Meet our new faculty for 2025-2026!
 | Dana Ben-Avi Lower School Faculty Dana Ben-Avi was born and raised in Jerusalem by American parents and graduated with the first class of the Masorti (Conservative) High School in the city. She served in the Israeli Navy as an administrative assistant before earning a B.S. in Recreation Therapy from Temple University. Dana brings extensive experience working with children and adults with special needs, as well as in administrative roles, most recently serving as Operations Manager at Agudath Israel in Caldwell. She has also spent many summers on staff at Camp Ramah in the Poconos. A 2nd-degree black belt in judo, Dana has more than 25 years of training and 20 years of coaching experience. | |
 | Daniel Cortes Math Faculty, Upper School Daniel Cortes is excited to begin his seventh year in the classroom. He has taught both Math and Science in charter, private and nonprofit school settings. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Mr. Cortes is committed to student-centered learning and believes in meeting students where they are to help them succeed. In his free time, he enjoys walking and running. | |
 | Rebecca Glass Lower School Faculty Rebecca Glass is a dedicated Jewish communal professional with a degree in Jewish Communal Service and Jewish Education from Brandeis University. For over 15 years, she has worked to combat hunger, most recently as Agency Relations Manager at Met Council, and previously at City Harvest, supporting Kosher and Halal food pantries. Rebecca brings a wealth of experience in both formal and informal Jewish education, having served as an Educational Director and Assistant Principal at several afternoon religious schools. A proud parent of three GOA alumni, she is excited to return to her roots in Jewish education as part of the GOA team. In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys creating glitter tattoos and fairy hair through her small business and is an avid cruise enthusiast. | |
 | Susan Goldstein Science Faculty, Upper School Susan Goldstein brings over 30 years of experience in science education to Golda Och Academy. She holds a BA from Drew University and a Master’s in Secondary Education and Administration from Seton Hall University. Before becoming an educator, she worked in the fashion industry. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Goldstein enjoys listening to music, practicing hot yoga and high-intensity interval training, and exploring the arts. | |
 | Rabbi Seth Herstic Judaic Studies Faculty, Upper School Rabbi Seth Herstic joins the GOA community with a deep love of Tanakh and Jewish learning. He earned his undergraduate degree in Sociology from Yeshiva University and received his rabbinic ordination from Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. Rabbi Herstic has studied biblical interpretation extensively, including at Herzog Teachers' College in Alon Shvut. While he once dreamed of becoming a meteorologist and maintains a fascination with the weather, Rabbi Herstic also enjoys comedy, both as a viewer and occasional performer, and finds joy in making others laugh. | |
 | Dina Kreimer Lower School Faculty Dina Kreimer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and a Master’s degree in Human Resources, where she was recognized with an Outstanding Achievement Award. After a successful career in the corporate sector, she discovered her passion for teaching and finds great fulfillment in working with children. Born and raised in Kazakhstan, Dina has studied in the UK and lived and worked in Germany, Israel, and the United States, bringing a rich global perspective to her classroom. As the daughter of a school director, she believes a love for education runs in her family. Dina also has a unique background as a national champion in Latin dance. | |
 | Blake Michael Language Arts and Math Faculty, Upper School Blake Michael is entering his 10th year in education, having taught middle and high school English, History, Math, and Spanish. He holds a BA in Government from Cornell University, an MPA from the University of Oklahoma, and a JD from Fordham University. In addition to teaching, Mr. Michael works as a special education attorney and curriculum consultant. He enjoys going to the movies and is rarely seen without a coffee in hand. | |
 | Michelle Pierce Student Services Logistics Coordinator, Upper School Michelle Pierce brings a passion for student success to her role as Student Services Logistics Coordinator. She holds a BS in Community Leadership and Development with a minor in Sociology from Springfield College in Massachusetts, and an MAT in Special Education from Valdosta State University in Georgia. Michelle has spent her career supporting students, and counts helping them pass state-mandated tests for the first time as one of her most rewarding experiences. Outside of work, Ms.Pierce is an avid cyclist. She rode her first Century at age 65, averaging 16.5 mph, and especially enjoys the rush of flying down hills on gravel rides. | |
 | Shira Skolnick Lower School Faculty Shira Skolnick earned a B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers University and holds a Teaching Certificate of Eligibility for Preschool through Grade 3. After managing a spa and salon for over a decade, Shira joined Golda Och Academy as a substitute teacher and later joined the Lower School’s aftercare program. She is thrilled to be part of the Kitah Aleph team, especially since it is the same grade her family joined when her son (now in 9th grade) first started at GOA. Shira is also the proud parent of a second grader at the school. | |
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