About NoVaChai
NoVaChai is a Virginia 501(c)(3) organization that provides financial and programmatic support to teachers and students who strive to explore and illustrate Jewish experience and history.
NoVaChai is not an advocacy group.
Directors
Jim Rose
Jim is the founder and Executive Director of NoVaChai. Jim is a 20+ year health care executive and volunteers in several roles to aid immigrant families and students in under-served schools in Northern Virginia.
Erica Palim
Erica is a lawyer with prior practice in securities law in Washington, D.C. Erica now devotes her time to advocating for Israel and against antisemitism. Erica is a graduate from The Johns Hopkins University and the Georgetown University Law Center.
Ashley Barrett
Ashley serves as Rabbi at Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation in Reston, Virginia. Ashley is a graduate of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and Miami University.
Dave Pontell
Dave is a retired foot and ankle surgeon who maintains teaching responsibilities for residents in-training. He has served in diverse, volunteer roles supporting at-risk
community members in Northern Virginia.
Nicole Korsen
Nicole is a teacher in Loudoun County School District. Nicole is a graduate of the University of Maryland and George Washington University.