Faculty & Staff Directory | Golda Och Academy

Administration

List of 10 members.

Adam Shapiro

Head of School

973-602-3690

Emory University - BA
Jewish Theological Seminary of America - MA
Day School Leadership Training Institute (JTS) - Certificate
Harvard Graduate School of Education - Certificate
Jordan Herskowitz

Interim Upper School Principal

973-602-3616

The University of Tulsa - BA
Carrie Siegel

Lower School Principal

973-602-3633

Brown University - BA
Jewish Theological Seminary of America - MA
Day School Leadership Training Institute (JTS) - Certificate
Karen Spector

Lower School Assistant Principal and Director of Early Childhood Education

973-602-3711

Brandeis University - BA
NJ Board of Education - Teaching Certification
Micah Gottlieb

Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management

973-602-3645

Stony Brook University, SUNY - BS
Brooklyn College - MS
Harvard Graduate School of Education - Certificate
Julia Malaga

Chief Financial Officer

973-602-3793

American University - BA
George Washington University - MHSA
Stephanie Bash-Soudry

Director of Institutional Advancement

973-602-3612

Brown University - BA
Columbia University School of Social Work/ Jewish Theological Seminary - MSW/MA
Glenn Slavin

Director of Marketing and Communications

973-602-3788

University of Delaware - BA
New York University - MA
Rabbi Meirav Kallush

Director of Israel Education

973-602-3659

Hebrew University of Jerusalem - BA, MA
Hebrew Union College, Jerusalem (HUC-JIR) - Rabbinic Ordination
Jamie Himmelstein

Middle School Director

973-602-3669

Johnson State College - BA

Staff

List of 19 members.

James Bratek

Digital Marketing Strategist

973-602-3627

Montclair State University - BA

Bio
Appointed in 2015, Mr. Bratek came to GOA with over 15 years of experience working with K-12 independent school marketing communication offices, including Pingry and Newark Academy. He specializes in strategic planning and management of digital media such as websites, social media, photography, videography, email, and also has a background in graphic design and creative services. Mr. Bratek lives in Verona with his wife Tara, son Dylan, and Golden Retriever Sandee.
Matthew Chase

Director of Facilities and Operations

973-602-3714
Jaclyn Cistaro

Development Associate

973-602-3603

Rutgers University - BA
Jay DeJesus

Head Custodian, Lower School

State of New Jersey Boiler Operator
New Jersey Department of Health Indoor Air Quality Designated Person
Rutgers/Center for Government Services Environmental Stewardship, Code Compliance and Sustainability
Integrated Pest Management Training
Toolbox Tuesday Maintenance Continuing Education
Kevin Edwards

Maintenance Foreman

State of New Jersey Boiler Operator
Integrated Pest Management Training
Toolbox Tuesday Maintenance Continuing Education
OSHA Job Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessments
Peggy Garner

Director of Business Operations

973-602-3777

Kean University - MS
Montclair State University - BA
Kean University - BS
Barbara Gelband

Office Manager, Student Services, Upper School

973-602-3639

Morristown High School - HS
Crystal Hopkins

Manager of Operations, Upper School

973-602-3677

Asford University - BA
Lauren Iannia

Upper School Registrar

973-602-3629

Rutgers University - BA
Della Irby

Executive Assistant to the Head of School

973-602-3678

Pace University - Payroll Paytrain Fundamentals Certificate of Completion
County College of Morris - Public Administration Classes
Pace University - Essentials of Human Resources Law Certificate of Completion
Blackbaud University - The Raiser's Edge 7 Essentials Certificate
SkillPath - Administrative Assistants Conference
Juan Lara-Salomon

Evening Maintenance Foreman - Upper School
Ms. Michelle Moallem

Alumni Engagement Coordinator

973-602-3621

Rutgers Business School - MBA
Rutgers University - BA
Christine Moench

Human Resources and Benefits Coordinator

973-602-3776

Central Career School - Diploma
Kevin Murray

Maintenance Technician

Rutgers University - Certified Public Works Manager, Licensed & Certified Recycling Professional
Elvis Romero

Custodian Staff, Lower School

State of New Jersey Boiler Operator
Toolbox Tuesday Maintenance Continuing Education
Caryn Rosenberg

Special Events Coordinator

973-602-3634

University of the Arts (Philadelphia) - BFA
Tova Silberman

Office Manager, Lower School

973-602-3778

Newark State College (now Kean University) - BA
Erin Sternthal

Marketing and Communications Associate

973-602-3798

University of Michigan - BA
Yohannes Zemene

Head of Custodial Staff, Upper School

Ethiopia Tekdem - HS
State of New Jersey Boiler Operator

Lower School Faculty

List of 46 members.

Jenny Ackerman

Judaic Studies Faculty, Lower School

Achva Academic College, Israel - MA - School Management
Ben Gurion University, Israel - MA - Evolution Assessment and Evolution Program
Oranim College of Education, Israel - BA - Special Education
Ministry of Education, Israel - E-learning
Tammy Anagnostis

Dean of Faculty, Lower School

Hofstra University - BA
Lesley University - MA
Hope Aronoff

General Studies Faculty, Lower School

Binghamton University - BA
CUNY Queens College - MA
Cindi Barash

Judaic Studies Faculty, Lower School

Brooklyn College - BA
Andrea Berkowitz

General Studies Faculty, Lower School

Columbia College, Columbia University - BA
Touro College - MA Ed
Tracy Bernstein

General Studies Faculty, Lower School

Mercy College - MS Ed
University of Georgia - ABJ
Valerie Bloch

Learning Specialist, Lower School

Rider University - BA
Marygrove College - MET
Centenary College - Teacher Certification - Special Education
Stephanie Bonder

General Studies Faculty, Lower School

State University of NY at Albany - BA
Rutgers Graduate School of Education - MA Ed
Jamie Breitman

General Studies Faculty, Lower School

Cedar Crest College
Rutgers University
Michelle Brittner

General Studies Faculty, Lower School

Monmouth University - BS
Saint Elizabeth College - Pre-school certification
Rachel Brown

Library Media Specialist, Lower School

Ithaca College - BS
State University of New York at Buffalo - MLS
Ruth Cohen

Music Instructor, Lower School

Montclair State University - BA
Natasha Cooper-Benisty

Judaic Studies Faculty, Lower School

Vassar College - BA
Gratz College - MA
Roberta Coopersmith

Nurse, Lower School

973-602-3704

New Jersey State University - BS
Christ Hospital School of Nursing - Nursing Degree
Greg DePugh

Physical Education Faculty, Lower School

Monmouth University - BS, MS Ed
Sandi Fein

Learning Specialist, Lower School

Ithaca College - BS
Hunter College - MS
Debra Feldman

Science Faculty, Lower School

Rutgers University - BS
New Jersey City University - MA
William Patterson College - NJ Teacher's Certification
Beth Freiman Cannon

General Studies, Lower School

State University College at Buffalo - BA
Linda Friedman

General Studies, Lower School

Kean College - BA
Vera Galleid

Judaic Studies Faculty, Lower School

University of Cape Town - BA, Teaching Certificate
Linda Glasofer

Lower School Faculty, General Studies

Vassar College - BA
New York University School of Education - MAT
Marcy Gorman

Lower School Faculty, General Studies

SUNY Cortland - BSE
Alexis Gruber

Lower School Faculty, Judaic Studies

Wurzweiler School of Social Work - MSW, Jewish Studies Certificate
Indiana University - BA
Gena Jarmel

Program Coordinator and Technology, Lower School

973-602-3748

Montclair State University - BFA
Seton Hall University - MA
Caldwell University - LDT-C Certification, Special Ed. Certification
Donna Karp

