Meet Our Faculty

Mrs. Shayna Apfel
Mrs. Shayna Apfel comes with years of experience and training in the field of Special Education. She earned her BA from Stern College and a Masters degree in General Education and Special Education from Touro College. She is a certified Kriah Specialist and has helped many struggling students learn how to read. Mrs. Apfel previously taught in the YCQ Resource Room for six years and spent summers working in Michlelet and Camp Kaylie.
Mrs. Apfel believes in the ability of each student and strives to help every girl find her place and shine. She is a certified life coach and is passionate about helping every girl succeed by inspiring the girls to believe in themselves. Mrs. Apfel lives with her family in Passaic.

Mrs. Rebecca Aronovitz
Mrs. Rebecca Aronovitz is enthusiastic about history and has a deep love for Tanach. Mrs. Aronovitz has worked as an advisor for NCSY and Camp Dina. She has joined the stafff of Naaleh as part of the Jewish History Faculty. Mrs. Aronovitz lives in Washington Heights.

Dr. Danielle Bloom
Dr. Bloom has been teaching Torah and psychology for over twenty years. Her passion is applying the ancient Torah text to our lives today. She is a graduate of Stern College, with a Masters in Jewish History from Touro College and completed her doctorate in Jewish Education and Administration at the Azrieli Graduate School of Yeshiva University. Dr. Bloom lives with her family in Monsey.

Mrs. Kayla Bluman
Mrs. Kayla Bluman attended Michlalah, Stern College for Women and Azrieli Graduate School, and has had the opportunity to teach students of varied backgrounds and skill sets, assisting students in reaching their own personal achievements on all levels. Mrs. Bluman has over ten years of experience in informal education and programming for teenagers. She has was a City Director for NCSY and worked in summer camps as a Director of Chinuch and Division Head. While honing in on developing independent learners, Mrs. Bluman aims to open her students’ eyes and hearts to the practical messages that the Torah text has to offer.
Mrs. Bluman currently lives with her family in Fair Lawn.

Mrs. Rachel Blumenfeld
Mrs. Rachel Blumenfeld received her BSN in Nursing from Hunter College and is currently enrolled in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at FDU. Mrs. Blumenfeld is experienced in both educational and hospital settings. She currently lives in Bergenfield with her family.

Ms. Chaiy Bodek
Ms. Chaiy Bodek attended SKA followed by a year and a half at Michlalah. She is an Honors graduate of the Legacy Heritage Scholar program for Jewish Education at Stern College, while also minoring in Chemistry. She received her Master's degree at the Azrieli Graduate School. Ms. Bodek has worked at Camp Dina for the past 5 summers, spearheading learning initiatives for campers and staff, as well as running the athletics program. She has worked for the OU Women’s Initiative and NCSY education department. Ms. Bodek teaches Mishlei, is a 10th Grade Mechanechet and is the coach of the Naaleh Varsity Basketball and Softball teams.
Ms. Bodek’s passion for Yiddishkeit, love of learning and desire to help others apply the Torah’s values to all areas of their lives enables her to connect to her students- both inside and outside of the classroom. Ms. Bodek lives in Teaneck with her family.

Mrs. Chaya Brand
Mrs. Chaya Brand has been teaching mathematics since 2010. In her broad experience spanning middle school through high school, her focus has always been on clarity of instruction and helping each student achieve success in her own way.
Mrs. Brand earned a BA in Psychology with a minor in Mathematics from Touro College and an MA in Middle Childhood Mathematics Education from Brooklyn College. Prior to teaching at Naaleh, Mrs. Brand taught at Bnos Malka Academy, Bais Yaakov of Passaic, and Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls.

Mrs. Elissa Chanales
Mrs. Elissa Chanales is a master teacher, with 20 years of experience in girls education. In addition to teaching a variety of Limudei Kodesh subjects, she has focused on supervising faculty, leading professional development, overseeing school-wide scheduling and fostering relationships with parents, teachers and students. She earned her Bachelor’s of Education and Teaching License from Michlalah Jerusalem College, and then went on to earn her M.Sc. from the Azrieli Graduate School of Education of Yeshiva University and continued to complete her doctoral coursework in School Administration. Mrs. Chanales has successfully participated in teacher mentor training through JNTP (Jewish New Teacher Project).
Mrs. Chanales comes to Naaleh after having taught at Ramaz, JEC, RYNJ, Fuchs Mizrachi School, and most recently her role as Assistant Principal at Chaviva High School in Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. Chanales brings her impressive experience to our students and teachers, focusing on blending academic excellence while fostering sincere personal growth at Naaleh. Mrs. Chanales lives with her family in Teaneck.

