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LEADERSHIP TEAM
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Click on the images below to read more about the members of our Leadership Team.
Head of School Council
Director of Jewish Studies and Hebrew Language; 8th Grade Tanakh Teacher; 6th - 8th Grade Teacher Leader
Dr. Susie Tanchel
Head of School
Dr. Susie Tanchel, our Head of School, is a passionate educator, an inspiring leader and a mensch. Her areas of expertise include: academic programming, teaching pluralism and biblical texts, strategic goal planning, and building professional development programs for faculty.
Dr. Tanchel holds a B.A. and Ph.D. from Brandeis University. She has taught in both the DeLeT program (a program to prepare elementary teachers for Jewish day schools) and the Masters of Teaching Secondary Education at Brandeis University. Dr. Tanchel has written extensively and presents regularly on the teaching of biblical texts in pluralistic settings. She has also taught in Combined Jewish Philanthropies' (CJP) Genesis Program, as well as many other adult Jewish education classes in the Greater Boston area. Dr. Tanchel was a founding faculty member at Gann Academy, and taught there for fourteen years. Her last seven years there, she served as Associate Head of School. Dr. Tanchel is the recipient of numerous fellowships and awards.
Families wishing to tour the school and meet Dr. Tanchel are invited to make appointments by calling 617-972-1733 or emailing susiet@jcdsboston.org
Head of School
Dr. Susie Tanchel, our Head of School, is a passionate educator, an inspiring leader and a mensch. Her areas of expertise include: academic programming, teaching pluralism and biblical texts, strategic goal planning, and building professional development programs for faculty.
Dr. Tanchel holds a B.A. and Ph.D. from Brandeis University. She has taught in both the DeLeT program (a program to prepare elementary teachers for Jewish day schools) and the Masters of Teaching Secondary Education at Brandeis University. Dr. Tanchel has written extensively and presents regularly on the teaching of biblical texts in pluralistic settings. She has also taught in Combined Jewish Philanthropies' (CJP) Genesis Program, as well as many other adult Jewish education classes in the Greater Boston area. Dr. Tanchel was a founding faculty member at Gann Academy, and taught there for fourteen years. Her last seven years there, she served as Associate Head of School. Dr. Tanchel is the recipient of numerous fellowships and awards.
Families wishing to tour the school and meet Dr. Tanchel are invited to make appointments by calling 617-972-1733 or emailing susiet@jcdsboston.org
Shira Deener
Head of School
Shira Deener is proud to join JCDS as its fourth Head of School. Most recently she served as the Director of the Jewish Education Program at Facing History and Ourselves, an international educational organization whose mission is to use the lens of history to challenge teachers and students to fight bigotry and hatred. As Director, she managed the integration of Facing History's pedagogical structure, resources, and mission in Jewish Day Schools across the country. Along with her team, Shira worked closely with teachers and administrators to actualize these goals within the framework of Facing History's Jewish Education Partner School Network (of which JCDS is a longstanding grantee). Shira was also involved in operations, fundraising, curriculum development, program evaluation, and outreach. Under Shira's leadership, her program recently received the Lippman-Kanfer Prize in Applying Jewish Wisdom to Democracy and Civic Engagement. Prior to joining Facing History in 2005, Shira was a teacher (Grade 1 and Grade 3) at the Solomon Schechter School of Manhattan, and was a Fellow in the Day School Leadership Training Institute. She worked at JCDS (2000-2005) as a history teacher and co-coordinator of the middle school. Shira has been a part of the JCDS community for 19 years. Shira and her husband, David Chodirker, have four children, all of whom have attended JCDS.
Families wishing to tour the school and meet Shira Deener are invited to make appointments by calling 617-972-1733 or emailing shirad@jcdsboston.org
Head of School
Shira Deener is proud to join JCDS as its fourth Head of School. Most recently she served as the Director of the Jewish Education Program at Facing History and Ourselves, an international educational organization whose mission is to use the lens of history to challenge teachers and students to fight bigotry and hatred. As Director, she managed the integration of Facing History's pedagogical structure, resources, and mission in Jewish Day Schools across the country. Along with her team, Shira worked closely with teachers and administrators to actualize these goals within the framework of Facing History's Jewish Education Partner School Network (of which JCDS is a longstanding grantee). Shira was also involved in operations, fundraising, curriculum development, program evaluation, and outreach. Under Shira's leadership, her program recently received the Lippman-Kanfer Prize in Applying Jewish Wisdom to Democracy and Civic Engagement. Prior to joining Facing History in 2005, Shira was a teacher (Grade 1 and Grade 3) at the Solomon Schechter School of Manhattan, and was a Fellow in the Day School Leadership Training Institute. She worked at JCDS (2000-2005) as a history teacher and co-coordinator of the middle school. Shira has been a part of the JCDS community for 19 years. Shira and her husband, David Chodirker, have four children, all of whom have attended JCDS.
