Our Faculty

Ms. Bracha Rutner
Head of School

Ms. Bracha Rutner is a passionate Head of School at Central/YUHSG and is a devoted Gemara teacher. She hopes to inspire her students to share in her love for Torah, Halacha and dedication to the Jewish community and Israel. Ms. Rutner also serves as the Yoetzet Halakha at the Kemp Mill Synagogue in Silver Spring, MD, combining her passion for helping others and her commitment to Halacha. As a graduate of Stern College for Women and Nishmat’s Keren Ariel Women’s Halakhic Institute in Jerusalem, with a masters degrees in Education Administration from St. John’s University and having done graduate work in Talmud from Hebrew University, she is devoted to educating the next generation of young women. She led Central in pursuit of NYSAIS accreditation, working with YU leadership, parents and key school constituents to raise our learning level to new heights. Ms. Rutner is currently pursuing her EdD in the Azrieli Doctoral Program for Administration. She and her husband are educating and bringing up four children in West Hempstead, NY.

Ms. Leah Moskovich
Associate Principal

Ms. Moskovich is our Associate Principal, overseeing the Judaic Studies and Student Life departments. After four amazing years as a Central student (and Central Wildcat!), Ms. Moskovich attended Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, participating in the first cohort of the Legacy Heritage Scholars Program and graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Jewish Education. While at Stern College, Ms. Moskovich returned to Central as a senior chaburah leader. After graduating Stern College, she began teaching at Central as a Legacy Heritage Teaching Fellow while assisting in Student Activities. In addition to completing her Masters from the Azrieli Graduate School, receiving an M.A. in Jewish Education, Ms. Moskovich is currently working toward her EdD in the Azrieli Doctoral Program for Administration.

Mrs. Rivka Alter
Judaic Studies

Mrs. Rivka Alter is a new member of the Judaic studies department. She was previously a Judaic studies instructor at the Denver Academy of Torah for 15 years. She graduated from Stern College for women and holds a masters in secondary Jewish education and is currently completing her doctorate at the Azrieli School of Jewish education. Mrs. Alter serves as a yoetzet halakha for the Riverdale community. She lives in Bergenfield, NJ.

Mrs. Yael Axelrod
Judaic Studies & Programming Director

Mrs. Yael Axelrod grew up in Woodmere, NY, and attended HAFTR elementary school and high school. Upon graduation, she spent two years studying in Michlalah Jerusalem College, and then went on to Stern College for Women, where she majored in Judaic Studies. She then completed a Masters degree in Jewish Education at the Azrieli Graduate School for Jewish Education and Administration. Yael has been involved in middle school education for the past 14 years, as a Judaic Studies teacher at the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach, the Moriah School of Englewood, and at Westchester Day School. Now at Central, Yael is very excited to teach junior and senior Tanach and assume the role of Programming Director. Yael currently lives in New Rochelle with her husband, Chaim, a Rebbe at MTA and the associate Rabbi at the Young Israel of New Rochelle, and their children.

Ms. Kymberly Baker
Assistant Director of Admissions and Office Administrator

718-479-8550

After graduating Queens College, Ms. Kymmie Baker worked as an Operations Specialist at Global Operations Security Services, INC. After her time working within the security industry, she moved into the world of Jewish Education as the Administrative Assistant in the Junior High School at YCQ. After an amazing two years, Kymmie joined the Central faculty as Assistant Director of Admissions and Office Administrator.

Mr. Erez Bar-Levy
Athletics Director & Spanish

Mr. Erez Bar-Levy is a member of the Foreign Language Department and he teaches all levels of Spanish to our students. He is also known as “Profe”, a Ph.D. candidate at Stony Brook University, with a B.A. and M.A. in Spanish from Binghamton University and St. John’s University. Aside from influencing the world with the Spanish Language & Culture, he is also a passionate reader of the Spanish Golden Age Literature.