Mrs. Aliza Davis
Mrs. Aliza Davis brings many years of formal and informal teaching experience to her Naaleh classroom. She has taught at The Moriah School, Yeshiva Beis Hillel, Bruriah High School, and Bais Yaakov Machon Ora. She has been involved in leadership capacities in NCSY regions and summer programs and is currently involved in youth, teen, and adult programs in her community. She has also run professional development workshops and has served as a teacher mentor to new teachers.
After attending Michlalah, Mrs. Davis earned a B.A. from Stern College and is currently pursuing her M.A. in Judaic Studies from Touro. She lives in Passaic, NJ with her family.

Ms. Tiffany Diamond
Coach Tiffany Diamond has been working for years, conducting local bootcamps and servicing private fitness clients. In 2016, Tiffany decided to turn her passion for fitness into her full time job. Coach Diamond has an M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling from NYU and also worked as a Vocational Assessment Counselor.
As a personal trainer, certified fitness instructor (AFAA/NASM), Tiffany has accrued many certifications over the years, including Yoga (RYT 200), Stretch, TRX, Spin, Stretch & Mobility. Her inherent knowledge of the positive impact physical fitness plays in our lives, enables her to teach in a way that is energizing, challenging and gratifying. Ms. Diamond's multidisciplinary (cardio, yoga, strength, stretch, & mobility) approach to fitness is what makes her a unique asset to the team.
Coach Diamond lives in Teaneck with her family.

Ms. Miriam Eisenberg
Ms. Miriam Eisenberg brings a strong academic background and a passion for her subject to Naaleh’s history department. She is a summa cum laude graduate of CUNY’s Macaulay Honors College and Queens College, having double majored in English and History with a concentration in European History. Ms. Eisenberg has been a madricha for Bruriah High School’s alumni Beit Medrash program, as well as a TA for a Macaulay Honors College colloquium. She enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for history (and her expansive collection of fun history facts!) with the students of Naaleh.

Mrs. Nava Eisenberg
Mrs. Nava Eisenberg went to Darchei Binah Seminary, graduated from Lander College for Women with her BS in Judaic Studies and received her MS in Jewish Education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Education and Administration. Beginning at the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County, Mrs. Eisenberg joined the HASC Beis Medrash Staff where she held chabrurah's for HASC's post Israel staff for 7 summers. After teaching in Shulamith of Long Island, Nava and her family moved to Passaic where she then worked at Yavneh Academy and Bais Yaakov Machon Ora. Throughout her diverse teaching career, Mrs. Eisenberg's goal has always been for her students to develop a closer relationship with Hashem through their learning regardless of their background.

Mrs. Julie Farkas
Mrs. Julie Farkas has always been a spirited artist. She majored in Graphic Design at Moore College of Art in Philadelphia and has over three decades of corporate design experience. Presently she owns a graphic design and promotions firm and runs art programs for both children and adults. Helping others find their creative voice, fostering a love for art and design is her passion. In her free time, she volunteers extensively in outreach and enjoys drawing, painting and learning.

Mrs. Noa Feldman
Mrs. Noa Feldman received her BA in Psychology from Lander's College for Women and her Master's in Social Work from Long Island University. As a social worker, she has experience providing guidance for her clients and their families, with compassion and understanding. Mrs. Feldman has worked in multiple settings, including seminaries, mental health centers, and adult homes. With her passionate and empathetic nature, Noa has successfully connected with her clients, empowering them towards self development.
Mrs. Feldman lives in Clifton, NJ with her husband and children.

Mr. Fred Ferber
Mr. Ferber has a lifelong interest in government and politics and is teaching government to 12th grade students. He has a BA from Ithaca College. Mr. Ferber spent 30 years in the financial industry working for domestic and European investment banks. More recently he has directed a sports program in Bergen County, teaching golf to children and teenagers. He hopes to impart the foundations of our government and to relate it to the present. By encouraging debate and discussion Mr. Ferber would like to make his students concerned and aware citizens. He lives in Saddle Brook with his family.

Mrs. Avigayil Finkelstein
Mrs. Avigayil Finkelstein holds an MA in Jewish Studies from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies. She attended Michlalah and graduated from Stern College with a BA in Jewish Studies and Creative Writing. Mrs. Avigayil Finkelstein is currently pursuing her PhD in medieval Jewish history at the Bernard Revel Graduate School. She is enthusiastic about the depth and beauty of Tanach, as well as the deep connection to mesorah that is fostered by an understanding of Jewish history. Mrs. Finkelstein lives in Washington Heights.

Mrs. Miriam Finkelstein
Mrs. Miriam Finkelstein graduated from Stern College as a Legacy Heritage Scholar and received her masters degree from Azrieli Graduate School. She has participated in numerous professional development opportunities including Iviryon and Avi Chai Better Lesson. She previously taught in the Moriah School and at Manhattan Day School and has also worked as an NCSY Madricha and Division Head.
Mrs. Finkelstein's strong academic presence, passion for Yiddishkeit, and warm and energetic personality, give her the unique ability to connect with her students both inside and outside of the classroom.

