Who we are Our team Our staff Chief Executive Officer Rachel Tanny [email protected] A self-confessed crazy cat lady, Rachel is more than just a mum of two young kids and an energetic CEO. She’s passionate about the causes she supports: COA, victims of domestic violence, service animals for the disabled, and (of course) all things feline! Chief Operations Officer Sabina Kovadlo [email protected] It is immensely rewarding to make a difference on a daily basis as COA operations manager. I feel privileged to witness the joy and the happiness brought to our members through the efforts of our staff and volunteers, be it through social events, educational program, Hannah Meyer Project or providing nutritional meals and home support. Development Officer Sandy Matrai [email protected] I have been with COA on and off, as a volunteer and paid worker, since 1986. I come from a teaching and IT background, and use my skills to produce grant submissions, policy and procedure, the COA newsletter, advertising, editorial, and this website. I love people, and my favorite part of the job is presenting the Sunday Movie so I can schmooze with our members. Chief Provisioning Officer David Politzer [email protected] After working in concert touring and music events, David has turned his sights back to the community and the COA. Working in the Provisions department, and the COA as a whole, is fantastic and incredibly fulfilling. It allows me to interact with some incredible people and ensure that we assist in providing nutritious and delicious meals to those who need it most. Office Manager Sharon Monty [email protected] I have been at COA since 2002. Sitting in the reception for our office I love meeting new people and schmoozing with our regulars. Social Worker Suzanne Itzkovitz [email protected] I have come from a teaching and administration background even though I am a trained social worker. I am glad to be able to use my social work skills for the benefit of COA members. Social Worker Mordechai Levin [email protected] I have a sincere passion for establishing close rapport with individuals and ensuring our community’s needs are being met. My other interests include singing and painting and I try to carry those talents with me no matter where I am or what I am doing. COA has granted me this amazing opportunity incorporating both my psychology and counselling studies in conjunction with my genuine desire to bring about positive change within the Jewish community. Kosher Meals Administration Edwin Garth [email protected] I came to COA on a work placement over 15 years ago and have been here ever since handling the computer side of meals deliveries and reporting meals statistics to the government each quarter Volunteer Coordinator Robbie Clifford [email protected] I’m an involved member of the community passionate about social welfare. I love contributing and making experiences better! I am a Beatles nut, and a Wests Tigers and Liverpool FC tragic. Diversional Therapist Shosh Kirshner [email protected] I am at COA on Mondays and Wednesdays working with our members and presenting large group activities, including live music and dancing. Transport Coordinator Dorrit Mahemoff [email protected] I worked for many years with Burger Centre organising transport until retirement. But when COA required some help organising their transport I came in to help and stayed Accountant David Nathan [email protected] I worked full time for many years, in and out of the Jewish community, and when my time came I retired. But retirement was too dull, so when COA was looking for a part time accountant, I threw my hat in the ring. Events Booking & Accounts Jackie Ryker [email protected] I joined COA in 2017 as a volunteer 1 day a week. This has now evolved into a 4 day week, doing general accounts, administration, and taking bookings for events and functions. I’m so happy to be giving back to the community and interacting with our members. Administration and PA to CEO Benita Weinberg [email protected] After working for AJN for 35 years I then came to COA as a volunteer delivering meals and then as staff. I love COA and all the people here so much so that I was made office Mummy. I love how we look after our elderly and all we can do for them. Driver David Brem [email protected] I work at COA as the main driver for COA’s Mystery Bus Outings on Tuesday and Thursday. I also help in the kitchen and with anything that needs to be done in the centre. I also volunteer at the local Men’s Shed and enjoy making things with my own hands. Chef and Driver Rami Harel I had worked occasionally for COA as a driver for about 10 years. A couple of years ago Rachel asked me to come in permanently to drive and to help in the kitchen. I decided to improve the offerings for lunch by making hot lunches at least once weekly. I also shop for fruit and vegetables in Flemington markets for our COA Fresh service. Centre Handy Man and Driver Paul Skerwiderski I have worked with COA for over 20 years as a driver, a maintenance man, and setting up the COA Krygier centre for various activities. I enjoy spending time with our clients and have grown to know them very well over the years.