Our Faculty
Our teachers are the heart of our school. We carefully select enthusiastic and dedicated educators, many of whom hold advanced degrees, with a solid grasp of students’ educational and developmental needs. Warm and attentive, they enjoy coming to know each of their students individually, cultivating close mentor relationships.
In classes with low teacher-student ratios, they are able to subtly modify their teaching to each child’s learning style and specific needs, so that every child is challenged to his or her potential. Teachers will often be observed working one-on-one or with a small group of students on their specific level. Our teachers do not merely teach skills; they convey to students directly and constantly their enduring commitment and passion for learning, personal growth and moral character. They work to create a strong classroom community that serves as a blueprint for a just and ethical society where members treat one another with kindness, respect, sensitivity and an appreciation for the contributions of each individual. Beyond the classroom, our teachers actively pursue professional growth opportunities to stay current and attuned to the best methodologies of the educational field.
Chani Okonov, Educational Director
BIO: Throughout her 12 years of experience as an educational professional, both as classroom teacher, curriculum developer and administratve director, Morah Chani has sought to design learning environments that are engaging and meaningful for children of all ages. Currently pursuing to complete a Master's degree in Education, she is also involved in a nationwide initiative aimed at setting high standards for Chabad-affiliated early childhood centers (CECE Network). Chani has also lectured at educational conferences, and teaches education courses to student teachers at Beth Rivkah Teacher's College.
Why I love teaching and what I hope to accomplish in my school: A wise Rabbi once compared a child to a small seed. When planted, great care must be taken to ensure that it will grow into a healthy plant - every input, whether positive or negative, will have a major impact on its future outcome. Watching the small tiny steps that children take in their development fills me with such pleasure! Each success, which you often only notice when paying close attention, is a precious moment unto itself. My greatest hope is to empower children with whatever they will need as they begin their life journeys - so that later, when they are all grown up and adult, they will be able to draw upon some wisdom, some skill or some knowledge which they learned in their early school years.
Frumie Drizin, PreNursery Teacher
Bio: Morah Frumie grew up and went to school in Sydney, Australia. She began her teaching degree in Australia where she specialized in early childcare and finished her teacher's certification at a Teacher's College in Safed, Israel. Morah Frumie has preschool teaching experience of over seven years and has directed day camps, kids' programs and taught children in Sunday schools even while she was a teenager. She now lives in Brooklyn, NY with her five children ka'h. Her experience and love for children create a positive learning environment in the classroom.
Perel Rotenberg, PreNursery Teacher
BIO: Morah Perel has been teaching for 8 years. She studied teaching and classroom techniques in Beit Chabad Seminary of Porto Alegre, Brazil. There she learned innovative ways to encourage a love and desire for learning within the child. She has taught many different ages within preschool and elementary school. This is her second year teaching Pre Nursery at Mazel Day School.
Why I love teaching and what I hope to accomplish in my classroom: I believe each child has their own gifts and abilities. Therefore, I strive to help each child bring out the best within themselves. In the beginning years of preschool, the child's awareness of self within a social setting is developed. I want to give each child a positive start and the confidence to love and enjoy school. I shower my students with a lot of love and positive feedback, but also clear guidelines and expectations. I especially love seeing my little students develop from young, untrained toddlers to sensitive, conscientious, preschoolers.
Tammy Kreitner, Nursery Teacher
BIO: Morah Tammy comes from a large close knit family and grew up on Long Island. Much of her childhood extracurricular activities were in NCSY, from which she gained so much being a part of it. Tammy moved to Brooklyn 6 and ½ years ago when she married, and now has 2 beautiful children. Tammy has over 8 years of experience teaching children of all ages in a variety of classroom settings. In addition, she was a Para Educator for B.O.C.E.S. for many summers. Working with mentally and physically handicapped children has taught her a great deal about the various needs of young, developing children - a sensitivity Morah Tammy brings to her classroom.
Why I love teaching: My desire to teach began very early. I feel that it is due to having such great teachers growing up. One teacher in particular has impacted my life in so many ways. I had the privilege of being her student both in Kindergarten and again in Fourth grade. She always made each of her students feel like they were they most important person in the world. She was always happy and bubbly and so warm. I have tried to use some of what I walked away with from her class in my own classroom as well.
Inna Izman, PreK Teacher (General Studies)
BIO: Morah Inna's warm and caring manner makes her truly beloved among the children. She carefully tunes into each child's needs and builds on their abilities. Morah Inna graduated Tiraspol Pedagogical Institute with a BA in Russian Language and Literature, and has 10 years of experience working with children in Middle School. She completed her BA in Early Childhood Education at Brooklyn College, and focused on her classroom instruction in preschool education. She graduated Touro College with a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Morah Inna is a NYS Certified Teacher. She also received special training in the Handwriting Without Tears program.
