Our Faculty & Staff
Head of Jewish Studies, Humanities
Director of Administration
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B.A. Emmanuel College (performing Arts)
NAMC Montessori-certified for ages 3-6
As an alumna of Ezra, the school feels like home. I grew up here! I’d like to be a part of making this school so special for students, the way my teachers did for me. I have a few non-negotiables when it comes to my own physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Weight training, yoga (in which I am a certified teacher) and meditation help to keep me grounded and resilient. Also, spending time with my family is a constant ground for inspiration. I understand that all children (and all people) are unique, and there is never a one-size-fits-all approach to connection and teaching. I think my years as a strength coach and yoga teacher helped me to understand that we are all interested in getting to know ourselves on a deeper level, whether we are aware of this or not. Learning what lights us up is a good starting point in realizing who we are. I believe that starting this process at a young age is a huge benefit.
Office Manager
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B.A. Southern Connecticut State University (Graphic Design)
I started working at Ezra Academy in January 2023, when the wonderful Jackie Bogdanoff passed the torch to me. As an alumna of a Jewish day school and the daughter of a rabbi, I have always felt deeply connected to Jewish education, so working in a Jewish learning environment has been an uplifting and nourishing experience that has brought me back to my roots.
Working with children has been incredibly rewarding and fun. Every day brings something new, and I have especially loved watching our students grow and blossom from year to year.
In addition to my love of working with people, my heart has always been in the arts. I have a particular love for singing and theatre, and in my spare time have performed with local bands. I have also illustrated a children’s book and have created pet portraits on commission. Whether through music, theatre, or visual art, I have always loved finding creative ways to express myself.
I am also a new mom to a wonderful little girl, and I’m especially excited to hopefully have her join the Ezra community next year!
Director of Advancement
Maintenance
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B.A. University College London (double degree with first-class honors, Jewish history and Hebrew)
Institute of Education, London, post-graduate certificate in education
M.A. Jewish Theological Seminary (Jewish education)
Rabbinic Ordination, Jewish Theological Seminary
I love working at Ezra because of the variety of courses I teach, and because my colleagues are incredible. This is the friendliest staff I have ever worked with. I also love being part of the Alliance, a consortium of Jewish day schools that allows me to connect with other teachers doing my job in other schools. This is motivating and often inspirational. In my classes, I co-teach Humanities with two amazing teachers, Jonathan Furst and Benjamin Gerber. We are constantly refining the curriculum, which makes it fun and interesting. We focus on students growing their academic skills, and we are careful to facilitate discussions which help students think for themselves and reach their own conclusions. Can students read primary source documents and infer what they can learn from them about the period we are studying? I have three children, all of whom graduated from Ezra and who often recall their time here with much fondness. I have a dog named Minnie who I adore. I also embroider, read a lot, and do many kinds of art! I am also active in my synagogue, Or Hadash, in Fairfield, where my husband is the rabbi.
Director of Montessori Preschool-K
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B.A. University of Cape Town (social science)
Montessori Education, London Montessori Centre (specialty in ages 2-7)
I love being part of a growing school, and I love watching the children become who they will become, from babies to graduating 8th-graders. I feel passionate about creating classrooms and curricula using the Montessori method of education, infused in all areas within and beyond the classroom walls. I especially love the opportunity to weave Montessori and Judaics together—every day! Choosing between a Montessori education and a Jewish education was a challenge for me as a mom, and by the time my third son was ready for preschool, I knew what I had to do: found this preschool at Ezra. My love for teaching and sharing Jewish traditions come together perfectly at Ezra Academy!
Outside of school, peaceful environments are my sanctuary: walking, hiking, reading, kayaking, painting, and sharing with those I love and learn from.
Business Office
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B.A., Yale University (anthropology)
I started carpooling friends' children to Ezra over 30 years ago. I was a parent of an Ezra student in the last decade, and now am working here. I enjoy being around animals, nature, reading, cooking (and eating!). I love learning languages and how things work and sharing these interests with others, especially kids of all ages. I am committed to helping communities. I am a part of the pursuit of environmentally sustainable and socially just sourcing and overall practice (I'm especially passionate about fair trade chocolate!)
