Rodeph Sholom School - UWS Private Jewish Day School

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Wendy Abels

Early Childhood Head Teacher

Started at Rodeph Sholom School in:

2016

Began career in Education in:

2016

Educational Background:

B.A. in sociology from SUNY Binghamton & M.S.W. from SUNY Albany.

Favorite thing about Rodeph Sholom School:

I love learning just as much as I love teaching, and at Rodeph Sholom School, I have the privilege of learning from the students, faculty, and staff each day. 

Other things to know about me:

I love animals, especially dogs! When I was younger, I fostered dogs until they found their forever homes.

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Ryan Allais

Director of Summer Camp and After School Programs

Evan Allred

Middle School Physical Education Teacher

Michelle Alperin

Elementary Head Teacher

Started at Rodeph Sholom School in:

2010

Began career in Education in:

2009

Educational Background:

Undergraduate degree from Syracuse University in television, radio, and film from the Communications School & Masters Degree from Bank Street College in childhood general and special education.

Favorite thing about Rodeph Sholom School:

I love the people in this community!  I love coming to work every day and working with the students, my colleagues, the parents, and the clergy.

Other things to know about me:

I am obsessed with all things sports! Before becoming a teacher, I worked as a special events coordinator in a sports marketing company.  I also worked at the 2006 Torino Olympics.  

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Katie Appel

Elementary Head Teacher

Kaitlyn Arnold

Elementary Head Teacher

Janet Barzilay

Director of Enrollment

Started at Rodeph Sholom School in:

2022

Began career in Education in:

2004

Educational Background:

B.A. in political science from Brown University; NYU Law School, JD.

Favorite thing about Rodeph Sholom School:

My favorite thing about Rodeph Sholom is the commitment of the school to superb academics and joy in learning, combined with the focus on developing socially responsible and moral citizens of the world.

Other things to know about me:

My husband and I raised our daughters in Los Angeles, but have maintained a long and deep relationship with the fabulous Rodeph Sholom community. I am honored to be a part of the Rodeph team.

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Rachel Beaton

Learning Specialist, SEED, and DEISJ Coordinator

Started at Rodeph Sholom School in:

2007

Began career in Education in:

2007

Educational Background:

B.A. in English and American studies from Cornell University, M.A. in elementary and gifted education from Teachers College at Columbia University, & M.A. in special education from Fordham University.

Favorite thing about Rodeph Sholom School:

The families at this school are particularly special. I love seeing so many familiar faces at events and teaching the students who are siblings of other children. 

Other things to know about me:

I love to read (usually fiction with a strong plot), nap (on gray days under lots of blankets), and garden (pruning is my favorite!).

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Emily Bergstrom

Elementary Division Associate Teacher

Started at Rodeph Sholom School in:

2023

Began career in Education in:

2023

Educational Background:

Bachelor’s in elementary education and a Michigan State Teaching Certification from the University of Michigan. 

Favorite thing about Rodeph Sholom School:

The emphasis on involving parents and guardians in school activities and events. 

Other things to know about me:

This is my first year living in New York City. My favorite hobbies are trying new foods, running, and spending time outside with friends.

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Michaela Biltekoff

Early Childhood Head Teacher

Started at Rodeph Sholom School in:

2007

Began career in Education in:

2005

Educational Background:

B.A. in early childhood and special education & masters in speech and language pathology and linguistics.

Favorite thing about Rodeph Sholom School:

I love that Rodeph Sholom is a community and a place where I feel connected to those around me whether we are together or not. 

Other things to know about me:

I have 2 boys at Rodeph Sholom, who started in the twos. I have 2 golden doodles, both girls. I am a born and raised New Yorker, and still reside on the Upper East Side. Something unique about me is that I have three citizenships; United States, El Salvador and France.

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