World Class Teachers & Staff
Faculty
Hagit Barnir
Pre-K and Kindergarten Teacher
Morah Hagit was born and raised in Israel. She studied at Hebrew University in Jerusalem where she completed my BA and received her teacher certification. Upon immigrating to the United States, Morah Hagit continued her graduate studies and has a Master’s Degree from Seton Hall University. This is her 17th year at Academies @ GBDS in the Early Childhood Department, which she loves!
Elisa Berger
Nursery 3 & Pre-k Teacher
Elisa Berger began working at Academies @ GBDS in 1998 having graduated from William Paterson University with degrees in Nursery-8 Elementary Education and Sociology. Over the past 20 years she has brought her love for children, constancy, and ingenuity into the Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten classrooms. Elisa relishes the abundant opportunities to engage children as they thrive and mature. She takes special pride and joy in instilling in her students Jewish values and love of Judaism as well as inspiring her students' independence, responsibility, and everyday life skills.
Sandy Blanke
Middle School Math Teacher
After taking a break from education to focus on raising her three children, Sandy is very excited to have joined the staff at the Academies @ GBDS, teaching the 7th and 8th grade, and to be back pursuing her passion of teaching mathematics. Sandy has eight years of experience teaching mathematics grades 8th through 12th at Pearl River High School in Rockland County, NY, where she taught many honors and regents courses, in addition to C++ programming and Italian. She earned my Master’s degree in Mathematics Education and NY State Mathematics certification from Columbia University, Teachers College, and also holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan. Before she began her Master’s studies and teaching career, she worked as an operations analyst on Wall Street.
Sandy is committed to helping each one of her students understand the importance of math not only as a discipline, but in particular how it applies to our everyday lives, while enhancing their critical and analytical thinking skills. She has high hopes for each of her students and holds them accountable to do their best and to be their best at all times.
Ellen Bloomberg
5th Grade Math Teacher & Math Coordinator
Ellen Bloomberg, has more than 25 years of teaching experience. She earned her B.S. Degree in Elementary and Middle School Education from Boston University in Massachusetts. She taught grades 3, 5, and 6 and assisted in launching the Gifted and Talented Program for the Livingston, New Jersey public school system. While there also revised curriculum and taught Mathematics to advanced students.
Prior to joining Academiese @ GBDS faculty as the Mathematics Coordinator for Grades K-5 and Middle School Math Teacher for Grades 6-7, she was a long time faculty member at the Jewish Educational Center in Elizabeth, New Jersey. While teaching there, she identified a need and secured grant money to create a Math Lab to give added support to those students needing remediation and/or a small group instruction environment for optimum learning. For the past 7 years she served as the Math Coordinator working closely with the teaching staff in the classroom and responsible for staff training to improve mathematics instruction.
Mrs. Bloomberg believes that each child is a unique individual and deserves to learn in an environment that supports risk-taking and encourages the use of problem solving skills that relate to authentic real-world situations. As a long time educator she strives to instill her passion for learning math in others. She has participated in over 125 hours of Professional Math training and is trained in the Singapore Method of teaching Mathematics. She is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Hana Cohen
1st & 4th Grade Jewish Studies Teacher
Hana Cohen was born and raised in Israel. Following her military service she earned her degree at Bet Berel in Israel. Mrs. Cohen has taught Judaic Studies and Hebrew Language to grades K-7 for the past 29 years in Israel, VA, NY and NJ. In addition to her work at GBDS, she concurrently taught for many years at Nitzanim in Fair Lawn and continues to teach at Glen Rock Jewish Center's Hebrew School and as a private tutor. She has earned a wonderful reputation for the creativity, passion, and dedication she brings to the classroom.
This year, Mrs. Cohen will be honored for 25 years of service at Academies @ GBDS.
Holly Finley
Director of Special Services
Holly is a New City, NY resident with Degrees in Special Needs and General Education from Touro College, and a Bachelors of Arts in Fine Arts from the University of Arizona. She is Certified in Advanced Standing in Special Needs in NY and NJ. Holly has been a Head Special Needs Teacher in NYC since 2013, and before that an Assistant Teacher at The Gillen Brewer School for Special Needs for 2 years. She did her student Teaching at Utterback Middle School in Arizona. Holly has also been a substitute teacher in Rodeph Shalom Hebrew School in NYC, a drama specialist in the YMHA day camps, and worked as an intern at Camp Broadway in NY.
Holly has been accepted to Legacy Heritage program at Brandeis University. She is currently leading a tea, of Academies @ GBDS teachers in working on her initiative of executive functioning in students. She believes in helping each student reach their highest potential.
