Hagit Ayalon, Lower School Hebrew Coordinator
Ms. Ayalon loves working with students of all ages at CCJDS. As a teacher of Hebrew and Judaics, she infuses her work with warmth and creative energy that motivates and delights her students. Prior to moving to the United States, Ms. Ayalon taught both middle school and high school in Israel. She graduated with honors, BA in English Linguistics and a Masters in Education from Hebrew University. Joined CCJDS in 2011.
Hana Bar-Klein, Hebrew and Judaics Teacher
Ms. Bar-Klein currently teaches 2nd and 4th Grade Hebrew/Judaics and provides teaching assistance in other grades. At CCJDS she has also taught 3rd Grade Hebrew/Judaics and 7th Grade Hebrew. Prior to joining CCJDS, Ms. Bar-Klein had experience teaching Hebrew/Judaics at Krieger Schechter Day School in Baltimore, Maryland and General Studies (Science) in Israel. She received her Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree from the Kaye Academic College for Education, Beer-Sheva, Israel. Joined CCJDS in 2020.
Racheli Ben Shushan, Fine Arts Specialist
Ms. Ben Shushan is a talented artist and dedicated teacher. Born in Israel, she worked in the Iriyah Matnas V’Votizor V’Naamat – a highly regarded children’s art program – until moving to the US. Since arriving in the Bay Area in 2005, Ms. Ben Shushan has taught art at Jewish Day Schools. At CCJDS she has taught art and Hebrew. Currently, she teaches our Fine Art Elective in Middle School, our K-5th grade art classes and a popular after-school art enrichment program. Trained at the Michlelet Oat Art School in Jerusalem. Joined CCJDS in 2006.
John Buschiazzo, Music Specialist
Mr. Buschiazzo brings tremendous experience, creativity and enthusiasm to his work as our K-5th grade music teacher. For 27 years prior to joining CCJDS, Mr. Buschiazzo was the music specialist at John Swett Elementary School in Martinez, CA. He taught students from Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade. He is a Master-level music teacher and created the curriculum and activities to serve hundreds of students. Mr. Buschiazzo uses the Orff Schulwerk philosophy of teaching. Upon completion of the Orff levels training, he became involved in the Northern California Chapter of Orff Schulwerk by serving as the registrar, vice-president and president. From 2012-2015 he was elected to the National Board of Trustees for the American Orff Schulwerk Association (AOSA). In addition to teaching, John is an active musician. He has played or conducted for over 80 musical theater productions throughout Contra Costa and Solano Counties. He performed with the Diablo Symphony Orchestra, Brazzissimo Brass ensemble, and many Big Band groups. Joined CCJDS in 2019.
Jason Dean, Aftercare Director and K-4th Grade PE Teacher
Originally from Alabama, Jason Dean spent five years as a substitute teacher in Southern California. After moving to the East Bay in 2019, he worked first as an After School Specialist and then as a Teaching Associate for Bentley School. An avid hiker, golfer, baker, and reader, he is excited to lead the dynamic Aftercare Program at CCJDS, offering a wide range of activities – including arts, sports, homework help and more – in a supportive, welcoming environment where students of all ages build community together. Mr. Dean graduated from the University of North Alabama with a B.S. in Education. Joined CCJDS 2022.
Michael Filice, Middle School Science Teacher, Advisor and Teaching Assistant
Mr. Filice, a Bay Area native, brings to CCJDS a strong passion for the outdoors and for engaging students in active, joyful learning. He seeks to apply his scientific background to inspire himself and others to better understand and appreciate the wonders of nature. Prior to working at CCJDS, Mr. Filice worked for several years as an outdoor educator with children of all ages, teaching environmental science curriculum and team building. He first worked at CCJDS as a substitute teacher and in the aftercare program, in conjunction with working as an active travel guide, leading domestic and international outdoor adventures. In 2020 he joined CCJDS as a full-time teaching intern. He is thrilled to teach 6th and 8th Grade Science and 5th-8th Grade Physical Education this year. B.S. in Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz. Joined CCJDS in 2018.
