Nadia is a University of South Florida graduate from Tampa, Florida, who discovered her passion for education, process art, and early literacy while working as an assistant preschool teacher. In her free time, she enjoys painting and practicing yoga.
Louis joined Rodeph Sholom School in 2008 as Director of Alumni Relations and Music Head Teacher. He continues to serve as the Shabbat song leader and music teacher. A New York University graduate who became a professional musician, Louis brings tremendous experience from his work as a music specialist at Congregation Rodeph Sholom and his many years as head song leader at the Union for Reform Judaism Camp Eisner. He acquired his love of Jewish music from his father, who was a rabbi in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Louis loves to play the drums, guitar, and piano, and some Rodeph Sholom School teachers have been known to say that attending an assembly led by Louis is like being at a concert.
Elisheva joined Rodeph Sholom School in 2004. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature, cinema studies, and Jewish studies from the University of Toronto and a master’s degree in informal and communal education from the Jewish Theological Seminary and Davidson Graduate School. What she loves most about Rodeph Sholom School is how working there has allowed her to keep growing and evolving as an educator over the years. She finds it deeply fulfilling to work in a warm school environment that encourages thoughtful learning and action—for students and adults alike—informed by Jewish values, history, texts, and wisdom. Elisheva LOVES to cook and bake, especially gluten-free dishes, though she rarely follows a recipe precisely. A lifelong cat person, she is also a word game enthusiast, film buff, and polyglot who enjoys communicating in Hebrew, French, and Yiddish as much as possible.
Alana is a graduate from Binghamton University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and a minor in Education. She is a New York City native and is excited to join the Rodeph Sholom Enrollment team! She previously worked as a Special Education Coordinator at Success Academy and spends her free time going on long walks, seeing live music, and spending time with family.
Dania joined Rodeph Sholom School in 2021. Having grown up in New York City, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Manhattanville College before moving to sunny Florida, where she taught art in grades K-12 for six years until her son was born. In 2014, she began her training in fiber arts at The Fiber Craft Studio in Chestnut Ridge, New York, then went on to teach visual and fiber art to grades 1-12 at Green Meadow Waldorf School in Chestnut Ridge. She has also taught visual and fiber arts to teachers at both Sunbridge Institute and The Fiber Arts Studio, bringing over twenty years of experience teaching arts to both children and adults. What she treasures most about Rodeph Sholom School is the wonderful colleagues and support from others in the community. In her free time, Dania makes her own clothes, knits, spins yarn, cooks, and enjoys nature.
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!
Orli, a native of the Upper West Side, is a graduate of the Professional Children’s School and The New School. Orli is fluent in American Sign Language, a passion that allows her to connect with others in a unique way. Orli loves working with children because they are like little sponges, eager to absorb every bit of knowledge shared with them. Their curiosity and enthusiasm inspire her daily, and she is excited to bring that same energy to the special community at Rodeph Sholom School.
Aviva joined Rodeph Sholom School in 2013 as a Threes teacher and part-time Learning Specialist before becoming a full-time Learning Specialist in the Early Childhood Division in 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies from SUNY Oneonta and a master’s degree in Special Education and Teaching from Touro University, with certification for Birth through 2nd Grade. Prior to joining Rodeph Sholom School, Aviva gained experience as a Special Education Interim Teacher at Kulanu and completed an internship in special education at Springbrook in NY.
Shira is a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience in New York Jewish independent schools. Her passion is developing educational curricula and implementing them in the classroom, a skill refined over her career. She was at Schechter Manhattan for 23 years, first as a teacher, then Program Coordinator, Curriculum Coordinator, and, most recently, Assistant Head of School. Before her work at Schechter, Shira was a teacher at the Leffell School in Westchester, focusing on elementary education and differentiated learning. She is an active mentor to teachers in both Judaics and General Studies and is a proud teaching coach to new teachers entering the field. Shira enjoys reading, pottery, knitting, weaving, gardening, beekeeping, and spending time with her family and her dog Neptune.
