Who We Are

Kate Shkurko

Executive Director

Kate is an experienced executive and non-executive director, CPA accountant with in-depth knowledge of Emanuel Synagogue’s operations. She is well known to many, in her role as our Finance Director for almost a decade. 

Kate has also been an active contributor to the Shul’s strategic direction, playing central roles in many important strategic initiatives including two significant campus redevelopments, launch of our digital platform ‘emanuelplus’ and the launch of Nora’s kitchen catering services.

We are delighted to appoint Kate to this key role where she will lead all staff, working in tandem with our Rabbis to deliver the highest quality service experience for all our members. Kate is a mother to 12 year-old daughter, Nina.

Marina Capponi

Programming Director

Marina is our programming director, uniting her cultural background (emigrated from Italy) with her passion for languages, literature and the arts to enrich the lives of those who are a part of Emanuel Synagogue.

With unique insights into what drives ardent engagement within a community setting, Marina is able to support the Emanuel clergy and CEO with captivating programs and experiences that ignite conversation.

When Marina is not building educational, cultural and spiritual experiences for the Emanuel community, you will find her at a museum, horse riding and creating memories with her daughter on their long walks.

Chloe Murphy

Head of Youth Education

Chloe is passionate about creating opportunities for meaningful engagement across our diverse community.

Andrina Grynberg

Campus and Catering Manager

Andrina has been working at Emanuel Synagogue for over a decade. She is responsible for all aspects of the campus management and maintenance. A passionate foodie, she is also responsible for Nora’s Kitchen, our hugely popular inhouse catering company.

Sarah Vasin

Lifecycle Coordinator / Honorary Secretary of the Board

Lizeth Ibarra

Accountant

Liz joined the Emanuel Synagogue’s finance team in July 2017. One of her key roles is to ensure the efficient running of the accounts receivable process of the synagogue. 

Liz was born in Colombia, where she worked in commercial accounting for six years. She moved to Australia in 2011. She recently became a mother and together with her husband enjoy travelling, spending time with friends and watching movies.

Felipe Avella

Accountant

Felipe joined the Synagogue in November 2019. He is part of the Accounting team. One of his key roles is to ensue the banking process and the accounts receivable process of the Synagogue.

Felipe was born in Colombia, where he completed his accounting degree and spent more than 6 years working with one of the big four accounting organisations and the largest professional services network in the world. He moved to Australia with his wife in 2017. They both enjoy spending their time travelling and making new friends.

Michelle Kasimov

Events Coordinator

Michelle is our Events Coordinator and she is the one behind the scenes making sure that all our events, services and activities run smoothly and look beautiful.

Michelle emigrated from South Africa with her family in 2014 and has been an integral part of our community since that day. She has two children and loves cooking and baking.

Andrea Catzel

Choir Director

Andrea has been responsible for bringing our congregation beautiful music since 2007. She leads and conducts the wonderful Emanuel Ensemble that sing on Shabbat and Yom Kippur, and the Community Choir that sing for Rosh Hashana and perform in concerts for the wider community.

She hails from Cape Town, has sung leading roles in Opera and concerts in Europe and South Africa. She is passionate about teaching and coaching young singers, musical theatre and movies.