JLA’s commitment to excellence in academics, service, and character begins at the very top. We have therefore assembled a diverse leadership team with extraordinary credentials, vast experience, and deep seated commitment to the values at the heart of JLA’s mission.
Gil Perl
Head of School
Rabbi Dr. Gil S. Perl is the CEO of the Gisela and Daniel Ades Foundation and the Founding Head of School of the Jewish Leadership Academy.
With a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, an MA and PhD from Harvard University, rabbinical ordination from Yeshiva University, and fifteen years of experience leading highly regarded college preparatory K-12 Jewish Day Schools, Rabbi Dr. Perl is a nationally recognized leader in Jewish education.
In his previous role as Head of School of Kohelet Yeshiva and Chief Academic Officer of the Kohelet Foundation, Rabbi Perl led the team that designed and launched Yeshiva Lab School, a highly innovative elementary and middle school in suburban Philadelphia intended to re-imagine what Jewish Day School can and ought to be. Under his leadership, Yeshiva Lab School merged with Kohelet Yeshiva High School to create the Philadelphia area’s only Modern Orthodox K-12 Jewish day school.
Known for his vision, creativity, and dynamism, Dr. Perl was twice awarded Harvard University’s Certificate of Distinction in Teaching and, as an Instructor of Modern Jewish History at Yeshiva University, he was named Yeshiva University’s Lillian F. and William L. Silber Professor of the Year.
In May of 2020, Dr. Perl was named a National Health Hero by JetBlue Airlines for having led the effort to transform Kohelet Yeshiva High School’s Fab Lab into a major face shield production facility to mitigate the severe PPE shortages at local hospitals during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rabbi Perl is the author of the book The Pillar of Volozhin: Rabbi Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin and the World of Nineteenth-Century Lithuanian Torah Scholarship, published by Academic Studies Press and numerous articles on topics relating to the history of Modern Jewry, contemporary Jewish education, and Modern Orthodoxy. He and his wife Melissa are the proud parents of four children and two children-in-law, as well as the gushing grandparents of two adorably cute grandchildren.
Success is…
Leadership is…
Zachary Cohen
Associate Head of School, Middle School
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Zak Cohen has lived and worked in five countries and travelled to more than 50.
Dr. Z, as he is affectionately known by his students, holds a BA in Government from Hamilton College, an MA in Education from Lesley University, a certificate in International School Leadership from the Principals’ Training Center, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Innovation and Creativity from Drexel University, where he received the Dr. Ken Mawritz Memorial Award.
Prior to joining JLA, Dr. Z served as Middle School Director at Francis Parker School in Louisville, Kentucky, where his leadership significantly enhanced student engagement and personalized learning practices. He also formerly served as the K–12 Director of Mission Alignment at the American International School in Chennai, India, where he was deeply committed to educational innovation. Recognized nationally as an ASCD Emerging Leader, he regularly publishes articles in prominent educational outlets such as Edutopia, Educational Leadership, and Independent School magazine. A frequent guest on education podcasts and presenter at national conferences, Dr. Z has also contributed to two best-selling books on education, with his first book tentatively scheduled for release in late 2025. Additionally, he is an outspoken advocate against antisemitism, actively collaborating with educators and schools in the United States and internationally. His critical essay in Independent School magazine addressing rising antisemitism in American independent schools after October 7th garnered national attention. Known for his vision, warmth, and enthusiasm, Dr. Z enjoys art, travel, and baseball. He and his wife, Kenyon, along with their daughter, Sonja live in Miami Shores, a few short minutes from our campus.
Joe Sharp
CFO/COO
Born and raised in Chicago, Joe is known for deploying organization-wide systems and maximizing efficiencies, while demonstrating the utmost professionalism and accountability. He played a critical role in the construction of our campus and in creating JLA’s unique Indexed Tuition Program.
Prior to JLA, Joe served as the Executive Director of Katz Hillel Day School in Boca Raton for 9 years where he oversaw all aspects of the school’s financial and physical plant operations.
Joe also spent 15 years in the for-profit sector, serving as both a Controller and as a Chief Operating Officer. He has a BS in Accounting, an MBA with a concentration in Nonprofit Management, and serves on several local and national professional boards and councils.
