Jennifer Berkson Zislis

1st Grade General Studies Teacher

Birthplace

Evanston, IL

Education

University of Iowa,1998

National Louis University for Masters 2001

What is your favorite part about Schechter?

I love the energy, sense of community and the focus on the child as a whole.

What I love most about the work I do

I love learning and growing along with my students.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

Technology Support Specialist

Birthplace

McAllen, Texas

Education

AAS in Computer Information Systems, Oakton Community College

What is your favorite part about Schechter?

The People and culture

What I love most about the work I do

The People

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“We’ve arranged a global civilization in which most crucial elements profoundly depend on science and technology. We have also arranged things so that almost no one understands science and technology. This is a prescription for disaster.”― Carl Sagan

Rachel Jury

Sager School K-4th Assistant Principal

Birthplace:

Evanston, IL

Education:

B.A. Jewish Studies from Emory University
MEd from Loyola University in Administration and Supervision

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

Watching students excited about learning.

What do you love most about your job?

The teachers work hard to make sure each student is successful.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Who is wise? One who learns from everyone”

Marketing & Communications Associate

Birthplace

Chicago, IL

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy-Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

What is your favorite part about Schechter?

What I love most about Schechter is that I’ve experienced it from both sides—as a student and now as a staff member. I get to be a living example of the lasting impact a Schechter education can have, and I love sharing that story with others.

What I love most about the work I do

I love translating intangible emotions and values into compelling stories. Whether it’s a sense of belonging, purpose, pride, or community, I enjoy crafting narratives that help people connect with those feelings and understand the deeper impact behind an organization’s mission.

“Everyone must have two pockets, with a note in each pocket, so that he or she can reach into one or the other, depending on the need. When feeling lowly and discouraged, one should find the words, ‘For my sake was the world created.’ But when feeling high and mighty, one should find the words, ‘I am but dust and ashes.’” — Rabbi Simcha Bunim

Director of Advancement

Birthplace

Chicago, IL

Education:

University of Iowa- BS Recreation and Business

What is your favorite part (so far) about Schechter?

What I love most about Schechter is the community. Watching the kids learn in a natural setting, supported by teachers, families, and peers who truly care, is really special.

What I love most about the work I do

Building meaningful relationships and watching programs and ideas grow from concept to reality.

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is a process; working together is success.” – Henry Ford

Noreen Ohcana

5th-8th Grade Mathematics Teacher

Birthplace:

Santa Monica, CA

Education:

MAT, National-Louis University
BS in Marketing, Loyola University of Chicago

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

The community—it’s special to work at a place where your coworkers and students and their families are all part of one big Jewish community with shared values.

What do you love most about your job?

The students—I love making math attainable. My favorite moments are when students who are intimidated by math suddenly get it and feel empowered to be confident about their math skills.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“People (or students) do not have shortcomings, only uniquenesses. The goal of a good teacher is to turn these uniquenesses into advantages.” —Israel Gelfand

Zahava Berman

Director, Ginsburg Early Childhood Center

Birthplace:

Evanston, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Human Development & Family Studies, focus on Child Development, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
JECELI Fellow, IDEAL18 Fellow

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

I love Schechter’s supportive community and working alongside exceptional educators.

What do you love most about your job?

I love working and collaborating with each of the yeladim and their families, supporting them as they learn and grow.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Education means teaching a child to be curious, to wonder, to reflect, to enquire. The child who asks becomes a partner in the learning process, an active recipient. To ask is to grow.” —R’ Jonathan Sacks

Amy Yaffe

3rd Grade General Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Chicago, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Michigan
Masters in Education, Loyola University Chicago

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

My favorite part about working at Schechter is the community.

What do you love most about your job?

What I love most about my job are the relationships I build with both my students and colleagues.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” —Albert Einstein

Yehudit Wolf

3rd & 4th Grade Hebrew and Judaic Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Iraq

Education:

Bachelor of Bible and Jewish Philosophy

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

I love to help students develop their critical thinking skills and see their enthusiasm about Israel grow.

What do you love most about your job?

