Staff

Ilya Bratman

llya Bratman holds the position of the Executive Director at the Hillel at Baruch College since November 2013.

In 1992, Ilya immigrated from Moscow, Russia to the US.  He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1999. Upon his graduation, Mr. Bratman enlisted in the United States Armed Forces.  He served honorably for over four active years and four reserve, including deployments to Korea, Germany and Iraq. After returning from his tour in Iraq in 2004, Ilya Bratman received a Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics and Education from the University of Pittsburgh in 2006.  

In 2006 Ilya ‘immigrated’ to New York.  He worked as a Real Estate agent and in 2008, he began to work in the Jewish community including as an instructor at the Sinai Academy in Brooklyn, Director of Jewish Programs at the Kings Bay Y in Brooklyn, and as the Project Manager of Limmud FSU USA, before becoming the Executive Director at the Hillel at Baruch College.

In his spare time, Ilya enjoys long-distance running, playing soccer and other sports, writing, playing guitar and watching the Steelers. Ilya speaks Russian fluently and is proficient in Hebrew and German. Ilya lives with his wife, Sonya, son, Gabriel and daughters, Miriam and Sima, in New Jersey.

Brian Dickstein

Originally a Staten Island native, Ryan is excited and committed to promoting Jewish life at Baruch, John Jay, City College, Forham, Pace, FIT, SVA and The New School campuses as the Director of Engagement. Having started staffing Birthright trips to Israel in college, and working previously as an engagement professional at Rutgers University Hillel, he cannot wait to help more students share in these amazing trips and develop those same connections. Ryan attended CUNY Brooklyn College for his undergraduate degree and studied both Political Science and Philosophy. He also recently obtained his Masters' degree from Reichman University in Israel, where he studied Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution with a focus in Contemporary Middle East Politics.

Ryan loves going to the gym, learning languages and is an avid traveler taking as many trips as he can. To date, he has staffed 17 trips to Israel and Europe for Jewish highschool and University students and can't wait to complete more. 

Rabbi Raffi Leicht

Raffi was born in New York City and raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, in Los Angeles, CA, and in Riverdale, NY.  Raffi studied neuropsychology at CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies and Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School. He received his semicha (rabbinical ordination) from Rabbi Moshe Weinberger. Raffi has conducted research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and traded on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. He has led Passover seders in Katowice, Poland and Flensburg, Germany, written for Tablet Magazine, published Jewish literary journals, and organized concerts featuring Israeli musicians in New York City. He has served as gabbai to chassidic rebbes, and is an alumnus of The Stollel and the University of Purim. Raffi arrived at Baruch Hillel in 2026, after ten years at the University of Massachusetts Hillel in Amherst, MA.

Raffi works with students in one-on-one conversations, Torah learning, Shabbat and Holiday experiences, student group advising, mentorship, prayer services, and advocating and supporting religious infrastructure. Across campuses, Raffi can be found at The Shabbat Club, Kooft, Sip & Schmooze, Club Hours, Pizza and Parsha, and Chaburot with Modern Orthodox students.

Talia Salamatbad

Talia hails from Great Neck, New York, with a major in Law and Society and a minor in Speech and Media from John Jay College. Throughout her college years, Talia has been dedicated to the Hillel community, participating in trips, shabbatons, speakers, and so on. Talia actively engages in creating an inclusive environment for students. Her genuine desire to help others experience Judaism in their own unique way is a driving force behind her commitment. Talia is excited to create new memories with our students and faculty, fostering an environment where Jewish experiences thrive.

Outside of Hillel, you'll often find Talia in the kitchen, exploring her culinary skills. She is mainly known for her challah recipe or her Persian recipes. When she's not in the kitchen, Talia can be found at the gym, or on a plane to different corners of the world.

Sasha Rovnaya

Sasha was born and raised in Ukraine. At the age of 19 she made aliyah to Israel, where she has lived for eight wonderful years. During her time in Israel, she completed her undergraduate degree in photography at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem, worked as an Education Mentor in "Garin Tzabar" with lone soldiers, and worked as a chef in "Sushiya" (she loves to eat sushi just as much as she loves to make it!) Sasha loves to work with groups of different ages and to improve her skills. She recently completed the Leading Informal Education Course at the Jewish Agency for Israel. Sasha is very happy to share her story and Jewish identity with the students at Baruch, City, John Jay, Pace, SVA, Fordham, FIT, and New School.

Oscar Mikhaylov

Oscar was born and raised in Moscow, Russia, and is proud of his Gorsky Jewish heritage. He recently graduated from Baruch College with a degree in Business Administration in Finance and a minor in Business Law. During his years at Baruch, Oscar was an active part of Hillel, joining countless events, trips, and shabbatons. Some of his best college memories came from building friendships, celebrating Jewish life, and helping create a space where everyone felt at home. Now, he’s excited to help new students have those same meaningful experiences—and hopefully even better ones!

Outside of Hillel, you can probably find Oscar on a soccer pitch, catching a game, or planning his next adventure abroad. He also loves spending time with friends, whether it’s discovering a new restaurant, sharing laughs over coffee, or exploring a new city together.

