-Hold space for Marc Bio-

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Jim joined Shefa in 2016 as Director of Finance and Operations, and was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in 2020. He oversees the maintenance of the school’s facilities, as well as the school's financial operations, including budget planning, financial reporting, treasury and audit functions. Previously, he served as the Assistant Business Director for the Eagle Hill School in Greenwich, Connecticut, and has over 20 years of experience working in finance and investments. Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Fordham University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame.

Naomi has over 15 years of experience working with children at a variety of levels and in different settings. She began her career as a classroom teacher at the Churchill School, teaching second and fourth graders. Most recently she was a learning specialist at Riverdale Country School, where she provided differentiated instruction for students, implemented assessment models, and designed curriculum. Naomi has supported teachers in enhancing their literacy instruction, and created professional development workshops for her colleagues. She has also taught a graduate course in the childhood education program at Fordham University. She is a proud product of a NYC Jewish day school, and is excited to return to this setting! Naomi received her B.A. from The George Washington University and her Master's Degree in Special Education from Hunter College. She earned her doctorate in Curriculum and Teaching from Fordham University.

Danielle has been teaching middle school math for over a decade and joined Shefa in 2016 as a founding Middle School Lead Teacher. In her current role as math coordinator, Danielle coaches teachers, oversees the math curriculum, and teaches multisensory math at the middle school level. Danielle holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education with a concentration in mathematics and a Master of Arts in Special Education from the Neag School of Education at The University of Connecticut. Danielle also earned a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Bank Street College and maintains teacher certifications in multiple states. Danielle has trained with Marilyn Zecher in implementing her Multisensory Math program with middle school teachers and students and has successfully used the approach across middle school levels.

Pam has had a lifelong affinity towards teaching and working with children, and knew her calling even before entering college. Beginning as an undergrad, Pam worked towards a dual master’s degree in both special and elementary education. It was shortly after she graduated from Rutgers' Education Program that she learned of the Shefa School and knew she wanted to work there! She was thrilled to join the school in its third year of existence. Throughout her time working there as an elementary school teacher, she also spearheaded the lower school’s community service efforts and was an inaugural mentor in the Shefa residency program. Additionally, she received a second masters in teacher leadership through Brandeis University in conjunction with her work at Shefa. Some of her closest friends are her current and former Shefa colleagues! When not teaching, she can be found taking long walks in Prospect Park with her husband, Noah, and daughter, Julianna, or hosting meals and enjoying game nights with her friends in Brooklyn.

Roberta served as Shefa's founding Head of Middle School before stepping down to oversee Shefa's outplacement program in June 2021. As Director of Outplacement, Roberta directs the outplacement process and helps facilitate the placement of the School’s graduating students into middle and high schools. Prior to joining Shefa in 2016, Roberta served as Assistant Head of School at the Ramaz School and Head of the Lower School at the Windward School. Prior to that, she worked at the Dwight Englewood School in various administrative roles in the lower and middle schools. Roberta created the resource room in the P'TACH program at Yeshiva University High School for Girls, and was an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Roberta has mentored and developed special educators throughout her career and has been at the forefront of developing curricula and instructional approaches to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities. Roberta holds a Doctorate in Special Education, a Master's Degree in Instructional Practice in Special Education, and a Master's Degree in Special Education, all from Teachers College, Columbia University.

After a few years in jewelry design followed by many years in educational publishing, Heather found her way to the Jewish day school world 13 years ago and hasn’t looked back! The lasting relationships she has made with Shefa colleagues, students, and their families over the past 10 years means the world to her and she feels extremely proud to continue to grow with the school. While not at work, you are most likely to find Heather inside Central Park, a broadway theater or cheering on her Maryland Terrapin basketball teams!

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Ilyssa brings her love for children and passion for education to her work as the Shefa School's Director of Admissions. She began her career at Shefa in 2016, serving as a Lower School and Middle School teacher and then as Assistant Director of Admissions for 3 years. Before coming to Shefa, she worked as a learning specialist at The Heschel School and a classroom teacher at The Churchill School. Ilyssa received her B.S. from The University of Delaware in Elementary and Special Education and her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Manhattanville College. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and son.