Two new faces at JHamilton

December 2022
Wendy Schneider


It’s a healthy sign when an organization —such as the Hamilton Jewish Federation—can continue to attract new and enthusiastic staff members. Such is the case with the Federation’s two  latest hires – newcomer Ivan Chernov, who is both Kadimah JCamp director and children and family program coordinator at the JCC, and Maggie Norris, whose mandate is to plan mental health and wellness programs as part of Federation’s new  JCentre for Wellbeing. 


Argentinian native Chernov has a background in physical education and Jewish community youth work. He and his wife, a pharmacist, moved to Hamilton a year ago from Buenos Aires. While working as a specialist at Camp Kadimah last summer, Chernov’s personal magnetism and work ethic did not go unnoticed.  

“You could see that he loved what he was doing,” said Rymberg. “He loves to be with kids and he has passion and energy.” By the end of the summer, Rymberg knew he had found his new camp director. 

Over the last several months, Chernov has been hard at work planning Winter Camp (beginning on Dec. 27),  and monthly children’s activities for kids from ages four to 11.  

“My dream is having an activity here every week, but my first goal is to see kids learning Jewish values through monthly group activities,” he told the HJN.

Dundas native Maggie Norris spent much of her youth volunteering in Hamilton’s Jewish community before earning her Masters degree in science, health studies and gerontology from the University of Waterloo. After living in Chicago and Youngstown, Ohio for a number of years, she, her husband, and their three children moved back to their hometown to be closer to family. 

Norris’s  goals are to provide our community with informative lectures and creative activities for all ages that are designed to improve the overall mental health of participants. Her programming will include educational and engaging activities that appeal to all ages.

“We’re providing people with an opportunity to bring more positivity in their life by doing what they love and putting themselves first,” she said. 

JCentre for Wellness programs also include a wide range of offerings, including lectures, exercise classes and art workshops. For more information you can find us online at hamiltonjcc.com, email mnorris@jewishhamilton.org, or call 905.648.0605. We’d love to hear from you.