Before coming to Stephen Wise Free Synagogue community, Evita R. Sokol, RJE spent many years working with children of all ages and families in Jewish camps, community centers, and synagogue schools.

Evita participated in a double degree college program where she received a BA in European History from Columbia University, and a BA in Modern Jewish Studies from the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS). She continued her studies at JTS and received her Master’s in Jewish Education.

Prior to her arrival at SWFS, Evita served as the Assistant Director of Education and later the Director of Family and Youth Education at Temple Shaaray Tefila in NYC. During these formative years, Evita became an active member in several educators’ networks including the Metropolitan Educators' Council (MEC), The National Association of Temple Educators (NATE), and the National Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY).

Evita then went on to be part of the first cohort of the Leadership Institute for Congregational School Educators. The Leadership Institute is guided by the vision of the New York School of Education at Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) and the William Davidson Graduate School of Education at JTS. Working together with the UJA-Federation of New York, this organization enabled educators in the Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist movements to join together to further the leadership capacity, pedagogic skills, and Judaic knowledge of top educators in the northeast.

Evita later earned the title of Reform Jewish Educator (RJE) recognized for her commitment and work with students from early childhood through adult ages. Evita brings her knowledge and learning from her past experiences and her involvement in these groups to the families of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue.