Chicago Director Andy Kirschner has combined coaching, facilitation, user centered design and even improv comedy to engage thousands of constituents so they connect more deeply to the missions of the organizations they serve. He sees the work of 18Doors as an extension of the bridge-building work that he has done for more than 20 years as a volunteer and professional in the nonprofit sector. His background includes sales, career counseling, business development, fundraising, social entrepreneurship, consulting, coaching, community organizing, and interfaith programing. Most recently, he served as the Director of Community Engagement at Chicago’s oldest synagogue, KAM Isaiah Israel. Andy has an Executive Masters of Jewish Professional Studies from Spertus Institute.

Andy lives just outside Chicago in Oak Park with his wife, Rose, and two kids, John and Ellie. Outside of work he enjoys backyard BBQs, running, exploring kid-friendly spaces around the city and traveling with family. He is a member of the Chicago Advisory Council for the One America Movement, an organization working to build a united American society by eliminating toxic polarization. He is also an involved member of West Suburban Temple Har Zion and teaches at their religious school. Contact him at Andy@18Doors.org.

Steven Philp is an Associate Rabbi at Mishkan Chicago. He was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary where he was a Wexner Graduate Fellow. Steven earned an M.St. in Jewish Studies from the University of Oxford and an M.Div. and M.S.W. from the University of Chicago. Steven grew up in California and Hawaii, as a Roman Catholic with a strong Protestant heritage. He became passionate about interfaith work while in college, a path that eventually led him to convert to Judaism. Steven is excited to work with 18Doors, helping others find communities that affirm their whole selves. He currently lives in Boystown with his cat Miso. Contact him at rabbistevenphilp@18doors.org.