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Yosef Albo was born in Israel, and after living in the Dominican Republic for five years, his family made their way to Brooklyn, NY, where he began his eclectic formal Jewish education as a student of various Yeshivot, including Ateret Torah, Chaim Berlin, Ohr Sameach (Jerusalem), Ner Israel Baltimore and Yeshiva University.
As the Director of Jewish Life, he oversees Jewish programming, special events, and our JLA Ba’Aretz Program. Yosef has eighteen years of experience in education. Prior to JLA, he was the Judaics Teacher and Director of Sephardi Programming at the Ramaz Upper School in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where he built curriculum for honors level classes in Talmud, Tanach, Halacha, and Jewish Philosophy. Devoted to Jewish communal life, he held positions at the Hampton Synagogue, Manhattan Jewish Experience, and Riverdale Jewish Center.
Yosef is also an accomplished artist, illustrator, painter, photographer, composer, and musician. The Albo Band, which he founded and leads, will soon be releasing its third album entitled “Poor Man’s Prayer.”
Frances Alexander has taught English from grades 6-12 in a variety of school settings: public, charter, French, Quaker, Independent, and now Jewish. She decided to become a teacher after volunteering in Egypt, where she studied abroad in college as a student of Arabic. That experience inspired her to become a Teach for America corps member in Washington DC, her hometown. In her previous role at Ransom Everglades, she taught 7th-10th grade English for six years and was the faculty advisor to Tedx and student government.
A native of South Florida, Mrs. Shelly Assraf graduated from Reichman University (IDC Herzliya) with a BSc. in Computer Science. She has a talent for breaking down complex concepts into understandable terms, making computer science accessible and exciting for all students.
Mrs. Assaf is an experienced software designer with proficiency in C, Java, Python, Haskell, Kotlin, Erlang, OOP, as well as CSS and HTML. Amongst other accomplishments, she has built a complete interactive breaking news Android app, created a web-based space travel game, and co-created a 3D interactive animated film. As a Computer Science teacher, Mrs.Assraf combines her warm personality and dedication to her students, with a deep understanding of the latest technologies in the field, from coding to machine learning and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity.
Beyond her work as a teacher, she is a passionate advocate for the State of Israel and has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at promoting a positive image of Israel. She also enjoys traveling, website design and baking during her free time.
Nate Baker
Lead Security Officer
With 15 years of experience in the music industry across Latin America and the United States, Mikel Barandiaran is a versatile musician, educator, producer, performer, music director, and composer. Joining JLA from the Doral Academy Just Arts & Management Middle School where he serves as music director, guitar teacher, and digital arts instructor, Mikel plays more than 10 instruments and has taught at the prestigious School of Rock music academy, while leading student bands ranging from 3rd to 12th grade.
Mikel has worked on important projects as a music supervisor and audio engineer for top entertainment companies such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. He has also served as a music editor and audio supervisor for Nickelodeon Animation’s largest Nick Jr. project, “Baby Shark’s Big Show.” Mikel has recorded with prominent artists as a session musician, while simultaneously producing, composing, and arranging two personal music albums in Latin America. He graduated with a B.S. in Music Production from Full Sail University and studied Audio Engineering at Taller de Arte Sonoro in Venezuela.
When he is not in the studio or with an instrument on hand, Mikel can be found on the soccer field or watching movies.
Ms. Tsurit Barhama , a recent transplant from Madison, Wisconsin, brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the JLA community. Growing up in Israel, she developed a deep appreciation for the Hebrew language and its cultural significance.
Tsurit graduated from UW-Madison with a B.S in Economics and Data Science, and joins us with a professional background in both IT and Hebrew education. This dual background allows her to combine a deep understanding of the Hebrew language with innovative teaching methods to foster a dynamic learning environment.
With over a decade of experience teaching Hebrew as a second language, Tsurit combines her expertise in technology and education to create engaging and effective learning environments. Her ability to tailor lessons to students’ individual styles and her commitment to student success have made her a beloved educator.
Tsurit finds meaning in helping Jewish children connect with their heritage through the Hebrew language. This has led to her involvement with various Jewish organizations and synagogues, as well as mentoring students for their Bar or Bat Mitzvahs.
When she is not teaching, you can find her at the dog park with her dog Henry, paddle boarding, and exploring her creative side through metalworking.