Families wishing to tour the school and meet Shira Deener are invited to make appointments by calling 617-972-1733 or emailing shirad@jcdsboston.org
Emily Charton
Principal
Emily is honored to join the JCDS community as Principal! Most recently, she served as Middle School Principal at Boston Collegiate Charter School. Emily started her educational career as a 9th grade English teacher, and her dedication to strong literacy practices is at the core of her educational philosophy. She is committed to educating the whole child, and is passionate about ensuring that parents and schools work in partnership to cultivate curious, empathetic, and studious children. Emily and her husband Doug reside in Boston, and are enjoying navigating the ever-changing world of toddler-hood with their daughter Josie. Emily earned her undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and her MAT from New York University.
Principal
Emily is honored to join the JCDS community as Principal! Most recently, she served as Middle School Principal at Boston Collegiate Charter School. Emily started her educational career as a 9th grade English teacher, and her dedication to strong literacy practices is at the core of her educational philosophy. She is committed to educating the whole child, and is passionate about ensuring that parents and schools work in partnership to cultivate curious, empathetic, and studious children. Emily and her husband Doug reside in Boston, and are enjoying navigating the ever-changing world of toddler-hood with their daughter Josie. Emily earned her undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and her MAT from New York University.
Gavi Elkind
Assistant Head of School
Gavi is thrilled to be JCDS's Assistant Head of School! She joined the JCDS community in May 2016. A native Californian, Gavi began her career in admissions and marketing at The Brandeis School of San Francisco. She went on to serve in various fundraising positions at American Jewish World Service and University of California, San Francisco. Most recently, she was the Development Officer for Major Gifts and Campaign Planning at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Gavi earned her undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University, and her Certificate in Jewish Day School Teaching through the DeLeT (Day School Leadership Through Teaching) program at Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion. She lives in Newton. Gavi looks forward to welcoming your family to JCDS!
Assistant Head of School
Gavi is thrilled to be JCDS's Assistant Head of School! She joined the JCDS community in May 2016. A native Californian, Gavi began her career in admissions and marketing at The Brandeis School of San Francisco. She went on to serve in various fundraising positions at American Jewish World Service and University of California, San Francisco. Most recently, she was the Development Officer for Major Gifts and Campaign Planning at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Gavi earned her undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University, and her Certificate in Jewish Day School Teaching through the DeLeT (Day School Leadership Through Teaching) program at Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion. She lives in Newton. Gavi looks forward to welcoming your family to JCDS!
Jennifer London
Director of Development and Communications
JCDS welcomed Jennifer London as Director of Development and Communications in January 2016. Jennifer brings extensive experience in philanthropy, most recently as Major Gifts Officer at McLean Hospital, an affiliate of Partners HealthCare and Harvard Medical School. Jennifer got her start in development, communications and special event planning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She went on to serve as Director of Development at The Second Step and development consultant to Web of Benefit, The New Art Center and other organizations. Jennifer is a graduate of Buckingham, Browne & Nichols school, Columbia University and the A.R.T. Institute at Harvard. She grew up in Newton where she currently makes her home with her husband and their two children. She served as president of the Newton Mothers' Forum and participates in the sisterhood and development efforts at Temple Shalom. Jennifer looks forward to partnering with each and every member of the JCDS community to advance the school's vitally important mission.
Director of Development and Communications
JCDS welcomed Jennifer London as Director of Development and Communications in January 2016. Jennifer brings extensive experience in philanthropy, most recently as Major Gifts Officer at McLean Hospital, an affiliate of Partners HealthCare and Harvard Medical School. Jennifer got her start in development, communications and special event planning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She went on to serve as Director of Development at The Second Step and development consultant to Web of Benefit, The New Art Center and other organizations. Jennifer is a graduate of Buckingham, Browne & Nichols school, Columbia University and the A.R.T. Institute at Harvard. She grew up in Newton where she currently makes her home with her husband and their two children. She served as president of the Newton Mothers' Forum and participates in the sisterhood and development efforts at Temple Shalom. Jennifer looks forward to partnering with each and every member of the JCDS community to advance the school's vitally important mission.
Glenda Speyer
Director of Learning and Teaching
Glenda Speyer is delighted to have the opportunity to bring her deep passion for and knowledge of education to the JCDS learning community in the role of Director of Learning and Teaching. Glenda is committed to the constant growth of all educators, whether in their first or 20th year. She believes that curriculum should be thoughtfully chosen, vertically aligned, never static, and able to inspire thinking and learning that will last a lifetime. Above all, her entire mission is to provide a strong and vibrant learning experience for all students.