Mrs. Julie Friedman
Mrs. Julie Friedman, Director of IT/Ed Tech, is a Google Certified Educator and certified in various online educational applications. She has over 10 years of experience as a Yearbook advisor. She has extensive experience training faculty and students in various Learning Management Systems, and teaches coding and 3D printing as well. For the past 5 years, she has been creating and implementing interactive lessons for Middle School, including a year-long project on the Holocaust.
Mrs. Friedman has a Masters of Education in Interdisciplinary STEM Education from The Citadel in South Carolina, a nod to her southern roots as a native of Norfolk/Virginia Beach. She is currently a student in The Emil A. and Jenny Fish Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at YU, and is pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Instructional Technology. Mrs. Julie Friedman lives with her family in Clifton.

Mrs. Mimi Fuchs
Mrs. Mimi Fuchs has been teaching Tanach since 2011. In her classroom, she engages students through experiential learning, differentiated instruction, and meaningful incorporation of educational technology. She is passionate about promoting the relevance and beauty of Tanach while providing her students with the tools to unlock the depth of Torah text.
Mrs. Fuchs also has extensive experience with educational programming. She has worked coordinating activities for staff and students at SKA, Michlelet NCSY, Camp Kaylie, and Ida Crown Jewish Academy.
Mrs. Fuchs earned a B.A. in Judaic Studies and Biology from Yeshiva University and an M.S. in Jewish Education from Azrieli Graduate School. She is currently a doctoral candidate at Azrieli and lives with her family in Bergenfield, NJ.

Mrs. Rochel Gans
Mrs. Rochel Gans graduated from Stern College for Women with a B.A. in Jewish Studies and History. As an undergraduate, Mrs. Gans served as an editor of Chronos, YU’s Journal of History and Jewish History, and wrote for Kol HaMevaser, YU’s Journal of Jewish Thought. She is currently pursuing her M.A. at Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies where she also works as a research assistant. Mrs. Gans previously worked as a coach of the debate team and madrichah at Bruriah High School and as a writing tutor at Stern College. She believes strongly in the power of Jewish history to enhance the way we live and learn.
Mrs. Shira Glas
Mrs. Shira Glas is a...Bio

Mrs. Shira Glas
Mrs. Shira Glas is a limudei kodesh teacher, Israel advisor, and mechanechet with over a decade of teaching experience. She is passionate about creating a warm classroom environment, where students feel their voices are heard. Mrs. Glas enjoys spending time with students one-on-one and cares deeply about each student's academic, social, and emotional wellbeing.
Mrs. Glas has a B.A. in Psychology from Stern College and an M.S. from the Azrieli Graduate School. She has experience teaching throughout the New York and New Jersey region, including teaching at Bruriah High School, Shalhevet, and Moriah School. She lives in Clifton with her family.

Mrs. Chaya Glaser
Mrs. Chaya Glaser is an accomplished educator who brings many years of experience to Naaleh's Hebrew Language Department. Mrs. Glaser attended Bar Ilan University, earning degrees in Tanach, Jewish History and Hebrew Language Studies, as well as attending their School of Education where she received her teacher’s certification. Her extensive experience includes teaching middle school, high school and college.
Mrs. Glaser has created a warm and engaging classroom where her students are uplifted and inspired with a love for Israel and for the Hebrew Language.

Dr. Ruth Glasser
Dr. Ruth Glasser comes to Naaleh High School after serving as the School Psychologist at the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy. As a school psychologist she has experience providing individual support and guidance to students, faculty, and parents; as well as devising curricula and programs to address the students’ overall social and emotional development. Aside from her primary experience working with yeshiva day school and high school students, she has extensive experience working in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, and residential treatment centers. She also taught AP Psychology at Maayanot High School, and taught on several NCSY summer programs, including Michlelet and SEG.
Dr. Glasser grew up in Los Angeles, California. She received her BA in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Child Clinical Psychology from St. John’s University. An avid sports fan, Dr. Glasser lives in Passaic with her family, and serves as the Rebbetzin of the Young Israel of Passaic-Clifton.

Rabbi Zev Goldberg
Rabbi Zev Goldberg, a native of Teaneck, studied at Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh and received his semicha from RIETS. Since 2014, he has served as the Rabbi of Young Israel of Fort Lee in Fort Lee, NJ. From 2014-2022, Rabbi Goldberg taught at Bruriah High School for Girls where he served as the Chair of the Torah Sh'Bal Peh Department. Rabbi Goldberg also teaches at RIETS and at Stern College. Rabbi Goldberg is the President of the Rabbinical Council of Bergen County (RCBC) and a Dayan on its Beit Din L’Giyur. He is a passionate and animated teacher who is focused on developing meaningful relationships with his students.

