Featured Board Member: Amy Wilkerson

with Eric Bressler

Thank you for serving on Bet Shalom’s Board of Trustees, Amy! Let's help the congregation get to know you better with this interview. Please tell us about your family, your history in Minnesota, and when you joined Bet Shalom. 

My husband Matthew and I moved to Eden Prairie in 2022 after he received an assignment here with the United States Air Force. Previously we were stationed in Tucson, Arizona. Matthew retired in June 2025 after 20 years of dedicated service to the Air Force, and now he will be working as a financial advisor with Wells Fargo. I am looking forward to planting roots in Minnesota. Both of our kids, Aiden (8) and Amaya (6) attend Groveland Elementary School in the Spanish immersion program. 

We joined Bet Shalom back in 2022. Our family was instantly drawn to the inclusive and diverse community the synagogue offers; we have often described it as a home away from home. Our kids enjoy attending Bet Shalom’s religious school. 

And your professional life?

I graduated with my Masters of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2010. I am a licensed independent clinical social worker, and I am in private practice as a trauma therapist. I specialize in complex trauma and attachment as well as adoption and foster care. I have worked for over 20 years in child welfare, and as an adopted child myself, this work comes from my heart’s center.

Tell us about your previous involvement at Bet Shalom. 

Over the past two years I’ve taught in the religious school in both kindergarten and 2nd grade. This upcoming school year I’ll be teaching Wednesday evenings to the 7th graders as they dive deeply into Jewish values. I also participate in a Mussar Va’ad group at Bet Shalom and have fallen in love with the midot and teachings from Mussar. 

And now you’re on the Bet Shalom Board of Trustees. What has your experience been like?

This will be my second year on the Board of Trustees. It has been a really enriching experience to learn more about the synagogue and its needs as well as meeting new people and growing community. I really values the power of connection, and growing my Bet Shalom family is something I hold sacred. I view my role as a trustee as helping others feel welcome and seen within our community.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time I love to read and practice yoga. I love creating memories with my husband and children. I value friendships and family, and we often host family from out of town. 

Favorite Jewish Holiday and foods?

I love my Jewish faith and culture! One of my favorite ways to express that is during the holidays. I love Rosh Hashanah and often find myself inspired with the idea of a new year with new opportunities. I also love Passover and the meaning and symbolism behind the seder while connecting with friends and family. My favorite food is potatoes, so latkes on Hanukkah are also a favorite!

Final thoughts?

As a military spouse and moving roughly every two years, I am grateful to finally find a community in to settle where my family is able to thrive. Bet Shalom was one of the key factors in why we chose to stay put and not move one final time home to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.