Eunice Glassberg
Middle School Social Studies Teachers
Eunice Glassberg is the go-to history person at Academies @ GBDS. She earned her degree in Political Science and History at Tufts University. Before joining the Academies @ GBDS, she worked in museum education, teaching both in Israel (the Beit She'an Museum) and at Historic Hudson Valley's 17th century site in Sleepy Hollow, NY. Mrs. Glassberg received her NJ teaching Certification in History and related fields and is committed to making the past come alive for middle-school students at our school. Alumni often return to complement Mrs. Glassberg on how well-prepared for high school and beyond they were thanks to her teachings.
This year marked Mrs. Glassberg's 25 years of service at Academies @ GBDS.
Deborah Horowitz
1st & 2nd General Studies Teacher
Deborah Horowitz has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Graphic Design from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and a Masters of Education Degree from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in both Elementary Education and Creative Arts in Learning. She has taught children in grades 1, 2, 3, and 4 in both public and private school. Most recently, Mrs. Horowitz was the 1st and 2nd grade General Studies teacher at Rockland Jewish Academy. Prior to that, Mrs. Horowitz taught at the Abraham Joshua Heschel school in New York City. Mrs. Horowitz lives in New City, NY with her husband Jeffrey and her 3 children, David, Alexis and Lindsay.
Carmeli Kaspi
4th Grade Jewish Studies & Art Teacher
Carmeli Gadiel Kaspi has Special Education Bachelor Degree, specializes with children of special needs and learning disabilities. Her methods are through art, music, and performance, to create a fun and experiential learning environment. She conducts small groups and individual classroom activities, to ensure all students are reaching their full potential. Mrs. Kaspi uses positive reinforcement methods to direct problematic behaviors and encourages “Out of the box” thinking. Mrs. Kaspi is also 4TH grade Judaic studies teacher and the Art teacher for GBDS.
Education:
Tel-Aviv College — The art of teaching the Hebrew language. (Associate Degree).
Tel-Aviv college — Multimedia and visual art - Israel (Associate Degree)
Yeshivat Yemima, Israel — The art of Judaic Studies (Associate Degree).
Communication Skills — C.F.S Institute, Tel Aviv, Israel
Communication Skills — C.F.S Institute, Tel Aviv, Israel
The Art of Healing and Success - ‘Humenications’, Israel -
Bait Tzvi — School of Performing Arts (Associate Degree), Israel.
Author of the novel ‘Flame’.
Author of the novel ‘Flame’.
Robin Kelly
Middle School Science & PE Teacher
Robin Kelly is an innovative team player that contributes to multiple aspects of the functioning of Academies @ GBDS. Mrs. Kelly has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Physical Education from Lehman College, a Masters of Science in Education from CCNY and a has a certificate in Youth Nutrition from IYCA. Mrs. Kelly has also received the United States Presidential Award for Environmental Protection for her part in Project LOST (Laboratory of Scientific Testing). She has over twenty years experience teaching elementary, middle, and high school levels in Science, Math, Health, and Physical Education.
Mrs. Kelly's classroom challenges the students through a variety of methods including hands-on laboratory experiments, guided inquiry activities, and project-based learning. Every year, Mrs, Kelly takes the sixth-grade students to an overnight trip to TEVA learning center. Kelly has expanded this program to ensure that the knowledge and excitement gained at TEVA is not only temporary but is sustained and infused into the daily life of the students. She has incorporated her passion for athleticism and all things athletic into an engaging and stimulating program combining a team spirit atmosphere while enhancing each child's individual sense of worth and to develop the whole student both mentally and physically. She has incorporated many exciting programs into the curriculum such as Jump for Heart and has broadened the Field Day experience.
Mrs. Kelly's boundless enthusiasm and passion for education has also given her the opportunity to work with gifted and remedial students in mathematics and developed a remedial math program for grades 2-8. Her passion for athletics allows her to engage the learner in dynamic ways even while teaching mathematics.
Zina Knop
2nd & 3rd Grade Jewish Studies Teacher
Morah Zina is a Judaic Studies teacher who moved from Israel in January 2015, with her two children, to join her husband in America.
She graduated from Oranim College with a degree in teaching K through 3rd grade. She holds a degree in acting from the University of Haifa. Morah Zina taught 1st and 2nd grades in Afula Tidhar school, after having been a kindergarten teacher in Migdal Haemek.
Eve Levi
Kindergarten General Studies Teacher
Eve Levi studied at Barnard University, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and William Paterson University. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and in Education for pre-K through 3rd grade. During her time at Academies @ GBDS, she has taught nursery 2, pre-K and Kindergarten. She is also the Early Childhood Coordinator and leeads a school wide Mindfullness program.
Mrs. Levi has been a member of Academies @ GBDS community for 18 years, including 16 years as a parent of four Academies @ GBDS students. Before she began teaching at our school, Eve served as PTO President and as a Member of the Board of Trustees.
