5th grade team

Each member of our distinguished faculty knows that the job responsibilities far exceed the job description. After all, we have the sacred task of nurturing young souls and inspiring young minds.

  • We provide the tools for self-confidence and the inspiration for a lifetime of learning.
  • We help each child to reach his or her potential, to fearlessly quest for knowledge and understanding.
  • We are creative, experienced and passionate. And in our hands we hold a life — the ultimate responsibility.

Shannon Rohlman

5th Grade Teacher, ISACS Coordinator

B.S. Elementary Education, cum laude — Bradley University, concentration- English; 2009 recipient of Chidush Award for Jewish Educators — Boulder, Colorado; Pardes Summer Institute, Jerusalem
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"When students construct their own individual meanings while participating in a lesson, they take ownership of their learning, and feel pride and accomplishment. I challenge my students as individuals, but also as active members of a community that works together to create a positive climate for learning."

Gary Lerner

Social Studies Teacher

BA Communication, University of Missouri–Columbia
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"I am inspired by our student athletes and their drive to learn and improve. It's very gratifying as a coach to have that kind of impact on a player."

Mali Haberer

Hebrew Teacher

B.A. in Education from Oranim Program at Haifa University; Certified in Tal Am and teaching Ulpan
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"I believe that children learn best in an environment that allows them to question and explore...and I strive to create joyful learning in my classroom every day. Watching my students experience the love and beauty of of Hebrew and Judaism is my reward."

Dafna Kadan

Hebrew Teacher

B.S. Science, Tel Aviv, Israeli Scout Madrich, Training in Tal Am Hebrew curriculum.
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I love to help children make a connection to Israel. In teaching them Hebrew language and Israeli culture, I am also teaching them about themselves.

Ariel Kielmanowicz

Hebrew Teacher

B.A. Education; B.A. Human Services-University of Haifa; M.A. in Social Sciences-Tel Aviv University
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"I believe that in order to truly understand a culture, you must understand its language. Hebrew is a living and vivid language, and my students become proficient while engaging in conversation about contemporary topics and reading authentic articles about Israel."

Limor Shacham

Hebrew Teacher

B.A. Education and Literature — Ben Gurion University; Teaching certificate — Ben Gurion University; Concentration in classroom management — Central Missouri State University; Training in Tal Am Hebrew curriculum
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"I want my students to remember where they belong and where they come from. Teaching Hebrew and about Israel reminds them that they have a Jewish home."

Russel Neiss

Judaics Teacher

B.A. Religion and Jewish Studies —CUNY Macaulay Honors College;
MLS — Queens College;
MSEd with concentration in School Leadership — Brooklyn College
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"One of my favorite teachings in our tradition is from the Mishnah in Pirkei Avot that teaches us to celebrate those who gain wisdom from learning with everyone. I agree, and believe deeply in the power of constructivist learning spaces, and creating opportunities for learners to engage with our rich tradition and their interests in conversation with their peers and their community."

Betti Blumoff

Music and Drama Teacher

Bachelor of Music Education — University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory of Music; minor in Drama; Master of Music — Southern Illinois University; Certified in Orff Education Levels I and II; Kodaly Certification; Music Educator in elementary schools for 36 years.
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"My favorite memories of childhood centered around choir practice, concerts and musical theater performances. I am honored to now give my students the opportunity to discover their own talents."

Patti Boggs

PE Teacher

B.S. Physical Education and Health — University of Missouri-St. Louis
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"PE allows children to try new things, to move in different ways and to get their hearts pumping. They quickly discover that fitness is fun, that achieving physical goals is rewarding, and that aerobic movement leads to deeper learning all day long."

Suzanne Burack

Art Teacher

MAT, Communication Arts — Webster University; BFA, Graphic Communication and BSBA, Marketing — Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri; Graduate of the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School
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"My eyes light up when a student creates a carefully thought out piece of art. I can see their ownership and confidence grow. The excitement of their successful delights me and encourages us both to take on greater challenges."

Mark Connor

Band Director

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