Joe resides in Boca Raton with his wife Shira, and their 2 children.
Email: jsharp@jlamiami.org
Success is…
Leadership is…
Debbie Stone
Associate Head for Judaics
Originally from London, Dr. Stone holds a BA in Humanities with emphasis in Jewish Studies and a teaching degree from the General Teaching Council for England. Debbie spent a year studying in Michlalah Jerusalem College and received her Doctorate in Education from Yeshiva University’s Azrieli Graduate School.
A sought after speaker and educator, Dr. Stone has more than 15 years of experience in both formal and informal Jewish education. She is the co-author of the Koren-NCSY siddur as well as the Koren Aviv Siddur. Prior to JLA she served as the Director of High School Judaic Studies and Community Engagement at Hebrew Academy (RASG) in Miami Beach.
Email: dstone@jlamiami.org
Rabbi Dr. Gil S. Perl
Founding Head of School
When dreams collide, the truly extraordinary can happen.
For years I dreamed of creating an educational institution that catered to the unique needs and abilities of our Jewish community’s most driven and capable students. For years I’ve been troubled by the shallow pool of qualified candidates willing and able to give of their time, wisdom, and resources to our community’s most prized and precious organizations and institutions. For years I have argued that at the very core of Modern Orthodoxy ought to be the concept of Or Amim, the Torah’s unequivocal mandate to share light, values, and goodness with the world at large. For years, however, these were nothing more than fervent dreams.
In the Fall of 2020, however, the stars began to align. As the pandemic raged around us, a series of unexpected circumstances and events unfolded which began to make this dream a distinct possibility. In the months that followed a team of dreamers emerged, united by a shared sense of purpose. Their lifelong passions and aspirations met mine. Their wisdom and generosity provided form, texture, and substance to our mingling ideas and to our shared ideals. And from that most beautiful of collisions, today something truly extraordinary is happening.
Today we are building a Jewish school like no other. A school that dares to think differently about what education is and what it ought to be. A school where deep-seated connection to Judaism and Israel doesn’t come at the expense of a first-rate college preparatory education. A school to which every mission appropriate student has equal access, regardless of their ability to pay. A school that will judge its success not merely on the diplomas that adorn our graduates’ walls, but on the difference those graduates make in the lives of others.
If those dreams are your dreams – if you aspire to be part of something truly extraordinary – I invite and encourage you to become part of the JLA community today.
Sincerely Yours,
Rabbi Dr. Gil S. Perl
A school is only as good as its teachers. They are the guides and facilitators who enable our students to discover the world around them. They are the coaches and mentors who inspire our students to uncover the potential within them.
Their job begins in the classroom and extends far beyond. They challenge our students to accomplish more than they ever dreamed they could; they push, encourage and support our students as they develop, grow, and mature; and they model the character, ethics, and values by which we expect our students to learn and live.
Only inspired teachers inspire students.
At JLA, we believe that excellent teachers should be recognized, appreciated, and supported. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and hiring the best teachers in their respective disciplines and compensating them in a manner that reflects the exceptional work that they do.
“It is the supreme art of he teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”
– Albert Einstein
Do you know someone who might be?
Reach out and introduce yourself.
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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.”
Dr. Lance Aschliman’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education from Purdue University, a foundation that continues to anchor his diverse pursuits to this day. He earned a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Miami, specializing in epistemology, ethics, and logic, and holds an MBA in Business Analytics from Florida International University.
With over ten years of teaching experience, Dr. Aschliman has inspired students in both high school and university settings. His teaching style emphasizes clarity, a strong foundation of knowledge, critical analysis, and cultivating a love for learning.
Beyond academia, Dr. Aschliman brings valuable experience from his role as a Financial Controller and Operations Manager for a local craft brewery, where he successfully managed budgets, optimized operations, and led community-focused initiatives.
Outside of teaching, he is an avid sports enthusiast, particularly enjoying basketball and pickleball. He cherishes traveling with his family, exploring new cultures, and creating lasting memories.
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!”
