Employee Directory

Samantha Moshen

Early Childhood Head Teacher

Started at Rodeph Sholom School in:

2010

Began career in Education in:

2007

Educational Background:

BA from Marymount Manhattan College in Theater Performance and Master’s in Early Childhood Education with NYS certification, Birth – Second Grade from Fordham University.

Favorite thing about Rodeph Sholom School:

The community and warmth. The love I feel from the children each day, and I know they feel it from me. How the school allows us to personalize things to each child’s interest and find joy in teaching. 

Other things to know about me:

I was a performer and found Rodeph Sholom School through the CRS Theater Company back in 2005 when I auditioned for “Anything Goes.” I wound up performing in 11 productions including playing Lola in “Damn Yankees” and Rosemary in “How to succeed in business.” I started working in the camp in 2007, was hired by Suzie Newman in 2010 to work in the Threes, where I was for 2 years, before teaching Pre-K for 8 years, and Kindergarten for 3 years. I met my husband Joshua Moshen at Rodeph Sholom School, we got engaged at Congregation Rodeph Sholom in the Eisner, and now have 2 children, a son and a daughter, who attend Rodeph Sholom School. I love to run and have run in over 100 races. I love singing and dancing, and I sing in the classroom with the kids daily, even if we are doing Number Corner. I love the beach, have an obsession with sharks and learning all about them, I worked in the Rodeph Sholom School camp the summer of 2023 as a theater/dance teacher, and had the time of my life. I especially appreciate kindness, laughter, and of course… glitter. Everything is better with glitter. 

Anne Murphy

Enrollment Manager

Anne joined Rodeph Sholom School in 2019 as an Admissions Associate. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from SUNY Binghamton.

Ella Musher-Eizenman

Individual Giving Officer

Ella joined Rodeph Sholom School from the Capital Gifts and Special Initiatives team at UJA-Federation of New York, where she managed engagement and events for their Real Estate Division. At Rodeph Sholom School, she leads our engagement efforts, including events and special programs for donors, grandparents, and our alumni community, while also supporting special fundraising initiatives.

Barbara Naughton

Early Childhood Head Teacher

Barbara joined Rodeph Sholom School in 2003. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University and a Master of Science from Metropolitan College of New York.

Hannah Newman

Elementary Science Teacher

Hannah joined Rodeph Sholom School in 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Stern College, an associate degree in Judaic studies, and a master’s degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages from SUNY Brockport. What she loves most about Rodeph Sholom School is the positive energy and excitement the students have for learning. Hannah is a Buffalo Bills fan who enjoys trying new restaurants, visiting art galleries, and exploring yoga studios.

Sarah Novella

Assistant Director of Physical Education and Athletics

Sarah joined Rodeph Sholom School in 2019. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and a minor in musical theater, and she holds a master’s degree in physical education from SUNY Brockport. Prior to joining Rodeph Sholom School, Sarah worked in educational travel, theater, and as a substitute teacher. The daughter of a long-time physical education teacher, she is thrilled to start the career she has long known she would pursue. What she loves most about Rodeph Sholom School is the close community and the friendships she has formed while working here.

Debra Orlep

Middle School English and History Teacher

Debra joined Rodeph Sholom School in 2021, bringing more than 20 years of experience teaching English and Social Studies to 5th through 8th graders at other New York independent schools. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Binghamton University and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from Adelphi University. What she treasures most about Rodeph Sholom School is the strong sense of community and the way new members are welcomed, making it a special place. Debra loves theater in all its forms—whether performing on stage, doing improv, directing, working backstage, or watching from the audience. She also enjoys reading, biking, music, games of all sorts, and spending time with her two children, her husband, and her dogs.

Brendan Oswald

Director of Physical Education and Athletics

Brendan joined Rodeph Sholom School in 1998. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from The College of Wooster and a Master of Arts from Long Island University.

John Parente

ED and MS Science Department Chair, Middle School Science Teacher

John joined Rodeph Sholom School in 2004. He holds a Bachelor of Science in biology focusing on genetics and biochemistry with a minor in psychology from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in Science Education from City College of New York. What he loves most about Rodeph Sholom School is the dedicated students and their love of learning. John is a coffee roaster, numismatist, and Masskrugstemmen Champion who played football and lacrosse and is a Mets and Jets fan.

Melissa Perry

Early Childhood Associate Teacher

Melissa graduated from the University of Buffalo with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater and a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. She has taught dance for people of all ages and believes that dance can be a medium to help students connect to many areas of the curriculum. A native of Buffalo, Melissa is enjoying experiencing all that New York has to offer.