R., Beynon, C., Boissonaul, P., & Lipsett, K. (March 2011). A case study of an existing intergenerational singing program. University of Western Ontario, Faculty of Education Research Day.
INTERESTS
- Music: piano, guitar, bass, singing
- Performance: musical theater, Jewish musical services, vocal concerts
- Athletics: swimming, rock climbing, dancing
Timeline
Founding Director + Lead Educator
San Quentin State Prison Bar Mitzvah Program
11.2024 - CurrentRead More
Director of Young Adult Programs & Education
Urban Adamah
03.2021 - 08.2024Read More
Senior Program Manager of Education
Larkin Street Youth Services
11.2018 - 06.2020Read More
Artistic Director, Producer, and Writer
East Bay Jewish Community Center
09.2017 - 03.2023Read More
Shabbat and High Holiday Service Leader
various Jewish organizations
09.2016 - CurrentRead More
Lead Educator, B’nai Mitzvah Program
Camp Tawonga
08.2016 - 06.2018Read More
Director and Facilitator, Teen Support Group
Moving Traditions
09.2015 - 05.2023Read More
Program Manager of Community Service Learning
UBC Community Learning Initiative
01.2011 - 12.2012Read More
Teen Leadership Program Coordinator & Lead Instructor
Camp Tawonga
01.2007 - 01.2008Read More
Oberlin College
Read More
Hebrew University Ulpan
from Hebrew Language
Read More
Jerusalem Academy of Music & Dance
from Modern Dance
Read More
Yeshivat Hadar
from Talmud, Aggadot, and T’fillah
Read More
Dorot Fellowship
Read More
SVARA
from Talmud
Read More
Università Per Stranieri
Certificate from Advanced Italian Studies
Read More
Fellowship for Italian Theatre Practicum and Performance
Read More
University of British Columbia
B.A. from Psychology and Italian
Read More