Why I love teaching and what I hope to accomplish in my classroom: I love teaching because I love to see excited sparkles in children's eyes when they discover the world around them. I just help children to open explore and open doors to understanding of the world uniqueness through their senses. I hope to give my children tools for thinking, bravery for exploration, and excitement of learning. Most important I try to instill in them positive attitude and care for each other as human beings and friends.
A memory from my school years: Oh! My favorite subjects in school were Art, Geometry, Physics and Botany - subjects that didn't feed us with dry information but gave a sense of exploration and "invention" as we were recreating an electrical chain or planting a seed. I learned from my father (who was also my teacher) that learning could be fun, that a teacher should have respect for his pupils, and that good sense of humor brightens every one's life. I believe that a good sense of humor also can make kids smarter, healthier, and better able to cope with challenges.
What I enjoy about teaching at Mazel: Everything that I appreciate in people is in Mazel. Kindness and care toward every student, creative approach and devotion toward teaching, respectful and sympathetic attitude toward parents community, sensitive and individual approach toward every one who needs help. Mazel Day School is one of the kind! I feel proud to be a part of the Mazel Day School Community!
Minna Caplan, PreK Teacher (Judaic Studies)
BIO: Morah Minna studied at Machon Shoshanat Teacher's Seminary in Jerusalem, Israel. She attended Mercy College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Sciences. Morah Minna also holds a NYS Teacher's Certification in Special Education and Regular Education. Her classroom experience includes teaching bilingual children in Bratislava, Slovakia, and regular ed and special ed children in Brooklyn, NY.
Why I love teaching and what I hope to accomplish in my classroom: I love teaching children! While teaching, I get to experience the beauty and gift of life from the perspective of a child. Children are awed by life and nature and see things in this world as they truly are: amazing and miraculous. It’s really great to teach and be able to see how much the children love and absorb what they are learning. It is my hope that the children in my class will come out with a true appreciation for G-d and all his creations. I hope to make Judaism a joyful and positive experience for them. I also hope that the children learn to be more sensitive friends and people.
A memory from my childhood: As a child I enjoyed Jewish holidays a lot! I loved helping my parents build the Sukkah and then eating and playing in it on Sukkos. I have vivid memories of Chanukah in my home. For the eight days of Chanukah, all of us children lit our very own Menorah and loved dancing to the song “Hanairos Halalu” when we were done. Purim was a holiday with the most fun preparations. After deciding what costume we were to wear, we would create it from scratch! Two costumes that stick out in my mind is a giraffe costume that my Mom sewed and I used fabric markers to color its spots and a “tachash” (extinct biblical animal) costume that we made using paper-mâché that we then painted with many bright and beautiful colors.
What I enjoy about teaching at Mazel: I really enjoy teaching at Mazel. Mazel has the winning combination of being a warm, friendly school without compromising on its high quality and professional standards. It is a school that really cares about each and every child and is willing and happy to make changes to insure the success of every child, both socially and academically. It is very refreshing to work in a school where new ideas are appreciated and incorporated into the classrooms.
Dawn Horowitz, Kindergarten Teacher (General Studies)
BIO: Morah Dawn received her BA from Queens College and went on to receive her Masters in both regular and special education from Touro College. She has over 10 years experience working in a variety of educational settings, from general ed to special ed. During the summers, she worked as a para educator at B.O.C.E.S. working with disabled individuals and those with Autism. Most recently, she ran two homes for woman with various disabilities as a Residence Manager at OHEL BAIS EZRA.
Why I love teaching and what I hope to accomplish in my classroom: I became a teacher because for the longest time it is all I ever wanted to be. I can’t remember a time where I truly wanted to be anything else. A teacher has a classroom of students so eager to learn, with their innocent, bright eyes and open minds. To be able to teach children the tools they need to expand their knowledge is extremely rewarding. There is so much I hope to accomplish with my students but one of the most important things would be to have a classroom full of children eager and excited to learn, to have them wanting to come back for more each and every day. I would like to think that with each year, the children are given more and more tools to be able to expand their knowledge and are excited about what’s next to come.
A memory from my school years: I will always remember the friends I made and still are close with to this day. I will also remember the teachers that truly enjoyed their job. The ones that came in with that smile every morning and took time to come up with creative ways to teach us. The teachers that had faith in us and pushed us when we didn’t think we could do it.