I love to watch to see my students succeed and grow as young Jewish souls.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Believe in yourself and don’t give up.”

האמן בעצמך ואל תוותר

Becca Versman

Librarian

Birthplace:

Denver, Colorado

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Communications/Marketing, Bradley University
Metropolitan State University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

The community.

What do you love most about your job?

The students.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” —Malala Yousafazi

Barb Tatz

5th-8th Grade Math Teacher

Birthplace:

Chicago, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Education, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies, Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

Being part of an amazing community and helping students realize their potential is limitless.

What do you love most about your job?

Seeing students who believe math was not their strength realize they are truly capable mathematicians.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” —Nelson Mandela

Samantha Sylverne

4th General Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Schaumburg, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Urban Education, University of Illinois Chicago

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

My favorite part about working at Schechter is belonging to a strong Jewish community. I grew up attending public schools, so it feels special for me to witness the magic that happens in our building on a daily basis. I love that while I am teaching general studies curriculum, I can find ways to tie in Jewish ideas and values. We celebrate our students for who they are at Schechter, and it is a privilege to work amongst colleagues who hold the same beliefs about children.

What do you love most about your job?

What I love most about teaching are the moments when a child has a breakthrough—either they finally understand a topic they struggled with for a long time, or they overcome a social-emotional challenge. It is truly a blessing to facilitate and witness those moments. I also love the sheer joy, humor, and passion that children bring to academic spaces. I learn from them every single day!

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.” —Taylor Swift

Stephanie Stormoen

English Language Learner Teacher

Birthplace:

Evanston, IL

Education:

Master of Science, New England College
Master of Arts in Teaching, National Louis University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

My favorite part of working at Schechter is my students. My day is fulfilled whenever I see the smile on my student’s faces after achieving something on their own.

What do you love most about your job?

What I like most about my job is no matter how tired I feel at the end of the day, I always go home feeling satisfied that I have made a difference in my student’s lives.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Everyone who remembers his own education remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The teacher is the heart of the educational system.” —Sidney Hook

Mike Shuman

5th-8th Grade Math Teacher

Birthplace:

Baltimore, MD

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Drama, Yeshiva University; M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction, Barry University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

Knowing that there are colleagues and ELT who support at every turn.

What do you love most about your job?

The lightbulb moment when a student gets IT.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Pressure is a privilege”

Sari Shandling

Kindergarten General Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Chicago, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Design, University of Colorado-Boulder; Post B.A. Teaching Certificate, University of Colorado-Boulder

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

The kids! And seeing them smile each day, knowing you are making a difference.

What do you love most about your job?

Seeing all of the growth and improvements from the beginning of the year to the end.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“If you have the power to make someone happy, do it. The world needs more of that.”

Linda Schwartz

Permanent Substitute Teacher & Bus Supervisor

Birthplace:

Chicago

Education:

Bachelor of Arts, University of Illinois

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

The thing that I love most about working at Schechter is being a part of such a fabulous faculty and staff who all want to teach the children and help them become good people.

What do you love most about your job?

The favorite part of my job is teaching lifelong lessons to the students.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Respect is contagious.”

Amy Schwartz

7th Grade Language Arts Teacher

Birthplace:

Boston, MA

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in History, Northwestern University
Masters of Arts in History, University of Chicago
Master of Science in Education in Secondary Education, Northwestern University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

My favorite part of working at Schechter is the genuine, vibrant spirit of collaboration among my colleagues and students.

What do you love most about your job?

I love how my students and colleagues inspire me with their love of learning, dedication to the Jewish community, and warm, inclusive spirit!

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention.” —Oscar Wilde

Ron Schrag

7th & 8th Grade Judaic Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Jerusalem, Israel

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies, Knox College

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

I value being part of a community that values derech eretz and seeks to cultivate that in its students.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“One thought ever at the fore—

That in the Divine Ship, the World, breathing Time and Space,

All peoples of the globe together sail, sail the same voyage, are bound to the same destination.”

