Meet Melissa Dorenfeld: Member & Guest Services, Welcome Desk Supervisor at Owings Mills J

Meet Melissa Dorenfeld
Member & Guest Services, 
Welcome Desk Supervisor at Owings Mills J

Help us give a warm welcome to Melissa Dorenfeld, our new Welcome Desk Supervisor at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills J. Having grown up at the JCC, Melissa has strong ties to our community and is excited to be back in her new role. She is filling in Antonius Reterink’s previous position as he moved up to Membership Coordinator. Get to know more about Melissa in her interview. 

Q: Why are you excited to be at the JCC?
A: The JCC has always been a part of my life. I grew up going to preschool at the Park Heights JCC (for nursery school). Back then, it was just one building. As a child, I was on the swim team in Owings Mills and participated in various activities. I loved being around the Jewish community and always wanted to work within the Jewish community. 

Q: What is your role and what is it like day to day?
A: My position is the welcome desk supervisor at Owings Mills. I Interact with members everyday– helping them with questions and creating a friendly atmosphere while putting a smile on their face. I work with a great team of employees. Everyday is different and I learn something new each day.

Q: What are some of your past experiences?
A: I worked in retail for over 20 years then worked at a doctor’s office before Covid hit. I have many, many years of customer service.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I like to spend time with my family and friends and go to the synagogue. Also, I do a lot of diamond painting–I love it, it’s really fun. It’s where you take sparkling rhinestones, one by one, and place them on a canvas. It’s a relaxing hobby. I got into it during Covid and have created paintings as well as bookmarks and keychains. 

Q: Do you have a favorite quote/words to live by?
A: I always say this to people I work with: there are no stupid questions to ask, it’s the ones you don’t ask.