Staff

Temple Emanuel of South Hills has a dynamic and friendly staff team working hard to meet our congregational vision of Living, Learning, and Leading Judaism. You will find members of the staff leading Temple’s vibrant ECDC and Torah Center programs; enriching and inspiring Jewish life through programming, classes, and worship services; and supporting all aspects of your experience at Temple. 

Kate Louik

412-279-7687

Senior Director of Temple & ECDC Director

Kate Louik is Temple’s Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) Director and the Senior Director of Temple. In addition to the countless things she does to support the children, families, and staff at ECDC, Kate oversees Temple’s physical facility, supports the staff team, and is involved in the day-to-day decision making for the organization.

Steph McFerron

412-279-7600, Ext. 214

Torah Center Director & Temple’s Event Coordinator

Steph McFerron is the Torah Center Director and Event Coordinator. In addition to the myriad ways she supports the children, families, and staff at Torah Center, Steph is the point person for lifecycle events (b’nei mitzvah, weddings, funerals, and more).

Sarah Mangan

412-279-7600, Ext. 212

Programming & Communications Director

Sarah Mangan is Temple’s Programming and Communications Director. In addition to her responsibilities for many events that connect Temple members to Jewish life and to one another, Sarah oversees Temple’s calendar, meets with prospective members, schedules security, generates our publicity and communications, and so much more.

Rabbi Emily Meyer

Program Associate

Rabbi Emily Meyer aides in developing and leading educational and social programs as Temple Emanuel’s Program Associate. She leads ECDC’s First Experience program, designs curriculum and resources for Torah Center, works with b’nei mitzvah students, teaches classes, and more.

Ellen Drook

412-279-7687

ECDC Assistant Director & Temple’s Communications Associate

Ellen Drook is the Assistant Director of ECDC and Temple’s Communications Associate. In addition to the ways she supports ECDC and her work in the classroom, Ellen manages Temple’s ShulCloud database and website.

Rebecca Closson

412-279-7600, Ext. 207

Finance and Development Director & ECDC Music Specialist

Rebecca Closson is Temple’s Finance and Relationship Director and the Music Specialist at ECDC. In addition to overseeing Temple’s financial affairs, Rebecca has a role in Temple’s development efforts, supporting our evolving strategic plan, and facilitating members’ connections to Temple and to one another.

Lori Blattner

412-279-7600, Ext. 200

Office Manager

Lori Blattner is Temple’s Office Manager. In addition to answering phone and email inquiries from members with personal care and attention, Lori aides in coordinating RSVPs for upcoming events, processes checks and payments received by Temple, and makes everything Temple does possible.

Melinda Freed

412-279-7600, Ext. 200

Catering Manager

Melinda Freed is Temple’s in-house Caterer and events specialist, supporting families during lifecycle events and bringing the Temple community together over shared meals.

Steve Harms

412-279-7600, Ext. 206

Head of Maintenance

Steve Harms ensures the maintenance and operation of Temple’s facility, including custodial responsibilities and supporting the many happenings at Temple.

Chuck Tranter

412-279-7600, Ext. 206

Maintenance

Chuck Tranter ensures the maintenance and operation of Temple’s facility, including custodial responsibilities and supporting the many happenings at Temple.