—Walt Whitman

Shana Scholder

Kindergarten General Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Boston, Massachusetts

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Indiana University
Master in Jewish Education, Baltimore Hebrew University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

Instilling the love of learning through a Jewish lens and being a part of a tight-knit community.

What do you love most about your job?

Witnessing the pure joy Kindergarten children have for learning each day.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.” —Dolly Parton

Inbal Schnitman

Kindergarten Hebrew and Judaic Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Israel

Education:

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, K College, Israel

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

Working with professional educators and being a part of this amazing community.

What do you love most about your job?

I love seeing the children grow to love Hebrew and Israel and develop their Jewish identity.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Veahavta L’racha Kamocha” “You should love/treat others the way you love yourself/want to be treated.” —Torah (Rabbi Akiva)

Hanna Schiffman

2nd-8th Grade Hebrew Ulpan Teacher

Birthplace:

Kfar Saba, Israel

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

Schechter is home—this school is like a family to me.

What do you love most about your job?

I love seeing my students’ academic growth—witnessing their progress as they first come to me with zero Hebrew knowledge to speaking the language in a year!

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

And Love Your Neighbor As Yourself” ״ואהבת לרעך כמוך״

Marci Rubinstein

Facilitator of Innovation and Registrar

Birthplace:

Dallas, TX

Education:

Bachelor of Arts & Science, Indiana University
Masters of Science in Education, Northwestern University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

My favorite part about Schechter is the welcoming and supportive community of teachers, parents, and students.

What do you love most about your job?

I love working in the Innovation Studio, especially when students are excited about their first 3D project or coding a robot for the first time.

No matter the age, students get excited about the projects they are working on in my room. 3D printing, coding, and robotics are all so joyful when I am able to be a part of their celebration of learning.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” —Thomas Edison

Rena Rozen

Dance and Movement Specialist; Library Assistant

Birthplace:

Chicago, IL

Education:

Bachelors in Physical Education, Minor in Dance, Northern Illinois University
Masters of Arts in Teaching, National Louis University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

My favorite part about working at Schechter is the warm, loving, community.

What do you love most about your job?

I love to see how the skills I teach help students in their growth and development. I also love teaching life long skills that will benefit them throughout their years.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”

Marsha Rosenson

5th-8th Director of Bands and Musical Director

Birthplace:

Chicago, IL

Education:

Masters K-12 Certified Instrumental Music

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

Schechter feels like home to me, as I have been teaching at Schechter for 37 years!

What do you love most about your job?

Since I have the privilege of teaching my students over the course of 4 years, I love watching the students grow as musicians and as human beings.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: it is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” —Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Laura Rosenfeld

3rd Grade General Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Deerfield, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Education, Illinois State University
Master of Arts in Specialized Endorsements: ESL, Special Education (LBS1), and Reading, National Louis University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

My favorite part about working at Schechter is that I am able to build strong relationships with my students and their families.

What do you love most about your job?

I love that I am able to make a difference in a child’s life.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” —Babe Ruth

Hallie Redman

K-8th Grade Art Teacher

Birthplace:

Chicago, IL

Education:

Washington University; Art Institute of Chicago

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

My favorite part about working at Schechter is the wonderful community and camaraderie that this school is all about.

What do you love most about your job?

The thing I love most about my job is being able to share my passion with children and inspire them to be their creative best.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Creativity takes courage.” —Henri Matisse

Deborah Proper

2nd Grade General Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Cleveland, OH

Education:

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education, Tufts University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

I enjoy working in an environment where all the students are excited for the Jewish holidays.

What do you love most about your job?

I love developing relationships with my students and watching them grow as learners.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” —Benjamin Franklin

Hannah Pogrund

1st Grade General Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Park Ridge, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Master of Education (Teacher Leadership), Brandeis University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

As an alumna of Schechter, I feel honored to give back to the community that raised me. I love contributing to the nurturing environment that allows students to be comfortable taking risks while strengthening their own identity.

What do you love most about your job?

I love watching my students apply problem-solving skills to persevere through a challenge for the first time!