Ann Finne, 5th Grade General Studies Teacher, SHIR HaLev Coordinator
Ms. Finne graduated with a B.A. in Justice, Community and Leadership as well as a Master of Arts in Education from Saint Mary’s College of California in 2019. Her thesis focused on social-emotional learning through the act of gardening. She is inspired by garden-based learning and enjoys being in the outdoors. Prior to joining CCJDS, she taught first grade at a Title 1 school. She joined the CCJDS community during the pandemic and found a home in our caring, vibrant community. She loves teaching fifth grade as it has a focus on supporting literacy. She is looking forward to her new role as a SHIR HaLev Service Learning coordinator this year. Joined CCJDS in 2020.
Alex Fox, Lower School Teaching Assistant
Mr. Fox’s teaching career began in New York City when, while pursuing a career as a performer, he was a certified Long-Term Substitute in the NYC Public Schools. He returned to the Bay Area and was a Long-Term Substitute at CCJDS in both lower and upper grades and supported our Drama department. Mr. Fox then worked at the Wornick School in Foster City as part of the Delet Program, an intensive, year-long Teacher-Training Experience focused on preparing educators for a career in Jewish Day Schools. Immediately prior to CCJDS he taught in supplementary schools while working in sales and marketing positions. Mr. Fox graduated from Jewish Day School (Brandeis Marin) and earned a BA in Global Studies from UC Santa Barbara. Joined CCJDS in 2021.
Adeelee Fox, 1st Grade General Studies Teacher, SHIR HaLev Coordinator
Mrs. Fox brings warmth, enthusiasm, humor and an open mindset to the classroom in order to help facilitate meaningful relationships with students. She joined CCJDS with 10 years of Jewish Day School teaching experience at Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School in Foster City. Mrs. Fox is a graduate of UC Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Language Studies and is a graduate of the DeLeT program for Jewish Day School Teaching. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she loves languages and was raised bilingual by her Israeli parents. Mrs. Fox is passionate about storytelling, music, dance and board games! Joined CCJDS in 2020.
Laurie Gold, Middle School Math Teacher
Ms. Gold comes to CCJDS with over 20 years of experience. She has held a variety of teaching positions as well as educational leadership and instructional coaching positions. Most recently, Ms. Gold has been teaching 6th grade math through the Berkeley Math Circle. She currently supports new teachers as a field supervisor for BATTI (Bay Area Teacher Training Institute) and the Reach Institute of School Leadership. Ms. Gold has served as an ELD Coordinator at Caliber Beta Academy, a Middle School Humanities teacher at Tehiyah Day School and a 5th and 6th grade teacher at Oakland Hebrew Day School. She also taught Middle School Math at the Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy. Ms. Gold received her BS in Elementary Education from Boston University and MA in Education from City College of NY. Joined CCJDS in 2022.
Mirit Grembek, Hebrew/Judaics Teacher and Jewish Celebrations Coordinator
Bio coming soon.
Adelia Hunt, Lower School Teaching Assistant
Bio coming soon. Joined CCJDS in 2022.
Courtney Lazzara, 1st Grade General Studies Teacher (On Leave Fall 2022)
Mrs. Lazzara start started her career as an educator here at CCJDS. She served as our lower school teaching intern for two years. She built wonderful relationships with her students and demonstrated a natural gift for nurturing their personal and academic growth. Parents and colleagues praised her warmth, energy and creativity. Mrs. Lazzara then led her own classroom at Queen of All Saints School, where she was a Kindergarten teacher for three years. In the fall of 2019, Mrs. Lazzara was delighted to return to CCJDS, and we were delighted to welcome her back, as our 1st Grade General Studies teacher. Mrs. Lazzara has a BA in Sociology, with a minor in Italian Studies and Music Performance, from Gonzaga University. She received her Teaching Credential and MA in Teaching from St. Mary’s College of California. Joined CCJDS in 2014.
