Meet The Team

Maayan Steele directs and oversees strategic development, all day-to-day operations and organizational growth at the museum. Having played a pivotal role in the museum’s development from its earliest beginnings, she drives its overarching vision and expansion—leading new development initiatives, key projects, and all personnel decisions. Maayan brings a wealth of business management experience from both the corporate and non-profit sectors.

Originally from South Africa, Maayan developed a lifelong appreciation for the natural world while exploring the African bush in her youth.

Hailing from London, Jonny studied Economics & Politics at Bar Ilan University, and after working in investment finance, went on to become a licensed tour guide.

Working in development, all his different talents come together to drive the museum forward, through financial reporting, operational strategy and special projects, and he sometimes gets to guide visitors as well!

Originally from Maryland, Ellen made Aliyah with her family in 2008. She worked for The Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland and The Associated: Jewish Community of Federation of Baltimore, as well as for a range of nonprofits in Israel, including Ogen, MEOR and most recently, Ohr Torah Stone, before joining the team at the Biblical Museum of Natural History.  

Ellen is thrilled to help spread the excitement she sees on the faces of so many museum visitors as they experience the connection between Jewish heritage, Israel and the natural world.

Esther grew up in Ramat Beit Shemesh. She is currently studying for a business management degree and enjoys working together with everyone on the museum team and assists in multiple departments, to make sure every visitor at the museum has an amazing experience.

She coordinates group visits and activities, and loves seeing the wide range of visitors who come through the museum doors and leave with more knowledge and appreciation for both nature and Tanach. ​

Judy holds a BA in Business Management from Westminster University has many years experience in operational and administrative roles in the technology and pharmaceutical industries.

At the museum, Judy is a crucial part in everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Judy made Aliya from the UK in the late nineties and lives in Bet Shemesh with her family.

Adi was born and raised in the city of Beit Shemesh and was brought up in a traditional home where religious values always formed a significant foundation in her life. During her military service, she served as a control and security NCO under the Intelligence Directorate, where she was exposed to the complexities of Israeli security and viewed this as a great privilege.

Today, she works as our group coordinator. She is responsible for coordinating and organizing group visits, as well as conducting research to identify potential new groups and relevant target audiences. Her favorite animal at the museum is the snake!

Originally from New York, Chaim has raised a wide variety of both farm and exotic animals. He brings to the team vast expertise in animal husbandry from years working at the Jerusalem Zoo and managing the petting zoos of the Gvaot and Tekoa schools.

At home with his wife and children, Chaim tends to his beehives, goats, his flock of sheep in the beautiful hills around Tekoa.​

Hilik studied Zoology in Bar Ilan University. At the museum, Hilik coordinates the educational goals of the museum and works with the guides to ensure they have all the right knowledge and tools to give visitors the best experience possible. His three passions are the Bible, animals, and teaching - which makes Hilik and the museum a perfect fit. He lives in Tzur Hadassa with his wife Leah and four children.

Born in New Jersey and raised in Israel, Avi’s lifelong passion for animals took on greater meaning when he joined Rabbi Slifkin’s zoology chug many years before the museum was even built. Later on he joined the museum as a volunteer and, after finishing high school, took a Sherut Le’umi (National Service) position in it. Having completed a professional training course in the care of exotic animals, Avi is now the Deputy Head of Animal Care.

Raised in London and now happily settled in Israel, Sacha has spent over 10 years building brands, growing communities, and bringing ideas to life.

After running her own business for several years, she now heads the Museum's marketing efforts, from social media strategy and campaigns to partnerships, content creation, and the graphic design projects.

Sacha loves to be out with the animals or chatting with the museum's human visitors.

Born and raised in Tel Aviv, Adi studied communications and advertising before moving to Jerusalem to work in guest relations management within the hospitality industry. As our Group Booking Coordinator, Adi manages all visiting groups. For her, introducing schools, tourists, and visitors to our heritage through nature is a true calling. Her favorite insider perk? Whenever things get hectic, she takes a quick breather in the live animal section for a quiet chat with the animals.