What I enjoy about teaching at Mazel: I enjoy teaching at Mazel because of the wonderful environment. The staff is so kind and the children are so enthusiastic to learn. I am excited at the prospect of working for a school where there is so much hands on experience that one learns from. The staff here is constantly trying to be better at what they do, for example by researching new and innovative ways to teach in order to keep the children stimulated. I enjoy teaching in a place where learning can truly be fun.
Mushkie, Kindergarten Teacher (Judaic Studies)
BIO: Morah Mushkie recieved her teacher's certification at a Teacher's College in Safed, Israel. She has brought Jewish educational experiences alive to children of all ages at summer camps, Hebrew Schools and most recently taught Judaic studies at a middle school in Montreal, Canada. Morah Mushkie brings her energetic personality and love for children to create a positive learning environment in the kindergarten classroom.
Gabriella Levitis, First Grade Teacher (General Studies)
BIO: Morah Gaby has been teaching 1st grade in public and private schools for the past four years. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management and Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Long Island University. Morah Gaby is an energetic, enthusiastic and innovative educator who is committed to reaching out to children and making an impact. She is dedicated to seeking out new ways to improve instruction, link learning with fun, and equip children with the resources and knowledge necessary to exceed individual goals. She also possesses strong interpersonal and communication skills, and is able to build relationships with diverse populations of students, parents and colleagues.
Why I love teaching and what I hope to accomplish in my classroom: I had an amazing experience throughout my elementary education. I loved going to school each day. I became a teacher because it is my goal to create an environment that makes my students feel the same way. I hope that my students will feel empowered to learn and have confidence to move forward to learn great things. I would like my students to develop a deep love of learning and not be shy to ask questions. I also hope to teach them how to be open-minded and understand that knowledge comes from everywhere. I hope my students thrive and have a great time doing it.
My Favorite School Memory: My favorite memory from my own educational experience is from fourth grade. I had a teacher who was so enthusiastic it was infectious. She always had a smile on her face. Most importantly she was approachable and understanding. Every day at school was a new surprise!
Chaya Wilhelm, Second and Third Grade Teacher (Judaic Studies)
BIO: Coming soon...
Batya Engel, Second Grade Teacher (General Studies)
BIO: Morah Batya is a seasoned and master Mazel teacher, licensed by the NYS Department of Education. Morah Batya’s attention to each detail in the classroom and in the children’s development is key to her student’s repeated success each year. With a Bachelor of Science in special education and a Masters in teaching literacy from Mercy College, she has the extensive educational background and experience needed to run a truly great elementary school program. In addition, Morah Batya is a licensed Montessori teacher by the North American Montessori Center, and she incorporates many Montessori materials and practices in her class’s daily routines.
Why I love teaching and what I hope to accomplish in my classroom: I enjoy watching children blossom during the year as they learn more and mature socially and academically. One of my favorite things about
teaching second grade is that the children already have the basic foundation skills and it's during this year that they really learn how to learn. Second graders learn how to use valuable tools such as a dictionary, glossary, ruler, reference books and even the internet for research. It is my goal that the children graduate second grade with social independence (able to solve social conflict independently with minimal adult help) and emotional sensitivity to others. I hope to instill a joy of learning and pride of accomplishment, while underscoring that it's most important to try your best even if you don't always get the top score.
A memory from my school years: What I remember most about my early childhood experience is the enthusiasm that my teachers always showed when teaching and the love that they had for learning and for each student. I hope that I can impart that same enthusiasm and love to my students.
What I enjoy about teaching at Mazel: I've been teaching in Mazel for over 8 years now and what I loved most about it is how everyone is very supportive and helpful. It's been a joy watching Mazel grow from two children up to the complete school that we have now and I hope to continue being a part of the Mazel family for many years to come.
Naomi Saul, Third Grade Teacher (General Studies)
Fifth Grade Teacher (English Language Arts & Social Studies)
BIO: Morah Naomi Saul has been in the field of education for over 20 years. She has been a pioneer in the field of special education, building resource rooms in Chassidic Jewish schools and running the first special education program in Crown Heights for 7 years. Morah Naomi holds two Master’s degrees, one of which is in Special Education, and she has had the good fortune of teaching every grade, 1 through 12. Additionally Morah Naomi has training in other related fields, both medical and psychological, along with her extensive education experience.
Why I love teaching and what I hope to accomplish in my classroom: I believe the goal of teaching is to ignite the flame of excitement of learning in each student. That goal is reached when they are eager to learn further and begin steps to research things on their own. I follow Rick LaVoie’s credo that, as teachers, our goal is to cut the F.A.T. out of learning: the Frustration, the Anxiety and the Tension. Therefore, I strive each year, to forge a bond with each individual student in order to be able to pinpoint and eliminate their areas of “F.A.T.” and to consequently be able to support each of them in their particular and individual styles of learning.
