Damien Timms, Executive Director
Damien comes to us with an extensive, diverse background. Born and raised in Australia, he began his career in ballet, but an injury changed his direction to a 25-year career in administration, finance, and project management. Damien has worked in a number of sectors including non-profit, government, and many private industries: automotive, aviation, LGBT community health, mental health, human resources, oil & gas, and even running his own bakery/café. The common thread is his passion to assist others combined with an amazing work ethic.
Most recently, Damien has served as administrator at The Temple, Congregation B'nai Jehudah in Kansas. He managed synagogue programs and calendars, led daily minyanim, planned and executed B'nai Mitzvah, High Holy Days, and their Chesed program (similar to Caring Crews), all while supporting multiple clergy, community organizations, and much more.
Damien loves music, Star Trek (and Wars), Agatha Christie mysteries, museums, galleries, coffee, food and wine, walking (to counter the food and wine), and he can't wait to enjoy all the outdoor activities Richmond has to offer. Damien just celebrated his 5th marriage anniversary and 19th year with his husband Patrick. They have two Morkie (Maltese/Yorkshire Terrier) fur babies, Baxter and Bronson. You can contact Damien by emailing him here.
Norma Fiedler,
Administrator
Norma has been with Temple Beth-El since 2007. In addition to her daily wrangling of the Rabbi’s schedule, she handles important details such as yahrzeits, donations, blessing requests, unveilings, use of the mikvah, and even dinner reservations, all while remembering every congregant’s name. Email Norma at n.fiedler@bethelrichmond.org or call (804) 355-3564.
Ramona Brand, Director of Youth Learning
Ramona joined us in 2016. She has been an educator since 1983, working in theater-arts education, public schools, Jewish Day Schools, and supplemental religious schools. After having earned a BA in Theater and English from Hamilton College in 1981 and a Masters of Education from Lesley University in 1983, her professional experience has spanned Massachusetts, Michigan and Virginia. Ramona uses her dual background to intertwine creativity with educational content and is committed to a whole child/experiential approach to education. Ramona believes that Jewish education for the 21st century needs to connect students to the world outside the Jewish classroom in ways that are both relevant and authentic. In 2015 she was named the winner of the national Natalia Twersky Award, given to educators who exemplify the creative use of primary sources to incorporate the voices and stories of Jewish women into their teaching. In 2017 she was recognized with the Jewish Federation President’s Award for her service to Jewish Education in the Richmond Community. Ramona is a member of the Richmond Council for Jewish Education and the Association of Reform Jewish Educators.
For more information about the Brown Religious School and the Nesiyah Program, email Ramona or call (804) 355-3564.
Josephine Harris, Facilities Supervisor
Josephine has served Temple Beth-El for over 40 years. In addition to making sure all Temple events run smoothly, she is also the “Chief Cook and Bottlewasher.” If you have questions about the logistics of your event, including special dietary needs, call Josephine at (804) 355-3564.
Krista Fidlow, Communications & Publicity
Krista joined Temple Beth-El in 2013. With a degree in Visual Communications and Photography, she has worked at graphic design firms in Baltimore and Los Angeles as well as doing freelance photography. While keeping the Temple Calendar up-to-date and managing the Shulcloud database, she compiles all event information and delivers it in the form of a website, email news, and the bimonthly bulletin. If you would like to submit an item to be publicized, or if you have a question about your online member account, email Krista .