Glenda was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and holds a B.A. and Teacher's Diploma from the Universities of Witwatersrand and Cape Town respectively. She taught for many years in South Africa and immigrated to Boston in 1989 with her husband John and their sons, Richard and Steven. Glenda spent the past sixteen and a half years at the Rashi School where she taught Humanities classes, developed a New Teacher Induction Program, and was Head of the Upper School. During that period, Glenda also earned a Master's Degree in School Principalship.
When Glenda is not immersed in her work at JCDS, she enjoys time with family and friends, and whenever possible, travels to spend time with her extended family in Israel, South Africa and Holland.
Director of Learning and Teaching
Glenda Speyer is delighted to have the opportunity to bring her deep passion for and knowledge of education to the JCDS learning community in the role of Director of Learning and Teaching. Glenda is committed to the constant growth of all educators, whether in their first or 20th year. She believes that curriculum should be thoughtfully chosen, vertically aligned, never static, and able to inspire thinking and learning that will last a lifetime. Above all, her entire mission is to provide a strong and vibrant learning experience for all students.
Glenda was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and holds a B.A. and Teacher's Diploma from the Universities of Witwatersrand and Cape Town respectively. She taught for many years in South Africa and immigrated to Boston in 1989 with her husband John and their sons, Richard and Steven. Glenda spent the past sixteen and a half years at the Rashi School where she taught Humanities classes, developed a New Teacher Induction Program, and was Head of the Upper School. During that period, Glenda also earned a Master's Degree in School Principalship.
When Glenda is not immersed in her work at JCDS, she enjoys time with family and friends, and whenever possible, travels to spend time with her extended family in Israel, South Africa and Holland.
Dorit Zmiri
Director of Jewish Studies and Hebrew Language
Dorit joined our Educational Administrative Team in the summer of 2007. In addition to her administrative role, Dorit teaches Tanakh to our eighth graders. Prior to coming to JCDS, Dorit was Jewish Studies Department Chair at American Hebrew Academy (AHA) in Greensboro, North Carolina for six years. At AHA, Dorit supervised the Jewish Studies staff, developed and implemented the Jewish Studies curriculum, and taught in grades 9-12. Prior to her work at AHA, Dorit worked for over ten years with elementary and middle school students at B'nai Shalom Day School in Greensboro and Temple Isaiah in Lexington, Massachusetts. Dorit is the 2006 recipient of the Louis Hillson Memorial award for distinguished leadership and commitment to Jewish education from Hebrew College. Dorit has a BA in Art History from Tel Aviv University and a Masters in Judaic Studies from Hebrew College, where she graduated valedictorian and won several prizes, including one for writing Hebrew poetry.
Director of Jewish Studies and Hebrew Language
Dorit joined our Educational Administrative Team in the summer of 2007. In addition to her administrative role, Dorit teaches Tanakh to our eighth graders. Prior to coming to JCDS, Dorit was Jewish Studies Department Chair at American Hebrew Academy (AHA) in Greensboro, North Carolina for six years. At AHA, Dorit supervised the Jewish Studies staff, developed and implemented the Jewish Studies curriculum, and taught in grades 9-12. Prior to her work at AHA, Dorit worked for over ten years with elementary and middle school students at B'nai Shalom Day School in Greensboro and Temple Isaiah in Lexington, Massachusetts. Dorit is the 2006 recipient of the Louis Hillson Memorial award for distinguished leadership and commitment to Jewish education from Hebrew College. Dorit has a BA in Art History from Tel Aviv University and a Masters in Judaic Studies from Hebrew College, where she graduated valedictorian and won several prizes, including one for writing Hebrew poetry.
Robert Neumann
Director of Operations
Robert joined JCDS, Boston's Jewish Community Day School in September, 2014, as Director of Information Technology (IT), and was promoted to Director of Operations in July, 2019. Prior to joining JCDS, over a period of 31 years, Robert served at various companies in the capacity of Chief Information Officer, VP of IT, VP of Mobile Apps & Cloud Computing, and Director of IT. During this time, he managed IT projects ranging from $30k to $11M, all of which were completed on time and within budget. Many of these projects were worldwide, executed in North America and across multiple countries in Asia and Europe.
Robert earned his BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, and his MBA with a concentration in IT from Boston University.