Ellie Avner

Ellie grew up in Denver, Colorado, and recently graduated from Binghamton University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. During her time at Binghamton, Ellie was deeply involved in Jewish life on campus, participating in both Chabad and OU-JLIC. Through these experiences, she developed a strong connection to her Jewish identity and now hopes to inspire others to explore and strengthen their own. Outside of Hillel, you’ll often find Ellie skiing, running, baking, or talking about her dog.

Samantha Cavaliere

New York City native, born and raised in Queens. I’m a proud Baruch College alumna, where I studied Corporate Communications and became deeply involved in the Baruch community.

After graduating, I had the opportunity to spend a year in Israel, where I worked as an English Teaching Assistant and had the chance to work closely with students and immerse myself in Israeli life and culture. That experience strengthened my passion for education, community, and building meaningful relationships with young people.

I’m so excited to be back at Baruch as an Engagement Associate at Hillel! I’m looking forward to connecting with students, creating meaningful experiences and programs, and helping make Hillel a welcoming and supportive community for everyone.

Julia Simon

Julia is a proud graduate of Parsons School of Design, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Integrated Design and Museum Studies. Over the past two years, she’s combined her passion for art and activism to amplify Jewish voices on campus and advocate for the return of the hostages. During her time as a student, Julia was active with groups like Hillel and the Israel Policy Forum, and took her artwork on the road - touring synagogues, Jewish organizations, and college campuses to share her personal journey and spark conversation. These experiences taught her that every Jew deserves a strong, welcoming community - and now, as part of the Hillel team, she’s excited to help build that kind of community for students across New York. When she’s not working, you’ll probably find Julia practicing yoga, reading a book, painting. Speaking of, make sure to ask her about her spice village!

Taylor Kallman, Social Worker

Taylor was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Marlboro, New Jersey. Having dual citizenship in Israel and being brought up with Jewish morals and values she is super passionate about her love for Israel and being Jewish. Taylor graduated New York University in 2021 where she majored in Media, Culture, and Communication. She is back at NYU pursuing her master’s degree in social work. With her degree she hopes to become a therapist. Taylor is super excited to be returning to the Hillel team for her second year in a row and provide support to students at Baruch, John Jay, Pace, Fordham, FIT, and New School. Outside of Hillel you can find Taylor reading a book, being with family and friends, or traveling somewhere warm.

Amanda Wannon, MSW Intern

Amanda Wannon is originally from Los Angeles, California, and graduated from Yeshiva University last spring. She is currently in her second year at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, where she is hoping to become a therapist. She enjoys building genuine connections with others and is excited to support and be part of the Baruch Hillel community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, volunteering with NCSY, and spending time with family and friends.

Rena Hecht, MSW Intern

Rena Hecht, from Long Island, NY, is a social work intern at Baruch College Hillel and a student at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University, where she is pursuing her Master’s in Social Work. Rena previously graduated from Yeshiva University with a degree in Psychology and is passionate about helping others grow, connect, and become the best versions of themselves.

As someone whose Jewish identity is deeply meaningful to her, Rena values community, connection, and creating spaces where people feel supported and understood. She is excited to be part of the Hillel team, meet new people, and contribute to the lives of students through meaningful relationships and support. Outside of Hillel, Rena enjoys chatting with friends and family, spending time with her loved ones, and doing creative activities.

Dana Bluevise, MSW Intern

 Dana is excited to join the Baruch College Hillel social work team! She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Hunter College and graduated from NYU with a B.S. in Applied Psychology in 2022. Dana is passionate about supporting children's development and is pursuing licensure as a therapist to help children and families thrive. In her current work at the American Institutes for Research, Dana specializes in early childhood initiatives centered around social-emotional learning, parent engagement, and early literacy. She also works within her Jewish community as an educator at Sutton Place Synagogue. Outside of Hillel, you can find Dana playing volleyball, spending time with friends, or reading in the park. 

Valerie Usatin MSW Intern

Valerie  is excited to join Baruch College Hillel as a Social Work Intern. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, she now lives in Hoboken, New Jersey. She is a first-generation American, and her family immigrated from Odesa, Ukraine.

Valerie earned her bachelor's degree in Family Science and Human Development from Montclair State University and is currently in her first year pursuing her Master of Social Work at Touro University. She has experience working with children, young adults, and families in a variety of clinical and healthcare settings. She is passionate about supporting others and is excited to help students build meaningful connections within the Jewish community.

In her free time, Valerie loves staying active and exploring new places. Whether she's trying a new Pilates studio, traveling the world, or spending time with her Bernedoodle, she's always looking forward to her next adventure.

Kayla Feder, MSW Intern

Kayla Feder, originally from White Plains, New York, is pursuing her Master’s of Social Work at Yeshiva University Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Kayla went to Stern College, and before that spent a year learning in Jerusalem. Kayla is passionate about helping others and is excited to be a social work intern at Baruch College Hillel! Outside of Hillel, you can find Kayla running in Central Park, trying a new coffee shop, or baking a new recipe.