Mrs. Daphna Bar Yosef is excited to join JLA as an Instructor of Hebrew. Daphna grew up in Israel and served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) as a Tank Instructor. She attended Tel Aviv University, studying Tanach, before continuing to earn both her BS and MS from NYU in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. After concluding her studies in 2021, she moved to Miami with her husband and daughter.
Daphna brings over ten years of experience in the teaching and learning world, ranging from teaching in a Jewish Day School to serving as a Division Head and Sports Director in an Israeli summer camp.
As a practicing Speech and Language Pathologist, Daphna has a deep understanding of language development and is excited to teach her students how to incorporate Hebrew into their everyday lives and build exceptional communication skills. During her spare time she enjoys running, biking, and swimming and is also looking forward to cheering loudly at JLA’s sports games “קדימה JLA!”
Sabrina Baseman
B.S.
Associate Director of Development
Sabrina is a Philadelphia native, but moved to Naples, Florida at the age of six, and later attended the University of Florida, graduating with a BS in Psychology.
After college, Sabrina moved to Los Angeles and began her career as a client success manager in the technology industry, and has spent the last seven years developing client relationships in the start-up space, seeing multiple companies through rapid and exponential growth, software launches, and rounds of funding. Her clients varied in industries, from financial institutions to healthcare, VC firms to manufacturers, and government to fellow software companies. Most recently Sabrina led a team of sixteen as the Director of Customer Success and Director of Partnerships at Fulcrum, a Minneapolis based software company.
Due to her passion for Jewish education and for Israel, Sabrina is excited to return to Florida and apply the skills she has gained in the for-profit world to a cause that is nearer and dearer to her heart: ensuring that the Jewish children of our community, our future, receive the very best education possible.
In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband and family, solving puzzles — jigsaw, crossword, or otherwise — and winning during game nights with friends.
Joining JLA after a decade at Gulliver Prep, Amy Biscombe is a dedicated educator who is deeply committed to her students’ success. Raised in East Grand Forks, MN,her decision to become a mathematics teacher was inspired by her time volunteering with Enviro-Cops, reflecting a deep-seated passion for teaching mathematics and community service. Amy Earned her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Mathematics from FIU in 1998. Her early career achievements in Miami-Dade County, where she was named one of the ten Rookie Teachers of the Year Finalists in 2000, led her to further her education at Barry University where she completed her Master of Science in Computers and Technology in Education in 2003.
Amy has been a National Board Certified Teacher in Adolescence and Young Adulthood in Mathematics since 2005 and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership with a focus on Higher Education Administration at Barry University.
As a strong advocate for alumni engagement, Amy has served as a director on the Barry University Alumni Board of Directors (ABOD) since 2019 and currently holds the position of ABOD Vice President. She also continues to give back to the community at large through her involvement in Me to We, an innovative social enterprise that empowers people to change the world with their everyday consumer choices.
Rabbanit Shalhevet Cahana joins JLA from Manhattan Day School in New York City, where she has spent the past six years teaching Judaic Studies.
She is entering her 7th year as community scholar at the Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland, CA where she visits several times a year to teach shiurim (Torah classes) and give drashot (sermons).
To date, Rabbanit Cahana has taught in over 75 synagogues and campuses across North America, France, and Israel. She is also sought after Kallah Teacher (instructor of new brides), trained by Merkaz Eden in Yerushalayim.
Rabbanit Cahana previously studied in Maimonides School, Migdal Oz, Stern College for Women and their advanced Gemara program called the Graduate Program for Advanced Talmudic Studies (GPATS). She is beginning a doctorate in Jewish education through the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education & Administration at Yeshiva University.
She lives with her husband, Rabbi Dvir Cahana in Miami.
A native of Brazil, Ms. Amanda Cannon brings a wealth of experience and a passion for math and computer science to JLA. With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the Lourenco Filho School, a world renowned institution known for its MindLab and Mind-Innovation Olympiad, she has a strong foundation in programming and technology.
Prior to joining JLA, Ms. Cannon served as a middle and high school math and science teacher at Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale. Amanda also served as a Navy Ombudsman for five year and has spent the last fifteen years teaching JAVA and C++ programming in a variety of contexts.Her classes are known for their engaging approach, encouraging students to discover golden proportions through observation and deduction.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Ms. Cannon is a dedicated athlete. She recently began practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is a passionate fan of the Fortaleza Esporte Soccer Team. Her experience as a varsity volleyball player and coach at previous schools also makes her a valuable addition to our girls’ volleyball program.
Darling Cerna
B.A., M.A.