Orli Loewenberg, Hebrew and Judaics Teacher
Ms. Loewenberg teaches Fifth and Sixth Grade Judaics and Level I Hebrew for 5th-8th grades. She is excited to be teaching at CCJDS because students get to embody the Jewish values they learn about by putting them into practice in their SHIR HaLev service learning. Ms. Loewenberg taught previously at Tehiyah Day School in El Cerrito, Congregation Netivot Shalom in Berkeley, Oakland Hebrew Day School, and Yavneh Hebrew Day School in Los Gatos. She also worked in the Life Lab Science Program promoting resource conservation and environmental stewardship. She has a BA degree in Cultural Anthropology from McGill University. Joined CCJDS in 2018.
Aliza May, Hebrew and Judaics Teacher
Over the years, Ms. May has taught Hebrew and Judaics to CCJDS students of all ages. She is thrilled to work with some of our youngest learners this year, teaching Kindergarten and Third grades. A native of Israel, Ms. May loves bringing Israeli culture (and food!) into her Hebrew curriculum. She also excels at helping her students to make connections between modern life and ancient texts and to put values into action through our SHIR HaLev service learning program. Ms. May was educated primarily in Israel and received specialized training for teachers of Hebrew at the Tal Am Language Institute, Jerusalem campus. Joined CCJDS in 2016.
Gal Morris, Office Manager, Teaching Assistant, Early Care
Ms. Morris manages the Front Office, provides classroom support and one-to-one student support, and is our Early Care Director. Born in Israel and raised in the U.S. since age 10 by Israeli parents, she is bilingual and loves working with young Hebrew learners. She is also known for her tremendous organizational skills and attention to detail. She is the first full-time CCJDS employee who is also a graduate! CCJDS Class of 2009.
Dane Morton, Middle School Math and Science Teacher, General Studies Teaching Assistant
Bio coming soon. Joined CCJDS in 2021.
Zenya Moon, Third Grade General Studies Teacher
Ms. Moon has 15 years of lead teaching experience and has taught in independent, faith-based, and public schools in Philadelphia and the Bay Area. In addition to her many years of classroom experience, she has also worked with the City College of San Francisco Child Development Department and Wu Yee Children’s Services of San Francisco to provide resources, training and support to early childhood educators. Originally from the East Coast, she earned a degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Temple University in Philadelphia. Joined CCJDS in 2022.
Sean Nowicki, Middle Humanities Teacher
Sean Nowicki comes to CCJDS directly from teaching overseas, having relocated to France with his family during the pandemic. He has taught history, English, art history and the history of Jazz and has worked with students from Middle School through college level. Passionate about art, music, and literature, he often weaves them into his history curriculum in ways that bring the past to life for his students and his goal is always to consider curriculum planning from the perspective of student engagement. Mr. Nowicki received his BA and MA in history from California State University, East Bay. Joined CCJDS in 2022.
Ortal Ohad, Hebrew and Judaics Teacher
Born and raised in Israel, Ortal Ohad loves to share Israeli Hebrew as a language and a culture and to engage students in vibrant Jewish learning. Ms. Ohad first came to CCJDS last year as a substitute teacher for Hebrew and Judaics. Previously, she lived in Chicago, where she worked as a substitute teacher for K-8 classes at Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago. She also completed the teacher’s course of “Bishvil Ha Ivrit,” a Hebrew program for middle and high school students, at Hebrew College in Boston and taught the program at Ida Crown Jewish Academy in Chicago to all high school grades and levels. Most recently, Ms. Ohad taught a high school Hebrew class in the Beged Kefet after-school program. An Architectural Designer, she holds a degree in Architecture and urban planning from the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology. Joined CCJDS in 2022.
Renée Penegor, Drama Specialist and Middle School English Teacher
Ms. Penegor graduated with an MFA from A.C.T. and has over 15 years of experience acting, teaching drama in private and classroom environments, producing and directing K-5 performances and cultivating meaningful experiences for students that go beyond theatre. Most recently before coming to CCJDS, she taught at Strandwood Elementary School in Pleasant Hill, where she helped to develop a curriculum integrating the arts with core academic subjects. Ms. Penegor also has a BA in English Literature, Theatre, and Women’s Studies (Dean’s List) from the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse. Joined CCJDS in 2016.