Mrs. Stephanie Greenspan
Mrs. Stephanie Greenspan, MS, RDN is a Registered Dietitian and Clinical Nutritionist in Bergen County. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland at College Park and completed both a masters degree in Nutrition and a Dietetic Internship at Brooklyn College. Mrs. Greenspan enjoys sharing her passion and knowledge of nutrition with her Naaleh students.

Mrs. Shira Hagler
Mrs. Shira Hagler graduated from Stern College for Women with a BA in Media and Communications. Before coming to Naaleh, Shira worked at Manhattan Day School assisting both the Middle School Principal and the main office. Shira enjoys connecting with students and looks forward to enhancing their school day. Shira lives in Hillside, NJ with her family.
Mrs. Samantha Hauptman
Mrs. Samantha Hauptm...Bio

Mrs. Samantha Hauptman
Mrs. Samantha Hauptman has taught numerous courses including English Language Arts, Film Studies, and Holocaust Studies. Before coming to Naaleh, she served as a college guidance counselor at Bruriah High School.
Mrs. Hauptman earned her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from California State University, Northridge. A native Californian, she is still adjusting to the winter in New Jersey. Mrs. Hauptman lives with her family in Passaic.

Mrs. Elizabeth Horowitz
Mrs. Elizabeth Horowitz earned her BS in Biology with honors from Touro College. Subsequently, she went on to earn an additional BS in Health Sciences and MS in Physician Assistant Studies, also from Touro College. She currently works as an internal medicine physician assistant at Jacobi Medical Center. Mrs. Horowitz has experience both teaching and mentoring students in Biology and Chemistry. She is passionate about health sciences and hopes to inspire her students by using her medical background to make topics relevant and meaningful. She aims to help her students develop the problem-solving skills needed to best apply the knowledge gained in the classroom. Mrs. Horowitz lives with her family in Fair Lawn, NJ.

Rabbi Gedaliah Jaffe
Rabbi Gedaliah Jaffe has been a High School Rebbe since 2000 and is the Rav of Congregation Ahavas Yisrael in Edison, NJ. A native of California, Rabbi Jaffe graduated from the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, holds a BA in Music from Yeshiva University, and rabbinic ordination from RIETS. He is currently a member of the Vaad HaRabbanim of Raritan Valley and has been a Maggid Shiur for both the international Dirshu Daf Yomi B’Halacha learning program and the Daf Hashavua learning program.
Rabbi Jaffe is a widely sought after lecturer in the tri-state area as a scholar-in-residence and inspirational speaker. Many of his shiurim are available on YuTorah.org. He is privileged to be able to help develop a halacha curriculum at Naaleh that demonstrates the relevance, beauty, and meaning of living a committed Torah lifestyle.

Mrs. Shayna Karlin
Mrs. Shayna Karlin has been teaching both Limudei Kodesh and General Studies for over 10 years. She has taught a variety of subjects including Physics, World History, Chumash and Navi. Mrs. Karlin works hard to develop meaningful connections with each of her students and help them find their strengths in order to succeed inside, as well as outside the classroom.
In the classroom, Mrs. Karlin builds hands-on lessons using a variety of modalities and works with the students to create real-world connections to the material being learned. She has spent many years in informal education including Youth Director at Congregation Adath Israel in Elizabeth/Hillside, as well as spending many summers teaching on the Camp Morasha Chinuch staff. After attending MMY, Mrs. Karlin was part of the first cohort of Legacy Heritage Fellows at Stern College where she earned her BA in Education, Psychology and Jewish History. In her spare time, Mrs. Karlin is a First Responder for Hatzalah and enjoys reading, painting murals and gardening. Shayna lives with her family in Bergenfield, NJ.

Mrs. Andrea Karten
Mrs. Andrea Karten has been teaching English since 2009. Her classroom is a place of high expectations that inspires experimentation and helps students tap into their innate creativity. She is a recipient of the Barnes and Noble “My Favorite Teacher” regional award.
Mrs. Karten has an MSW from New York University and has worked previously as a clinical social worker as well as in Jewish outreach on college campuses. She currently lives with her family in Passaic, NJ. When she’s not teaching, she can likely be found camping on a mountaintop, lost in a book, or working on her next novel.

Mrs. Oria Kay
Mrs. Oria Kay has over a decade of experience in the field of education working in Yeshivot and public schools. Mrs. Kay has worked with a wide range of students from many different cultural backgrounds with different learning challenges and emotional needs. She has acquired a lot of knowledge and skills over the years, including reading Braille. Mrs. Kay has a passion for helping students to discover their strengths and use them to recognize their potential and succeed in accomplishing their goals.
Mrs. Kay received her B.A. in Psychology and holds a masters degree in School Psychology as well as a masters degree in Special Education. She lives with her family in Teaneck.

