School
Leadership
Leadership Team
Leadership Team
Janet Barzilay
Director of Enrollment
Janet began her career in education in 2004 and joined Rodeph Sholom School as the Director of Enrollment in 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Brown University and a J.D. from NYU School of Law. Janet brings extensive experience in enrollment and admissions management, having previously served as Director of Outreach and Enrollment Management at Cathedral School and Director of Admissions and Placement at the Solomon Schechter School of Manhattan. Her background also includes roles as Director of Admissions at the Academy for Jewish Religion in Los Angeles, admissions team member at NYU Wagner School of Public Service, and Director of Development at Carlthorp School in Los Angeles. Before transitioning to education, Janet began her career as a corporate attorney, working for two law firms in New York and providing pro bono legal services for Bet Tzedek in Los Angeles. What she treasures most about Rodeph Sholom School is its commitment to superb academics and joy in learning, combined with its focus on developing socially responsible and moral citizens of the world. Though she and her husband raised their daughters in Los Angeles, they have maintained a deep connection to the Rodeph Sholom community.
Rachel Deitch
Head of Early Childhood Division
A former Early Childhood Assistant Principal within the New York City Public Schools, Rachel managed, supervised, and supported over 50 staff members and 200 students across multiple school buildings and locations across Manhattan. Prior to entering administration, Rachel taught Pre-Kindergarten at York Avenue Preschool for 10 years, then transitioned to public Pre-Kindergarten for six years. Rachel earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Judaic Studies from Tufts University, a master’s degree in Literacy from Adelphi University, and a Post-master’s certification as a School Building Leader from Molloy University. She holds New York State Certification in Elementary Education (Pre-K, K, and 1-6) and in Literacy (Birth – Grade 6) as well as a New York State Administration and Pupil Personnel Services School Building Leader License.
Rachel loves spending quality time with her family and Tibetan Terrier, Shea. She is also a big fan of sweets, especially anything chocolate, and enjoys winding down at home with a good movie — it’s one of her favorite ways to relax.
Marc Fried
Chief Financial Officer
Marc joined Rodeph Sholom School in 2003. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration from the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University. What he loves most about Rodeph Sholom School is the community. Marc is a long-suffering fan of the New York Islanders and the New York Jets. There’s always next year!
Rebecca Hammerman
Head of Elementary Divison
Rebecca joined Rodeph Sholom School in 2020. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in modern Jewish studies from the Jewish Theological Seminary, a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from Columbia University, a Master of Education in independent school leadership from Teachers College, and a Master of Science in education from Bank Street College. What she loves most about Rodeph Sholom School is the students, who come to school each day with enthusiasm and care for their peers and teachers. She finds it a joy to spend her days with them. In her free time, Rebecca loves to hike, read, and cook—but not bake!
Danny Karpf
Head of School
Danny joined Rodeph Sholom School as the Head of School in 2016. He has worked in education since 1992. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Haverford College and a Master of Science in education from The Johns Hopkins University. Prior to joining Rodeph Sholom School, Danny served as Middle School Director and Assistant to the Head for Strategic Initiatives at The Gordon School, Assistant Head of Lower School at Wilmington Friends School, and taught at the American School of Milan. What he loves most about Rodeph Sholom School is the passionate and joyful people. Danny is a huge Baltimore Orioles fan.
Leslie Kuo
Director of Development
Leslie joined the School in January 2023 as the Director of Development. Leslie previously served as Associate Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. Prior to her work at Columbia, she was a development officer at the Jewish Museum here in New York. Leslie’s professional background also includes seven years as an art gallery director in Shanghai, China, where she represented emerging and established contemporary artists. Her commitment to diverse narratives and cultural communities is further reflected in her consulting and volunteer experience with the Asian American Arts Alliance, Asian Pride Project, and The Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. Center for Leadership and Ethics. Leslie holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University and an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School.
Sally Meisner
Head of Middle School
Sally joined Rodeph Sholom School as Head of Middle School in 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master of Science in Math Leadership in Education from Bank Street College of Education. Sally’s professional career has been marked by intelligence, warmth, a commitment to top-notch academic achievement, and a deep care and passion for middle school children and those who nurture their growth and development. During her 14 years at The Spence School, she taught middle school math, served as an advisor, Grade 7 Dean, Interim Co-Chair of the Math Department, and assessed candidates for the admissions office. Previously, Sally served as Lower and Middle School Math Coordinator at The Brearley School and as a 5th Grade teacher at Kent Place School and the Jewish Education Center in New Jersey. What she loves most about Rodeph Sholom School is the palpable energy, joy, and commitment of all members of the community. Sally is always game for a number, word, or jigsaw puzzle as well as a round of backgammon, Boggle, or mah-jong.
Jackie Meyer
Chief of Staff and Operations
Jackie joined Rodeph Sholom School in 2013, marking her transition from corporate public relations to education. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Ithaca College with a major in marketing and communications and a minor in culture and communications. What she loves most about Rodeph Sholom School is the culture and warm community that radiates from students and parents to faculty and staff. Similar to the school’s 8th graders, Jackie finished her senior year of high school with a three-month trip to Israel. She is also the proud mother of two boys.
Keren Schuller
Associate Head of School
Keren has been a valued member of the Rodeph Sholom School community since 2006, bringing nearly three decades of educational experience to her role. She began her career in education in 1995 and holds a B.S. in Psychology and an M.Ed. in Special Education.
What Keren finds most rewarding about Rodeph Sholom School is witnessing the students’ infectious enthusiasm for learning, discovery, and their strong sense of community. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys cooking, particularly when sharing the experience with friends or while listening to a good podcast.
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
The fundamental responsibility of the Board of Directors is to protect and advance the interests of the school and its various constituencies in ways that are consistent with Rodeph Sholom School’s mission. The Board of Directors is responsible for the appointment of the Head of School, for the overall policies of the institution, for the safekeeping and management of its assets, for fundraising and development, and for the approval of its budget. The Board is not involved in responsibilities within the Head of School’s domain, which include, but are not limited to admissions, curriculum, and discipline.
The Rodeph Sholom School Board of Directors has up to 25 members who serve as directors for the entire school community. The majority of the Board is appointed by its Nominating Committee with additional members appointed by Congregation Rodeph Sholom (CRS). Directors include current and past parents of Rodeph Sholom School students, and educators from other academic institutions. Since most board members are also current parents, they are familiar faces within the community and can successfully steward Rodeph Sholom resources to help the school reach its strategic goals and live its mission.
Board of Directors 2025-2026
Kara Aborn
Nancy Bach
Tanya Baker
Adi Eckhouse Barzilai
Brady Bernstein ’10
Jeff Bergman
Talia Day, Chair
Tina Deutsch
Peter Ehrenberg
Martha Epstein ’10, Alumni Association Representative
Evan Feinberg
Howard Freedman
Jason Fuiman
Danny Karpf, Head of School
Stacy Kanter, CRS President
Allison Kapusta
Eileen Kleiman
Gheña Korn
Robyn Matthews, Parents Association Representative
Ann Melinger
Heather Morgan*
Scott Reisinger
Beth Rubin
Michael Sand
Meredith Segal
Lisa Siegel
Ben Spratt, CRS Senior Rabbi
Suzanne Waltman
*leave of absence