Mrs. Shulamith Biderman
Science, Attendance Coordinator

Mrs. Shulamith Biderman, a member of our Science Department, teaches the science of Forensics, supports our Biology and Chemistry courses, and is our laboratory technician and instructor for Biology and Chemistry. In addition, Mrs. Biderman is the attendance coordinator. Mrs. Biderman received her B.A. from Brooklyn College. Before joining the faculty of Central, Mrs. Biderman taught Biology at Shevach High School and Prospect Park High School, and was a lab instructor at Shulamith High School.

Mrs. Rena Boord
Director of College Guidance

Mrs. Rena Boord is the Director of College Guidance. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Stern College for Women and a Masters of Education, along with certification as a School Psychologist, at Queens College. Rena hails from Midreshet Shalhevet where she worked as both the Director of College Guidance and a member of the English faculty. Rena has also been an ACT and SAT test prep consultant for over 20 years and brings her well established knowledge of the exams to her role.

Mr. Yitzchok Borenstein
Math

Mr. Yitzchok Borenstein is a member of our Math Department. He received his B.A. in Math with a minor in Secondary Education from Queens College in 2005. He has also passed four actuarial exams. Previously, he taught at Yeshiva Derech Hatorah, where he taught Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry. He has also taught AP classes, including Statistics, Microeconomics and Psychology. Mr. Borenstein is also trained by CIJE to teach STEM classes.

Mrs. Miriam Chopp
Science

Mrs. Miriam Chopp, a member of our Science Department, teaching Chemistry and AP Chemistry. She also mentors our science teams in a number of statewide and local competitions. She came to us with ten years of experience, teaching Regents Biology, Chemistry and Earth Science at prominent yeshiva high schools in the metropolitan area. Mrs. Chopp is a magna cum laude graduate in Chemistry from Brooklyn College and holds Master’s degrees in Chemistry and Secondary School Education. In 2012 she received her Master of Science in Teacher Education in Science from Columbia University. She is also a graduate of Michlalah in Jerusalem and was the recipient of an Empire State Mathematics and Science Teacher’s Fellowship. Mrs. Chopp is listed in the 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2005 – 2011 editions of “Who’s Who in Education”. In May 2008, she received the Senator Padavan Certificate of Honor for local teachers. During the summer of 2010, Mrs. Chopp attended the 5th Annual Schwartz Family Science Teachers Seminar at the Davidson Institute of Science Education at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. She attended a three week chemistry modeling seminar sponsored by STEM teachers NYC at Columbia University during the Summer of 2016. She is currently acting as a mentor to new teachers following completion of a two year training course sponsored by the Jewish New Teacher Project.

Mrs. Chani Cooper
Learning Specialist

Mrs. Chani Cooper is a member of our Learning Center and Freshman Grade Dean. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in History from Queens College. She also holds a Master’s degree in Jewish Education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education as well as a Master’s in General and Special Education from Touro’s Graduate School of Education and Special Education. Mrs. Cooper has previously worked in the Special Education Department at Manhattan Day School. She has a passion for helping each and every student succeed.

Ms. Chaviva Fisher
Executive Director

Ms. Chaviva Fisher served as the Director of Finance at Yeshiva University, where she worked with multiple departments overseeing operations and budgeting. She earned an MS in Accounting as well as an MBA in Finance from Baruch College. Ms. Fisher lives in Teaneck, NJ with her husband and three children, where she serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at Congregation Beth Aaron.

Mrs. Ruth Fried
Chair, Science Department

Mrs. Ruth Fried is the Chairperson of the Science Department and the Coordinator of the Science Institute. She teaches Regents Biology and Advanced Placement Biology. She serves as the liaison to the Yeshiva University High Schools/Albert Einstein College of Medicine Joint Summer Research Program. She was a summa cum laude graduate of Stern College for Women, where she majored in Biology, and she holds a Master’s degree in Biology from New York University. Mrs. Fried is a member of the Educational Steering Committee for the March of Dimes Nelson Rosenthal Convocation. In the summer of 2008, Mrs. Fried was selected to attend the third Sheila Schwartz Family International Leading Science Teacher Seminar at the Davidson Institute of Science Education at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. She received certification to implement both the Davidson Institute and the British Neufield Foundation Science Literacy Program (LSS – Learning Skills for Science). In 2014, she judged the NYSSEF (Andromeda Division) Science Division. Mrs. Fried is a recipient of the $10,000 Toyota Tapestry Grant from the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA).