Mrs. Deena Kobre
Naaleh’s founding head of school, Mrs. Deena Kobre previously served as Associate Principal at the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls (SKA) in Hewlett Bay Park, New York, and taught at the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County (HANC) High School and Shevach High School. In addition to her extensive administrative background, over the past 16 years, Mrs. Kobre has engaged students in the classroom, having taught numerous courses, including AP Psychology, Modern Jewish History, Medieval Jewish History, and various Limudei Kodesh subjects. She relishes the varied perspective gained from being deeply-involved in all aspects of school operations (both in and out of the classroom), and she is renowned for being an engaging, innovative, and inspiring educator.
Born in South Africa and raised in La Jolla, California, she attended high school in Los Angeles. After spending a year and a half at Michlalah, Mrs. Kobre earned a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in School Leadership and Administration. She has served as a mentor/coordinator in Yeshiva University’s New Teacher Induction Program, and has been a sought-after participant and leader in numerous professional development programs under the auspices of the UJA-Federation and YU School Partnership.
Mrs. Kobre lives with her family in Kew Gardens Hills.

Ms. Deni Kolatch
Ms. Deni Kolatch has been teaching English since 2014. She previously taught at Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) and the NYC Lab School for Collaborative Studies. Ms. Kolatch is passionate about discussing life through literature, and about helping students understand and access the power of words. She has a Bachelor's Degree from Columbia University and a Master's Degree from Teachers College in Secondary English Education. Ms. Kolatch is very excited to be part of the Naaleh team!

Ms. Elana Kook
Ms. Elana Kook aims to educate and empower students to be independent learners by developing their skills and learning strategies. She also hopes to instill and cultivate a life-long love of reading and writing within her students. Ms. Kook earned her BA from Yeshiva University with summa cum laude honors where she majored in English literature, completed a minor in history, and served as editor-in-chief of the newspaper. Ms. Kook received her MA in adolescent literacy from Fordham University, where she also completed her NY State professional teaching certification. As a member of Teach For America, Ms. Kook taught middle school English language arts in a New York City public school. She taught English at Yeshiva University High School for Girls, and most recently at Torah Academy of Bergen County. Ms. Kook currently lives in Riverdale with her family.

Mrs. Sheva Kopstick
Mrs. Sheva Kopstick is a graduate of the Legacy Heritage Scholar program for Jewish Education at Stern College, and holds a Master's degree from Azrieli Graduate School. Mrs. Kopstick worked on Michlelet NCSY for the past three summers and is currently the director of NCSY 4G NJ.
Mrs. Kopstick is excited for her dual role as 11th grade mechanechet and Navi teacher. Her passion for Torah learning, along with her devotion to her students permeates the classroom, and creates a warm and fun learning environment.

Mrs. Ricki Kurtz
Mrs. Kurtz is a founding member of the Naaleh Faculty, having served as our inaugural Educational Technology Integrator since the school’s inception. Mrs. Kurtz received her B.A. in Education from Stern College and her M.A. in Education from Fordham University, and has spent the past 15 years teaching English Language Arts at Yeshivat Noam.
A beloved educator, she has designed curricula, mentored new teachers, and managed educational software systems. Most recently, she served as the New Curriculum Project Manager at the Consortium of Jewish Day Schools (CoJDS). Mrs. Kurtz brings her passion for collaboration and innovation, her trademark warmth and, her commitment to academic excellence to Naaleh. She lives with her family in Clifton.

Mrs. Shana Leben
Mrs. Leben has been involved in formal and informal Jewish Education for several years, Mrs. Leben brings creativity, devotion and excitement to Naaleh. Previously she served as Assistant to the Director of Student Activities at Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls where she was involved in orchestrating and supporting many of the extra curricular activities, and was as the Assistant Director of the annual school-wide Production. Mrs. Leben lives in Bergenfield with her family.

Rabbi Yosef Loewy
Rabbi Yosef Loewy studied for many years in Yeshivas Ner Yisrael in Baltimore before entering the esteemed Kollel Horaah of Yeshivas Ohr Reuven in Monsey, where he received semicha from Rabbi Betzalel Rudinsky. Since then, Rabbi Loewy has been teaching Torah to virtually all ages and walks of Judaism. Rabbi Loewy served as the Rav of the Young Israel of East Northport before returning to Monsey to lead Beis Medrash Ner Torah, a new popular post high school yeshiva for young men who wish to blend learning and vocation. In addition, Rabbi Loewy has been teaching halacha in the high school division of Ohr Reuven for the past several years.
Rabbi Loewy currently lives in Monsey with his family. He enjoys connecting with his students and helping them reach their full potential. He is excited to be a part of the Naaleh team and bring Halacha to life for his students.

Mrs. Allie London
Mrs. Allie London is a graduate of Stern College and has a double Master's in Education and Special Education from Touro College. She also received her New York State certification in Special Education. Mrs. London loves building relationships with her students while helping them achieve their goals in the classroom. Mrs. London lives with her family in Clifton.