Guidance Counselor, Lower School

Simmons College - BA
Simmons College - MSW
Diane Kleinman

Judaic Studies Faculty, Lower School

University of Iowa - BA
Cantor Sharon Knoller

Judaic Studies Faculty, Lower School

University of Rhode Island - BS
Adelphi University - MS Ed
Gratz College - Certificate
Ravit Landsberg

Judaic Studies Faculty, Lower School

Hebrew University of Jerusalem - BA
Israel
Anat Lev Tov

Judaic Studies Faculty, Lower School
Sari Manor-Cohen

Judaic Studies Faculty, Lower School

Hebrew University - BA
Teachers' Seminary, Jerusalem Israel - Teaching Certification
Aliza Mayer

General Studies Faculty, Lower School

Rutgers University - BA
William Paterson University - MA Ed
Kelly McAllister

General Studies Faculty, Lower School

Kennesaw State University - BA
Jul McCormick-Anesh

Aftercare/Funtracks Coordinator and Physical Education Faculty, Lower School

973-232-8749

Kean University - BA
Shari Mevorah

General Studies Faculty, Lower School

Brooklyn College - BS
Michael Newman

Director of Technology, Lower School

973-602-3728

Rutgers University - BS, MS Ed
Carol Nydick

General Studies Faculty, Lower School

Kean College - BA
Montclair State - MA Ed
Richard Perini

Instrumental Music Faculty, Lower and Upper School

Trenton State College - BA
Nila Pusin

Judaic Studies Faculty, Lower School

Yale University - BA
Boston College - JD
Dorri Ramati

General Studies Faculty, Lower School

Binghamton University - BA
Hunter College - MA Ed
Yael Safran

Judaic Studies Faculty, Lower School

The Jerusalem Rubin Academy of Music and Dance - BA
The College of Saint Elizabeth - MA Ed
Lisa Schwartz

Judaic Studies Faculty, Lower School

State University of New York - Albany - BA
Iona College - MST
Elissa Siegel

General Studies Faculty, Lower School

University of California, Los Angeles - BA
Jennifer Sinoway

Mathematics Faculty, Lower School
Eve Sorkin

Judaic Studies Faculty, Lower School

Emory University - BA
William Davidson School of Education, JTS - MA
State of New Jersey Department of Education - Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing
Tsipi Taube

Judaic Studies Faculty, Lower School

Hebrew University of Jerusalem - BS
Tel Aviv University - MS
Jessica Wise

General Studies Faculty, Lower School

Indiana University - BA
Bank Street College - MA Ed

Upper School Faculty

List of 63 members.

Susan Allie

Science Faculty, Upper School
Helaina Altabef

Language Arts and Social Studies Faculty, Upper School
Janette Antiles

Mathematics Faculty, Upper School

Barnard College, Columbia University - BA
Columbia Business School - MBA
NJ Board of Education, Alternate Route Program - Teacher Certification
Rabbi Steven Bayar

Judaic Studies Faculty, Upper School

University of Virginia - BA
University of Virginia - Masters
Reconstructionist Rabbinical College - Rabbi
Nina Bilmes

Mathematics Department Chair, Upper School

973-232-8607

Touro College - BS
Adelphi University - MS
Rabbi David Bockman

Judaic Studies Faculty, Upper School

Jewish Theological Seminary - MA/ Rabbinic Ordination
University of California, San Diego - BA
Emily Bulbulia

Mathematics Faculty, Upper School

University of Delaware - BS ED
Vardit Caspi

Hebrew Language Department Chair, Upper School

973-602-8643

Haifa University - BA
Northeastern University - MA
Hebrew College - Certificate
Independent School Management - Certificate
Robert Cohen