Ms. Chevi Friedman
English

Ms. Chevi Friedman teaches English, supervises the debate team, and organizes the weekly newsletter, The Update. Ms. Friedman earned her B.A from Yeshiva University, where she majored in English Literature and completed a minor in education. Ms. Friedman completed her M.A in English Adolescent Education from Hunter College, where she also received her NY State teaching certification. Prior to teaching at Central, Ms. Friedman taught middle school English and history at Yeshivah of Flatbush. She teaches ninth, eleventh, and twelfth grade English classes.

Ms. Laura Fruchter
Director of Academics

Ms. Laura Fruchter is the Director of Academics. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Sociology from Queens College. She is a Learning Specialist with a Master’s degree in Special Education with a specialty in Severe and Multiple Disabilities from Hunter College. During the summer, Ms. Fruchter is the director of the Yachad program in Camp Morasha. She has a passion to help each student recognize her individual potential and succeed at accomplishing her goals. She is the grade level coordinator for our sophomores, and serves as chesed coordinator.

Mrs. Aliza Gewirtz
Dean of Students

A proud graduate of Central, where she served as GO President her senior year, Mrs. Gewirtz also studied at Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim and at Stern College for Women. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Judaic Studies with a minor in Business, and earned a Masters in Jewish Education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. In addition, she is a licensed social worker with a MSW from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Mrs. Gewirtz is the Director of Public Relations at Camp Kaylie.

Mrs. Alisa Goldberger
Director of Operations

Mrs. Alisa Goldberger is our Director of Operations. She holds a BS in Business Communications from Touro College and was the recipient of the Academic Excellence award. Before coming to YUHSG, Mrs. Goldberger worked in the office at YULA Girls’ School in Los Angeles.

Ms. Lisa Goldman
Educational Administrator

Ms. Lisa Goldman is our Educational Administrator. She is admitted to practice law in New York and received her Juris Doctorate from Yeshiva University’s Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Ms. Goldman also holds a B.A. in Psychology and Jewish History from New York University, College of Arts and Science and is a SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management – Certified Professional). Prior to coming to Central, Ms. Goldman spent 8 years as an HR Generalist at Westchester Day School/Westchester Summer Day in Mamaroneck, NY, where she streamlined data management by implementing an HRIS system. She is passionate about Jewish Education and improving systems and processes to maximize efficiency and productivity. She lives in Great Neck with her husband and three children.

Rabbi Josh Goller
Mashgiach Ruchani

Rabbi Joshua Goller serves as our Mashgiach Ruchani. In addition to his role at Central, Rabbi Goller currently serves as the Rabbi at the Young Israel of West Hempstead, giving multiple weekly shiurim and offering other vibrant adult education and community programs. Before coming to Central, Rabbi Goller was a teacher at HANC High School and a part of their Beit Midrash Program. Previously, he served as the Assistant Rabbi of the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates. He earned his BA in History and received Semicha from Yeshiva University. Rabbi Goller’s dedication to making Torah learning and lessons personal for each student has increased the prominence of personal religious growth in our school community. Rabbi Goller’s insight and leadership is a strong part of the religious guidance team at Central, supporting all of our efforts to design opportunities for our students to make strides in their personal religious growth as an integral part of their Central experience.Rabbi Goller has been an important voice in the leadership of the West Hempstead community and we are excited that his insight and leadership will be a strong part of the religious guidance team at Central. Rabbi Goller’s leadership will support all of our efforts to design opportunities for our students to make strides in their personal religious growth as an integral part of their Central experience.