Mrs. Rebecca Lopkin
Mrs. Rebecca Lopkin holds a BS and MA from New York University in Educational Theater. She has been bringing theater programming to Jewish students in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania through her educational theater company, Envision Theater, for the past ten years. She is a director, designer and choreographer as well as a teaching artist and actress. She has been the theater director at Camp Shoshanim for the past ten years and is now the theater director at NCSY's Camp Maor, a Performing arts camp for girls.

Mrs. Tamar Lowe
Mrs. Tamar Lowe has been teaching high school girls Physical Education since 2014. She is a Group Fitness instructor with over a decade of experience teaching adult fitness classes. Mrs. Lowe is certified in Group Fitness, Pilates and Spin. She hopes to inspire a love of fitness in the girls that can help them de-stress from their school work and help keep their bodies and minds healthy.
Mrs. Lowe lives in Teaneck with her family, and when she is not working out, you can find her in the kitchen baking babka.

Rabbi Andrew Markowitz
Rabbi Andrew Markowitz learned at Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim, and then continued to Yeshiva University. He graduated with a BA in Psychology and semicha from REITS during which time he was a fellow of the Gruss Kollel in Jerusalem. While in Israel, he trained closely with Rav Gideon Weitzman of Machon Puah where he received an additional semicha with a focus on the field of fertility and Halacha. Upon finishing his semicha, he was accepted to Yeshiva University’s prestigious Beren Kollel Elyon.
Rabbi Markowitz is the Rabbi of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Rabbi Markowitz and his family have made Shomrei Torah their home since he began as the assistant rabbi in 2010. Rabbi Markowitz has taught in Bruriah High School for Girls where he worked closely with the administration and guidance department to create engaging programming for his students. He presently serves on the Executive Committee of the Rabbinical Council of America and as a member of the Kashrus Committee for the Rabbinical Council of Bergen County.

Mr. Alejandro Meneses
Señor Alejandro Meneses has decades of experience teaching Spanish, ranging from preschool to adults in the private sector, as well as college level students. In addition to teaching at Naaleh, Señor Meneses teaches at The Frisch School. Additionally, he is a freelance Spanish translator for the U.S. Department of Justice.
His personality encourages a fun environment of learning while challenging students to be creative and confident. He is well known for his high academic standards and his passion for teaching Spanish.
Señor Meneses graduated from Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos with a degree in Teaching Spanish as a Second Language. He lives in Fair Lawn, New Jersey with his family.

Mr. Or Mossaiov
Mr. Or Mossaiov graduated Yeshiva University with a bachelor's in biology. Since 2017, he has been an MCAT instructor at MCAT King. As a high school chemistry, physics, and biology teacher, Mr. Mossaiov aims to live the Torah U’Madda approach, showing students that science is one of the chochmas one can learn to get closer to Hashem. Using metaphors, analogies, and at times, bad puns, he brings a unique and customized approach to meet every student’s needs.

Ms. Meira Motechin
Meira Motechin holds a B.A. in psychology from Stern College for Women and an M.S. in school psychology from St. John’s University. She is currently pursuing her PsyD at St. John’s. Meira has been involved in NCSY programming and education for 4G and Michlelet, where she spent several amazing summers as madricha and head madricha. Meira brings her creativity, organization, and warmth to her position as Assistant to the Director of Student Life.

Ms. Marita M. Poline
Ms. Poline spent over 25 years in corporate and technology management, including 20 years as a senior business systems manager at Sony before leaving the corporate world to earn an MA in Social Studies education at Columbia University Teachers College. Ms. Poline has been an educator since 2007 and taught at the Solomon Schechter High School in Teaneck and then at Schechter Westchester High School. Ms. Poline has taught U.S. History, World History, Jewish History, Constitutional Law, AP Government and Politics, Sociology, Tefilah, and various electives. She was also the Senior Program Coordinator at Schechter Westchester. Most recently she taught World History and U. S. History at TABC where she was also the Debate Team advisor.

Mrs. Anat Pollack
Mrs. Anat Pollack is an eighth generation Israeli and was educated at Ulpanat Harav Baharan and Michlelet Orot, and she served her Sheirut Leumi in the classroom teaching Judaic Studies to secular youth. After moving to the United States, she obtained an undergraduate degree in Tanach from Touro College and a Masters degree in Modern Jewish History from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies. In her classroom, Mrs. Pollack combines her love of Hebrew language and literature with her passion for teaching.
Mrs. Kayla Rabinowich
Mrs. Kayla Rabinowic...Bio

Mrs. Kayla Rabinowich
Mrs. Kayla Rabinowich has been teaching in Yeshiva girls' high schools since 2007. She taught high school English in Los Angeles before relocating to New Jersey where she has taught Creative Writing, Drama, Theater club, Fine Art, Art Appreciation, AP Literature, U.S. History, Poetry club, and Public Speaking. Before becoming a high school teacher, Mrs. Rabinowich devoted years to teaching informally through Jewish teen outreach in Israel and California in her roles as seminary madricha, volunteer tutor in Hebrew University and JEWEL, and kiruv coordinator for JAM at UCLA. She consistently grabs opportunities to deepen her skills via professional development, some highlights including The Jewish New Teacher Project two-year mentorship training and Roundabout Theater's Teaching Institute. Mrs. Rabinowich's passion for authenticity in her teaching led her to continue her professional journey at Columbia University Teachers College. She relishes staying connected with her former students and hearing about how they implement their communication skills in their lives and careers.

