JAIMIE SPETSERIS
The University of Georgia, B.A., Journalism, Public Relations, minor in Spanish

While at the University of Georgia, Jaimie studied abroad in Cádiz, Spain, and traveled around Europe for a summer. After college, she worked for an advertising agency in Atlanta, Georgia, until her desire to travel, speak Spanish, and teach English took her to Bogotá, Colombia, where she lived for a year, and explored South America. Jaimie continued to travel through Central America where she volunteered at a sustainable eco-ranch in Costa Rica and a beach lodge with a turtle hatchery in Nicaragua. Once back stateside, Jaimie moved to the San Bernardino mountains in Southern California where she worked as an instructor at an outdoor science school, eventually becoming a coordinator and a Wilderness First Responder certified medic. Jaimie’s other experience includes leading a Student Conservation Crew in the Blueridge Parkway and working at summer camps. Jaimie’s passion to adventure abroad has taken her to Queenstown, New Zealand, where she worked at a law firm supporting the resource management team and exploring the breathtaking outdoors in her free time. Now Jaimie has returned to California, where she works again as an instructor at an outdoor science school. Jaime has led Putney’s community service programs to Costa Rica and Ecuador, as well as Cultural Exploration Fiji, New Zealand, & Australia.

NAOMI SEGAL
The University of Wisconsin, B.A., Jewish Studies and International Studies

Naomi has served as the Youth and Family Engagement Director at Temple Jeremiah since August 2016. In this position, she oversees all youth group programs, informal education, and family engagement programs. Before college, Naomi spent a gap year in Israel. While in Israel, she fell in love with traveling and meeting people from all over the world. After her time in Israel, Naomi attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While in Madison, Naomi was the Youth Director at Temple Beth El and led the teen lobbying trip to Washington, D.C. As a student, Naomi traveled to the Dominican Republic with classmates and taught English at the local school. Naomi’s other experience includes leading a teen civil rights service trip last summer with URJ Mitzvah Corps to Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Naomi has also had extensive experience at Jewish summer camps. She has served as the director of Oak Park Temple’s day camp and was the unit head for Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI). Naomi is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, cooking, and experiencing different cuisines. She lives in Logan Square and loves visiting the local farmer’s market. Naomi has always had a deep passion for traveling and incorporating Jewish values, such as Tikkun Olam, into the work she does. She is thrilled for this opportunity to lead the teens at Temple Jeremiah on this incredible trip to Costa Rica with Putney.