Mrs. Atara Himmel
Graphic Designer

Mrs. Atara Himmel is a Graphic Designer with a specialty in Brand Identity Design. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Queens College, with a B.S. in Graphic Design. She has been in the creative industry for five years and has worked with all kinds of businesses from nonprofit to photographers. She is passionate about what she does. Coming from a multidisciplinary design background with a concentration of illustration and custom type, she was drawn to the strategic and psychological side of design. She started Everbee Design, a branding studio, to bridge the gap between strategy and design, while still making it accessible to small and budding businesses. Mrs. Himmel looks forward to teaching her students how to approach real world graphic design problems and working with different mediums to produce creative solutions!

Mr. Richard Isaacs
History

Mr. Richard Isaacs is a member of our History Department. He was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in History from the University of Toronto, and a Master’s degree in Jewish History from Touro College. Mr. Isaacs also spent many years in yeshiva/kollel in Israel. Mr. Isaacs has taught high school history and English literature for almost twenty years. His specialties are the U.S., Europe, and the Far East. He enjoys directing theater productions, and, as a Canadian, enjoys coaching and playing hockey.

Ms. Sari Kahn
Director of Institutional Advancement

Mrs. Marci Karoll
Director of Technology

Mrs. Marci Karoll is the Director of Technology at Central. Mrs. Karoll has spent most of her career working in the Jewish communities of New York and Chicago. Prior to coming to Central, Mrs. Karoll was a program officer at the Legacy Heritage Fund. With a portfolio focused on Jewish education and technology, she developed and implemented www.DahBear.org, an online Hebrew language tool designed to help teachers integrate technology into classroom lessons, enabling students to effectively learn and review Hebrew subjects. Mrs. Karoll was also responsible for the management and support of the Legacy Heritage SMARTBoard Project, including the SMARTBoard Jewish Educational Database which offers more than 2,400 SMART Board lessons created by and for teachers in Jewish schools across the U.S. Mrs. Karoll holds a Master’s degree from Touro College in Instructional Technology and a Master’s degree in Human Services Administration. Mrs. Karoll completed the YU Lead Program of the Center for the Jewish Future, a year long Day School Leadership Development Program.

Mrs. Amy Katz
History

Mrs. Amy Katz, is the History Department Coordinator. Mrs. Katz teaches Global Studies and U.S. History. Mrs. Katz holds a B.A. in History from SUNY Binghamton, where she minored in Judaic Studies. She received a Master’s degree in Secondary School Social Studies Education from Queens College. She has participated in the Azrieli Graduate School Summer Seminar for High School Teachers on “Issues and Themes in Holocaust Education” and the China Institute’s “Women in Chinese History.” Mrs. Katz also attended the workshop “Amsterdam/New Amsterdam: People, Places and Things” at the Museum of the City of New York, and the “African Burial Ground National Monument Workshop” at the African Burial Ground National Monument. She attended the U.S. History for Teachers of Advanced Placement program at Molloy College.

Ms. Malkie Klausner
Student Finance Accounts Manager

Dr. Riki Koenigsberg
Science

Dr. Riki Koenigsberg teaches AP Psychology. Dr. Koenigsberg received her B.A. cum laude from Barnard College with honors in Psychology, her Master’s degree from Columbia University’s Teachers College, and her doctorate from George Washington University, where she studied under a National Institute of Mental Health fellowship. Dr. Koenigsberg is a licensed psychologist who has worked for over thirty years with children, adolescents and their families, as well as with senior adults. She is a consulting psychologist to the Queens Borough Public Library System and has served as an adjunct assistant professor of Psychology at Stern College and Touro College. She also speaks on psychological and Jewish topics to women’s groups in the Queens community. In the summer of 2011, she was one of twenty-five school psychology teachers invited to participate in a three-day workshop sponsored by the American Psychological Association and Clark University on the Clark campus.

Ms. Kimberly Konzack
Math

Ms. Kimberly Konzack is a member of our Mathematics Department. She teaches Algebra, Geometry, and AP Calculus. She is experienced in the instruction of all upper level mathematics courses at both high school and university levels. Ms. Konzack was the valedictorian of her high school class and attended Adelphi University on a full academic scholarship, obtaining her B.S. in Mathematics, with summa cum laude designation and her M.A. in Mathematics/Secondary Education. Ms. Konzack began her career at HAFTR High School in Cedarhurst, where she taught various Regents level classes. She then taught for ten years at North Shore Hebrew Academy High School in Great Neck. Besides teaching all levels of Mathematics at North Shore, she was director of the “Drop-In” Center Program for extra help and coordinated the Work Study Program for seniors. She is also an adjunct professor at Adelphi University.