Ms. Naomi Rubin
Ms. Naomi Rubin received her BA in Biology from the Stern College S. Daniel Abrams Honors Program and an MS in Biology with a pedagogy concentration from Montclair State University. She has taught various high school science courses, as well as interactive laboratory courses for several years. She’s passionate about instilling a love of science in her students and to help them develop a variety of skills such as problem solving, creative thinking, and analysis. Ms. Rubin believes that the best way for students to learn science is to interact with and take control of their own learning through a variety of projects, experiments, presentations and assessments.

Mrs. Chanie Saffern
Mrs. Chanie Saffern has been living in Bergenfield and teaching mathematics for over 25 years. She has taught all levels of mathematics spanning from pre-algebra through AP Calculus at Maayanot and RYNJ. Additionally, her experience includes providing math enrichment and
remediation for local students from several schools while collaborating with students, parents and teachers. She capitalizes on the strengths of her students as she strives to help each individual learn. Mrs. Saffern believes all of her students deserve to be challenged and learn from productive struggle. Her passion for teaching Calculus led her to join the Naaleh faculty to share her love of the subject.
Mrs. Saffern graduated from Queens College with a major in mathematics. She completed her master's degree in mathematics education from Fairleigh Dickinson University and has New Jersey certification to teach mathematics at all levels.

Mrs. Devorah Schloss
Mrs. Devorah Schloss brings an eclectic range of corporate and non-profit experience with her to Naaleh. Her background includes nearly a decade at BBDO/OMD advertising agency where she worked on Fortune 500 accounts and grew into management roles overseeing quality control and project management of internal company website platforms. Mrs. Schloss lives in Bergenfield with her family.

Mrs. Renee Schneier
Mrs. Renee Schneier holds a joint degree in Advertising Design from Stern College and The Fashion Institute of Technology, as well as an additional degree in Textile and Surface Design from FIT. Prior to teaching, she was a children’s wear, accessories, and textile designer for a number of well-known companies.
As Chair of the Art Department at Magen David Yeshivah, Mrs. Schneier created the Visual Arts curriculum and taught Studio Art, and worked on collaborative art projects within both the General and Judaic Studies curricula. She has varied experience teaching art at both the Elementary and High School levels in day schools and camps, as well as students with disabilities, having taught art workshops at Yachad for their Day Program. Mrs. Schneier lives in Teaneck with her family.

Mrs. Rivki Silverman
Mrs. Rivki Silverman's experience in teaching includes seven years of professional tutoring in K-12 mathematics, two years as a middle school assistant mathematics teacher at YCQ, and student teaching at Bruriah. In addition to her math education experience, she has spent the past ten summers teaching art in a day camp.
Mrs. Silverman graduated Queens College with a BA and initial teaching certification in Secondary Mathematics Education. She enjoys fun math games and puzzles, and sharing them with her students! Her goal in every class is to encourage her students to embrace math and find real world applications. Mrs. Silverman lives in New Milford with her family.

Mrs. Shoshana Sperling
Mrs. Shoshana Sperling, an engaging and dynamic educator, has many years of teaching experience in several NY/NJ area girls high schools. Her expertise and creativity in preparing text-based classes, as well as in leading learning-related discussions, ensures a stimulating classroom experience, comprehension of lessons, and long-term retention of the material studied. Mrs. Sperling has taught a wide array of Limudei Kodesh subjects to now two generations of Jewish women, and is excited to be on staff at Naaleh, where she continues to be inspired by her students.

Mrs. Rena Strulowitz
Mrs. Rena Strulowitz completed her B.A. in Mathematics at Yeshiva University, Stern College for Women. She then proceeded to work as an actuary for 10 years, growing into a managerial role at Ernst & Young LLP. She thrived on giving training seminars in actuarial science and teaching entry-level colleagues. Upon discovering her passion for teaching others, Mrs. Strulowitz then chose to pursue a path in teaching math.
Mrs. Strulowitz prides herself on getting to know her students and tailoring her classes based on each of their needs. She is always looking for opportunities to utilize different technologies and modalities to engage her students' learning. Mrs. Strulowitz lives in Bergenfield with her family.

