Welcome to Cleveland Hillel!
Cleveland Hillel Staff
Oberlin Hillel Springboard Fellow
Kayla Eydel grew up in sunny Southern California. Her passions were split between classical ballet and visual arts from early childhood. Kayla attended LA’s renowned High School for the Arts and continued her education at CalState Northridge, where she graduated with honors in May 2025 with Bachelor of Arts in Art History. While attending CSUN, Kayla found her community at Hillel 818 and became an LGBTQ+ intern, followed by a role as a Grapevine fellowship over several years. In these roles, she led a variety of art-themed events, and helped lead Shabbat services alongside fellow students and staff. Outside of Hillel, Kayla was an active member of CSUN’s art community, leading the Art History Club, participating in the Printmaking Club, and working at the school’s Art Galleries. In her personal time, she loves hanging out with friends, bonding with her siblings, and going out for sweet treats.
Kayla is so excited to start the next chapter of her journey as a Springboard Fellow for the students of Oberlin College and Conservatory in Ohio. She can’t wait to take students for cozy coffee conversations, create innovative programs, and check out the local art scene.
Yaffa Muhlbaum is the Associate Director of Oberlin Hillel. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Yaffa returned to Ohio after living in New York City for 7 years when she began working at Oberlin Hillel in 2023. She is a graduate of Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary where she earned BA's in Archaeology and the Hebrew Bible, respectively. She holds an MA in Jewish Nonprofit Management from Hebrew Union College. Yaffa has been a Kraft Global Fellow, a Jewish Changemakers Fellow, a Jewish Ideas Fellow, and a Masterclass: Israel Fellow, and she also completed the iCenter's Conflicts of Interest certificate program.
Her primary connection points to Judaism include music, tikkun olam, and Adam Sandler. Yaffa has a passion for fiber arts, Sesame (her dog), sesame (the food), and relational work and is always looking for her next great read!
Associate Director of Oberlin Hillel
Manager of Special Projects & Graduate Engagement
Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Michael is the SPGE Manager at Cleveland Hillel, having joined the team in fall 2024. An alumnus of Kent State University, Michael earned a Bachelor's degree in French Language and Culture as well as Jewish Studies. Passionate about fostering vibrant Jewish life on campus, he is dedicated to growing the Summer Internship Program and enhancing the graduate student experience across our campuses.
Outside of work, Michael enjoys fiber & textile arts, hiking in the national park, and immersing in fantasy media.
Jill Ross was born and raised just down the road in Lyndhurst, Ohio. Upon graduation from The Ohio State University, with a degree in Jewish Studies, she returned to Cleveland, where she worked as a Child Care Worker at Bellefaire/JCB, a residential treatment center for emotionally challenged adolescents. After a brief stint as the Assistant Regional Director for BBYO, Jill began her career at Cleveland Hillel, August 1, 1988. Her official title is Assistant Director, but she likes to think of herself as the “point guard” of the CHF staff team. She works closely with all the staff to ensure that all those affiliated with Hillel have rich and meaningful Jewish experiences while on campus.
Whether through social, cultural, educational, wellness, or Israel-related activities, Jill's goal is to ensure that everyone feels a part of this amazing community.In her free time, Jill loves to spend time with her husband and adult children. She loves to Cruise anywhere and everywhere, just ask her.
Assistant Director
Office & Operations Manager
Tia Wilson brings a strong passion for community engagement, customer service, and organizational efficiency. Her professional experience spans multiple industries, including recreation services, retail management, and front desk operations.Tia has worked with reputable organizations such as West Charlotte Recreation Center, Victoria’s Secret, Target, and more—developing expertise in team leadership, customer relations, and inventory management. She is highly skilled in streamlining front desk operations, maintaining organized systems, and delivering top-tier customer experiences. With a dedication to service and a detail-oriented approach, Tia continues to create welcoming, efficient environments that enhance both customer and team satisfaction.
Tia lives in Cleveland, OH where she spends her free time with family and friends, reading and writing books and chasing after the family dog when Lola decides to kidnap her socks!