Health and Physical Education Faculty, Upper School • Girls Varsity Soccer Coach

Montclair State University - Teaching Certification
Shaira Cruz

Social Studies Faculty, Upper School

New Jersey City University - BA
Gabriel Drouet

Mathematics Faculty, Upper School

Saint Peters University - BA
Grand Canyon University - MA
Robert Fechner

Social Studies Faculty, Upper School
Eric Fox

Mathematics Faculty, Upper School

Washington University, St. Louis - BS
Bradley Gerstle

Science Faculty, Upper School

Hebrew Union College - Hon. PhD
University of Southern California - MA
Hebrew Union College - MA
University of Virginia - BA
George Mason University - Teaching Certification
Howard Glatt

High School Language Arts Faculty

Rutgers University - MA
Sonia Hassin

Foreign Language Faculty, Upper School

Hebrew University - BA
Jonathan Hefetz

Language Arts Department Chair, Upper School

Binghamton University - BA
Queens College - MS Ed
Rebecca Herman

Language Arts Faculty, Upper School

Brandeis University - BA
Temple University - JD
Columbia University - MA
Sharon Hersch

High School Learning Specialist

University of Maryland - BA
New York University - MA
Paul-Michael Huseman

Science Department Chair, Upper School

Drew University - BA
Pace University - MA
Lori Jaffe

Guidance Counselor, Upper School

Temple University - MSW
University of Georgia - BSW
Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center - Certificate in Family Therapy
Dr. Arco Jeng

Science Faculty, Upper School

National Taiwan Normal University - BS
University of Rochester - PhD
Rabbi Shira Johnston

Judaic Studies Faculty, Upper School

Pomona College - BA
Jewish Theological Seminary - MA
Cornell University - Certificate
Jewish Theological Seminary - Rabbinic Ordination
Rabbi Robert Kahn

Israel Field Operations Manager

Jewish Theological Seminary - Rabbinic Ordination
Dr. Denise Kanrich

Director of College Counseling

973-602-3676

Stony Brook University - BS
University of Kansas - MS
University of Massachusetts, Amherst - PhD
Rabbi Molly Karp

Judaic Studies Faculty, Upper School

SUNY Binghamton - BA
Hebrew Union College - MA
Academy for Jewish Religion - Rabbinic Ordination
Ilena Kasdan

Nurse, Upper School

973-602-3649

University of Pennsylvania - BA, BS, RN
Dr. Shira Kelmanovich

STEM Coordinator and Science Faculty, Upper School

973-232-8657

Union College - BS
Union College - BS
No - MS
Stanford University - PhD
Sari Keren

Hebrew Language Faculty, Upper School

Tel Aviv Univrsity - BA
Ben Gurion University - MA
Ministry of Education - Teaching Certificate
Ministry of Education - Certificate
The State of New Jersey, Department of Education - Certificate of Eligibility
Dr. Robert Klein

Learning Support Coordinator, Upper School

973-602-3637

Brandeis University - BA
New York University - MSW, PhD
Dennis Kozar

Director of Athletics, Health and Physical Education Faculty, Upper School

973-602-3650

Kean University - BA
DeVry University - AS
Jason Langer

Language Arts Faculty, Upper School

University of Maryland - BA
William Paterson University - M.Ed.
Dr. Catherine Lasser

Judaic Studies Faculty, Upper School

Hobart and William Smith College - BS
University of Wisconsin, Madison - MS, PhD
Jewish Theological Seminary - MA, PhD
Yvette Lopez Grieshaber

Theatre Arts Faculty, Upper School

Stella Adler Studio of Acting, NYC - MFA-Equivalent
Saint Peter's College - M.Ed
Saint Peter's College - BA
Rabbi Richard Mayer

Judaic Studies Faculty, Upper School

Binghamton University - BA
Azrieli School of Jewish education - MS
Yeshivat Pirchei Shoshanim - Rabbinical Degree
Dr. Liati Mayk-Hai

Judaic Studies Faculty, Upper School

Rutgers University - BA
Jewish Theological Seminary - PhD
Alejandro Meneses

Foreign Language Faculty, Upper School

Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico - Degree
Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Morelos - Diploma
Adam Michlin