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Life is like a watermelon, you know you’re going to get some seeds; just spit them out and take another bite .” —Jeff Steinmann

Lauren Patinkin

2nd Grade General Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Deerfield, IL

Education:

Bachelors in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis on Child and Adolescent Development, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Masters in Teaching, National Louis University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

It is the perfect synergy of two of my greatest passions in life: education and Judaism.

What do you love most about your job?

Watching students grow academically, socially, and emotionally, as well as helping children develop a love for learning.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Andrew Montgomery

4th Grade General Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Chicago, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in History, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
Master of Arts in History, University of Missouri
Teaching Certification, Depaul University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

My team is great to work with.

What do you love most about your job?

That I get to make connections with the students and see them grow all throughout the year.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.”

Molly Markshtien

Kindergarten Judaic Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Evanston, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Eckerd College

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

I love working with our students and our community.

What do you love most about your job?

I love seeing our students grow!

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“The best is yet to come”

Tali Lupovitch

1st & 2nd Grade Judaic Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Evanston, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, Minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), University of Maryland College of Education

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

I am a graduate of Schechter and I know firsthand how important a good positive Jewish education can be for a child, their family, and their community.

What do you love most about your job?

I hope to have the same positive impact on my students as my teachers had on me. The sense of community the Schechter builds and instills in each member, is for life.

Ronit Levy

3rd & 4th Grade Hebrew and Judaic Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Israel

Education:

Psychology and Education, Bar Ilan University—Israel

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

I have a great pride in my culture, and it brings me great joy to share my passion for Judaism, Ivrit language, and Israel with young children in a hands-on and fun way.

What do you love most about your job?

Feeling of a shlichah every day.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“חֲנֹךְ לַנַּעַר עַל פִּי דַרְכּוֹ גַּם כִּי יַזְקִין לֹא יָסוּר מִמֶּנָּה”

“Train a lad in the way he ought to go, He will not swerve from it even in old age.”

מ”ג משלי כב ו , Proverbs 22:6

Jill Katz

5th & 6th Grade Special Education Teacher

Birthplace:

Park Ridge, IL

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Master of Arts in Teaching, National Louis University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

I love working one on one with students in order to help them feel successful in their classes.

What do you love most about your job?

I love watching students become more confident and independent learners. I also love collaborating with such amazing teachers.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Struggle is not the same as weakness.”

Annie Kaplan

Kindergarten Special Education Teacher

Birthplace:

Chicago, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Science in K-12 Special Education, Vanderbilt University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

My favorite part about working at Schechter is all of the support I receive from my coworkers. Whether it’s the Schechter special education team, the Kindergarten team, or the Keshet team, I am constantly surrounded by amazing individuals with whom I can collaborate. The atmosphere here is filled with immense kindness, encouragement, and a strong sense of teamwork.

What do you love most about your job?

I love that I am able to help create an inclusive community where all students, including those with unique learning needs, can receive the support they need!

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” —Aesop

Ariela Ish-Hurwitz

5th-8th Grade Hebrew Teacher

Birthplace:

Israel

Education:

Master’s Degree in Education and Curriculum Development

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

The love for Israel.

What do you love most about your job?

My relationship with my students.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” —Benjamin Franklin

Eliana Horwitz

5th-8th Grade Social Worker

Birthplace:

Kansas City, MO

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Human Development, Binghamton University
Master of Arts in Social Work, The University of Chicago

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

I am brand new to Schechter, and I am excited to be part of this community and come back to working in a Jewish school.

What do you love most about your job?

I love supporting students and helping them learn skills for school and life.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“What we know matters, but who we are matters more.” —Brené Brown

Alicia Honan

K-8th Grade Athletic Director and Physical Education Teacher

Birthplace:

Chicago, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Science, Southern Illinois University
Master of Education, Loyola University Chicago

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

The look on a student’s face when they accomplish something new or a task they have been working on for more than a little while. It is joyous!

What do you love most about your job?

