Natalie joined Rodeph Sholom School in 2020. She holds a Bachelor of Science in inclusive early childhood/special education from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in early childhood special education from Bank Street College. What she loves most about Rodeph Sholom School is the sense of community. In her free time, Natalie enjoys snowboarding in the winter and discovering new, delicious food around New York City.
Max joined Rodeph Sholom School in 2020, marking the beginning of his career in education. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre from The Boston Conservatory. What he loves most about Rodeph Sholom School is feeling proud to work at a Jewish school and celebrating the wonderful things about Judaism. Besides teaching, he is also a professional actor, singer, and dancer. In his free time, he loves sports (go Cleveland!), his dog Cooper, and spending time with his wife Sam, who also works at the school.
Michele joined Rodeph Sholom School in 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from St. John’s University and a Master of Arts from Teachers College, Columbia University. What she loves most about Rodeph Sholom School is the community—there is a homey, welcoming, open-armed feeling that makes opportunities to interact with colleagues, students, and families some of her favorite parts of each day. A born and raised Upper East Sider, Michele loves dogs, running, pilates, and watching football and baseball.
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.
Jessica is an Elementary Learning Specialist who joined Rodeph Sholom School in 2007. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Skidmore College, where she majored in both psychology and education, and a master’s degree in curriculum and teaching: reading and literacy specialist from Teachers College, Columbia University. What she loves most about Rodeph Sholom School is its special community where people care about and support one another, and there is an excitement around learning and growing together. Jessica notes that Rodeph Sholom School was her first teaching job, and she is still here—a testament to her dedication to the community!
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.
Doni joined Rodeph Sholom School in 2011. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Studio Art from Brandeis University and a master’s degree in Art Therapy from New York University. What she loves most about Rodeph Sholom School is the community. She loves glitter, puppies, and being a mom to two students at Rodeph Sholom School.
Jonathan began his career in education in 1984 by providing private music lessons in the Miami area before joining Rodeph Sholom School in 2000. He holds a Bachelor of Music in jazz saxophone from the University of Miami and a Master of Education from the University of Central Florida. What he loves most about Rodeph Sholom School is the strength, support, and caring of the entire community, which provides a common thread through every member from Nursery through Middle School and beyond. When he’s not at Rodeph Sholom School, he can often be found performing in the pit orchestras of Broadway shows.
Talia joined Rodeph Sholom School in 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hispanic Studies and Linguistic Anthropology from Hamilton College. Prior to joining Rodeph Sholom School, Talia worked at the Hearst Corporation in their Office of General Counsel and then at a multinational law firm in marketing and business development. What she loves most about Rodeph Sholom School is the community. In her spare time, Talia volunteers with a dog rescue organization by staffing events, fundraising, and fostering. Her favorite dessert is cookies.
Allison is passionate about developing hands-on, interdisciplinary curricula and creating opportunities for students to engage with real-world problems. An experienced educator with over 15 years in NYC schools, including nine years at Schechter Manhattan (SM), Allison has worked as a science teacher, instructional coach, and leader in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). She takes pride in having built and grown the STEAM Center at SM, which fostered a culture of design thinking, community projects, and partnerships with numerous organizations. Allison holds a B.A. in Elementary Education and English from Hofstra University and an M.S. in Instructional Technology from Touro College. Though originally from sunny Miami, Florida, after many years of living in the city, she finally considers herself a New Yorker. She enjoys live theater, dance performances, and exploring the city on foot. In her free time, Allison is a highly non-competitive pickleball player and a highly competitive word game enthusiast.