Mrs. Osnat Laks
Hebrew Language

Mrs. Laks recently joined Central’s Hebrew Language department and also teaches Ivrit in the Ptach program. Mrs. Laks grew up in Israel and received her degree from the Seminar Ohr Chaim, Bnei Brak. Afterwards she went on to obtain her Masters in Education from Seminar Haifa and a degree in special education from Seminar Tel Aviv. In Israel, she taught at the high-school Netiv Ohr in Chadera. There she taught Limudei Kodesh classes as well as special education classes. When she moved to the U.S., she taught at Westchester Day School and afterwards she taught at North Shore Hebrew Academy. There, she created the Hebrew Language curriculum for the Middle School and taught Jewish History and Lashon.

Mrs. Karen Lavner
Judaic Studies

Mrs. Karen Lavner, a member of our Judaic Studies Department, teaches Chumash and Jewish History. She also serves as junior grade level coordinator. In the past, Mrs. Lavner served as the faculty advisor for the Names, Not Numbers© Holocaust Memorial Project. Mrs. Lavner is a summa cum laude graduate of Stern College with a B.A. in Judaic Studies and Psychology. She was awarded the Belkin Scholarship for Academic Excellence, the Miriam Araten Memorial Award for Excellence in Bible, and the Ida Lamport Hurowitz Memorial Award for Excellence in Psychology. She also served as coordinator of the Peer Counseling Program at Stern College for Women. Before coming to Central in 2007, Mrs. Lavner worked in psychology research at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. We note with pride that Mrs. Lavner was the valedictorian of Central’s Class of 2002 and the recipient of the Keter Shem Tov award.

Rabbi Zvi Lew
Israel Guidance Director

Rabbi Zvi Lew, a member of our Judaic Studies Department, also serves as our Joy Rochwarger Balsam Israel Guidance Director. He teaches Chumash and Halakha/Gemara. On Fridays, Rabbi Lew teaches a shiur to our returning alumnae. Rabbi Lew also serves as advisor to our champion Torah Bowl Team, as well as to our Senior Beit Midrash. In addition to teaching at Central , Rabbi Lew teaches at Ateret Women’s Seminary of Queens College. Before coming to Central, Rabbi Lew was a faculty member at several area yeshivot, including SKA, Westchester Hebrew High School, and Yeshiva Netzach Dovid for Men. Rabbi Lew holds a B.A. in Psychology from Yeshiva University. He studied at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary of Yeshiva University for Rabbinic ordination. He is a Master’s degree candidate at Yeshiva University’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration.

Mr. Menachem Lewin

Dr. Katina Manko
History

Dr. Katina Manko is a member of the history department. She holds a B.A. from Bradford College, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Delaware. In addition to a career in museums and archives, she has taught history to students of all levels, including student teachers at the Bard College Masters in Teaching Program, young scholars at Simons Rock College of Bard, and the Bard High School Early College. Most recently she was teaching at Magen David Yeshivah High School in Brooklyn. Dr. Manko specializes in US Women’s History, as well as World History.

Mrs. April McNally
Physical Education

Mrs. April McNally recently joined the Central family as a Physical Education teacher, and has implemented her unique style of mindfulness and wellness into the curriculum. Over the past twenty years. Mrs. McNally has worked in education in a variety of settings which include teaching physical education and health K-12, coaching Varsity /JV Track and Softball, GBL basketball Coach, and served as the Third President of her school’s PTA. Mrs. McNally has completed over a thousand hours in yoga and meditation trainings and has created relaxation, and stress relieving techniques geared specifically for a school and classroom environment. Mrs. McNally is also the Co-Founder of All 4 One Kids Yoga which supports kids with Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Down Syndrome. As an advocate for health, Mrs. McNally uses her skills and expertise to teach transformational tools to find balance in everyday life and physically challenges her students to be the best versions of themselves. Mrs. McNally received her Bachelor of Science from Dowling College, attended Graduate School at Adelphi University in Health and Physical Education, and received a Master of Arts from Teacher Education University.