Being with my students and colleagues.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” —Winston Churchill

Shlomit Hoch

5th-8th Grade Hebrew Teacher

Birthplace:

Afula, Israel

Education:

Bachelor of Education, Beit Berl College—Israel
Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies, Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

I value the ruach (spirit), ahavah (love), and care we foster in our students, while doing it in meaningful ways and within the light of Jewish values to teach the next proud generation of Jewish people.

What do you love most about your job?

Helping students to develop a love for Israel and see the different ways they can relate to it. I love being able to bring Israeli culture to class, using Hebrew as a real, everyday, living language, and hearing students communicate in Hebrew!

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Enjoy every moment, learn something new every day, and pass it forward to others whenever you can.”

Ariela Haymberg

3rd & 4th Grade Judaic Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Tel-Aviv, Israel

Education:

Mofet Institute

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

There is a great sense of community and friendship, and I love being a part of a school that brings Jewish value to a child’s life.

What do you love most about your job?

My students’ success.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

״אם תרצו אין זו הגדה״ בנימין זאב הרצל

Lindsey Harber

Student Support Specialist

Birthplace:

Chicago, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Judaic Studies, Tulane University
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Western Governors University
Masters of Science in Education—Mental Health Counseling, University of Miami

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

My favorite part of working at Schechter is being a member of a thriving Jewish community intent on instilling core values in students.

What do you love most about your job?

The best part of working at Schechter is seeing the students grow and supporting them on their journey.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Nine-tenths of education is encouragement.” –Anatole France

Rachel Haims

1st Grade General Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Columbus, OH

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Early Childhood Education, Tulane University
In progress: Legacy Heritage Teacher Leader Fellowship Program, Brandeis University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

My favorite part about working at Schechter is the supportive community. When I moved to Chicago and did not know many people, Schechter felt like coming home to a big, extended family. I love working in this collaborative environment that creates opportunities for both students and teachers to learn. Schechter allows me to teach in a way that best suits the learning styles and abilities of my students, with a focus on student growth and meeting students where they are.

What do you love most about your job?

What I love most about teaching 1st grade is seeing each student’s progress and growth from the beginning of the year to the end. They discover their independence, grow as readers and math students, and develop their social emotional skills. I love building our classroom family based on relationships, trust, kindness, and empathy. I love the excitement that fills the room when a student reads a word independently for the first time, adds their first tooth sticker to the tooth chart, or gets on top of the monkey bars after trying so many times.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Imperfections are not inadequacies: they are reminders that we’re all in this together.” —Brené Brown

Emily Gurner

7th-8th Grade General Studies Special Education Teacher

Birthplace:

Chicago, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Indiana University
Master of Science in Differentiated Instruction, Concordia University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

Schechter is such a unique environment that is truly like a family. Everyone is there to support one another and are genuinely invested in your happiness, well-being, and successes!

What do you love most about your job?

I love having the opportunity to work with a variety of students with different needs and help them reach their highest potential. The relationships I build are meaningful and last beyond the walls of Schechter.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“When life gets you down do you wanna know what you’ve gotta do? Just keep swimming!” – Dory, Finding Nemo

Rachael Gray-Raff

5th & 6th Grade Judaic Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

New York, NY

Education:

Bachelor of Arts, University of Rochester
Master of Social Work, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University; Master of Arts in Jewish Education, Gratz College

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

Being a part of students’ developing sense of self in the Jewish world. Watching their faces as they make connections between their Jewish and secular learning.

What do you love most about your job?

Continuing to learn and grow as a professional; having amazing committed partners who challenge me to be my best.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

וּבְמָקוֹם שֶׁאֵין אֲנָשִׁים, הִשְׁתַּדֵּל לִהְיוֹת אִישׁ:

“In a place where there are no men, strive to be a man.” —Pirkei Avot 2:5

Rebecca Gold

1st & 2nd Grade Special Education Teacher

Birthplace:

Skokie, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education, Bradley University
M.Ed. Reading and English Language Learners, National Louis University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

The community at Schechter is exceptional. I adore our students, partnering with their families, and teaching with incredible educators.

What do you love most about your job?