Director of Technology, Upper School

University of California, Santa Cruz - BS
California State University, East Bay - MA
Andrew Mittleman

Multimedia and Experiential Education Faculty, Upper School

The College of New Jersey - BA
The American Film Institute - MFA
Jamie Mittleman

Arts and Experiential Education Educator, Upper School

973-602-3684

Binghampton University - BA
Flora Musleah

Dean of Faculty, Judaic Studies Faculty, Upper School

973-602-3657

Columbia University - BA
Jewish Theological Seminary of America - BA, Teaching Certification
Jewish Theological Seminary of America - MA
Jewish New Teacher Project/New Teacher Center - Mentor Certification
Naomi Newberger

Mathematics Faculty, Upper School

Brooklyn College - BS
Yeshiva University - MS
Anat Niv

Health and Physical Education Faculty, Upper School

Wingate College (Israel) - B.Ed. - Physical Education
Frederick Ober

Social Studies Faculty, Upper School

Boston University - BA
Rutgers University, Camden School of Law - JD
Jamie Perrello

Science Faculty, Upper School

Dartmouth College - AB
University of Pennsylvania - MA
Michelle Pierce

Middle School Learning Specialist

Springfield College - BS
Valdosta State University - MAT
Ohad Porat

Hebrew Language Faculty, Shaliah, Upper School
Sandy Pyonin

Health and Physical Education Faculty, Upper School

Newark State College - BA
Sarah Radovici

Hebrew Language Faculty, Upper School

Bar-Ilan University - BS
Montclair State University - MA
The National Board of License for Teachers and Principals of Jewish Schools in North America - Jewish Education Teacher Certification
Craig Resmovits

Music Faculty and Choir Director, Upper School

Queens College - BA
Elisa Schenker

Guidance Counselor, Upper School

973-602-3631

Roger Williams University - BA
University of Maryland - MSW
Hedva Sela Kedem

Hebrew Language Faculty, Upper School

Seminar Hakibbutzim College - B.Ed.
Gail Shapiro

Foreign Language Department Chair, Health and Physical Education Chair, Upper School

973-602-3626

Brandeis University - BA, Magna Cum Laude
Emory University School of Law - JD
NJAIS Leadership Institute
Heather Smith

Social Studies Department Chair, Upper School

973-602-3658

New Jersey City University - MA
Rutgers University - BA
Gabrielle Sonet

Science Faculty, Upper School

Sarah Lawrence College - BS
Columbia University - MA
Wilma Steinberg

Language Arts Faculty, Upper School

Pennsylvania State University - BS
Mr. Michael Stern

Social Studies Faculty - Upper School, Boys Middle School Baseball Coach

University of Florida - M. Ed.
Rabbi Yaakov Traiger

Judaic Studies Faculty, Upper School

Montclair State University - MA
University of Massachusetts - BA
Rabbinic Ordination - Rabbi Laib Schulman, Rabbi Aaron Gold
The Principals' Center - Harvard University
Karen Ulric

Librarian, Upper School

973-602-3653

Columbia College, Columbia University - BA
Pratt Institute - MSLIS
Rabbi Iscah Waldman

Judaic Studies Department Chair, Upper School

Columbia University - BA
Jewish Theological Seminary - BA, MA, Rabbinic Ordination
NYU - Completed coursework for Doctorate
Bethanie Watson

Arts Department Chair, Upper School

Troy University - BA
Rutgers University - MFA
Rabbi Adir Yolkut

Tefillah and Experiential Educator, Judaic Studies Faculty, Upper School

Jewish Theological Seminary - BA
Columbia University - BA
Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies - Rabbinic Ordination
Rina Yuhaev

Hebrew Language Faculty, Upper School

Oranim Academic College of Education-Israel - BA
Hebrew college Boston - Certificate in Hebrew language teaching for Master Teachers