Professional Development

For information about Cohort V including key program dates, the application process, updated eligibility criteria and more, download the Cohort V Information Guide (PDF).

Applications for Cohort V are now closed.

• Application Timeline:
  • February 14, 2024  |  Applications Open
  • March 15, 2024  |  Applications Close
  • March 18 – April 1, 2024  |  Applications Reviewed
  • April 1, 2024  |  Applicants Notified
  • April 8 – 19, 2024  |  Interviews with Selected Applicants
  • May 8, 2024  |  Final Applicants Notified
• Application Resources:
  • Participation Agreement
  • Camp Director Reference Form

Amy Born 

Amy Born has over 20 years of professional experience in the field of organizational psychology and organizational development both as a consultant and in roles internal to organizations including working at Leading Edge, Korn Ferry Hay Group, City Year Headquarters, and Hillel International.   

Most recently Amy served as Chief Strategy Officer at Leading Edge where she and her fabulous team collected and analyzed information to inform, evaluate, and improve Leading Edge’s work, and share information with the Jewish nonprofit sector to empower positive change for the field’s talent, culture, and leadership. Her consulting work has focused on leadership in public education and ongoing consulting to public and corporate clients. Some past clients have included The World Bank, United States Postal Service (USPS), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), The Nature Conservancy, multiple law firms, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) (where she even got to meet an astronaut!).   

She has served as a board member of Hillel International, Joshua Venture Group, and currently serves on the boards of directors of Keshet and the Jewish Studio Project. Amy has a Master’s Degree in Social and Organizational Psychology from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology and Theatre from Washington University in St. Louis.   

Becca Sykes 

Becca Sykes offers dynamic coaching and workshops rooted in yoga, theater, and text-study that build experience in values-based learning. Her love of experiential education comes from decades at summer camps in North America, where it’s possible to build one’s creativity and connection while eating tater tots. With degrees in theater and music from Columbia University and JTS, she creates learning opportunities with the Foundation for Jewish Camp, the iCenter, Brandeis University, University of Chicago, the Jewish Education Project, and the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. Rebecca explores middot (soul traits) to learn how the development of the soul affects the development of each day. Her work is described as engaging, energizing, and welcoming; there is learning at every level. Becca lives in Jerusalem where she teaches yoga, sings showtunes on stage and off, and eats hummus. 

Michael Mellen 

Michael Mellen, PCC, rabbi, is an executive and organizational coach and facilitator, who works with individuals and values-driven organizations to create space for growth, innovation, and possibility. His work with top executives, high potential team members, entrepreneurs, clergy, educators, camp teams, and boards moves people to see their work, organizations, and lives more holistically, enabling them to better tap into the strengths that can propel them towards a vibrant, equitable, and impactful future. Michael is interested in the knotty problems of leadership, the power of vision, and the joy of creativity.  With many years of camp and youth program experience, his current work with summer camps includes executive coaching for camp leaders, staff training, speaking about risk management, and coaching and facilitation related to mission, program, and strategy. Prior to launching his company, Iron and Sage, Michael served as a congregational educator and rabbi, as Director of Youth Programs and Director of NFTY for the Reform Movement, and as an innovation consultant with the Jewish Education Project.