A memory from my school years: A strong memory from high school was having a very strict Biology teacher who lived and played by the rules. The day came when the class needed to dissect frogs and I didn’t know what I would do. (I cry at Walt Disney movies; just very sensitive to animals). I knew I would never be able to handle slicing open a frog. When my teacher came into the room, she carried 23 frogs…and 1 large cow’s heart. While my classmates did their frog thing, I was allowed to stand over a sink and trace the circulation of water through the cow’s heart. How did my teacher know? I never said anything to her or to a classmate. But it is a mark of her superior ability as a teacher that she knew…and responded to one student’s need. I have always been eternally grateful to her for her silent understanding and response.
Ariella, Judaic Studies Teacher, Grades 1 and 4-5 Girls
BIO: Morah Ariella is an experienced Judaic Studies and Hebrew Language teacher with many years of experience teaching Judaic and Hebrew subjects to American children. Morah Ariella has been especially trained to use the Tal Am Hebrew curriculum - which our school has been lucky enough to have recieved as part of a grant from the Avi Chai Foundation.
Nechama Dena, Fourth Grade Teacher (General Studies)
BIO: With over 9 years experience teaching in lower school classrooms, Morah Nechama Dena graduated from Torah College with BA in Education and Psychology, summa cum laude; and has passed NYS Teacher Certification exams. Morah Nechama Dena is a skilled teacher who works at creating a wholesome and accepting environment while at the same time maintaining high academic and social expectations. One of her main goals is building the “I can” attitude in students.
My goals as a 4th Grade teacher are: to build strong foundational skills in a warm, orderly environment; to create an atmosphere that lends itself to discovery and learning; to facilitate healthy friendships and social skills; to help explore Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts; to bring out the very best in each unique student. At Mazel, I have had the opportunity to work in a supportive environment, where the aforementioned goals are highly valued, and that has been a rewarding experience.
What I enjoy about teaching 4th Grade: 4th Grade students are already seasoned learners who are now discovering new ways to organize and synthesize new materials. They are discovering a world of writing and reading from a more mature angle, using new tools and techniques.
Our Class Motto this year is: In our class Good Friends Work Together to be Great Students. If we remain conscious of these essential values, we are sure to have a successful year!
Rabbi Naftoli Rotenberg, Fifth Grade Boys Teacher (Judaic Studies)
BIO: Rabbi Naftali received his Smicha (rabbinical certification) in Sydney, Australia. Since then he has been teaching Judaic studies for elementary students. He has recently joined the Mazel Day School Staff, coming from Los Angeles.
I believe that under the right guidance, all children can fulfill their full potential.
Why I love teaching and what I hope to accomplish in my classroom: The reason I love to teach is that there is no bigger responsibility in life than molding the minds of our young ones. They represent our past, present and future; and seeing them reach their full potential is priceless. I hope that as we go through the year the students feel happy and accomplished in their Torah studies.
My Favorite School Memory: In school, I had a teacher who cared about every student, not letting anyone fall behind in class. I believe this is one of the reasons I went into the teaching field.
Dan Aran, Music Teacher, Lower School
BIO: A professional jazz musician, Dan's class introduces children to a range of musical styles, instruments and composers. Children learn basic music theory, as well as Hebrew and Israeli songs. To hear Dan's music, visit http://danaran.com/
Super Soccer Stars, Physical Education Providers, Lower School
This year, our enrichment program includes an exciting new class: SOCCER. One of the children's most enjoyed classes is our new Soccer class with Super Soccer Stars. More than just a soccer class, the children learn all forms of physical education with professional, trained coaches. Check out their website to learn more about the program: http://www.supersoccerstars.com/
Bracha Kreyderman, Russian Language Teacher, Lower School
BIO: Morah Bracha’s patience and dedication to each student’s progress truly make her a unique and wonderful Russian language teacher. With a degree from Tiraspol Pedagogical Institute, and 38 years of experience as a beloved and awarded teacher of Russian language to elementary and high school students, we feel honored to have Morah Bracha on staff.
Irina Zinger, Art Teacher, Lower School
BIO: Irina Zinger graduated from Brooklyn College with a degree in Psychology. She decided to combine two of her great interests: art and psychology, when she obtained her Masters Degree in Art Therapy (Long Island University). Her goal as a teacher is to create an atmosphere where children’s natural creativity and curiosity is expressed with confidence.
Katherine Buckell, Music Teacher, Grades 3-5
BIO: Coming Soon...
Michelle Paskar, Physical Education Teacher, Grades 2-5
