Meet Our Directors

Aaron Schulman is a lifelong educator and Jewish camp professional whose leadership spans both NJY Camps and the New York City public school system. A longtime member of the NJY community, originally as a camper, Aaron has since served in a wide range of leadership roles over many summers, including Division Head, TAC Israel Trip Leader, and most recently as Assistant Director in Cedar Lake Camp and Teen Camp, where he was known for his leadership, strong staff development, and ability to manage complex travel experiences with care and intention.

During the academic year, Aaron is a Teacher Leader at Yorkville Community School in New York City, where he leads schoolwide professional development, mentors educators, and helps guide instructional and organizational strategy. He holds a Master’s degree in Public School Building Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, and has completed multiple selective leadership fellowships focused on coaching, supervision, and systems-level thinking.

Aaron and his husband recently welcomed their daughter, Lila, into their family. Becoming a parent has further deepened Aaron’s appreciation for the safe, joyful, and formative environment NJY Camps provides. As Director of NJY Teen Camp, Aaron serves full-time during the summer and part-time during the year, overseeing the program’s vision, culture, and travel experiences, and is deeply committed to creating a community where teens feel supported, challenged, and empowered to grow into confident, connected young Jewish adults.

Ari Sadek brings nearly a lifetime of Jewish camping experience to NJY Teen Camp, having grown from camper to senior leader within the JCC camping movement. Prior to joining NJY, Ari spent multiple summers at Camp Interlaken JCC in Wisconsin, serving as Unit Leader and working closely with teens, staff, and families to foster strong relationships, mentorship, and community culture.

Ari’s leadership extends beyond the summer months. As a RootOne Fellow, he coordinated and chaperoned a teen trip to Israel, deepening his passion for immersive Jewish experiences and teen engagement. He also brings a global perspective shaped by teaching English abroad in Japan and working in educational settings across Europe, experiences that have influenced his thoughtful, people-centered approach to leadership.

Ari holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from New York University and is known for his infectious ruach, creativity, and steady presence. As Assistant Director of NJY Teen Camp, Ari serves as the year-round operational lead, supporting day-to-day planning, staff hiring and supervision, family communication, and program implementation. He will also lead one of Teen Camp’s travel programs during the summer and is excited to help make Teen Camp a place filled with growth, connection, and joy.