Meet the Team!
Joy Getnick, PhD, (she/her) is our Executive Director, a proud University of Rochester alum (BA '06), and a life-long Rochesterian. Her prior role was as the Senior Director for Programming and Jewish Life at the Louis S. Wolk JCC of Greater Rochester, including as the founding director of Camp Seneca Lake (CSL) in Israel, a summer Israel program for teens. A historian by training she is the author of the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning curriculum on the Arab-Israeli Conflict, and spent many years teaching part-time in the SUNY Geneseo Department of History. Joy is deeply committed to Jewish pluralism and community building, and enjoys fostering opportunities for young adults to explore Jewish traditions, ideas, and heritage in new and meaningful ways. Joy, her husband, and two sons live in Pittsford, NY, where she enjoys cooking/baking through the four seasons, and celebrating all things Jewish with her family and the community.
Michael Pollak (he/him) is our Assistant Director. Originally from Akron, Ohio, he spent five years at Kent State Hillel, helping students build meaningful Jewish lives on campus. He earned his BA from Kent State University (’16) and completed his MBA at Western Governors University in 2024. Michael brings a diverse background to his work, including time as a traveling consultant for Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) and as a recruiter on Wall Street and Midtown Manhattan. He has led multiple Birthright Israel trips and is passionate about helping students connect with Jewish identity, tradition, and community in ways that feel personal and empowering. He recently moved to Rochester with his wife, also a Kent State alum. They live with their goldendoodle, Milo, and two cats, George and Izzy. Outside of work, Michael enjoys working out, watching movies and TV shows, reading, traveling, volunteering, and playing board games with family and friends.
Milo (he/him) is URochester Hillel's therapy dog. A proud graduate of Kent State University, he earned his Bachelor's degree in Barkology before continuing his professional development by becoming a certified Canine Good Citizen and a certified Therapy Dog.
Though small in stature, Milo has a big impact on the Hillel community. Whether he's greeting students on campus, making appearances at events, or offering a calming presence during a stressful week, he's always happy to lend a paw. Known for his cuddly personality and respectful demeanor, Milo believes every student deserves to feel welcomed and supported. He will most likely dress to impress with a bowtie on.
When he's not hard at work boosting campus morale, Milo enjoys accepting belly rubs from students, sniffing out treats, and reminding everyone to take a break from studying. A proud member of the Jewish community, Milo even celebrated his own Bark Mitzvah. His favorite part of every day is making new friends, one tail wag at a time.