Staff
Amy Olson, Executive Director
Amy Olson (she/her) has been the Executive Director of URI Hillel since 2005. She is the chair of the URI Chaplains Association and served on the URI Equity Council. Amy is a recipient of a Diversity Award for Staff/Administrator Excellence presented by the URI Multicultural Student Services Center to honor those who advance institutional equity and inclusiveness.
Amy was a member of the third cohort of Campus Fellows at the Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, a prestigious program focusing on the complexity and challenges of the North American relationship with Israel and on other major issues facing the Jewish people. She previously studied at the Pardes Summer Institute for Hillel Professionals. Amy received a Certificate in Level I Nonviolence Training in June 2023 from the URI Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies. |
Amy served as the Executive Director of Hillel at the University of Minnesota from 1998-2005 and worked at the University of Minnesota Hillel from 1986-1995 in a variety of capacities. While at Minnesota, Amy was a recipient of the “Breaking the Silence” award from the University of Minnesota Gender and Sexuality Center for her work on behalf of LGBTQ+ students. She was the Executive Director of the Central States and Provinces Region of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism from 1995-1998.
A native of Rhode Island, Amy is a graduate of the New England Academy of Torah. She earned a BA in Theater from Washington University in St. Louis and an MFA in Theater Directing from the University of Minnesota. Amy is a professional vocalist specializing in Broadway show tunes, Yiddish theater music and Israeli songs. She loves the outdoors and posing by statues.
A native of Rhode Island, Amy is a graduate of the New England Academy of Torah. She earned a BA in Theater from Washington University in St. Louis and an MFA in Theater Directing from the University of Minnesota. Amy is a professional vocalist specializing in Broadway show tunes, Yiddish theater music and Israeli songs. She loves the outdoors and posing by statues.
Michael Schreiber, Director of Jewish Student Life
Michael Schreiber (he/him) was born in New Jersey and raised in Northern Virginia. He graduated from Virginia Tech where he studied Psychology and Religion and Culture with a minor in Judaic Studies. During this time Michael gained experience working with children with autism and marine mammals. He was active at the Virginia Tech Hillel, was a member of the Virginia Tech Chamber Singers, and sang with an a cappella group.
After college Michael worked at Virginia Tech Hillel and at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Hillel where his passion for building and engaging with Jewish communities flourished. Michael was a member of Hillel International's Ezra Fellowship where he gained experience and resources to connect students to Jewish learning. In his free time Michael enjoys exploring the outdoors, making and listening to music, improv, cooking, reading, TV/movies/&shows, and karaoke. There isn't much Michael isn't up to try! Michael returned to the East Coast in 2018 and is thrilled to be working with the students at the University of Rhode Island. |
Tal Anter, Israel Fellow
Tal Anter is the new Israel Fellow for URI and Bryant University. A native of Rosh Ha’ayin (near Tel Aviv), Tal is a graduate of Ariel University where she earned a degree in Communication Studies, specializing in Film and Television. She was trained as a Youth Director in the Madatz program working with children and youth from kindergarten through 11th grade. She also trained others to become “madatzim.”
In the army Tal served as a Forward Observer, where she developed strong observational and communication skills, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. Tal loves to sing, act, watch movies (especially Marvel), read fiction books, and do karaoke (off key!). Tal is super excited to work with the students in Rhode Island to create a safe and warm community for students to learn more about and explore Israel. |