Mr. Cory Berger – 4th Grade Math – LS
Welcome New GOA Faculty
Mr. Berger received his CEAS in Elementary Education from the College of Saint Elizabeth, as well as a BS in Sport Management from Rutgers University. He previously worked in Morristown and Springfield in their respective Elementary schools and in the summer works as a camp director at the YM-YWHA of Union County.
Ms. Valerie Bloch – Learning Specialist – LS
Ms. Bloch comes to GOA with over 10 years teaching experience. She received her BA in elementary education from Rider University, her special education certification from Centenary College, and her MA in educational technology from Marygrove College. Her creativity and love of reading drive her passion for teaching.
Ms. Marla Bowen – Middle School Learning Specialist – US
Ms. Bowen comes to GOA as a recent transplant from Salt Lake City, Utah where she spent 15 years working as a middle school guidance counselor. She graduated from the University of San Francisco in Educational Counseling.
Ms. Natasha CooperBenisty – LS
Morah Natasha joined the staff last October as a teaching assistant in fifth grade Judaics. This year in addition to GO Connect, she is assisting Morah Neta in both her third grade classes. Natasha holds a bachelor’s degree from Vassar College and a Master’s in Jewish Communal Service and Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Gratz College.
Mr. Mathew Dobson – Mathematics & Science – US
Mr. Dobson joins GOA with many years of teaching experience from New York public schools. He received his BA in Physics from the University of Albany and his Masters in Chemistry Education from Queens College. Mr. Dobson enjoys snowboarding.
Ms. Yehudit Dubinsky – 4th Grade Hebrew – LS
Ms. Dubinsky has spent the last 5 years teaching Judaic studies. Her experience includes being Camp Head counselor in a Jewish day camp, a mentor in various Yeshivas including in Israel, and most recently teaching 5th grade Judaics in a virtual
6 Alumni News
FALL 2014
classroom to students worldwide. Ms. Dubinsky is driven by her love and passion for connecting and educating our future Jewish leaders.
Morah Jessie Gindea – 5th Grade Chumash and Limud – LS
Morah Jessie graduated from the Pardes Educators Program with a Masters in Jewish Education and Certificate of Advanced Jewish Studies, as well as a Certificate in Jewish Day School Education from Hebrew College of Boston. Prior to studying at Pardes, she attended the Jewish Theological Seminary and Columbia University and earned a BA in Modern Jewish Studies from JTS and a BA in Middle Eastern Studies from Columbia. Morah Jessie has taught Judaic Studies for several years and has spent more than eleven summers at Jewish Summer Camps as a camper, as a staff member, and eventually as the Director of Education at Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake.
Mr. Howard Glatt – Language Arts – US
Mr. Glatt comes to GOA with more than 35 years of teaching experience at both the college and high school levels, including Columbia High School in South Orange, and Chatham High School. Mr. Glatt’s love of literature and writing is what drives his passion for teaching.
Mr. Jon Hefetz – Language Arts – US
Mr. Hefetz recently completed his Masters degree from Queens College, and prior to his three years of teaching experience, the Queens, New York-native worked as a sports writer for the Press & Sun-Bulletin newspaper in Binghamton, N.Y. while completing his undergraduate degree from Binghamton University. Mr. Hefetz is also a professionally-trained artist, having been trained at the renowned Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School (the school featured in the movie “Fame”) in Manhattan.
Ms. Stephanie Heslen – Nurse – US
Ms. Heslen received her BSN degree and RN certification from Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, with a focus on preventive medicine. She previously ran three medical offices in Millburn. Ms. Heslen is an avid soccer player.
Ms. Kelly Hess – 2nd Grade General Studies – LS
RMs. Hess grew up moving all over the country until she wound up in Georgia where
she got her Early Childhood Education Degree at Kennesaw State University. She taught elementary school there for twelve years before moving to New Jersey last fall. Ms. Hess and her two children love exploring their new area with trips all around New Jersey and New York City.
Mr. Brian Hoffman – Multimedia – US
Mr. Hoffman works as a video and music producer, as well as an educator. He has an extensive background in licensing and marketing. He has worked as a professional photographer and is a firefighter, as well as a fire inspector and fire instructor. He has an Masters Degree in Computer Science from Stevens Institute of Technology and a BFA in Film and Computer Science from NYU.
Ms. Meirav Kallush – Director of Israel Programming – US
Ms. Kallush grew up in both Israel on Kibbutz Massut Yitzhak and in Pittsburgh, PA. She is a graduate of Hebrew University and will very soon be ordained as a Rabbi. She has been working in Jewish education since her military service back in the 90s. Since then, she worked for various Jewish organizations including The Israel Experience, Melitz, Jewish Agency and more.
Dr. Shira Kelmanovich – STEM Coordinator – US
Dr. Kelmanovich grew up in Hamden, CT, and attended Union College in Schenectady, NY, where she received her Bachelors Degrees in Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering. She then moved to California for seven years where she earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University. Dr. Kelmanovich lives in West Orange with her husband and one-year old son.
Ms. Blair Kholodny – PreK General Studies – LS
Ms. Kholodny joins GOA with many years of early childhood teaching experience and has a love and passion for educating young learners. She previously taught Pre-K at The Ramaz School in New York City and oversaw the school’s faculty childcare program. Ms. Kholodny received her MS in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Touro College. She attended Hofstra University for her undergraduate studies. She lives with her husband in Scotch Plains, NJ. Ms. Kholodny LOVES to cook and was on an episode of “Aarti Party” on the Cooking Channel.