Katie Filous Malka became a partner at criminal defense firm Ferguson Hill Filous, PLLC, in Tucson, Arizona in January of 2022. Prior to founding her own firm, Katie was a felony trial attorney and supervisor at the Pima County Public Defender’s Office for four years, where she honed her skills in all types of felony cases, including murder, driving under the influence, drugs for sale, gun crimes, aggravated assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and theft/robbery. Before moving to Arizona, she served as an attorney at the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Virginia, a legal fellow for the Ford Foundation and Georgetown University Women’s Law and Public Policy program, and a consultant for the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. Katie graduated from DePaul University College of Law magna cum laude. While in law school, Katie was the editor-in-chief of the DePaul Journal of Women, Gender, and the Law. She was also a recipient of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois award, the Cudahy scholarship for public service, and served as a judicial extern on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. Prior to law school, Katie graduated magna cum laude with her M.A. from Loyola University Chicago and summa cum laude with her B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh. She has been a member of the New York Bar since 2016 and a member of the Arizona State Bar since 2018.
Katie’s reputation for skillful litigation, honesty, and the utmost care in serving her clients brings excellence to her criminal defense practice. She is passionate about advocating for the fair treatment of all people, challenging injustice in all of its forms, and providing vigorous representation for all of her clients. In her spare time, Katie loves spending time with her family, including her son and her 4 dogs, getting outside, cooking, and enjoying all Tucson has to offer.
Phil Bregman is an educator, entrepreneur and community volunteer. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona College of Education, Magna Cum Laude and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. He has served as the Executive Director of the Leroy D. Kendis Child Care Center, which provides care for children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years. He also has served as President of Congregation Anshei Israel, President of the Handmaker Foundation, he is a past president and currently serves as the Treasurer of Tucson Jewish Free Loan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging and a member of the board of The Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona. Mr. Bregman is a Founder of Kino College and the current Director of Operations.
After working for a JCC for the past 28 years, Monica Rosenbaum Bergman is now General Manager of Preferred Care at Home. With a passion for talent development and event management, Monica brings a much needed skill set to TJFL. As the child of a mother left to raise four children (ages 10 months to 10 years) after the sudden passing of her father, Monica’s mother needed financial support and assistance to keep her children social and happy during summer break.
Their local JCC stepped up along with JCFS and stepped in to provide scholarships for the three older children to attend summer camp. It has been Monica’s passion and driving force since to repay what was awarded to her and her family and to make sure no child is without an amazing summer and childcare experience like the one she was afforded.
Monica attended a certificate program in School Age Child Care from a partnership program with Cornell University and recently completed a Certificate in Jewish Leadership with Spertus Institute for Jewish Leadership and Northwestern University. Monica is a former JCC Association Merrin Teen Fellow, past participant and presenter at ACA Tri-State Camp Conference & JCC Association regional conferences. Monica is a mom of two elementary-aged girls living in the Catalina Foothills area.
Jon, originally from Southern California, journeyed to Tucson to pursue his education at the University of Arizona. After falling in love with the vibe of Tucson, he decided to establish it as his permanent home. Together with his wife, he is an active parent of two teenage sons. Whenever possible, Jon enjoys hiking and immersing himself in the beauty of nature.
Throughout his career, Jon has taken on several different roles, from software project management to call center management. Currently, he is working as a stock and options trader, leveraging 25 years of experience in the financial sector.
Jon's passion lies in helping others. He is actively involved in Tucson's local community, through volunteering with numerous organizations, including Jr. El Tour, school organizations, and various other passion projects. He is a strong advocate for the creation of opportunities that extend beyond the basic necessities for children and families. He recognizes the importance of providing kids with opportunities that are often out of reach due to financial constraints.
Jon's affiliation with Social Venture Partners has led him to the discovery of Tucson Jewish Free Loan, an organization that resonates with his values and goals. His ambition is to effect meaningful change and contribute to the development of a stronger Tucson community.
Suzanne was born and raised in Tucson. Her grandparents Harry and Eva Shiff moved here in the mid-1940s and were one of the founders of Congregation Anshei Israel. She moved to the Bay Area in 1971 and ended up in Napa for 47 years. Suzanne recently moved back to Tucson in July 2021 and has been an SVP partner for 2 years. Suzanne made her career as a Recreation Therapist (BS) and an Organization Development Consultant (MS) working primarily with nonprofit agencies and funders. She feels a strong connection between her family’s Tucson roots and the founders of TJFL.
Abigail has a BSBA in accounting from the University of Arizona and worked for many years preparing taxes as a CPA. Over the years she has kept busy raising her children and serving on various committees and boards. In recent years Abigail has taken an interest in volunteering in numerous organizations in our community: United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, preparing tax returns for low-income and moderate-income individuals and families; Tu Nidito, a grief support group facilitator; Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), volunteer advocating for the best interest of children in foster care. She joined Tucson Jewish Free Loan’s loan committee in March 2023, and board service was a natural progression for her involvement. Abigail grew up in Phoenix and moved to Tucson to attend U of A, where she met her husband and raised their three adult daughters. In her free time Abigail enjoys travelling, hiking, reading, and walking her dog, but most of all she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Andrea is an innovative, highly motivated, effective communicator and team leader with over eleven years of experience in growth consulting, implementing strategic and operational priorities and corporate responsibility. Andrea has strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills, the talent to coordinate team efforts, and the capacity to present complex ideas to a diverse set of audiences across areas and geographies. Andrea brings these skills from her experience in her corporate career at EY and her involvement in non-profits. Andrea aims to apply her skills to help those in need. In addition to work, Andrea loves spending time with her husband, daughter and dog traveling, cooking, hiking and enjoying all of the activities Tucson has to offer!
Your support can make a profound difference in someone's life. By donating to the Tucson Jewish Free Loan, you empower individuals and families in our community to achieve financial stability and independence.
Join us in making a lasting impact—donate today and be a part of our mission to foster hope and opportunity.