The people behind the work

Melissa Mott

Melissa Mott is the Global Head of Education at the Simon Wiesenthal Center. Formerly the Director of Antisemitism and Holocaust Education at the Anti-Defamation League, she brings expertise in Holocaust history, collective memory, and antisemitism education.

A former 10th-grade English teacher and a Fulbright scholar in Poland, she earned her Ed.M. from Columbia University’s Teachers College, focusing on intolerance and antisemitism in the former Soviet Union. At the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Melissa leads educational initiatives, expands the Museum of Tolerance’s reach, and develops innovative programs to combat hate.

She has spoken on Holocaust memory and antisemitism education at institutions worldwide, emphasizing the vital link between unlearning antisemitism and sustaining healthy democracies.

Ann Pesahovitz

Director of Content and Learning for the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Museum of Tolerance. Ann, a dynamic and innovative educator, was a classroom teacher for over 10 years. In her role as Content and Learning Director, she utilizes her creative skills and forward thinking to create groundbreaking national programming for educators, students, and learners of all ages and backgrounds. Ann holds Master’s Degrees from Queens College in General and Special Education, as well as Educational Leadership Masters from CUNY Hunter College. She oversees a creative and efficient team utilizing her skills as a people first educational leader. Ann has facilitated and created professional development workshops for educators, student, and parent communities, and continues her innovative passion and work in Human Rights and Holocaust Education at the MOT.

London McBride

London McBride serves as Director of Law Enforcement and Adult Education at the Museum of Tolerance, leading programs that equip law enforcement professionals and educators to challenge bias, strengthen relationships, and uphold the dignity of every person. A former law enforcement officer, pastor, and university educator, he brings over two decades of policing experience and a deep commitment to community. He holds a doctorate in Education and Professional Practice from Antioch University, with a focus on Social Justice Leadership. His work centers on compassionate leadership, honest dialogue, and helping people turn learning into meaningful action.

Kelly Williams

Kelly Williams (she/her) has worked in the education sector for close to 30 years. She started her career as a classroom teacher and then moved into informal learning in non-profit spaces with a focus on connecting school communities and museums. Highlights from her career include building learning programs at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, developing a collaborative school partnership initiative at the Getty Museum, teaching with a seven foot python named Jay at the Natural History Museum of LA County, and leading tours in Italian and English at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, Italy. Kelly currently serves as the Head of Field Education, West, at the Museum of Tolerance. In this role, she oversees youth educational initiatives at the museum in LA, a fleet of mobile museums in California and Hawaii, and online programs that reach students across the globe.

Kelly holds an MS in Educational Leadership from Bank Street College and a BA in Studio Art (Ceramics, Watercolors) from Connecticut College. When not at work, she enjoys NY Times games, drinking coffee and spending time with her two kids and grumpy rescue dog, Higgins.

Samantha Hirsch

Samantha brings over 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience to her role as Head of Education, East. A seasoned arts, education, and museum professional, she has designed and led countless impactful programs at the intersection of community, culture, and learning. Samantha holds degrees in theater and education, and her work has long centered on access, equity, and meaningful engagement. She lives in New York with her husband, Clayton, and their two young children Ava and Graham.

Jessica Gall-Adediran

Jessica Gall-Adediran is Head of Education, Midwest & South, for the Mobile Museum of Tolerance at the Simon Wiesenthal Center, where she leads educational programming that equips students, educators, schools, and communities to confront antisemitism, combat hate, and strengthen civic engagement through immersive, dialogue-based learning experiences.

Jessica brings more than 15 years of experience spanning education, nonprofit leadership, public safety, and local government. Prior to joining the Simon Wiesenthal Center, she served as First Deputy for Public Safety in the Office of the Mayor of Chicago, overseeing strategic initiatives across the city’s public safety agencies, including police oversight, emergency management, juvenile justice reform, and community violence prevention. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles with the Anti-Defamation League, where she led law enforcement training, community engagement, incident response, and leadership development throughout the Midwest.

Throughout her career, Jessica has focused on helping communities navigate complex issues through education, dialogue, and collaboration. She is passionate about creating spaces where difficult conversations can lead to greater understanding, stronger relationships, and more resilient communities.