Staff

Bil Zarch, Head of School
Bil came to LGA Schechter after eleven years at Prozdor Hebrew High School in Newton Centre, most recently as Director of the High School. During his tenure there, he grew the student population from 150 to over 800 students, integrated and developed countless new programs and was integral in developing a model of Jewish education that engaged different populations of students. Bil's educational philosophy includes inclusion and opportunities for leadership throughout a student's school career. Bil, also a seasoned Jewish educator, is a graduate of SUNY Buffalo and is completing his Master's of Jewish Education at Hebrew College. He, along with his wife Rebecca Peterfreund, an Amherst native, live in Florence. In his free time, Bil enjoys indulging his love of great pizza.

top

Suzanne Atkins, Vice Principal & Director of Professional Development
Suzanne was hired as the first Kindergarten teacher in 1996. In her role of Kindergarten teacher, and Interim Principal from 2006-2008, she is the one individual at LGA Schechter who can say she has known every student from "day one". Suzanne earned a Masters of Education from Smith College, holds a BA in French from the College of Wooster, and participated in training at The Principal's Center at Harvard's Graduate School of Education. Suzanne loves the arts and almost any active outdoor experience. She also loves to grow and arrange flowers.

top

Deborah Bromberg Seltzer, Judaic Studies Director
Deborah joined the school in 2003 bringing ruach (spirit) and song from her many years of experience working in Day Schools and summer camps. Her goal is to instill a sense of curiosity and fun in Jewish learning at the school. Deborah holds a BA in American Literature from Barnard College, Columbia University, a BA in Midrash From the Jewish Theological Seminary, and an MA in Jewish Education with a concentration in Day School Education from JTS. Deborah enjoys reading children's literature, doing arts and crafts, and Israeli dancing.

top

Ashley Ritter, Office Coordinator
Ashley joined the staff in the fall of 2008 and brings a special mix of professionalism, office experience, and knowledge of young learners to this very crucial position. She is highly committed and excited to help the school succeed and grow into the future. In 2007, Ashley earned a BA in Psychology from UMass Amherst with a minor in Elementary Education. She is a native of Western MA where she loves the change of seasons and is active in a variety of outdoor activities. Ashley also enjoys running, doing pilates, and reading.

top

Marla Shelasky, Marketing Director
Marla came to LGA from a large art center, where she designed, managed, and recruited students and families for youth programs and summer camps. Marla is inspired by her own childhood experiences in Pioneer Valley Jewish life and is excited to help families connect to Jewish education at LGA. Marla holds an MFA in Artisanry from UMass Dartmouth, a BFA in Illustration from Syracuse University, and has attended and presented many trainings in non-profit youth program management. Marla also pursues her own art and teaches art to children.

top

Nilda Cohen, Business Manager
Nilda joined the school in April 2006, with a long history and range of experience that spans corporate and non profit positions in marketing, human resources, and financial management. She has been an active participant in Southampton, MA, politics as well, serving as a town official, board member, and helping to build a new school. In her free time, Nilda is an animal lover who enjoys dancing, painting, working with stained glass, and wearing her Minnie Mouse watches.

top

Amy Meltzer, Kindergarten Lead
Amy started teaching at LGA in 2009 but also taught in the early years of t he school from 1997 to 2001. Amy holds an M.Ed. from Smith College and a BA from Wesleyan University. She also served as a fellow at Drisha Institute for Jewish Studies and was the founder of the Teva Learning Center. As an author of two children's books who engages with young families through a blog and throughout the community, Amy brings a creative edge to her classroom in addition to a deep knowledge of children and education.

top

Caitlin Caulfield, Kindergarten Teaching Fellow
Come back for Caitlin's bio.

top

Rana Morrissey, 1st grade General Studies
Rana came to LGA Schechter in 2004 and has since been known as one of the most creative teachers on staff — both personally and academically. Her sense of style and artistic outlook help to inform the creative energy of the school and students (and parents) always look forward to the art projects in 1st grade. Rana earned a BA in Education from UMass Amherst. 

top

Dorit Cohen, 1st grade Hebrew/Judaics
Come back for Dorit's bio. 

top

Jennifer Bennett, 2nd/3rd grade Language Arts, Social Studies & 2nd grade Math
Jennifer was hired in 2008. She has a Masters in Early Childhood Education from UMass. Jennifer taught First Grade at the Quarry Hill Community School in Monson for three years. After this experience, she opened a family day care while raising her young children. Most recently, Jennifer became certified as a Reading Specialist and brings that skill to her work at LGA. It will come as no surprise that Jennifer loves childrenʼs literature and comes with a large childrenʼs library.

top

Julie Greene, 2nd/3rd grade Social Studies, Science, 3rd grade Math, & 5th grade Math
Julie was hired in 2007 after years at The Bement School where she taught grades 1 and 3, and summer programs in ESL and science. At LGA, she sets a wonderful and cheerful tone in her classroom that helps all her students feel comfortable. Julie holds a BA in Political Science from Bowdoin College and an M.Ed. from Antioch New England Graduate School. In her free time Julie attends her sons' sporting events and takes power walks with her husband. Her family also enjoys hosting middle school students from around the world.