Annie Simmons, Kindergarten General Studies Associate Teacher
Ms. Simmons joins us after many years teaching at Camp Tawonga and for the San Francisco Mime Troupe. We are very excited to welcome her creativity, energy, professionalism, and care for children. Ms. Simmons has her B.A. in Liberal and Civic Studies from St. Mary’s College of California, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Joined CCJDS in 2021. Photo coming soon.
Stephanie Snyder, 4th Grade General Studies Teacher
Ms. Snyder brings to CCJDS her experience as an elementary teacher and her passion for reading, writing and science. She is an honors graduate from Bentley University in Waltham, MA with a B.S. degree in Economics and Finance. She received her Multiple Subject K-8 CLAD Teaching Credential with Honors from California State University, Hayward. Joined CCJDS in 2021.
Signe Van Slyke, First Grade General Studies Associate Teacher
Signe Van Slyke strives to build a classroom community that encourages collaboration and creativity, while fostering empathy, equity, and respect. She has taught theater classes to youth from ages 8-18 and directed numerous school plays. Her passion for working with children in theater led her to pursue a full-time career in teaching, earning her preliminary teaching credential and Master’s in education from the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute (BATTI). Prior to joining CCJDS, Ms. Van Slyke worked as co-lead teacher and assistant teacher at Prospect Sierra and as an assistant kindergarten teacher at Black Pine Circle School. She has a B.A. in theater arts from California State University, East Bay, and a Master’s in acting from the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Joined CCJDS in 2022.
Brooke Vermeer, 8th Grade Math Teacher
Bio coming soon. Joined CCJDS in 2022.
Catie Warburton, 2nd Grade General Studies Teacher
After a professional career in the field of scientific instrumentation, Ms. Warburton taught science in the Lafayette School district for five years and spent two years as a second grade Instructional Aide at Lafayette Elementary School. Ms. Warburton has a BA degree in Biological Sciences and German Language and Literature from UC Santa Barbara and her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Notre Dame De Namur University. Joined CCJDS in 2018.
Lauren Weisbaum, Lower School Director and Kindergarten General Studies Teacher
Ms. Weisbaum brings abundant warmth, creativity, and wisdom – as well over 15 years of experience – to her vital work as our Kindergarten General Studies teacher and Director of Lower School. Prior to joining CCJDS, Ms. Weisbaum taught in Chicago, IL and in El Paso, TX. She also has served as a Literacy Coach at the Chicago Public Schools, and has taught at the University of Texas, El Paso. She has her B.A. in English and American Literature from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and her M.Ed. as a Reading Specialist from the University of Texas, El Paso. Joined CCJDS in 2019.
Kenny Widmann, Middle School Humanities Teacher
Mr. Widmann is a professional writer who returned to teaching after starting a family. Earlier in his career, Mr. Widmann taught Middle School History in both Tennessee and South Carolina. He has a BA in History from Connecticut College and an MA in American Civilization from Brown University. Joined CCJDS in 2017.
Sharone Wiezel, Middle School Coordinator and Hebrew Teacher
Our Middle School Coordinator, Ms. Wiezel also teaches 8th Grade Level 2 Hebrew and oversees our 5th-8th Grade Hebrew program. Born and raised in San Francisco to an Israeli family, Ms. Wiezel grew up speaking Hebrew at home and attended the Hebrew Academy. She moved to Israel after high school graduation and joined the Israeli Defense Forces, serving in the paratroopers. After teaching English as a Second Language for nine years in Israel, Ms. Wiezel enjoys bringing Hebrew and Israel to life for our students here in the Bay Area. She has a BA in Education, specializing in ESL, from Seminar Kibbutzim in Tel Aviv. Joined CCJDS in 2009.
Marci Winer, 4th Grade General Studies Teacher
Ms. Winer develops and leads our Physical Education curriculum, teaches science to the 5th Grade and serves a grade-level advisor. Prior to CCJDS, she worked for nine years in the Lafayette School District, teaching General Studies subjects and leading the Physical Education Program at Springhill Elementary. She also served as a CCJDS substitute teacher, capably stepping in for several long-term assignments. Ms. Winer has her BA degree in Political Science and Business from the University of Arizona. Joined CCJDS in 2018.