HILLEL TORAH - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- 2nd Grade General Studies Teacher
Job Titles:
- Middle School Judaic Studies Teacher
Job Titles:
- Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Board
- Recording Secretary, VP of Facilities
Job Titles:
- Student Services Learning Specialist
Job Titles:
- Preschool Assitant Teacher
Email
ashira.ozarowski@hilleltorah.org
Background
Bachelors, Psychology (Stern College for Women)
JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN
2001
grades & subjects
Nursery
I knew I wanted to become a teacher when
My kids were in preschool. I thought, "I would love to do that!"
FAVORITE PRESCHOOL ACTIVITY
Dancing freestyle to music together with the kids.
Email
carly.glink@hilleltorah.org
Background
Bachelors in Social Work and Master in Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Joined the HT Family in
2019
ALL THE WAY FROM
Northbrook, Illinois
I love coming to work every day because
All the students and staff are warm and welcoming
I knew I wanted to become a social worker because
I realized that I loved helping others and having new challenges each day.
- To discuss anything related to your child's social/emotional needs, after you've spoken with your child's teacher
Job Titles:
- Director of Communications
- To submit something for the FYI Community News section of the weekly email newsletter
Mrs. Gordon Burstyn enjoys sharing all the wonderful programs and day-to-day experiences of Hillel Torah students with the greater community through social media, the Hillel Torah website, and the weekly Highlights email newsletter.
Mrs. Gordon Burstyn lives in Evanston with her husband Allan ('90) and her four children, all of whom currently attend or graduated from Hillel Torah.
Job Titles:
- President of the Executive Board
Job Titles:
- Business Administrator
- Ex - Officio Member
Dov Shandalov began his career at Hillel Torah 33 years ago, at the age of 22. After graduating from Northeastern Illinois University and DePaul University with a BA in Business Administration, Mr. Shandalov assumed the position of Hillel Torah's Business Administrator, a position he continues to hold today. He has truly enjoyed watching thousands of Hillel Torah children walk down the halls, and gets particular pleasure from seeing HT parents, who he first knew as HT students, walk their children into Hillel Torah.
Mr. Shandalov feels blessed to have had all three of his daughters attend Hillel Torah and that he had a front row seat to watch them grow each and every day. In addition, Mr. Shandalov's wife is an assistant teacher in our early childhood department, making it a real family affair. When he's not in school, he can be found visiting his children on both coasts of the country and rooting on the Chicago Blackhawks.
Job Titles:
- Middle School Judaic Studies Teacher
Job Titles:
- Student Services Learning Specialist
Job Titles:
- Middle School English Language Arts Teacher
Email
heidi.sokol@hilleltorah.org
Background
Bachelors in Elementary Education from Touro College
JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN
2021
The Best Part About my day Is
Getting to see all of the children.
Job Titles:
- Preschool Assitant Teacher
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Board
- Treasurer, VP of Finance
Job Titles:
- 1st Grade General Studies and Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Job Titles:
- Preschool Assistant Teacher
Job Titles:
- Immediate past President
- Member of the Executive Board
Email
katie.goodman@hilleltorah.org
Background
Bachelors, Fashion Merchandising (Indiana University)
Masters, Elementary Education (University of Maryland)
JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN
2017
grades & subjects
Preschool Teacher
I knew I wanted to become a teacher when
I worked at a day camp for preschoolers. They stole my heart!
Job Titles:
- Middle School Science Teacher
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Board
- Head Support and Evaluation Vice President
Job Titles:
- Middle School General Studies Teacher, Names, Not Numbers © Program Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Student Services Learning Specialist
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Board
- VP of Governance
Job Titles:
- Middle School Judaic Studies Teacher
Job Titles:
- 3rd and 4th Grade Judaic Studies Teacher
Job Titles:
- Middle School Judaic Studies Teacher
Job Titles:
- Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Email
miriam.saphire-bernstein@hilleltorah.org
Background
Bachelors and Teaching Certification (Bar Ilan University)
JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN
2022
grades & subjects
3rd Grade General Studies
i love coming to work every day because
Everyone at Hillel Torah is so awesome to work with!
Job Titles:
- Manager of Alumni Engagement
- Senior Development Associate & Alumni Relations Manager
- Any questions related to making a donation and our fundraising opportunities and events.
Email
morrine.sweer@hilleltorah.org
Background
Bachelors of Science, Communication Arts, Political Science, and Theatre (University of Wisconsin - Madison)
Joined the HT Family in
2013
Job Titles:
- Director of Early Childhood
Mrs. Jennifer Wasserman is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. Immediately following her undergraduate studies at Michigan, Mrs. Wasserman pursued and obtained a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Michigan University. After moving to Chicago a few years later, Mrs. Wasserman went on to receive an Educational Leadership Type 75 Certificate from DePaul University.
