OUR CLERGY
Rabbi Danielle Parmenter has worked in the greater Philadelphia Jewish community for more than 15 years teaching Jews of every age from all walks of life. She was ordained in 2014 by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and holds a Master of Judaic Studies degree from Boston University where she focused on medieval Jewish philosophy. Rabbi Danielle worked for 5 years as the Rabbi of Congregational Learning at a local Conservative synagogue where she cultivated a vibrant young family community, religious school and teen program. Likewise, she served the community rabbinically — nurturing spirituality and a deepened connection to Torah, leading services, officiating life cycle events, and offering a loving and pastoral presence. Danielle is a trained spiritual director and served three years on the board of A Way In a national Jewish Mindfulness organization. She lives in Gwynedd Valley with her husband Scott and two children Henry (13) and Annabel (9). The Parmenter household recently adopted a lively silver lab named Champion. In her free time Danielle enjoys exercising, meditating, catching up with friends, studying Torah, listening to podcasts of Oprah’s super soul conversations and of course watching episodes of Parks and Recreation (hence the name Champion!).
Hazzan Arlyne Unger has more than 30 years of experience as a Cantor, B’nai Mitzvah instructor and Jewish Educator. She served in multiple capacities for many years at Beth Tikvah B’nai Jeshurun in Erdenheim, as well as for several years at Beth Am Shalom Reform Congregation in Lakewood, NJ, and at Tiferet Bet Israel in Blue Bell. She is a certified Hazzan Minister through the Cantors Assembly and has served as chairperson of the Cantors Assembly Delaware Valley Region and secretary of the Women Cantors Network. Arlyne’s husband, Ron, heads a small accounting firm in Jenkintown. Her son, Michael speaks fluent Spanish, tutors on-line students of various ages in Spanish, French and Hebrew, and works at Giant in Willow Grove. Daughter Rebecca works as a school psychologist through the Bucks County Intermediate Unit and serves in several area school districts. Her husband, Ryan, works with an organization providing resources for clients with special needs and supervises and coordinates in home service providers. They live nearby in Hatboro with the light of her life, her grandson Quinn. Becca and Ryan also provide a home for her two grand-dogs, a beautiful rough collie named Fiona, and a handsome samoyed/husky mix called Hunter. The Unger household menagerie boasts one rescue cat Heathie who looks like Puss-n-Boots, and they recently adopted a rescue mini golden doodle, named Biscuit. To unwind, Arlyne enjoys walking, playing guitar, watching travel shows on HGTV, reading and watching police and detective procedurals and thrillers, and of course, listening to music.
OUR STAFF
Nancy Bolton, Synagogue Director
Nancy Bolton’s journey with Darchei Noam began when the synagogue first opened its doors. From the start, she has been a dedicated and active member of the community, serving as a volunteer B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator and later as Director of Communications and Social Media. Her deep commitment, organizational strengths, and heart-centered leadership reflect her passion for Jewish community life and the values that guide Darchei Noam.
Nancy brings over 20 years of experience in the mental health and project management fields. A Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Mind-Body Therapist, she has supported countless individuals with compassion and insight. Her professional background also includes Corporate Director roles in mental health insurance, including project and program management, process improvement, benefits consulting, and IT benefit exchange (website) work.
She holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Temple University, an MBA from Aspen University, and advanced master certifications in Project Management from Villanova. This blend of therapeutic expertise and strategic leadership uniquely positions her to guide and grow synagogue operations with both vision and care.
Nancy is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, invisible chronic illness, and the LGBTQ+ community. Outside of her professional role, she nurtures her well-being through yoga and meditation and treasures her time with her son and three cats.
As Synagogue Director, Nancy is honored to support the Darchei Noam community with dedication, empathy, and a deep love for Jewish life.
Karyn "Haika" Salkin, Director of Education
Karyn Salkin (aka Haika ) is the Shul School Director and a proud founding member of Darchei Noam. She helped to build the Shul School using her vision for a fun and engaging environment where students feel proud and to be Jewish .
Karyn has a Bachelor Of Science (B.S.)Degree In Elementary/Early Childhood Education from Temple University and a Master Of Science (M.S.) In Counseling and Human Relations from
Villanova University. Karyn has been a teacher in several capacities over the last 30 years. She taught fourth grade at the Perelman Jewish Day School, has been a Hebrew and Judaic’s teacher in several different synagogues, was the head of Hinuch ( education ) at Ramah Day Canp, was a teacher at Ramah Poconos, and continues to teach Hebrew immersion to preschool children all over Montgomery County. Karyn also started and directed Stepping Stones, a back to school enrichment program, in partnership with the Kaiserman JCC in Wynnewood and the Perelman Jewish Day School.
Karyn spent several summers as a camper and staff member at Ramah Poconos and is currently the Camper Care Director at Ramah Day Camp during the summers.
Karyn takes great pride in starting Darchei Noam’s Shul School along with Rabbi Danielle Parmenter. She enjoys taking all of her experiences,from past and present jobs, to make the program special and unique. She continues to develop and change the curriculum to support the needs of the students, the goals of the Greater Jewish community and the vision of Darchei Noam.
At Morah Haika’s Shul School it is rare to see children sitting still for too long . Instead, students are engaged in Hebrew games, mitzvah projects, prayer through movement, creative arts and crafts, holiday celebrations, and Kehillah/social ( community ) time.