Teaching and growing literate children is a true honor and privilege.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Where there’s hope, there’s life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again.”― Anne Frank

Marissa Gerchikov

5th & 6th Grade Science Teacher, 5th Grade Math Teacher

Birthplace:

Park Ridge, IL

Education:

Bachelors in Elementary Education, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with Middle School endorsements in Mathematics, Language Arts, Social Science, General Science and English as a Second Language
Master of Education in Educational Technology, American College of Education

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

How much I learn from both my colleagues and students each year!

What do you love most about your job?

I love the sense of community that comes with working at Schechter—it is like nowhere else!

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“It is our choices, Harry, that show who we truly are, far more than our abilities.” —Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Missy Friedman

Sager School 5th-8th Assistant Principal

Birthplace:

Skokie, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Children’s Literature, University of Kansas
Master of Arts in Teaching, National Louis University
Master of Education (Teacher Leadership), Brandeis University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

One of my favorite parts of working at Schechter is the feeling of midor l’dor—from generation to generation. I was educated at Schechter, as were my children, and it’s that same gift I have been honored to provide to our community for the last 23 years.

What do you love most about your job?

A part of my job I enjoy most is the value Schechter puts on teacher collaboration, professional development, integration, and raising the next generation of responsible, active, caring, and educated leaders.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Human greatness does not lie in wealth and power but in character and goodness.” —Anne Frank

Jaclyn Feather

3rd Grade General Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Highland Park, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Masters in Education

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

The community of students, families, and staff.

What do you love most about your job?

Being able to watch the children grow emotionally and socially as the year progresses.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done” —The Beatles

Jamie Cooper ’02

2nd-8th Grade General Studies Special Education Teacher

Birthplace:

Chicago, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Indiana University
Masters in Special Education, Concordia University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

I love working at Schechter because of the amazing relationships that are formed here among the students and faculty.

What do you love most about your job?

I love watching and being a part of the growth and success of my students on a daily basis.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Speak with your children as if they are the wisest, kindest, most beautiful humans on earth, for what they believe is what they will become.” —Brooke Hampton

Rick Cohen

5th & 6th Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Highland Park, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Finance, DePaul University
Masters in Elementary Education, National Louis University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

The relationships that I have built with my students and colleagues are life changing and continue to be.

What do you love most about your job?

I get to work mostly with kids, and they are the most genuine human beings to work with in this world!

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Do the right thing, especially when no one is looking.”

Paul Chanan

Pre-K-8th Grade Physical Education Teacher

Birthplace:

Park Ridge, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Science at Kelley School of Business, Indiana University
Juris Doctor, Marquette University
Master of Business Administration, Marquette University
Master of Education, DePaul University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

I really enjoy Schechter’s strong sense of community, in terms of both the families and the faculty.

What do you love most about your job?

My favorite part of teaching PE at Schechter is witnessing first hand the joy and passion displayed by our students on the field and in the gym.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Do you know that the harder thing to do and the right thing to do are usually the same thing? Nothing that has meaning is easy.” —Michael Caine in Weatherman

Ilene Brot

General Studies Student Growth Coordinator/Instructional Coach

Birthplace:

Chicago, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Master of Arts in Jewish Education, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion
Master of Arts in Teaching, National-Louis University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

My favorite part about working at Schechter is that it is more than just a school, it is a kehillah, a community!

What do you love most about your job?

love that I get to work with teachers at every grade level to help them meet the needs of all their students.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” —Albert Einstein

Betsy Briskman

4th Grade General Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Chicago, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Education and Psychology, Tulane University
Illinois Teacher Certification, National Louis University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

My favorite part about working at Schechter is building a strong community with my students that promotes learning, risk taking, and life-long friendships.

What do you love most about your job?

I am happy coming to work each day. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues, teaching my students, and partnering with the families.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Remember to celebrate milestones as you prepare for the road ahead.” —Nelson Mandela

Elizabeth Botnick

Sager School and Ginsburg ECC Music Teacher

Birthplace:

Flint, MI

Education:

Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Mississippi University for Women

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

I love being able to include music and traditions from Jewish holidays in our music education program.

What do you love most about your job?