Mrs. Wasserman spent several years teaching kindergarten both in Michigan and for Cook County School District 130 in Illinois. In addition to her school experience, Mrs. Wasserman has experience working at several different camps including serving as the Director of Summer Programs at St. Benedict Preparatory Preschool and as the Director of Junior Side at Camp Tamarack in Michigan. Mrs. Wasserman stepped out of the classroom in 2013 and joined the Heller JCC in Lakeview as the Assistant Director for three years before joining the Hillel Torah team as the Director of Early Childhood.
Mrs. Wasserman is passionate about working with young children, committed to effective early childhood educational programming with strong family partnerships, and is thrilled to be a part of the Hillel Torah team.
Mrs. Karin Felix is a graduate of Hillel Torah ('89), Ida Crown Jewish Academy ('93), and the University of Pennsylvania where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. During her time at Penn, Karin also studied marketing at Wharton. After college, she worked at Kraft Foods for eight years specializing in consumer insight and strategy.
Mrs. Felix worked at Hillel Torah in a number of different roles before joining the Hillel Torah administration as Director of Admissions in 2020. She is excited to share her passion for Hillel Torah and is looking forward to welcoming new families to the wonderful Hillel Torah community!
Mrs. Felix lives in Evanston with her husband Michael and her children, all of whom are proud Hillel Torah graduates.
Job Titles:
- Dean of Student Life, Primary School
- Questions related to school logistics and student behavior issues for students in grades 1-4
Mrs. Sari Kravitt grew up in Buffalo Grove and upon graduating from Stevenson High School, attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She received her masters in Elementary Education from National Louis University.
Sari has taught 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th, and 8th grade at Hillel Torah, and moving into leadership was a natural next step. As the Dean of Student Life in the primary school, Sari is eager to strengthen the school's sense of community, culture, and structure to promote student learning and social/emotional growth.
Sari builds meaningful trusting relationships with students and parents and these connections are what keep students engaged and excited about Hillel Torah and about learning. Sari credits her amazing Hillel Torah colleagues for helping her become the leader she is today: always pushing her to think outside of the box to make each experience at school thoughtful, child-centered, and engaging.
Outside of school, Sari enjoys going to outdoor concerts, traveling with her family, and drinking good coffee.
Job Titles:
- Director of General Studies
Ms. Miriam Kopelow is a graduate of The University of Wisconsin - Madison where she received her Bachelors in Elementary Education. She received her Masters in Leadership for Educational Change from Bank Street College in New York City.
After starting her teaching career in Madison, Ms. Kopelow relocated to New York and joined the faculty at Hannah Senesh Community Day School in Brooklyn, NY. While developing a stellar reputation among students, parents and colleagues as a capable and seasoned progressive educator, Ms. Kopelow emerged as a leader. She has a proven track record as a successful teacher mentor, curriculum evaluator and designer, team leader and has also presented at numerous national education conferences. Additionally, Ms. Kopelow is a certified yoga teacher, specializing in wellness techniques for youth and for adults who work within education. Ms. Kopelow was born in Canada, raised in Chicago and excited to have returned to the area with her family to begin working at Hillel Torah.
Ms. Kopelow is dedicated to progressive education, child-centered practices, and experiential learning. She is inspired by the passion of the Hillel Torah staff and delighted to be a part of this fantastic community.
Job Titles:
- Learning Specialist
- Primary School Student Services Coordinator
- Student Services Coordinator, Primary School
- Questions related to Student Services and academic support for students in grades 1-4
Ms. Sydney Robinson is a graduate of Indiana University where she received her Bachelors in Elementary and Special Education. She received her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis with an Emphasis in Autism from Ball State University.
Sydney has worked as a Learning Specialist at Hillel Torah for six years for grades 1-4. During her time at Hillel Torah, Sydney has enjoyed collaborating with staff members, building trusting relationships with students, and being an open and frequent communicator with parents. She attended training for the Fountas and Pinnell Reading Curriculum, Wilson Reading System. and Orton Gillingham multisensory approach to reading.
Sydney was born in Omaha Nebraska and moved to Chicago after graduating college. In her free time, she enjoys baking, spending time with family, and traveling.
Sydney is looking forward to partnering with parents, students, and staff members to give each individual student the learning environment and support he/she needs.
Job Titles:
- Educational Technology Specialist
Job Titles:
- Rabbi
- Middle School Judaic Studies Teacher, 8th Grade Boys Advisor
Job Titles:
- Ex - Officio Member
- Principal
- Rabbi
- Director of Judaic Studies
Rabbi Menachem Linzer is a graduate of Yeshiva University. He holds a Bachelors in Physics from Yeshiva College and a Masters in Secondary Education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. Rabbi Linzer studied for a number of years in yeshivot in Israel including Yeshivat Har Etzion, Yeshivat Sha'alvim, and at the Gruss Kollel and he received his Semicha from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. Prior to joining Hillel Torah in 2009 as Principal, Rabbi Linzer served as Associate Principal at the SAR Academy in Riverdale, NY, and prior to that as a teacher/rebbe, Israel Programs Coordinator and Advisor, at the Ramaz High School in NY.
