This is the message I posted on social media to say goodbye – and to say thank you – to the Springboard community. Grateful doesn’t begin to describe it. My heart is open and I want to pull the whole world in.

*~*Life Update!*~* After four and a half years teaching new Hillel professionals on Team Springboard, I will be leaving my role as Springboard Assistant Director on June 23rd. But don’t worry – I won’t be going too far! I’m thrilled to be joining the team at Illini Hillel as their Senior Jewish Educator, starting virtually on July 1 and in-person in August. Joining the team at Illini Hillel represents a wonderful next step in my growth at Hillel as an educator and “erev rav” (rabbi-to-be). While I am sad to leave Springboard, I am excited to continue our relationship. I can’t wait for our paths to cross again, both virtually and in person.

Fellows and alumni: It has been an absolute honor and joy to partner, learn, and grow with you. I am so proud to have been a part of your individual journeys, as well as the journey of this fellowship. When I reflect on where we’ve been together, it’s hard for me to believe that just four and a half years ago, this program had 19 fellows with two staff members. It’s been incredible to watch the program grow to include 85+ fellows each year, over 100 alumni, and a village of staff and community partners.

I also want to express endless gratitude for my colleagues at the SIC, especially the Talent(ed) Team, and for Team Springboard, in all of its constellations. Thank you to Danielle N. for stepping in to lead this community. I have already learned a lot from working with you even over just a few months. I am grateful that Springboard has your leadership, and I’m excited to see how you grow the program from here. Thank you to Becca for being my go-to person and my calendar/breakouts/swag hero. You are the shomer (keeper/guardian) of Springboard’s sacred details and we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you to Rabbi Danielle, Rabbi Jessica, Erica, and Arielle. You all taught me so much about Jewish education. I will take these lessons with me in my next role and in the many years to come.

Most of all, thank you to Josh Feldman for being so much more than my supervisor. You’ve been a mentor, a confidant, a cheerleader, and a role model. Thank you for believing in me from day 1, and for inviting me to join you in building the best early career development program in the Jewish world. It’s been an honor to grow Springboard with you, and I’m so proud of what we built together. Thank you for always seeing the best in me, and for empowering me to see the best in myself. Your dedication to my leadership and growth have changed me for the better. I am so grateful we shared these last four and a half years with Springboard.

I look forward to staying in touch as I take these next steps. Feel free to reach out* through my website, scatteredleaves.net. Thanks to each and every one of you for being part of my journey. You’ve taught me more than you’ll ever know.

Hugs and High-Fives,

Heather

*Especially with tips on driving in snow, because this West Coaster has never seen winter.