I love when students feel like they truly have a place where they belong and are able to tap into their natural musical abilities to express themselves.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” —Plato

Andrea Berlow

5th & 6th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Deerfield, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in English, The Ohio State University
Master of Arts in Teaching in Middle Grades Education, National Louis University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

I love the community that is built between the staff, students and families.

What do you love most about your job?

I love watching the students become educated and opinionated members of our community.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” —Margaret Mead

Faye Bearman

Judaic Studies Coordinator and Instructional Coach

Birthplace:

Richmond, British Columbia, Canada

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies and Master of Arts in Education, American Jewish University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

I love working at Schechter because it is filled with curious and thoughtful students!

What do you love most about your job?

I love my job because I get to work closely with our talented Judaic Studies faculty to evaluate, update, and revise our curriculum and create important learning experiences for our students.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Do not despise any person, and do not discriminate against anything, for there is no person that has not his hour, and there is no thing that has not its place.” —Ben Azzai (Pirke Avot 4:2)

Kim Bass

2nd Grade General Studies Teacher

Birthplace:

Highland Park, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Education, National Louis University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

My favorite part of Schechter is the strong, compassionate, and dedicated educators. With their guidance and collaboration I continue to grow as a teacher.

What do you love most about your job?

I love building relationships with my students. It is the foundation for a successful learning environment. I work hard to create a strong Kehillah where students feel validated, motivated, and empowered.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“In a world where you can be anything, be KIND.”

Anat Barlevy

8th Grade Language Arts Teacher

Birthplace:

Israel

Education:

Masters in English, Northwestern University
Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and English Lit

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

The best part of working at Schechter is the incredible community of teachers.

What do you love most about your job?

I love being in a classroom with students, talking about literature and writing.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” —Stephen King

Talia Anisfeld

K-4th Grade School Psychologist

Birthplace:

Milwaukee, WI

Education:

Bachelor of Arts, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Master of Education (M.Ed) & Educational Specialist (Ed.S), National Louis University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

The close knit community of colleagues, students, and parents.

What do you love most about your job?

Building strong relationships with students is the core of what I do, and it’s the most rewarding aspect of my job.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Becoming is better than being.” —Carol Dweck

Avi Allali

5th-8th Grade Hebrew Teacher

Birthplace:

Dimona, Israel

Education:

Teacher Certificate Ministry of Education, Israel; Bible Teacher, Ben Gurion University, Be’er Sheva

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

To teach Hebrew and Israeli culture.

What do you love most about your job?

To introduce the students to the special and complex things in the State of Israel.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“בְּמָקוֹם שֶׁאֵין אֲנָשִׁים, הִשְׁתַּדֵּל לִהְיוֹת אִיש”

—Pirkei Avot, Chapter 2:5; “In a place where there are no men, try to be a man.”

Shiri Aharonovich

2nd Grade Hebrew and Judaic Studies Teacher; K-8th Hebrew Language Coordinator

Birthplace:

Haifa, Israel

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Special Education, University of Haifa; Masters in Education and Human Development, Haifa University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

The sense of community

What do you love most about your job?

Seeing my students grow and succeed

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” —Lao Tzu

Keren Acoca

1st-4th Grade Hebrew Aid

Birthplace:

Israel

Education:

Biology, Tel Hai Academic College (Israel)

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

Being part of the Schechter community.

What do you love most about your job?

Teaching my language and culture, and seeing the children’s interest and love for learning Hebrew.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Dream it, believe it, and you will succeed.”

Alex Schwartz

Alim Teacher,Ginsburg ECC

Birthplace:

Evanston, IL

Education:

Bachelors in Environmental Studies, UW-Madison; Masters in Early Childhood Education, Erikson Institute

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

I love teaching in the Jewish community I grew up in. Schechter creates joyful and meaningful Jewish experiences for young children and families.

What do you love most about your job?

I get to be a part of watching an exponential amount of growth and discovery in a short period of time.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Play is the highest form of research.” —Albert Einstein

Tali Kramer

Alonim Bet Teacher, Ginsburg ECC

Birthplace:

Evanston, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Science, Southern Illinois University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

Being a part of a supportive and loving community.

