Erin Schneider recently started “Soup 4 You in the Lou,” a home delivery company that offers delicious, homemade soups, right down to the stock. All soups can be made vegetarian or vegan and most are gluten and dairy free. They are not kosher but if there is enough demand, Schneider can accommodate those orders. Her popular flavors are creamy white bean with rosemary, potato leek, coconut curry butternut squash and roasted tomato basil. The soups come in pints ($6-$8) and quarts ($10-$12). Delivery is available from University City to Chesterfield.

The keynote address of the annual Beginning Teachers Assistance Program, sponsored by the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Education and the School of Professional and Continuing Studies, has been permanently named after Helene J. Sherman. A member of United Hebrew Congregation, Sherman is a founders professor and former associate dean in the college. She teaches undergraduate and graduate mathematics education courses at UMSL and has also co-authored four mathematics education textbooks. 

Accounting Career Consultants has promoted Michelle Dunski to the role of senior recruiting manager. In addition to identifying candidates and clients for their accounting and financial search practice, Dunski will train and manage newer search consultants. She brings over 18 years of executive search experience to her new role including three years with Accounting Career Consultants. 

Ryan Cohen joined Westco Security & Technology Systems as director of operations. Cohen is responsible for maintaining Westco’s daily operations, including security and connected home services. In addition, he is the principal contact for the company’s new personal emergency response system division, in which Westco is partnering with Logic Mark to provide medical alert services to senior adults and physically challenged individuals. Prior to joining Westco, Cohen was employed at Cassidy Turley, where he oversaw the management and operation of 250 office buildings for Siemens Corporation throughout the United States.

Wendy Bell is the new director of finance at Central Reform Congregation. Prior to that position, she was with Asset Assistant LLC as a senior client service assistant. She has worked in public accounting for over 10 years. Bell is also involved in a number of volunteer organizations within CRC, of which she is a member.

Julie Gibbs is the new  Director of Women’s Philanthropy at  Jewish Federation.   Gibbs comes to Federation from her current post as a development associate for the Jewish Community Center’s Camp Sabra. She has also served as director of development for United Hebrew Congregation, a consultant for Forest Park Forever and served as director of planned giving for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. She is a graduate of the Millstone Fellows. A member of United Hebrew, Gibbs will be working with Women’s Philanthropy Co-Chairs Sherry Shuman and Vicki Singer.

Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School has promoted Margo Newman from development associate to director of development. She is responsible for Mirowitz’s annual campaign, community campaign, planned giving, scholarships, tributes and annual gala. Newman, a member of Congregation B’nai Amoona, was a development associate at the Jewish Federation for 10 years prior to coming to Mirowitz. 

Jewish Federation welcomed Lindy Drew, an intern from Washington University’s Brown School of Social Work, where she is pursuing a dual masters in social work and public health. She previously worked with refugees and reunified undocumented unaccompanied youth with their families in the United States. Drew is also a professional photographer.

Gail S. Brody is now an assistant professor of architecture at St. Louis Community College. Previously an instructor, Brody has been with SLCC since 1995. She also has her own firm, Designs in Architecture, and is a member of Congregation Kol Rinah. 

Nancy Lieberman, GO! St. Louis president, has been awarded the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles Challenge Inaugural Leadership Award. Missouri Governor Jay Nixon presented the award to Lieberman at a special ceremony in Jefferson City. The award was in recognition of her commitment to the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles Challenge that kicked-off June 1. The program was created to celebrate Missouri’s special recognition as “Best Trail State” by American Trails.  GO! St. Louis is a not-for-profit organization that specializes in presenting fitness events and programs. 

Jennifer Bernstein has been named director of advocacy & communications at Central Reform Congregation. Bernstein has extensive experience in advocating for the issues at the heart of CRC’s social justice work—access to health care, reproductive rights, economic justice, civil rights and hunger. Previously, Bernstein served for seven years as coordinator of the child abuse prevention program at Jewish Family & Children’s Service. 

 Veterinary Behaviorist, Dr. Debra Horwitz, is the lead editor for her latest book aimed to help dog owners better communicate with their family pet. “Decoding Your Dog: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Dog Behaviors and Reveal How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones”is written by her colleagues from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Horwitz’s practice is Veterinary Behavior Consultations and she is affiliated with Congregation B’nai Amoona.

St. Louis Jewish Light Board Trustee, Benjamin A. Lipman, has been honored by Missouri Lawyers Weekly as a 2014 Legal Champion. Lipman received the award for his fight for public access to disciplinary hearings about lawyers. An attorney for Lewis Rice, Lipman specializes in media law.

Steve Schankman was recently honored during the commencement ceremony at the University of Missouri – St. Louis with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Schankman, a life-long musician, is an event and concert promoter with Contemporary Productions. A member of Temple Israel, he also helped develop Riverport Ampitheatre (now Verizon Wireless), co-developed the Pageant and is the leader of the local band, Fabulous Motown Revue.

Kara Newmark and partner DeAnn Bingaman will be opening Sweetology, which will give patrons a hands-on experience decorating cupcakes, cakes and cookies. The shop will have more than 50 colorful toppings – sprinkles, gummy bears, lemon drops and Oreo cookies, to name a few. Treats can be wrapped in a box to take home or dined on in the café where coffee, drinking chocolate, wine and beer will be offered. Drop-in visitors are welcome or reservations can be made for up to 40. In addition, Sweetology will have a retail section stocked with bulk candy and pre-decorated sweets. The shop will quietly open in March with a grand opening set for April 12.