Director of College Counseling
Ms. Darling Cerna joined JLA as our Director of College Counseling from Princeton Day School in New Jersey, where she served as the Assistant Director of College Counseling. PDS is ranked by Niche.com as one of top 50 K-12 private schools in the country and is widely known for its extraordinary success in college admissions. A proud alum of Muhlenberg College, Ms. Darling Cerna holds a BA in French and Public Health, as well as a MA in Counseling from Villanova University. As a first generation college student herself, she is excited at the prospect of making a difference throughout this pivotal process for juniors and seniors. She loves being a support system for students, helping them find their passions, and encouraging them to enjoy their high school years as much as possible. She cares deeply about all students and their families, and hopes to bring together her work to support students of all needs and backgrounds. When she isn’t working, she loves to spend time with her family and enjoys going on walks with her two dogs. As a native Spanish speaker, she loves learning about different cultures, practicing her French and listening to music in different languages when she goes for runs.
Hailing from Israel, Ms. Vered Cohen, recently made the move from California to Miami to become a valued member of JLA. She has spent over two decades teaching Hebrew as a second language to both young students and adults. In California, Vered was a lead teacher for various programs in the Hebrew-Judaics Department at Lashon Academy Charter School.
Before arriving in the United States, Vered dedicated herself to educating middle and high school students in Israel, focusing on World History and the History of the Jewish People.
After a meaningful service in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) as a commander for new recruits, Vered earned a BA from Tel-Aviv University in World History and Educational Administration, along with her teaching certification. She pursued further studies, completing coursework for an MS in International Management with a concentration in marketing from Bournemouth University through Ramat-Gan State College.
Vered possesses certification in teaching Hebrew as a second language and has undergone training for teaching and administrative roles through the NETA program in Boston. Additionally, she is a certified Parenting Educator from Tenafly Therapy Group in New Jersey.
Beyond her professional achievements, Vered is a devoted mother of two. She finds joy in dancing, sports, travel, and particularly delights in hearing her students engage in conversations in Hebrew.
A native of Brazil, Yamit Linde spent her formative teenage years in Israel and arrived in Miami as a junior in high school. During her time in Israel, Yamit learned firsthand how vital and enriching Jewish education can be. Having lived in different countries and cities throughout her life, she appreciates and cherishes South Florida’s unique diversity.
Yamit holds a BA in International Relations and an MBA with a concentration in marketing from Florida International University, and is fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Hebrew.
Over the course of her 14 year career as a marketing and communications executive, Yamit has held leadership positions in industry leading brands like Grey Goose, Dove, and Panerai. Prior to joining JLA, Yamit owned her own consulting agency, where she was responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies for clients in the fashion, luxury, food, and hospitality industries.
During her free time, Yamit enjoys traveling and going to the beach with her husband Steven, and two young children, Levi and Lennon.
Terry David
Kitchen Staff
Coach Mallory Erickson joins us from Hebrew Academy in Miami Beach, where she has been teaching physical education for nine years. She is the proud recipient of the prestigious “Light the Path to Education” award, bestowed upon exceptional educators who inspire their students to achieve their fullest potential.
Mallory graduated from Northern Illinois University with a BS in Kinesiology, Physical Education, and Health Education. With over 14 years of coaching experience under her belt, Mallory has led her teams to numerous championships and playoff victories in both basketball and flag football. Her unwavering dedication and fervor have been instrumental in guiding former athletes towards receiving college scholarships.
During her free time Mallory enjoys playing the guitar, piano, and saxophone as well as taking her dogs to the park.
Originally from South Bend, Indiana, RC Ganser has enjoyed over 27 years in education, 18 of them at Gulliver Preparatory as an administrator, teacher, and coach. At Gulliver, RC helped run the most competitive high school sports program, not only in Dade county, but in the entire state of Florida. RC has 30 years of educational experience and is an award-winning coach for numerous male and female sports including volleyball, baseball, softball, basketball, and water polo. With a B.S.in Education / English from Indiana University South Bend, RC has taught middle school and high school English classes including Honors and Advanced Placement courses. Additionally, RC has served in many facets of education including Activities Director, Admissions, Strategic Planning, Student Advisory, Homework Research, and Faculty Council.
A former 2-sport college athlete in baseball and basketball, RC maintains a passion for being both a participant and spectator in many sports. Daughters Leilani, 25, and Kalei, 19, the loves of his life, are out on their own pursuing their respective educations and careers. Beyond the school setting, RC loves cooking, doing crossword puzzles, and writing poetry.
