Karen Martin, Executive Director
Karen Martin grew up in Wyoming, OH and comes to K.K. Bene Israel - Rockdale Temple after working for most of a decade in Chicago, most recently for the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, as Assistant Director of Metro Chicago Hillel. In that role, she was second in command of a multi-campus Hillel, responsible for seven campus programs. Karen also has experience working in several synagogues in the Chicago area, as well as Miami University Hillel. A graduate of Kenyon College, Karen has a Master of Arts in the Humanities at the University of Chicago, and a Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies from the Spertus Institute of Learning and Leadership. Karen moved back to Cincinnati with her husband Stewart, their son Sam, and Charlie, their dog. She's a novice guitar player, singer, and possibly the world's slowest marathon runner.
Aaron Guldenschuh, Events and Facilities Coordinator
aguldenschuh@rockdaletemple.org
Aaron joined Rockdale Temple in November 2018. Originally from North Carolina, Aaron moved to Cincinnati after living in Louisville, KY for 14 years. In Louisville, Aaron worked for several social services organizations, the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, and for the largest Jewish congregation in Kentucky, the Temple--Congregation Adath Israel Brith Sholom. Aaron earned a BA in Religious Studies from St. Andrews University in North Carolina, and an MA in Religious Thought (Hebrew Biblical theology) from Louisville Seminary in Kentucky. Aaron enjoys landscaping, baking, travel, and museums.
Sean O'Brien, Accountant
Sean joined the Rockdale staff as our Accountant in July 2005. He has more than 20 years of non-profit accounting experience in small and medium non-profit organizations. Sean received a BS in accounting from Ohio State University (Go Bucks!). During his childhood, Sean lived in Australia for four years. In his free time, he likes to hike, bike, do yoga, and travel.
Paige Barker, Executive Assistant
Paige became our Executive Assistant in June 2017. She earned a BA in Cultural Anthropology from Ohio University, and most recently helped coordinate a food pantry for a non-profit in the Greater Philadelphia area. Paige grew up in Cincinnati, and in her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, going to the movies, crossword puzzles, and traveling. She is happy to be back in her hometown, and is happy to get to know the Rockdale community.
Patty Kaufman, Office & Communications Coordinator
Patty has been our Office & Communications Coordinator since December 2015. Prior to coming to Rockdale, she worked for a church for nine years. She has a background in information systems. Patty is happily married with two children. She has done a lot of volunteer work and outreach projects for schools and churches. In her free time, Patty enjoys spending time with family and friends, cheering on the FC Cincinnati team, and attending her kids' sporting events.
Scott Larsen, Building & Grounds Associate
Originally from Milwaukee, WI, Scott is happy to be returning to the Midwest from a whirlwind year in Israel with his wife Caitlin Brazner, a second-year rabbinical/education student at HUC-JIR. Scott has a history of operations and customer service work that has taken him from Shake Shack to Target to URJ Camp Harlam in the Poconos. Scott is excited to put down roots in Cincinnati (and even adopt a furry friend soon!) after spending time in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and rural Pennsylvania.