top

Ann Armon, 2nd grade Hebrew/Judaics
Ann joined the school in 2004. She believes in fun — games, puppets, singing, and movement — as way of enticing young children into acquiring a new language. Ann also finds priviledge in listening to her students' daily thoughts about how to be mentshn (decent human beings). Ann attended SUNY Albany as a Judaic Studies major, completed Lower Elementary Montessori training, and has taught in every elementary grade. She is a self-described "culture vulture", enjoys cooking for friends, being in the woods, and participating in Pioneer Valley Jewish life.

top

Hilary Gollis, 4th grade General Studies
Hilary was hired in 2001 after many years teaching high school students. Her passion for literature and humor are major components of life in her classroom as are assorted creative student nicknames. Hilary received a B.A from Brandeis in English and American Literature, a M.Ed. in Special Education from UMass Boston, and a C.A.G.S. in Social Justice Education from UMass Amherst. Hilary also coaches the ultimate frisbee team, The DISCombobulators, and loves many sports and being in the outdoors.

top

Aharon Skoglund, 3rd grade Hebrew/Judaics & 4th grade Judaics
Aharon joined the school in 2004. Aharon is known for his joyful spirit, deep love for Judaism, and personal connection with his students. He is famous for his humor, storytelling and vocal percussion. Aharon earned a degree in the Social Sciences from Hampshire College and studied Jewish Law & Philosophy at Yeshivas Tiferes Menachem of Sea Gate New York. He also taught high school science in Brooklyn, NY. Aharon's interests include Torah study, meditation, music, poetry, and martial arts.

top

Cynthia Kassel, 5th/6th grade Language Arts, Science & 6th grade Math
Cindy joined LGA in 2001 to teach the first 5th Grade Class. Cindy loves finding creative ways to teach math, incorporating games and Pi Day into the curriculum. She also works with students on math placement and enrichment. Cindy has a BA in Journalism and International Relations from the University of Wisconsin, and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola University of Chicago. She has a busy life outside of school as well, where she enjoys playing soccer and volleyball, cooking, and renovating houses. Cindy also sings with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

top

Neil Zagorin, 5th/6th grade Social Studies, Judaics, M'china
Neil came to LGA Schechter in 2002, and teaches Torah, tefillah, holidays and Jewish history. He has also worked as a professional musician and carpenter, and enjoys frequent jam sessions with students in the Multi-purpose Room. He earned a BA in Anthropology from UMass, worked for many years at the National Yiddish Book Center, did advanced coursework in Yiddish and modern Jewish culture at the Oxford Programme in Yiddish, and recently, completed additional coursework in history. Neil loves to read, exercise, and travel, including to Iceland and Argentina.

top

Cilla Karetnick, 3rd-6th Grade Hebrew & 2nd/3rd grade Hebrew support 
Cilla started working at LGA Schechter in 2000. Having grown up in Israel, Cilla takes great pride in sharing the culture, music, and heritage of her youth with all the students. She has many years of experience teaching Hebrew in day schools and also in public schools as a special needs teacher. In her time outside of school, Cilla enjoys working on her 100 year old Victorian home, including doing all the painting and redecorating herself.

top

 Leah Finch, Learning Specialist
Leah was hired in 2007 with the ability to create supportive learning environments while systematically and creatively giving students skills they need to succeed. Leah spent 5 years teaching at the French American International School in San Francisco, where she also had a private practice as a Learning Specialist. Leah earned a BFA from the Academy of Art and Elementary Ed. Teacher Training at the University of San Francisco. She also has an M.Ed. in Special Education with an emphasis in Mild to Moderate Learning Disabilities, and did Post Graduate Study in Educational Therapy at San Francisco State University.

top

Suzy Klein, School Psychology Intern
Come back for Suzy's bio.

top

Russell Kaback, Music
Come back for Russell's bio.

top

Kitty Marshall, Art
Kitty was hired as the Art Teacher in 2009 after volunteering many creative hours on special art projects and set designs while a parent in the school. She earned her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design with a major in Photography, Design, and Textiles. Later she studied at NYU and Art Institute of Chicago. Kitty worked many years for Very Special Arts as a photographer and Artist in Residence, providing arts in education for children with special needs. Most recently she worked as an art teacher in Holyoke, bringing art programs to high risk teens. When not teaching, Kitty owns and runs a local antique and interior design business.

top

Rebecca Lederman, 6th grade General Studies (on maternity leave)
Becky joined the school in 2002 teaching the pioneer 6th Grade Class. As a graduate herself of the pioneer class of the New Jewish Academy in Worcester, Becky felt immediately at home when she came to visit. Now, she takes great pride in preparing her students in making the transition to middle school. Becky received a B.S. in Biology and an M.Ed. in Secondary Science Education from UMass Amherst. She plays indoor soccer (although not as well as she would like) and can often be found at Herrell's Ice Cream Shop. Becky will be on maternity leave with her new twins for the 09-10 school year.

 top