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; M.A. Educational Leadership and Principal Certification, Maryville University;
Reading and Writing Project Institute for Writing Coaches, Columbia University; 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."

Aimee Bachar

Hebrew Teacher

B.A. Hebrew and Semitic Studies and Economics – University of Wisconsin-Madison; M.A. Foreign Language Acquisition – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; course work at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and Spertus College of Judaic Studies in Chicago
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Hebrew opens the door to a deeper understanding of Israel and its people, of our heritage and our shared history as a Jewish people. I love being able to hand my students the key to that door.

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."

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

B.A. in Music - California State University, Chico; Master of Music - University of Colorado; Doctor of Music - Florida State University
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Music is essential to human existence. It is a privilege to teach children and spark in them a lifelong relationship with the arts.

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."

Becky Lerner

Hebrew Teacher

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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."

Alison Lohmann

PE Teacher

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Rina Mangurten

Judaics Teacher

B.A. in History, Minor; Irish History – DePaul University;
M.A. in 20th Century Irish History – University College Dublin;
M.A. in Jewish Education – Hebrew College, Boston;
Certificate in Advanced Jewish Studies – Pardes Institute for Jewish Learning, Jerusalem
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"When Hillel was asked to teach the entire Torah to a potential convert standing on one foot, Hillel responded, 'What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the entire Torah. The rest is commentary. Now go and study." (Shabbat 31a) This sums up not only my love of Torah, but also my love of sharing Torah with others. It is crucial to engage with Jewish text and apply what we have learned as we go out into the world by holding doors and pushing in chairs, filled with empathy and concern for those around us."

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."