Rabbi Linzer is a collaborative leader who believes in empowering others to grow as leaders and maximize their impact. He has a strong vision for academic excellence in both Judaic and general studies and is motivated by a progressive, child-centered educational approach. His tireless dedication to the students, staff, and families and strong positive energy can be felt daily throughout the hallways and classrooms of Hillel Torah.
Rabbi Linzer is inspired by the infinite potential and goodness that lies within each human being and is a strong believer in the power of partnerships and creativity to solve problems and create new possibilities.
Job Titles:
- Rabbi
- Middle School Judaic Studies Teacher, Primary Judaic Studies Student Services
Job Titles:
- Director of General Studies
- Director of Judaic Studies
Rav Natan studied at Yeshivat Orayta and then attended Yeshiva University, earning a Bachelors in Psychology from Yeshiva College, a Masters in Jewish Education from Azrieli, and Semicha from RIETS. Prior to joining Hillel Torah, Rav Natan worked at Brauser Maimonides Academy in Hollywood, Florida where he was a Rebbi, Director of After-School Learning, and the Middle School Judaic Studies Chair.
Rav Natan is a dynamic and experienced educator with a passion for helping children grow in their love for and commitment to Torah Learning and Mitzvot. He is committed to challenging and engaging students in high-level Torah learning and engaging families in the process as well. He believes that every child has the capacity to connect to their Judaism, and loves being a part of the journey of uncovering that personal voice and connection. Rav Natan is inspired by the dedication and passion of educators and is committed to supporting teachers in their growth. He is known for his warmth, energy, and ability to create meaningful relationships with students and their families.
Rav Natan was born in Ketchikan Alaska, and at the age of 9 moved to Portland Oregon. He and his family are excited to be a part of the Hillel Torah community. He enjoys hiking and being in nature, playing or following sports, live music, and swimming.
Email
nurse@hilleltorah.org
Background
Bachelors of Science with a Major in Nursing (North Park University)
Joined the HT Family in
2021
People would be surprised to learn that I…
worked nights for 18 years in the hospital setting
Job Titles:
- 1st Grade Judaic Studies Assistant Teacher
Job Titles:
- 1st Grade Assistant Teacher
Job Titles:
- Middle School General Studies Teacher
Job Titles:
- Leader
- Middle School Student Services Coordinator
- Student Services Coordinator, Middle School
- Questions related to Student Services and academic support for students in grades 5-8
Samara Kipnis graduated with a degree in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Samara believes in the importance of being a lifelong learner and has received certifications in the Nurtured Heart Approach, Collaborative Problem-Solving, and Wilson Reading System. She has been trained by Berit Gordon, the author of No More Fake Reading, in learning how to directly teach discreet reading comprehension skills to middle and high school students of all levels. In addition, she has been trained in teaching mindfulness, incorporating play into learning, and how to teach math to students with speech-based language disorders at the Shefa School in New York.
Samara is now working as the Middle School Student Services Coordinator at Hillel Torah. Prior to joining Hillel Torah in 2021 as a Middle School Learning and Behavior Specialist, she worked in both Jewish private schools and public schools in the Chicago area and New Jersey.
Samara is a focused leader who believes in supporting teachers in order to best meet students' needs and in supporting students to best meet their own needs. Her long-term vision is for Hillel Torah to be a place where all students will be given the support necessary to succeed and grow academically, emotionally, and socially. She is a strong advocate for her students, and that advocacy continues through students' transition to high school. Samara strives to be someone students, staff, and parents know they can always come to for guidance or just a listening ear.
Job Titles:
- Middle School Math Teacher
Job Titles:
- Dean of Student Life, Middle School
- Middle School Dean of Student Lif
- Questions related to school logistics and student behavior issues for students in grades 5-8
Mrs. Sarah Lakin is a graduate of the University of Illinois and holds a BA in Elementary Education. In addition, Mrs. Lakin earned endorsements in four Middle School Subjects: Math, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.
Mrs. Lakin started at Hillel Torah in 2013. Before joining the Educational Leadership team as the Dean of Student Life in Middle School, she taught first grade and third grade. Mrs. Lakin was also the Athletic Director of Hillel Torah for the past several years, in addition to coaching the 7th/8th Grade Girls basketball teams since 2016.
Mrs. Lakin is dedicated to the students and the Hillel Torah community and passionately believes in educating the whole child. She believes in building relationships with children in order to gain their trust and ultimately help them succeed and flourish at Hillel Torah and in life. Mrs. Lakin is excited to be working with Middle School students and to see so many familiar faces from her many years teaching in the Primary School.
Job Titles:
- Primary School Judaic Studies Student Services
Job Titles:
- Student Services Learning Specialist
Job Titles:
- Middle School Student Services Learning Specialist
Job Titles:
- Student Services Learning Specialist
Job Titles:
- 2nd Grade General Studies Assistant
Job Titles:
- Preschool Assistant Teacher
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Board
- First Vice President, VP of Development
Job Titles:
- Student Services Learning Specialist