Administrative Staff
Rabbi Metz became the spiritual leader of Congregation Anshei Israel in 2020. She graduated with bachelor’s degrees from Brandeis University in both American Studies as well as Near East and Judaic Studies and was ordained by the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles, where she also received master’s degrees in Jewish Education as well as Rabbinic Studies. Rabbi Metz loves baking challah, trying new recipes, crocheting, biking and hiking with her family. She looks forward to building, growing and strengthening Judaism through meaningful relationships and relevant experiences inside and outside of the synagogue building.
Nichole Chorny, Cantorial Soloist
Nichole Chorny became Anshei Israel's Cantorial Soloist in May 2014 and began serving as Education & Youth Director in July 2020. As a native Tucsonan, Nichole has deep roots in our Jewish community which include working at CAI since 2006 in the capacity of working with families in our Religious School and B'nai Mitzvah Program. With the expansion of her role, Nichole has developed and nurtured meaningful relationships with congregants of all ages and continues to develop family and youth programming, along with synagogue-wide programming for cross-generational engagement. She encourages life-long Jewish learning by continuing to grow lay-leadership, post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah service leaders, and Torah/Haftarah readers. Nichole has a passion for fostering a love of Judaism in CAI's congregants of all ages.
Nichole works closely with Rabbi Metz and is responsible for coordinating congregational services. In addition, she officiates life-cycle events, coordinates the B'nai Mitzvah Program, B'Yahad Religious School Program, and USY. Nichole also teaches music in the preschool and is the director of CAI's adult and youth choirs.
Debra Lytle, Executive Director
Originally from New York, Debra moved to Arizona in 2002 to attend the University of Arizona and study Judaic Studies, Sociology and Public Health. After starting her family, she entered back into the workplace at CAI in 2013. Debra oversees the synagogues fundraising and development; membership; programming; maintenance and security; congregational events; room rentals; Kiddush and Third Meal sponsorships; High Holy Days tickets and seating; cemetery as well as manages administrative matters. She works closely with the lay committees and the Board of Trustees to establish and implement sound and sustainable preparations for the synagogue.
Allison Wetzel, Early Childhood Director
Allison Wetzel began serving as the Early Childhood Director on June 1, 2023. Allison has served as a CAI preschool assistant teacher and has also been a dedicated preschool parent and PAC Co-Chair.
Prior to joining our staff at CAI, Allison served as Dean of Students at BASIS Tucson Primary, where she was responsible for documenting, organizing, and supporting teachers in preparing and executing student academic and behavioral support systems. In this leadership role, Allison regularly communicated with parents, teachers, and students regarding student academic performance, behavioral, social, and/or emotional conduct.
Additionally, Allison has more than 12 years of teaching experience. She holds a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership, a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, an Arizona Standard Elementary Certificate, and an Arizona Full Structured English Immersion Endorsement.
Lanette Garnett began serving as the Controller at CAI on October 1, 2023, overseeing all financial operations.
Lanette has been an integral part of our team since May 2022 as our Bookkeeper and Finance Assistant, after 20 years of work experience as an accountant, accounting office manager, accounts receivable and payable specialist and office manager. During her tenure at CAI, Lanette has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in managing all aspects of accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and general ledger accounting transactions, in addition to assisting with myriad other aspects of synagogue and front office operations. Her work ethic, communication skills, dedication and expertise have been instrumental in maintaining the fiscal integrity of our organization. Ms. Garnett’s friendly disposition and embrace of the importance of relationships with our synagogue members has been one of the hallmarks that she brings to her role.