What do you love most about your job?

Building connections with my students.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen, can change the world.” Malala Yousafzai

Sandy Hill

Alonim Aleph Teacher, Ginsburg ECC

Birthplace:

Elmhurst, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Northeastern Illinois; Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, National Louis University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

I love working at a Jewish school and sharing the excitement of the Jewish holidays and values with young children. I love that working at Schechter goes with the flow of life and reminds me of all the joy there is in Judaism

What do you love most about your job?

My favorite part about working with the youngest children is that I get to see their smiling faces light up as they learn new concepts or make connections with other children.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“There needs to be a lot more emphasis on what a child CAN do instead of what they cannot do.” —Temple Grandin

Cara Gutstein

Alim Teacher, Ginsburg ECC

Birthplace:

Chicago, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in History, Georgetown University, Master of Arts in Education, Mills College

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

Our ECC team is dedicated, creative and passionate about working with young children. I love that we are always learning, trying out new strategies and shifting our thinking to best meet the needs of every child.

What do you love most about your job?

Being a partner in children’s growth is a privilege.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” —Albert Einstein

Sandra Greenblatt

Alonim Aleph Teacher, Ginsburg ECC

Birthplace:

Chicago, IL

Education:

M.A. in Special Education

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

I love how warm and supportive the community is. It’s very conducive to helping our children flourish.

What do you love most about your job?

I get so much joy out of helping my students develop new skills and gain confidence in themselves throughout the year. Additionally, I love being able to foster their interests in Jewish living and learning!

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi

Elana Dermer

Alonim Bet Teacher, Ginsburg ECC

Birthplace:

Skokie, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, Bradley University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

I love being a Jewish educator and a part of Schechter’s community.

What do you love most about your job?

I love the curiosity and excitement the kids have as we explore new things.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Be curious, not judgemental.” —Walt Whitman

Jackie Povitsky

ECC Administrative Assistant & Aftercare Coordinator

Birthplace:

Skokie, IL

Education:

Interdisciplinary Studies and Teaching English as a Second Language, Northeastern Illinois University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

My favorite part about working at Schechter is having the opportunity to make a positive, lasting impact in children’s lives and working with an amazing team of people that care so deeply about this, as well.

What do you love most about your job?

I love supporting the teachers in the classroom, as well as making relationships with parents.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

Trisha Taylor

Sager School Front Office Administrative Assistant

Birthplace:

Park Ridge, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Science in History/Social Sciences Education, Illinois State University; Learning Behavior Specialist 1, National Louis University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

My favorite part about working at Schechter is the positive working environment.

What do you love most about your job?

I love helping the school and that I get to interact with all members of the school, whether that be teachers, administrators, students, or parents

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“Holding anger is a poison. It eats you from inside. We think that hating is a weapon that attacks the person who harmed us. But hatred is a curved blade. And the harm we do, we do to ourselves.” —The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Judy Szapiro

Sager School Front Office Administrative Assistant

Birthplace:

Chicago, IL

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Spanish, Northeastern Illinois University

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

Schechter is so much more to me than a place of employment. It is a community; a place where I have been able to make wonderful friendships, sharpen my Hebrew skills, and feel right at home.

What do you love most about your job?

Life is never boring at the front office! I am lucky to work with a fantastic team of professionals who not only help keep things running smoothly, but also keep things fun, which is always a great way to spend your day.

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Special Education, Boston University
Masters in Administration, Loyola University Chicago

What is your favorite part of working at Schechter?

My favorite part of working at Schechter is living the Jewish calendar all the time! Schechter is a magical place to celebrate the holidays and create community.

What do you love most about your job?

I love working with all of the teachers to help our students grow and develop to reach their potential.

Please share a quotation that is meaningful to you:

“In spite of everything, I still believe people are good at heart.” —Anne Frank

Jennifer Berkson Zislis

Birthplace:

Education:

What is your favorite part (so far) about Schechter?

What I love most about the work I do

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