Ms. Yelena Tovbin

Mrs. Alina Vosk
Mrs. Alina Vosk began her career at Ernst and Young and over the years transitioned to Controller roles at various private institutions. Prior to joining Naaleh, Mrs. Vosk was responsible for operating the Finance office at the Jewish Foundation School of Staten Island.
Mrs. Vosk graduated Magna Cum Laude from Pace University Lubin's School of Business with a BA in Finance. Originally from Ukraine, she now lives in Bergenfield with her family.

Rabbi Effie Wagner
Rabbi Effie Wagner is excited to join the faculty at Naaleh High School for Girls. After spending three years studying in Yeshivat Shaalvim, Rabbi Wagner received his BA in Psychology from Yeshiva University and Semicha from RIETS, where he spent time learning at the YU Gruss Kollel in Jerusalem. He is currently in his third year of a school-clinical psychology doctoral program. He previously taught in Yeshivat Noam. He lives in Teaneck with his family.

Mrs. Devorah Wasserlauf
Mrs. Devorah Wasserlauf has over 15 years of experience in the field of education and special education. Before joining the Naaleh faculty, she taught biology and chemistry and was a Learning Specialist in the Learning Center at Ma'ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls. Prior to that, she taught general and Judaic Studies at the P’tach program at Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) for seven years.
Mrs. Wasserlauf graduated with honors from Touro College Graduate School of Education and Psychology and holds an M.S. in Education and Special Education. She lives in Fair Lawn with her family.

Rabbi Moshe Tzvi Weinberg
Rabbi Moshe Tzvi Weinberg currently teaches in Yeshiva University’s Irving I. Stone Beit Midrash Program (SBMP) where he also serves as Mashgiach Ruchani. A graduate of Yeshiva University, Rabbi Weinberg received his semicha from Rabbi Zalman Nechemia Goldberg of Jerusalem and has also been certified by the Center for Integrated Teacher Education. Rabbi Weinberg has worked as a Jewish educator for the past 15 years and has previously taught at Torah Academy of Bergen County and the Moriah School of Englewood, before joining the Yeshiva University faculty. He has served as a guest speaker and scholar in residence in Jewish communities and college campuses across the country.
Nearly 1,200 of his recorded shiurim appear on yutorah.org. He also serves as the Mashpia at Congregation Beth Abraham in Bergenfield, where he lives with his family.

Mrs. Elana Weiss
Mrs. Elana Weiss has taught math for over 10 years across many different grade levels. She tutors Algebra and Geometry extensively for the New York State Regent Exams. Her broad math background shapes the content of her lessons to fit the bigger picture of how her students will use math across other disciplines in school and in real life. Mrs. Weiss incorporates a variety of methodologies into her classroom including inquiry based learning, technology, and collaboration between her students to make the lessons meaningful and engaging.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Mrs. Weiss was a Wayne State University National Merit Scholar and then completed her B.A. in Mathematics at Rutgers University. She worked in the Real Estate field before going back into the classroom as a teacher. Once she found her passion in math education, she completed a Masters in Secondary Math Education at SUNY and received a New York State Secondary Math Teaching Certification. Mrs. Weiss lives in Monsey with her family.

Rabbi Aryeh Wielgus
Rabbi Aryeh Wielgus is the Regional Director of New Jersey NCSY. A native of Brooklyn, New York, he resides in Bergenfield with his family.

Mrs. Ahuva Wiesenfeld
Mrs. Ahuva Weisenfeld has been teaching since 2009 throughout New Jersey, New York, and Chicago. She has taught Hebrew language and an array of Judaic subjects in elementary, middle, and high school as well as in university. She has also mentored other teachers, both as part of the Azrieli student teaching program and the Jewish New Teacher’s Project, as well as independently. She earned her M.A. in Jewish Education from the Azrieli School of Jewish Education and Administration and an M.A. in Bible from the Bernard Revel Graduate School.
Mrs. Weisenfeld enjoys bringing mastery, relevance, and accessibility to the Hebrew Language and Tanach Curriculum at Naaleh, and she especially loves pointing out the connections between modern Hebrew and Tanach. Mrs. Weisenfeld lives in Riverdale with her family.

Rabbi Simcha Willig
Rabbi Simcha Willig grew up in Riverdale, New York and attended MTA followed by Kerem B'Yavneh, Mir, Ner Israel, Yeshiva University, and NYU. Rabbi Willig previously taught at Westchester Hebrew High School and, before that, he worked with NCSY in Westchester County public schools. Since 2011, Rabbi Willig has been teaching at Yeshiva University and he also teaches at Yeshivat Frisch. Rabbi Willig lives in Bergenfield with his family.

Our Madrichot
Madrichot are an important part of our school community. These recent high school graduates are terrific role models for our students. They serve as student committee advisors and support our incredible student programming. Having them around the building and on trips offers another layer of connection for our students.