Ms. Zahava Moskowitz
Judaic Studies

Ms. Zahava Moskowitz is extremely excited to have joined the Central family this year! In addition to teaching Tanach, she will also serve as the Sophomore Grade Dean. Ms. Moskowitz earned her B.A. from Queens college and received her M.S. degree in Jewish Education and Administration from the Azrieli Graduate School. She is also a graduate of the Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute for Tanakh and Jewish Studies in Israel. Prior to joining the Central faculty, Ms. Moskowitz taught at both Ma’ayanot and North Shore Hebrew Academy Middle School. She looks forward to a great year!

Mr. Sabyasachi Rath
Science

Mr. Sabyasachi Rath is a faculty member of the Science Department at Central. He teaches Physics and AP Physics to the eleventh and twelfth graders. He studied Physics as an honors subject along with Mathematics and Chemistry for his Bachelor of Science degree at Ravenshaw College, India. He holds a Master’s degree in Physics from Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay and from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. During his graduate studies he participated in the MuLan experiment which was aimed at the measurement of positive muon lifetime to a precision of 1ppm. His research includes experimental high energy physics, nuclear physics and biophysics. Prior to coming to Central, Mr. Rath taught Physics at various undergraduate colleges and institutes. He had developed Physics lab activities for non-physics, engineering and physics major students. He taught General Physics (both calculus and non-calculus), Physics for health and life sciences, Technical Physics, Problem Solving in Physics courses over the years as a Physics teacher. His Physics teaching focuses real world applications based on scientific principles that can steers minds and offer solutions to challenges the world is facing now.

Mrs. Tova Rosenberg
Chair, Hebrew Language Department

Mrs. Tova Rosenberg is the Chairperson of the Hebrew Language Department and the Director of the Ulpanat Zvia Exchange Program at Central. Mrs. Rosenberg has extensive experience as a teacher mentor and curriculum developer. For 26 years, she was a college lecturer in Israel on “Methods of Teaching Hebrew as a Foreign Language.” In addition, as the creator of the acclaimed Names, Not Numbers© Intergenerational Holocaust Oral History Film Project, she serves as an educational consultant to a number of middle schools and high schools. Mrs. Rosenberg holds a B.A. magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from Washington University in History, Hebrew and Jewish Studies. Her M.A., with honors in European and American History, is from St. Louis University. Mrs. Rosenberg’s coursework towards her PH.D. is from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She served as a day school principal in Pennsylvania and Toronto. Mrs. Rosenberg is the recipient of Yeshiva University’s Baumel Faculty Incentive Award in recognition of the Names, Not Numbers© Project.

Ms. Lisa Rothstein
Chair, English Department

Ms. Lisa Rothstein is the Chairperson of the English Department. In addition to teaching English, she also coaches the College Bowl and Poetry teams and advises the school newspaper. Ms. Rothstein earned a B.A. with both general and departmental honors in English, and an M.A. from the University of Chicago. Before coming to Central, she taught at Ramaz and Akiba Schechter in Chicago. Ms. Rothstein is a regular contributor to program development for the Princeton Review. She received the New York State English Council Educator of Excellence award in 2009, and the Princeton Review Teacher of the Year award in 2005 and 2009.

Ms. Tzirel Schwartz
Learning Specialist

Ms. Tzirel Schwartz is a new member of our Learning Center. She attended Bnos Sarah Teacher’s Seminary, earned her Bachelor’s degree from Excelsior College, and graduated with a Master’s of Science in Special Education, specializing in Learning Disabilities, from the University of North Dakota. Ms. Schwartz holds a Judaic Studies and Hebrew Language Teacher’s License from the Greater Miami Board of License for the State of Florida and is trained in both the Orton-Gillingham method for teaching reading, as well as the KriahMaster approach to teaching Kriah. She has previously taught in Toras Emes Academy of Miami as well as Bnos Malka Academy in Queens, gaining experience in both the general education classroom and the special education resource room. Ms. Schwartz has also worked one-on-one with high school students who have learning challenges, to break down complicated concepts, modify exams, and provide the necessary accommodations for their individual needs. She has a passion to bring out the strengths in each of her students and build their confidence and desire to succeed, so each girl can shine and reach her full potential.

