JCC 
J Camps 
Gordon Center 
What year did you start at the J?
2010
What do you like the most about working at the J?
I love the opportunity to help others develop connections to one another and discover more about themselves.
What special skills are you most proud of OR What do you love to do in your free time?
Creativity is my superpower. Whether it’s fashion, festivals, family events or just with words- always looking for what’s new, meaningful, and punny!
What is something interesting about your family (pets included)?
I have 2 boys who go to the JCC ELC – the same preschool my husband (their daddy went to!)
Where did you grow up?
Staton Island, New York
More about Melissa
Melissa co-founded and oversees Arts Education programming leading enriching, engaging, and educational experiences for children and adults including: The J’s Children’s Theater Production Company, Habimah Arts Camp, dance classes, and various other programs and partnerships with leading arts and Jewish organizations. The Gordon Family Season and large scale holiday events are among Melissa’s favorite to plan and communities to connect. Melissa began her career at the J in 2010 as a Graduate Intern and then moved full time into the role of Assistant Director of Adult Life and later into the Assistant Director of Arts & Culture and to the Director of Arts & Culture Education before becoming the Senior Director of J Kids Baltimore and now, the Senior Director of Community Arts. Melissa received her Masters in Jewish Communal Service from Baltimore Hebrew Institute focusing on non-profit management, Jewish studies, and Jewish Education. For her commitment to the community, Melissa was a DFI Friedman Fellow, named an Association of Performing Arts Professionals Emerging Leader, and is currently in Na’aleh’s ELEVATE Supervisory cohort. When our studios are full, her heart is full as she strongly believes the arts help “develop character.”
Next: Platt, Ariel
Melissa Seltzer
Senior Director, Arts & Culture
What year did you start at the J?
2010
What do you like the most about working at the J?
I love the opportunity to help others develop connections to one another and discover more about themselves.
What special skills are you most proud of OR What do you love to do in your free time?
Creativity is my superpower. Whether it’s fashion, festivals, family events or just with words- always looking for what’s new, meaningful, and punny!
What is something interesting about your family (pets included)?
I have 2 boys who go to the JCC ELC – the same preschool my husband (their daddy went to!)
Where did you grow up?
Staton Island, New York
More about Melissa
Melissa co-founded and oversees Arts Education programming leading enriching, engaging, and educational experiences for children and adults including: The J’s Children’s Theater Production Company, Habimah Arts Camp, dance classes, and various other programs and partnerships with leading arts and Jewish organizations. The Gordon Family Season and large scale holiday events are among Melissa’s favorite to plan and communities to connect. Melissa began her career at the J in 2010 as a Graduate Intern and then moved full time into the role of Assistant Director of Adult Life and later into the Assistant Director of Arts & Culture and to the Director of Arts & Culture Education before becoming the Senior Director of J Kids Baltimore and now, the Senior Director of Community Arts. Melissa received her Masters in Jewish Communal Service from Baltimore Hebrew Institute focusing on non-profit management, Jewish studies, and Jewish Education. For her commitment to the community, Melissa was a DFI Friedman Fellow, named an Association of Performing Arts Professionals Emerging Leader, and is currently in Na’aleh’s ELEVATE Supervisory cohort. When our studios are full, her heart is full as she strongly believes the arts help “develop character.”
Next: Platt, Ariel