Our Faculty & Staff
Head of School,
Tani Cohen-Fraade
Fun fact: Tani graduated from Ezra Academy in 2001!
Hebrew & Judaics Teacher
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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.
Assistant Head of School
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B.A. Carleton College (philosophy) | M.Ed. Brandeis University (educational leadership) | J.D. Boston University School of Law
As a child, I attended a small, quirky private school similar to Ezra that embraced the fact that all individuals think and therefore learn differently. As an educational leader, I try to remember this in my work with students, teachers and with parents. It grounds me and helps me work with all students, both young and old. In my time off, I volunteer in an equine therapy program that gives children and adults the opportunity to interact with and learn from horses. It is both peaceful and powerful at the same time. When not at Ezra, I enjoy spending time with my two children, Abby and Theo, and their Great Pyrenees rescue, Kiki, who is also a certified therapy dog.
Hebrew & Middle School Math Teacher
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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.
Judaics, Language Arts, Social Justice
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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 the fact that I can change my courses each year—that way I don’t get stale. 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 teach civics, both American and Israeli—I am careful to facilitate discussions in which I help students think for themselves and reach their own conclusions. Also, I have a dog named Minnie who I spend a lot of time with. I embroider. I read a lot. And I do many kinds of art!
Hebrew Teacher
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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.
Social Worker
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B.S. Southern New Hampshire University (psychology)
M.S.W. Sacred Heart University
I am extremely passionate about working with children, families and communities. One of the best feelings while being a social worker is the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others. In my spare time, I love building sandcastles with my 8-year-old son on the beaches of Milford, kayaking with my husband, and spending time with my friends. I also enjoy painting, music, and trips to Walnut Beach Creamery.
Director of Support Services
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B.S. University of Florida (psychology) | M.A.E., Ed.S. University of Florida (school psychology)
I am excited to be part of the Ezra community. At Ezra, strengths are fostered, differences are celebrated, individual needs are supported, and students can thrive. I am also excited to join a school community that integrates Jewish culture and morals across the curriculum. I have over 20 years of experience working in public schools, where I have supported students (across grade levels K-6) and their families overcoming obstacles so they can succeed. I became an educator because I believe education can change the course of one’s life. I have built special relationships with numerous students and families over the years, and I have been privileged to share in their achievements. Outside of work, I enjoy time with family and friends. I love nature, am environmentally conscious, and enjoy being active. I attend local art, music, and cultural events, and I love indie and foreign films as well as quirky TV. I enjoy traveling to explore ancient ruins and historic settings and to immerse myself in other cultures. Finally, I collect old family photographs and find pleasure in vintage clothing and other vintage artifacts, especially from the 1920s to the 1970s.
3rd + 4th Grade Teacher
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B.A. University of the West Indies in Jamaica (French and Spanish) | M.A. Indiana Wesleyan University (education) | Certificate in French as a second language, Shortwood Teacher’s College, Jamaica
I am from Haiti and speak French fluently. I decided to become a teacher to help children understand that learning can be fun and engaging. Spending time with family and friends re-energizes me. And I believe that each child is unique! Outside of work, I can be found with my 10-year-old son and getting to know Connecticut as a new resident.
Montessori Preschool Teacher
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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.
Science Teacher
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B.S., Ph.D., New York University (psychology)
I am a former neuroscience researcher who found her way to Ezra as a parent. That road, from my home in Westville to Rimmon Road, is very well traveled: as parent, PTA member, Scholastic Book Fair organizer, substitute teacher, board member, and, presently, science teacher. Ezra’s mission to strive for academic excellence in a congenial context is important to me, and I aspire every school day to put it into practice. In between, I search for pre-centered clay and good tone on the saxophone.
Director of Ezra 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.
Montessori Preschool Teacher
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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 take 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 Kindergarten Teacher
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B.A. Emanuel 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), breath work, and meditation help to keep me grounded and resilient. Also, spending time with my family—especially my two-year-old, Aurelia—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 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.