Ms. Beverly S. Segal
Mentor

Ms. Beverly S. Segal is a seasoned educator with an outstanding reputation in both formal and informal education. Ms. Segal possesses a love and understanding of teenagers and a passion for engaging students in discovery and exploration. Her career has been dedicated to advancing Jewish education and promoting thoughtful approaches to the critical questions we face in the Jewish community. Before coming to Central , Ms. Segal was a core faculty member at SAR Academy in Riverdale, NY for 17 years, where she was both highly respected and beloved. In addition to her classroom experience, Ms. Segal designed innovative learning programs for the Early Childhood Center, served on the Teachers’ Liaison Committee, and chaired the New York State Association of Independent Schools accreditation subcommittee with a focus on school administration. She has presented workshops on curriculum to educators. Ms. Segal graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania. She holds two Master’s degrees, one in Education from Adelphi University and, most recently, in School Building Administration from St. John’s University. Ms. Segal has also served as Program Director in Jewish and secular summer camps for the last eighteen years. She is an attorney, having graduated from Yeshiva University’s Cardozo Law School, and is a member of the New York State Bar. Prior to becoming an educator, Ms. Segal practiced as a litigator in Washington, D.C., and worked for the United States Securities and Exchange Commission in Manhattan.

Mr. Michael Spindel
Engineering

Growing up primarily on Long Island, Michael was raised in the deaf culture by two deaf parents. Living in these circumstances, Michael learned to sign before being able to walk or talk. Having been an avid game player and programmer throughout high school, Michael decided to combine these two skills with a degree in Game Design and forthcoming Masters in Mobile Engineering. It is his hope that he can use his prior engineering experience to engage students in a rigorous and exploratory experience into the world of engineering. Additionally, he has spent the last two and a half years teaching both sign language and game design and is now looking to use his experiences both inside and outside of the classroom to enhance the students’ learning experience at Central. Michael brings real life experience with programming and designing games to the classroom. Michael is looking forward to having a positive year, and can’t wait to help his students learn and grow.

Mrs. Rebecca Teper
Judaic Studies & Programming Director

Mrs. Rebecca Teper is a member of our Judaic Studies Department and the Assistant Director of Student Activities. She teaches ninth grade Chumash and tenth grade Navi. After two years in Michlalah Jerusalem College, she graduated with High Honors (Summa Cum Laude) from Queens College with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in History. Mrs. Teper has completed her Master’s degree at the Azrieli School of Jewish Education and Administration of Yeshiva University as part of their 1-year accelerated Master’s program, Prior to joining the faculty at Central, Mrs. Teper taught Judaic Studies at Yeshiva of Central Queens and SAR Academy. Over the summer, as part of their Head Staff team, Ms. Konigsberg works as a Divison Head in Camp Morasha. She has experience with programming from having created camp-wide themes and activities as well as having helped orchestrate Shabbatonim, special occasions throughout the school year, and grade-wide trips in YCQ.

Rabbi Joshua Strulowitz
Judaic Studies

Rabbi Joshua Strulowitz is a member of our Jewish Studies Department and serves as the Torah Sheba’al Peh Curriculum Coordinator. He teaches Halakha/Gemara as well as Chumash. Rabbi Strulowitz received his rabbinic ordination at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. He also received ordination from Rabbi Zalman Nechemiah Goldberg and Rabbi Shmuel Fuerst of Chicago. He graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Economics and received an award for excellence in Talmudic Studies while at YU. He is also nearing the completion of an M.A. in Jewish History from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Talmudic Studies. Prior to joining the Central faculty, Rabbi Strulowitz served as a shul rabbi for over a decade. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise that will enhance the school experience in a multitude of ways.