Derrick Flitcroft
Head Security Officer
BS, Central Connecticut State University
Previously at AIPAC
An award-winning educator, Olivia Friedman comes to JLA with over a decade of experience teaching Judaic studies. She values creativity, and uses Tanakh as a touchpoint for everything she encounters. In Olivia’s eyes, Tanakh illuminates everyday life and is in dialogue with all things, including classic literature and pop culture. She most recently served as an instructor of Tanakh, Jewish Law and Oral Thought, as well as an Educational Technology Coordinator at Ida Crown Jewish Academy in Skokie, IL. Prior to that, she taught Judaic Studies at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, MD. In addition, Olivia wrote the curriculum and served as Rosh Chinuch at Camp Moshava Ba’ir Chicago. Her work as an educator was recognized with a Hartman Educator of the Year Award in 2021-22.
Originally from Chicago, Olivia earned her B.A. in English Literature from YU’s Stern College for Women, her M.A. in Bible from Yeshiva University, and an MSEd with a concentration in Gifted Education from Northwestern University. She also completed the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Fellowship, which brings together Tanakh educators across Israel and the Diaspora to further advance Tanakh study and professional development.
When she is not at school or spending time with her family, Olivia loves to write, read and share Torah insights. She has presented at Prizmah and multiple professional development conferences, and served as a scholar in residence at synagogues and campuses in Maryland and Illinois. Her articles have been published in Tablet Magazine, The Forward, The Times of Israel, Jewish Action and Lehrhaus. In addition, she is the creator and writer of the Parsha for Kids podcast.
Ms. Laura Gill is a teacher, writer, and editor with over a decade of experience teaching and working with young adults. For seven years, she taught English at The Field School in Washington, D.C. There, she was also an advisor, co-founder of the Peer Tutoring Center and mentor for the literary magazine. During her time at The Field School, she completed an MFA at Bennington Writing Seminars, where she focused on creative nonfiction. Ms. Gill also holds a BA in English from Skidmore College. For the past four years, she has worked in the English Department at Palmer Trinity School where she taught World Literature, English Foundations, and Creative Writing while building curriculum across all grade levels. Laura’s teaching philosophy emphasizes interdisciplinary synthesis between films, books, podcasts, essays, and visual art, helping students recognize the links between different styles of communication and their value.
Aside from her work in schools, Laura has worked with teenagers in youth development organizations ranging from a summer camp on a farm to a nonprofit in D.C. advocating for youth’s rights. She brings with her a love of language and a great enthusiasm for the written word and is excited by the opportunity to build a community of writers and leaders among the JLA students. In her free time, Laura loves to visit museums, read, write, spend time with family, take photographs, explore, and cook.
Born and raised in a small Ohio town on Lake Erie, Ms. Zoe Grant came to South Florida to pursue a B.S. in Biology at Florida Atlantic University, where she also served as a Lifeline Leader and Teaching Assistant in the Biology Department. Ms. Grant then headed back home to Ohio to launch her career teaching Chemistry, Physics, and Health, to 9th through 12th graders at Patriot Preparatory Academy in Columbus. From designing engaging chemistry labs to planning visits for students to experience a day in the life of medical students, Ms. G developed a reputation as a teacher who is deeply invested in her students’ futures as creative leaders and professionals. She is excited to now bring her energy and enthusiasm for science education back to sunny South Florida.
When she is not in the classroom, you might find Ms. G on the golf course perfecting her drive, or tending to her ever-growing houseplant collection with the help of her cats Louis and Boots. Wherever Ms. G may be, she is dedicated to growing minds with a passion for science and leadership and is thrilled to share that with the Jewish Leadership Academy family!
A recent NYC transplant, Mrs Rachel Greenberg has spent the past nine years teaching Judaic Studies, Tanach and Hebrew to elementary and middle school students.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a concentration in Tanach and Talmud from Beis Rivkah Seminary in Israel, and a Master’s degree in Education focusing on Curriculum and Instruction from Central Michigan University, Rachel further enriched her academic foundation with training from Harvard Graduate School of Education and Business School. She represents the perfect blend between traditional and contemporary pedagogical methods.
With nearly 20 years of experience in the field of education, Rachel’s impact on Judaic Studies education is noteworthy. She played a crucial role in establishing Middle School and Judaic Studies curricula at the Beit Israel Educational Institution in Israel. Rachel also founded and instructed 1st and 2nd-grade classes at the Academy of Arts & Sciences Chabad Bayside, NY, before moving to Park East Day School on Manhattan’s Upper East side where she served as a Judaic Studies teacher for five years. Her commitment to effective education and personal connection has led to lasting relationships with former students.
