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I grew up in Weston, Massachusetts and earned a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University majoring in Child Study in 1994. I continued my education at New York Law School where I earned my juris doctorate in 1998.

After law school graduation, I worked in Brooklyn Family Court prosecuting abuse and neglect cases for 2 years. From there, I switched areas of law and worked as a medical malpractice defense attorney at Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman, and Dicker.

After having my first daughter 18 years ago, I decided to leave the law and quickly became immersed in our community. I was the chairperson for several different committees of the Byram Hills Preschool Association. I quickly had 2 more daughters and continued my volunteer work. My children attended the former RJCC, and I began volunteering there as well. My different positions as committee chairs for the carnival, the gala and special needs fundraising, soon led to my position as the Early Childhood Chair on the Board of Directors at the RJCC. I served for 3 years.

Presently, you can find me at Equinox Gym teaching cycle and treadmill classes or leading various group fitness classes called “Big Momma’s Boot Camp” for both school aged children and adults. I train clients privately and I am the fitness expert for Campowerment—an all women’s adult camp that meets 3 times/year for 4 day retreats in California and the Poconos. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to combine my affinity for fitness with my desire to empower women—especially young women.

While I have always loved being a member of CBY since my oldest daughter was 1 month old, I have never been more excited to be a part of the CBY community than I am now! Our clergy and staff are dedicated and incredibly hard-wroking. Rabbi Strom is intelligent, warm, charismatic and accessible to both the adults and the children of our congregation. Additionally, I am incredibly impressed by the innovation and dedication of our religious school director, Melissa Cohavi. She is constantly looking for new ways to engage our children and I can tell you first hand that she is doing a wonderful job! There are so many ongoing programs that can potentially attract each congregant no matter what stage of life he or she is in. I am thrilled to build on this and share this wonderful new energy and spirit that exemplifies our temple.

  • Congregant Since: 2003
  • Committees at CBY: Membership/Moving Traditions/Preschool Research/Hiking Club
  • Residence: Bedford, NY
  • Family: Husband and 3 daughters
  • School: Tufts University, B.A. 1994, New York Law School, J.D. 1998
  • Work: Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer
  • Where grew up: Weston, Massachusetts
  • Other roles and organizations: active member of the Byram Hills PTSA, Social Committee Tamarack Country Club, Former Board Member of the Rosenthal Jewish Community Center, advocate for the Moving Traditions program and involved in Tzahal Shalom of Westchester.
  • Activities/interests: Running, yoga, general fitness, crafting, being a Soccer Mom.
  • Contact info: mychalertel@icloud.com
Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784