Mrs. Ivy Weiner
Art

Ivy Weiner comes to Central with a diverse background in Jewish Education and nonprofit organizations. She received her B.F.A. from the City University of N.Y. She spent 20 years working for Jewish nonprofits, including stints at the JNF and the Israel Humanitarian Foundation, before returning to teaching. She has taught art for over 20 years, including AP Art, at a variety of Yeshivot including SAR, Ma’ayanot and Manhattan H.S. for Girls. In addition to her teaching, she is a Master Fine Art Printmaker and Faux Art Painter. Ivy has resided with her family in Scarsdale for the past 31 years.

Mrs. Moriah (Rosensweig) Weiss
Judaic Studies

Mrs. Moriah (Rosensweig) Weiss is an adjunct instructor of Bible at Stern College for Women. Mrs. Weiss earned an MA in Jewish education from Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education, and an MA in Jewish History from Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies. Mrs. Weiss is also currently working on her dissertation in Jewish history at Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies. She enjoys teaching Tanach and Jewish history to all ages. Mrs. M. Weiss lives in West Hempstead, NY with her husband and four children.

Rabbi Elie Weissman
Tanach Coordinator

Rabbi Elie Weissman is a member of our Religious Programming Team and the Judaic Studies Department, who teaches Gemara and Navi. Rabbi Weissman received his B.A. cum laude in English from Yeshiva University and his Master’s degree in Bible from the Bernard Revel Graduate School. He was ordained at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary of Yeshiva University. Rabbi Weissman serves as the Rabbi of the Young Israel of Plainview and has lectured for the Five Towns Tanakh BeShanah program.

Ms. Kayla Whitaker
English

Kayla Rae Whitaker teaches American Literature, Contemporary Literature, and Creative Writing at Central. She also serves as a faculty advisor to the school newspaper. She received a B.A. in English with a minor in Appalachian Studies from the University of Kentucky and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from New York University, which she attended as a Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Scholar. Her novel The Animators was published by Random House in 2017, and was named one of the best debut novels of the year by Entertainment Weekly and one of the best books of the year by NPR, Kirkus Reviews, and BookPage.

Mr. Jason Williams
Science

Mr. Jason Williams is the Science Research/Methodology instructor for the Central Science Institute. Mr. Williams holds a B.S. in Biology from SUNY Stony Brook, and is currently an educator at the Dolan DNA Learning Center of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. An experienced researcher in his own right, he has mentored and supervised many high school students’ independent research projects, and has mentored several Intel Science Talent Search semi-finalists and top winners. Mr. Williams created and currently administers a program for advanced high school research students. These students participate in the international scientific conferences held annually at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. He is also the coordinator of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Partnership for “iplant,” a fifty-million-dollar National Science Foundation project that builds cyberinfrastructure for plant biologists.

Mrs. Danielle Wyner
Director of Guidance

Mrs. Danielle Wyner is the Director of Guidance. She is a New York State Licensed Master Social Worker, having received her MSW degree from Adelphi University. She also holds a B.A. in Psychology from Queens College. Mrs. Wyner is an alumna of Central (’01) and was the recipient of the Keter Shem Tov Award at her graduation. In addition to conducting regular meetings with students for academic and social development, she coordinates the Homeroom Program, which provides an extra layer of support to our students. Prior to her “return” to Central, Mrs. Wyner served as the school social worker at the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County Middle School and High School, and as a psychotherapist at South Shore Child Guidance Center.

Mrs. Betty York
Math

Mrs. Betty York is a member of our Mathematics Department, teaching all levels of Algebra, Geometry, Advanced Algebra, and Trigonometry. Mrs. York received her B.S. in Mathematics magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from City University of New York, followed by her Master’s degree in Math Education summa cum laude also from CUNY. She received her Juris Doctor from Hofstra University Law School. Mrs. York previously taught at North Shore Hebrew Academy High School in Great Neck, as well as at TAG in Far Rockaway. She began her career at the Bronx High School of Science.