Rachel’s teaching philosophy revolves around the transformative power of Torah as a guiding light, infusing life with wisdom and joy. She prioritizes fostering strong connections to heritage and the timeless relevance of Torah teachings. Beyond education, Rachel enjoys fitness and cherishes quality time with her children.
Ms. Stefany Gurgel is a former civil engineer who transitioned into education six years ago when she began teaching in a high school pre-engineering program in Applied Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Mechatronics and Robotics. In 2022 she was named Teacher of the Year by her public school district in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Stefany holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Rutgers University and is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Integrated STEM Education at The College of New Jersey.
As a lifelong learner and a student advocate, she acquired various industry certifications that enabled her to establish connections with industry and educational partners that enhance the education experience for her students and provide them with internship opportunities. Mrs. Gurgel was a SkillsUSA advisor and collaborated with SkillsUSA NJ to develop and pilot the mechatronics competition in New Jersey. Since then has been the coordinator for the Mechatronic and Robotic Urban Search and Rescue Competition for the state of New Jersey. In addition, Stefany also collaborated with the National Coalition of Certification Center (NC3) and became a Master Instructor certifying other teachers throughout the country through in person train-the-trainer events and through virtual training. She is excited to bring her expertise and experience to JLA’s engineering classes, while helping to run our state-of-the-art Fab Lab.
Dr. Beverly Gurney is a seasoned educator with a passion for STEM education and environmental stewardship. With over three decades of experience, she has dedicated her career to developing innovative curricula and fostering digital literacy in the classroom.
Dr. Gurney has taught Chemistry, Physics, Marine Biology, and Mathematics and joins us from Gulliver Prep. Her commitment to personalized learning has led her to implement differentiated curricula that cater to the diverse needs of her students. As a secondary school STEM teacher, she continues to leverage adaptive technologies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Gurney is a dedicated environmentalist. As a recreational scuba diver, she actively promotes the protection of marine environments. She is also passionate about sustainable gardening, curating pollinator gardens, and propagating native plant species.
Dr. Gurney’s extensive experience and dedication to education are complemented by her academic achievements. She holds a Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology and Distance Education and a Master of Science in Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology from Nova Southeastern University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Education from Florida International University.
Raised amidst expansive corn and bean fields in rural Illinois, Dr. Thomas Hendrickson’s academic journey began at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He earned his B.A. in History and Classical Civilization from the University of Illinois, followed by an M.A. in History from the University of Georgia. In 2023, he acquired his Ed.D. from the University of Miami. Thomas has spent the past 4 years teaching History and served as the History Department Chair at Lawrence Academy, where he taught AP History, AP U.S. Government, World History, and Civics.
Dr. Hendrickson’s passion for knowledge extends beyond the classroom. He engaged in AmeriCorps volunteering, explored the Mediterranean through archaeological expeditions, and earned recognition from esteemed institutions like the American Academy in Rome and the American School of Classical Studies at Athens. His life embodies dedication to learning, service, and historical exploration.
Fun fact about Dr. Hendrickson: he can read Ancient Greek and Latin!
Darcy Hildebidle has over 20 years of experience in gifted education, art exhibition and arts program development in community and school settings. Her vast experience, combined with a B.A. in Art History, Studio Art, and French from the University of Michigan and an M.S. Interdisciplinary Arts Education from Nova Southeastern University, provides her with extraordinary tools to support our students as they connect to their passions through creative discourse and develop their own artistic voice. Ms. Hildebidle’s art students have earned portfolio-based scholarships to top art schools throughout the country, including Otis School of Art & Design, Ringling School of Art & Design, and Savannah College of Art and Design.
Ms. Hildebidle joins us from Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, where she developed the curricula and taught courses in 3D Art and Design, Creative Photography, and AP Art History. . Previously she was the Head of the Fine Arts Department at The Sagemont Upper School in West Broward where she taught AP Studio Art as well as courses on Drawing, Painting, and Digital Arts. Ms. Hildebidle lives in her dream home—a Mid Century fixer-upper—with her husband and two incredible kids who inspire her daily.
Gareth Hoernel
Lead Security Officer
Joaquin Infante is a visionary technology leader with over 15 years of experience in leading and directing technology initiatives. He joins JLA from Charter Schools Associates, Florida’s third largest network of charter schools, serving over 13,000 students. where he served as the Vice President of Technology for five years.
