Meet Stephanie Ziman, Director of Inclusion & Ability

Meet Stephanie Ziman, the JCC of Greater Baltimore’s new Director of Inclusion & Ability, whose passion for creating environments where everyone truly belongs is already making waves. Though new to the JCC family, Stephanie brings a fresh perspective on inclusion that extends from the classroom to camp and beyond. What drives her mission to support both teachers and families? And how does a rescue dog named George fit into her story? Read on to discover the person behind the position and the unique blend of warmth, creativity, and vision she brings to our community.

What is your role at the JCC, and what are you most excited about in this position?

As the Director of Inclusion and Abilities, I feel that not only will I be able to support the teachers in classrooms with children but be a resource for families. Any positive difference, no matter how big or small, I can have in others’ lives makes everything worthwhile.

What’s the best thing about working at the JCC so far?

The feeling of being welcomed into the community with openness, support, and warmth. Working for a short time, I am overwhelmed with feeling like I have always been here.

Do you have any hobbies or special interests outside of work?

Crafting—varies on the day, but it ranges from crocheting/knitting/embroidery, metal/wire/leather work, sewing, painting, quilling, and always learning more and more.

What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?

There are a few things, so it is difficult to pick one. Baking has always been and continues to be one thing that relaxes me, which is the complete opposite of the thought of cooking.

Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them!

Yes! We have George, a rescue dog. He’s somewhat of a gentle giant—he barks and is extremely protective of each of us; however, when it comes to his “humans,” all he wants to do is cuddle, play with his toys, and lay either on one of our beds or the front sofa (which is “his” couch to look out the window). I have always grown up with pets; when I was little, we had a cat named Lunar Module Goldberg because he was born the day they landed on the moon and a Dandie Dinmont Terrier named Fonzie, then a rescue named Maidel, and eventually four pugs (Beijing, the mom, and her puppies Shu-Shu, Tai-Dai, and Bruiser). Even in college, my roommate and I rescued a dog. When my husband and I first got married, we rescued a dog, Romie, who helped us “raise” our two daughters, always by their side. Then we rescued a little mix who we named “Gracie,” so we couldn’t have Gracie without “George.” Sadly, during COVID, Gracie became sick, and she went over the rainbow.

If you could have dinner with any historical or famous person, who would it be & why?

I would love the opportunity to have dinner with Carol Burnett. From being a child and watching “Sesame Street,” where she played “Lilith-Ann,” to watching The Carol Burnett Show, she made me smile. Her genuineness and positivity emanate through her work.