Director of Operations
Robert joined JCDS, Boston's Jewish Community Day School in September, 2014, as Director of Information Technology (IT), and was promoted to Director of Operations in July, 2019. Prior to joining JCDS, over a period of 31 years, Robert served at various companies in the capacity of Chief Information Officer, VP of IT, VP of Mobile Apps & Cloud Computing, and Director of IT. During this time, he managed IT projects ranging from $30k to $11M, all of which were completed on time and within budget. Many of these projects were worldwide, executed in North America and across multiple countries in Asia and Europe.
Robert earned his BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, and his MBA with a concentration in IT from Boston University.
Marci Borenstein, PhD
Principal
Marci and her husband Joram live in Newton with their children where they are active members of the Minyan Maor. The Borenstein's three children ('18, '20 and '22) were all at JCDS from Gan Nitzan through 8th grade. Marci served as a non-trustee member of our Head of School Support and Evaluation Committee from 2016-2021. Marci has a doctorate in education from New York University. She has many years of experience working with educators, youth, and Jewish communities in the United States, Israel and the former Soviet Union. Most recently Marci served for six years as the director of pre-college programs at Brandeis University and in 2020 served as co-chair of the search committee for our new head of school. Marci is deeply grateful to the amazing education her children received at JCDS and is delighted to be able to play a part in providing the wonder of a JCDS education to the next generation of JCDS students.
Principal
Marci and her husband Joram live in Newton with their children where they are active members of the Minyan Maor. The Borenstein's three children ('18, '20 and '22) were all at JCDS from Gan Nitzan through 8th grade. Marci served as a non-trustee member of our Head of School Support and Evaluation Committee from 2016-2021. Marci has a doctorate in education from New York University. She has many years of experience working with educators, youth, and Jewish communities in the United States, Israel and the former Soviet Union. Most recently Marci served for six years as the director of pre-college programs at Brandeis University and in 2020 served as co-chair of the search committee for our new head of school. Marci is deeply grateful to the amazing education her children received at JCDS and is delighted to be able to play a part in providing the wonder of a JCDS education to the next generation of JCDS students.
Chavah Goldman
Director of Learning and Teaching
Chavah has been a member of the JCDS teaching community since 2008 in the roles of 2nd grade Classroom Teacher and Teacher Leader. She is deeply committed to working to meet the needs of each individual student, and to upholding JCDS' mission of cultivating compassionate, curious, knowledgeable and resilient Jewish learners. Chavah has a BA in Theater Arts, a Masters in Teaching, and an Advanced Studies Certificate in Teacher Leadership, all from Brandeis University. Chavah lives in Newton with her husband Aaron and their two children.
Director of Learning and Teaching
Chavah has been a member of the JCDS teaching community since 2008 in the roles of 2nd grade Classroom Teacher and Teacher Leader. She is deeply committed to working to meet the needs of each individual student, and to upholding JCDS' mission of cultivating compassionate, curious, knowledgeable and resilient Jewish learners. Chavah has a BA in Theater Arts, a Masters in Teaching, and an Advanced Studies Certificate in Teacher Leadership, all from Brandeis University. Chavah lives in Newton with her husband Aaron and their two children.
Karen Siegel
Director of Admissions
Karen Siegel joined JCDS as Admissions Associate in June 2019, and has served as the Director of Admissions since July 2021. Karen received a BS in Severe Special Education with a minor in Sociology from Boston University, and earned her MA in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College with a focus on teaching English Language Learners and completing a Certificate in Parenting Education. She taught preschool-second grade students with Autism in Howard County, Maryland, Lexington Public Schools, and LABBB Collaborative for 9 years. Karen focused her Parenting Education work in creating programming to make The Discovery Museum in Acton more accessible for families with children with Autism by providing staff education, creating resources for the Museum, and facilitating off-hours events. Outside of education, Karen spent several years managing, teaching, and training instructors at barre studios throughout Boston. Karen is thrilled to continue her work in the Admissions office and connect with families throughout the JCDS experience.
Director of Admissions
Karen Siegel joined JCDS as Admissions Associate in June 2019, and has served as the Director of Admissions since July 2021. Karen received a BS in Severe Special Education with a minor in Sociology from Boston University, and earned her MA in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College with a focus on teaching English Language Learners and completing a Certificate in Parenting Education. She taught preschool-second grade students with Autism in Howard County, Maryland, Lexington Public Schools, and LABBB Collaborative for 9 years. Karen focused her Parenting Education work in creating programming to make The Discovery Museum in Acton more accessible for families with children with Autism by providing staff education, creating resources for the Museum, and facilitating off-hours events. Outside of education, Karen spent several years managing, teaching, and training instructors at barre studios throughout Boston. Karen is thrilled to continue her work in the Admissions office and connect with families throughout the JCDS experience.
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