Throughout his career, Joaquin has demonstrated an exceptional ability to leverage cutting-edge technologies to deliver innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of the schools. He has been instrumental in leading large-scale technology transformation initiatives, implementing data-driven decision-making strategies and establishing strong partnerships with industry leaders. His pioneering work in the adoption of new technologies in the K-12 education sector has been recognized by global technology companies.
As an expert in the education technology field, Mr. Infante has an in-depth understanding of edtech integration best practices. He is skilled in implementing a wide range of instructional technologies, including learning management systems, secure cloud computing integrations and data analytics.
He holds a B.S. in Information Technology from Western Governors University and multiple industry certifications.
Joaquin’s vision is centered around the idea of empowering students with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. He believes that technology can be a powerful enabler for learning and that it has the potential to transform the way students engage with education. He is committed to delivering innovative edtech solutions that enable students to achieve their academic goals.
Dr. Patrick Jackson has nearly two-decades’ worth of teaching experience in higher education across a variety of institutions: a small Liberal Arts college, two flagship public universities, and a private research institution. He has taught in departments of American Studies, History, Philosophy, and Religion. He joins JLA after spending the last eleven years at Allegheny College, most recently as a professor of History and the school’s Senior Assistant Dean. He has also mentored students applying for prestigious national awards like the Fulbright, the Goldwater, the Truman, and the Rhodes and has helped students gain admission to graduate and professional schools of national renown.
Dr. Jackson has a BA in History from the University of Kentucky and holds an MA and PhD in American History from Vanderbilt. His area of expertise is late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century intellectual and social history, but he is curious about nearly all aspects of the past and loves learning about other countries and cultures.
It will come as no surprise, perhaps, that Dr. Jackson likes to travel – a lot. He’s been to 49 of the 50 states and has spent time on half of the world’s continents, including a three-year stint living in Europe. (He’s currently planning trips to Alaska, Asia, and South America.) He also really likes reading novels. His favorites include Moby Dick, All the Pretty Horses, Demian, Slaughterhouse Five, and The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay. He is enthusiastic about the outdoors and spends much of his free time biking, camping, hiking, and rafting. He is an unapologetic coffee snob who roasts his own beans. He cooks well and with great joy and always listens to jazz while he’s doing it. And, if there’s a pick-up basketball or soccer game going on, count Dr. Jackson in.
Rav Ari Kellerman is originally from Houston, Texas where he has spent his professional career in Jewish Education. He has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Yeshiva University, a masters degree in Jewish Education from the Azrieli Graduate School, and a certificate in Jewish Nonprofit Management from the Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management. For the last five years Rav Ari has been the Upper School Judaic Principal and College/Gap Year Guidance Counselor and prior to that he spent thirteen years teaching Judaic Studies at Robert M. Beren Academy.
In addition to his formal roles in Jewish day schools, Rabbi Kellerman has been a presenter for Jerusalem EdTech Solutions, where he has provided professional development for educators around the world in blended learning in Jewish education. A lover of travel, he is always up for a road trip to see new places and learn about different cultures. He’ll usually have his guitar with him in case he comes across a bonfire. He is thrilled to be relocating to South Florida with his wife, three children, and puppy, Austin.
Dr. Pushpa Ann Kurian earned her M.S. and Ph.D in Physics from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), as well as an M.S. in Mathematics Teaching from Florida State University. She has taught college level Physics courses in India and high school level Mathematics courses in the Leon County School System in Florida. For the past four years, Dr. Kurian has been teaching in the IB Prep program at Fairview School in Tallahassee.
Dr. Kurian is also the coach of the Fairview Math Competition Team, which has won several prestigious titles, including the Florida Mathcounts in 2019 and the Big Bend Chapter Mathcounts in 2018, 2019, and 2023. She is currently serving as the coach of the Florida Math Team for National Mathcounts, a team she led to second place in the nation back in 2019. Students in her Math competition class have also earned top honors in regional, state, and national competitions in the individual category.
Dr. Kurian enjoys working with young, bright math minds to sharpen their critical and creative thinking skills. She aims to enhance their problem-solving abilities, communication, and collaboration, so that they can face future endeavors with confidence. When not busy with her students, Dr. Kurian enjoys spending time with her husband, Mathews, and their two boys, George and Jacob. She also loves to read, garden, cook, and travel.