Jenni Levy
Middle School English Language Arts Teacher
Jenni lives in Teaneck, New Jersey, with her husband, three children, and two dogs. She has degrees in American Studies from Stern College, Yeshiva University, Gifted Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, Educational Administration from Seton Hall University, and a Juris Doctorate from Fordham University School of Law. Funded by Avi Chai, Jenni has attended the Art of Leadership training at Harvard University. She has 60+ credits from Columbia University and Bernard Revel Graduate School towards a Ph. D. in American Jewish History at Bernard Revel Graduate School.
In addition to being licensed to practice law in the State of New Jersey, Jenni holds certifications as a teacher, supervisor, and principal. For the past six years, Jenni has been an administrator at the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey. She has also worked as a teacher at Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls, New Milford Public Schools, and the Bergen County Academies. She did her student teaching at Bronx High School of Science and Hunter College High School.
Jenni owns a consulting, teaching, and tutoring company, Bulldog Educational Services and Training, LLC. She provides services to local public and day schools. She is a passionate blogger and writer on educational issues in technology. You can find her blog on education at www.jennilevy.com.
Luiza Nahomove
Nursery 2 Teacher
Luiza Nahomove is beloved teacher at Academies @ GBDS. She received her Early Childhood Education degree from Brooklyn College where she concentrated in Psychology. Luiza, is also certified in elementary education. She enjoys playing the piano. In addition to her important job at GBDS, Luiza has been teaching Hebrew School for years at Bris Avraham in Fair Lawn.
Born in Russia, Luiza came to the United States in her early teens. With husband Assaf, she is raising 3 beautiful daughters: Rozallyn, Nicole, and Eliana, all of whom attended Academies @ GBDS.
Joelle Rubin
1st & 2nd Grade General Studies Teacher
Joelle Rubin earned her Degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Early Childhood from Long Island University. She began her teaching career teaching Pre-K for 3 years at Yavneh Academy and then Kindergarten for 15 years at The Moriah School. Mrs. Rubin joined the GBDS family in 2014 as a part-time librarian and then as the 1st grade General Studies teacher. After a short hiatus, she is excited to be back at Academies@GBDS teaching 1st and 2nd grades. Mrs. Rubin lives in Franklin Lakes with her husband, 3 children, and 2 dogs.
Ellen Weinfeld
3rd & 4th Grade General Studies teacher
Ellen Weinfeld has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Rider University and a Masters of Education Degree in Elementary Education from The College of New Jersey. She has been in the field of Education for twenty years, running tutoring centers and teaching students. Most recently, Ms. Weinfeld taught First and Second Grade at Yeshivat He’Atid. Prior to that, she taught Fourth Grade at YBH in Passaic. This is her first year at Academies @GBDS.
Amy Yormark
Early Childhood Teacher Assistant
Office & Support Staff
Evangeline Bandel
School Nurse
Evangeline is the School Nurse at GBDS. She has six years of experience as a Registered Nurse.
Evangeline began her career in the Emergency Department, where she was one of four applicants chosen for the ED Fellowship position. In 2016, Evangeline wanted to service the community in which she grew up, taking a position at the Emergency Department at The Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. In the Mount Sinai ER, Evangeline was able to care for patients of all ages, but also concentrate on her specific interest in Pediatric Emergency Medicine. In 2018, Evangeline joined the Pediatric Allergy Department as a Clinical Research Nurse, acting as the Lead Nurse on an NIH Clinical Trial.
Evangeline believes that the role of the School Nurse is an integral part in each child’s school experience. She strives to support each student’s success and their learning process by acting as the bridge between your home and our school community! In her spare time Evangeline enjoys spending time gardening with her husband and her daughter (also a GBDS student). As well as teaching newborn care classes to expectant parents.
Marcy Kissane
Parent & Events Coordinator
Marcella Kissane grew up in Lodi and earned her Associates Degree in Business at Bergen Community College. Before joining Academies @ GBDS, she worked in the office of Legislative Liaison at the U.S. Pentagon, in the advertising department of the Bergen Record and in Poland Springs' Ferlie Group Marketing Department. Mrs. Kissane is responsible for coordinating all in school events and celebrations. She works closely with the Executive Director on all recruitment and fundraising initiatives.
This year marks Marcella's 15 years of service at Academies @ GBDS.
Joan Beck Sadow
Business & Benefits Manager
Joan Beck Sadow joined Academies @ GBDS staff in the dual role of Business and Benefits Manager during the 2008-09 school year. A graduate of Smith College, Joan earned her degree in Chemistry. Before Academies @ GBDS, Joan’s career spanned many fields including cancer research, plastics research, computer programming, accounting, and bookkeeping.