Administration
Head of School
Montessori Toddler
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B.A. Southern Connecticut State University
My passions include reading and dancing, but what brings me to Ezra is how much I love watching the little people discover their independence.
Montessori Kindergarten
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B.S., Wheelock College (human development, conc. early childhood education)
Early Childhood Credential 3-6, North Carolina Center for Montessori Teacher Education
I love working at Ezra, where a sense of community with both the families and staff is fostered and I love working in Keshet where the students’ passion for learning fuels my own. In my free time, I enjoy walking, hiking, and being at the beach in all 4 seasons. I am also an avid reader and like to get lost in a good book. I have two girls in college and am navigating all of the feelings of having an empty nest, while being super proud of them and the paths they have each chosen for themselves.
Montessori Preschool
Montessori
Montessori Preschool
Montessori Toddler
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Growing up, I spent time with younger siblings, who still give me fresh ideas and inspire me to further educate the kids I teach at Ezra. I love how Ezra Academy incorporates Judaism into the Montessori program. It’s always a treat to see the kids learn and grow, and I enjoy talking to the parents about their children’s personal growth.
Montessori Preschool
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B.A., Quinnipiac University (Psychology)
A.M.S. Early Childhood Certification in Montessori Education, CMTE
I decided to become a teacher when I was in college. I was invited to visit a friend, who was teaching at a Montessori school in Washington D.C. Upon visiting her classroom, I knew that's what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I instantly fell in love with the setting, and was amazed at how independent the children were within their classroom environment. As a teacher, I enjoy many aspects of my job, including making and rotating classroom materials. When I'm not at work, I like to spend time with my friends and family.
Montessori Preschool
Upper School Science and Spanish
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B.S., CUNY Lehman College (environmental science, minor in GIS)
M.S., Relay Graduate School of Education (SPED and general education)
This is my first year here at Ezra Academy. Working at Ezra allows me to share my passion for scientific inquiry by teaching students how to harness their curiosity about the world around them. I find it incredibly rewarding to witness children as they begin to understand how their environment affects them and connect the dots of life. Outside of teaching, I draw inspiration from spending time outdoors—whether hiking, walking, or camping. These activities provide me with a fresh perspective on the environment, which not only re-energizes me, but also deepens my connection to the subjects I teach, allowing me to be more passionate and engaged in the classroom.
Grade 5 & 6 Humanities
Upper School
Grade 7 & 8 Humanities
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B.A. University of Pennsylvania
M.F.A. New York University
My relationship with Ezra began fifteen years ago when my daughter attended Gan Hayeled. While teaching elsewhere I’ve always been drawn to Ezra, and was grateful when the opportunity arose for me to join the faculty. Ezra is special. You can see it throughout the building, and especially in the classrooms, where students are challenged and enjoy learning and discovering how to go beyond what they thought they could do. I enjoy Torah study, road trips and Tai Chi.
Upper School Math
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B.A. Haifa University (mathematics)
At Ezra, I have taught math and Hebrew, been a MathCounts coach, and led a homeroom. Being a teacher gives me the opportunity to combine my love for math and working with students. I enjoy bringing the beauty and fun of mathematical thinking and help students reach their full potential both mathematically and as individuals. Outside of school, I like to spend time with my family, and travel.
Upper School Hebrew
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Ulpan Or Teaching Program (Certificate for Hebrew Language Program)
The Center for Israel Education Workshop (Pre-Collegiate Teacher Enrichment Program)
I have been teaching Hebrew and Israel studies at Ezra since 2006, and I love the feeling of community, the connections, the support. My interests include spending time with family, reading, exploring new places in Israel, listening to music and Israeli podcasts—and, of course, bringing Hebrew and Israel to the classroom. I feel privileged to witness the sparks that the students have when they are learning and the opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives.
