Giborim U Leadership

Beth Allen, M.S. - Giborim U Co-Chair

Beth Allen, M.S., is the community relations coordinator for the Lifelong Learning Institute at Nova Southeastern University. She holds a Master of Science degree in education/human resource development from Barry University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Buffalo. She served as assistant executive director at the David Posnack Jewish Community Center for 12 years, developing and supervising programs for children, teens, adults and the special needs population.  Beth has a passion for special needs individuals and is president of the Board of Directors of the Exceptional Theater Company (ETC), a drama program for individuals with disabilities, ages 2 to 85, in the tri-county area.

 Scott Dermer - Giborim U Co-Chair

Scott Dermer studied special education with a focus on emotional and behavioral disorders at Florida International University. Scott has been an employee of the Broward County School District for the past twenty-eight years as a behavior specialist and a support facilitator. Scott was recognized as Teacher of the Year in the 2016-17 school year. Additionally, Scott has been the director of the David Posnack JCC’s Camp Giborim summer program for the past twenty-six years.

Arlene Abrams - Giborim U Administrator

Arlene Abrams has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Puerto Rico, a State of Florida Early Childhood Director Credential and over 20 years of experience in early childhood and camp supervision.

Debra Lombard - Giborim U Director

Debra is the founder and executive director of the Exeptional Theater Company, which has been operating for the past 27 years.  ETC teaches youth and adults techniques in improvisation, movement and music.  

Risa Spevack - Giborim U Coordinator 

Risa Spevack has worked with special needs clients since 2000. She is a certified personal trainer with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and is a nationally certified and state licensed athletic trainer. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in natural science and athletic training from Hofstra University and is a Florida licensed emergency medical technician (EMT) and a certified CPR/AED/first-aid instructor.

Kevin Troonin - Giborim U Coordinator

Kevin Troonin obtained his bachelor’s degree in exceptional student education from the Teacher Education Program at Broward College. He currently serves as the ESE support facilitator at Pioneer Middle School and has been a Giborim counselor for four years, working with youth campers of all ages.