Our Staff
Nicole "Nicky" Pitman
Director of Shemesh Farms
A former JCA camper, JCC staff member, and a Los Angeles native, Nicky is thrilled to be back in her natural habitat after living and working in lands far away for the past 33 years. A BFA in Theatre, an MA in Contemplative Education, and a great deal of hands-on experience in start-ups, education, marketing, community, creativity, mindfulness, and DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging) work have given her some of the tools she needs for her role as Shemesh Farms director. She is ever-grateful for the opportunity to continue her quest as a life-long learner, to work with such a dedicated, creative, compassionate team, and to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to the greatest value she took away from her time at Camp JCA: tikkun olam (repairing the world).
Becca Bodenstein
Chief Sustainability Officer, Shalom Institute/Farm Manager, Shemesh Farms
Becca Bodenstein is the Chief Sustainability Officer for the Shalom Institute and Farm Manager for Shemesh Farms. She has loved learning about nature and the environment for as long as she can remember. But her passions were truly ignited when she worked as the Assistant Director of Camp JCA Shalom in the early 2000s and learned about growing plants for food, medicine and how plants can teach about culture and kindness to people of all ages and abilities. Now, in this new role, Becca is thrilled to return home to Shalom Institute post Woolsey Fire to focus on the environmental sustainability practices of all Shalom Institute programs, operations and rebuild efforts. Becca earned degrees in political science and environmental studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master’s in experiential education from the American Jewish University. Becca’s greatest growing endeavor so far has been her family with husband Adam and their 7 year-old twins.
Karen Friedman
Associate Director of Sales and Development
Karen is the Associate Director of Shemesh Farms, Sales & Development. She enjoys working on site alongside Shemesh staff, Farm Fellows, coaches, and volunteers. Karen brings a wealth of experience to her role at Shemesh Farms, working the past decade in the Jewish nonprofit world in development and most of her prior adult career in education. Karen started out in retail while attending her graduate program at CSUN and gained experience and valuable knowledge in merchandising, sales management and team leadership. From Training and Development to teaching technology to students in Kindergarten through 5th grade, Karen’s passion has always been in helping others learn new skills and grow in their abilities to their highest potential. Married to her soulmate, Adam for 27 years, Karen’s greatest joy and achievement is raising their two beautiful sons, Julian and Liam. At home, she enjoys gardening, cooking and cuddling with her fur babies, Moose and Humphrey. Her favorite view is the ocean, and she values good coffee over most anything.