Grade 8 Math
Grade 3 & 4 Hebrew & Judaics
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B.A., M.A., Ph.D. Tel Aviv University (Art History)
I have known Ezra for many years. My three children attended Ezra from Kindergarten through 8th grade, and I appreciated the school, its atmosphere, its faculty and staff, and the whole Ezra community—so much that I was an active PTO member, and at one point a PTO co-chair. Coming to teach at Ezra feels like coming home! Outside work, I am a student myself (studying for an M.A. in Hebrew language acquisition), and I enjoy hiking, traveling, working in the yard, reading, and spending time with family and friends. I love helping children, teaching, and trying to connect students to Israel, where I am originally from, and to Judaism.
Grade 1 & 2
Lower School
Grade 3 & 4 General Studies
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B.S., New York University (teaching)
M.A., New York University (teaching English)
I decided to become an educator because I love guiding students as they mature emotionally and intellectually, facilitating meaningful discussions with them, and cultivating their innate curiosity and love of learning. My personal loves include long walks, being in nature, large dogs, and hot tea.
Grade 1 & 2
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B.A., Curry College (early childhood aducation and integrated liberal studies)
NAMC Montessori-certified for early childhood
Growing up in Newington, Connecticut, I knew from a young age that I loved being around kids. I had a certain way with them, and I loved watching them grow and learn. Also, my mom worked for a while as a preschool teacher, and it just felt natural to follow her lead. Now, I love working with the Montessori team and watching the world unfold for young children. Being a mom to two young children has helped me see all sides of how to teach young children and to realize that sometimes things aren’t completely what they seem. When not at work, I love to read, go camping and hiking with my family, and spend time with friends.
Grade 3 & 4 Science
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B.A., Ball Sate University (architecture)
Certification in teaching art, Southern Connecticut State University
Things I love: collaborating with other teachers; making pottery; travel; and reading. Also, I love to share my travel experiences and what I learn about art and artists. I became a teacher to help students tap into their creative side and to teach them that art isn’t about talent but about the creative process. I want students to see that art is all around us and in everything that we see and do, that it comes in many different forms.
Hot Lunch Manager/Librarian Associate
Music
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B.F.A., Azusa Pacific University (theater arts, minor in neuropsychology)
Growing up in a family dedicated to international emergency relief work, I developed a deep appreciation for unique cultural stories and diverse worldviews. This background heavily inspired my belief in the power of music and performance to heal, inspire, and offer fresh perspectives.
While getting my degree, I trained as an educator and musician with Indiana University’s international music education program and SOUND Affect International. I spent seven years working with these organizations across Haiti, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic before transitioning into full-time teaching.
Today, I remain deeply embedded in the performing arts as founder and director of SOUND & Stage theater company. I also help direct local vocal ensembles, teach a variety of private lessons, and mentor high school students. I enjoy the innovative, collaborative environment at Ezra, and I love learning, adapting, and growing alongside my fellow educators!
ELL & Kindergarten, Grade 1-2 Hebrew
Specials
Art
English Language Learning
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B.A. Ethnology and Anthropology (University of Belgrade, SRB)
M.A. Special Education Needs/Additional Learning Needs ( University of South Wales, UK)
TEFL ( Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Certificate
This is my second year at Ezra, and I love it. I love that my role includes a lot of one-on-one teaching, which allows me to build strong bonds with the students and support them academically and emotionally on their journey.
When not at Ezra, I’m most likely somewhere outdoors hiking and enjoying long walks in nature with my husband. I’m a huge animal lover and have been sharing my space, time, and love with my soon-to-be 16-year-old cat.
I’m always inspired by learning new things and bringing them into my classroom. Some of the topics I’m very passionate about are educational neuroscience and social and emotional learning, and their impact on students’ academic and personal growth and progress.
School Counselor
“Ezra taught me the important values of being a good, kind human, of being a helper and prepared me to be a critical thinker.”
- Verred Hamenahem, class of 1999 and current Ezra Administration Director
Join the Ezra team
Are you a teacher, coach, or administrator looking to join a community of warm, caring educators? While we do not currently have any open positions, we always like to hear from people who are interested in working at our school.