Art Teacher
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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.
Torah Trop, Prayer, Student Support
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I am a shul (synagogue) “nerd” who loves going to services and spending time with my shul friends outside of shul. I also enjoy reading and watching BBC shows on Netflix. I am a rabbi’s daughter, and he set an amazing example as a teacher and as a caring person. I loved being a nurse, but I’ve now been teaching for 30 years, and I enjoy getting to know the students and working with the great teachers and staff at Ezra. I am so fortunate that I’ve had two careers I love. I’ve been married for 36 years to Greg, and we have three children and one grand-dog (like a grandchild, but a dog).
1st & 2nd Grade Secular Teacher
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B.F.A. Notre Dame College of New Hampshire (art education)
I have been a teacher for almost 29 years, and I am beyond excited to say this will be my fourth year teaching here at Ezra, where I can continue to bring my creativity to the school and make a positive impact on every student who enters my classroom. I teach because I love it. My role in the classroom is to foster that love of learning on all levels, so that my students come to class each day with a great attitude about school and all that it offers. I strive to create a place where each child feels they belong. I consider playfulness, joy, and laughter essential elements of a successful classroom community. I value curiosity, empowerment, and the ability to work through challenges. I work to create a caring community where students have the tools they need to solve problems, find answers, and express themselves. Watching children grow, academically and emotionally, is one of the most rewarding things I can imagine. I am happily married to my amazing husband of 37 years. We have a daughter, two sons, and five grandchildren. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, walking, gardening, being at the beach, and sewing.
Montessori Preschool Teacher
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B.A. Universidade Positivo (business administration) | B.A. Queens College (economics) | M.A. Hunter College (international business) | M.A. Hunter College (Italian)
I was born and raised in Curitiba, Brasil, where I attended the local Jewish school. Those years were the most important in my childhood, when the core of who I am was shaped. I also lived New York City for 25 years, and ten of those were spent exclusively with my children. I’ve always wanted to go back to work surrounded by children, especially in a Jewish-oriented environment. Ezra reminds me of my childhood school, my second home. Outside teaching, I am a facilitator for the Anti-Defamation League, and I tutor Spanish and mathematics to young children. I believe that passing along all of the teachings I’ve learned at my childhood school is the biggest gift I can ever offer. I am fluent in five different languages, and I enjoy traveling the world and learning about new cultures.
Montessori Kindergarten Teacher
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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.
Music Teacher
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B.F.A. Azusa Pacific University (fine arts in theater)
After college, I trained as a teacher and musician with Indiana University’s international music education program, as well as with SOUND Affect International. I worked with these two organizations in Haiti, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic for seven years before becoming a teacher. I grew up in a family that did emergency relief work around the world, and I grew to admire everyone’s unique stories. I care a lot about how music inspires and heals, and about how important it is to learn about the world and gain fresh perspective. Today, I stay busy in the music world, helping to direct a performing arts school, teaching private lessons, mentoring high schoolers, and having a blast playing in a band with my husband and friends! I enjoy being in an innovative environment like Ezra, where teachers are always collaborating, learning, and adjusting as they teach!
Community Engagement, Outreach, Office Manager
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B.A. University of New Haven (graphic design)
As an alumna of a Jewish day school, and the daughter of a rabbi, I love working in a Jewish learning environment; it has been an uplifting and nourishing experience getting back to my roots. Working in an environment with children has been extremely rewarding and fun for me. Every day brings something new. In addition to my love for working with people, my heart has always been in the arts. In my spare time, I love to sing, and I’ve worked with multiple local bands and do vocal recording work. I have also illustrated a children's book and currently do pet portraits on commission.
“Ezra taught me the important values of being a kind and good human and of being a helper, and prepared me to be a critical thinker.”
- Verred Hamenahem, class of 1999 and current Ezra Kindergarten Teacher
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.