Staff

In eight years of teaching science, Malka Akerman has developed an approach to teaching science that empowers her students to think critically and independently, to understand and enhance the relationship between torah and science, and to become educated science consumers ready to interact with and make choices about the world around them. Malka brings her passion and love of learning into the classroom, where she encourages her students to develop their own unique motivations. In particular, Malka is interested in empowering her students through student centered learning and through applying cross-curricular skills. Malka holds a bachelor’s in biology from Stern College and a master’s in teaching science from Brooklyn College. Malka is currently enrolled in JNTP, where she is training to become a certified teacher-mentor, and she is participating in Prizmah’s YOU Lead program for educational leadership. Malka lives in Cedarhurst with her husband and three children and she is very excited to join Shulamith High School. COURSES & CLUBS: Genetics, Biology, Chemistry

Combining professionalism and warmth, Ms. Ettie Bersson strives to meet the students' individualized needs and guide them to success. As a licensed social worker with the inner spirit of a teen, she feels passionate about collaborating with students and parents, understanding the students' strengths and challenges, and helping them along their academic journeys. Ms. Bersson strives to imbue her students with a love for learning in a creative, enjoyable way, and channels her love for Torah and ruchnius to inspire the students in their own paths of growth. Ms. Bersson holds a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Mercy College and a master’s degree in Social Work from Long Island University. Additionally, Ms. Bersson is currently enrolled in the Hidden Sparks training center to become a certified Hidden Sparks Internal Coach. After working in various settings in the professional social work field, as well as working with adolescents in camp and school settings, Ms. Bersson is thrilled to return part of the Shulamith family. COURSES & CLUBS: AP Psychology, Chumash

Rabbi Heshy Blumstein has had the honor of teaching Torah to Jews all all ages, yet finds his greatest passion in teaching young adults , the future leaders of our people. Rabbi Blumstein serves as the Rabbi of Yismach Moshe at The Premier, where he has the pleasure of leading a diverse congregation of all ages and backgrounds. He is also the director of the executive learning program for the Jewish Enrichment Center in NYC.Previously, Rabbi Blumstein was the Rabbi of the Young Israel of Hewlett for 18 years. He taught Judaic studies in the Hebrew Academy of the Five towns for 15 years. He studied in the great Mirrer Yeshiva in Eretz Yisrael and received his semicha from Yeshivat ITRI. Rabbi Blumstein is excited to return to Shulamith because he loves the warmth, love and the spiritual energy of our school. COURSES & CLUBS: Chumash, Navi, Pirkei Avot

Mrs. Raina Butler is an enthusiastic part of the Woodmere Fitness Club team. With a master’s degree in Education and Special Education, as well as experience working with teens inside and outside of the classroom, Raina synthesizes creative exercise interventions with progressive didactic approaches. Raina has created an intensive fitness program for adolescent girls with a focus on team building that creates better confidence and self esteem. Her dynamic personality and unique academic pedigree have helped to solidify her reputation as a top local youth fitness instructor. COURSES & CLUBS: Fit n Fun, Dance

Mrs. Morgan Cohn lives, sleeps, and breathes art. Mrs. Cohn is constantly looking for new ways to create and think about everything around her. She graduated at the top of her class from The Cooper Union for the advancement in Science and Art with a Bachelors in Art, and won countless awards there for her excellence in creativity and art. Mrs. Cohn has studied all forms of art, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, animation, graphic design, bookbinding, mixed media, fashion design, art history, and much more. Mrs. Cohn is excited to teach her vast knowledge of art and art history to the students of Shulamith High School for Girls. She aims to teach her students through technicality and conceptualism to understand that art has no boundaries, and affects every aspect in ones life. Mrs. Morgan Cohn returns to Shulamith High School for Girls to teach all of grades 9-12 art classes, as well as direct the Studio Art program, and serve as resident art expert. COURSES & CLUBS: Art institute l, ll, lll, AP Art, Art history, Art club

Nikki Feerst was born and raised in Long Beach, NY and graduated from the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County. She spent her gap year in Tiferet, and went on to receive degrees in Sociology and Business from Landers College for Women in Manhattan. Having recently graduated, Nikki has joined the Shulamith team as our Logistics Coordinator and is dedicated to creating a warm environment for faculty and students.

Mrs. Ricky Gaerman is committed to developing a dynamic, student-centered, and positive learning environment where students grow, progress, reflect, and ultimately thrive as learners, young adults, and citizens of the modern world. While Mrs. Gaerman is skilled at adapting research-based pedagogies to help students with diagnosed and undiagnosed learning differences meet their short and long term academic goals, Mrs. Gaerman is also passionate about creating opportunities for all students to develop and refine their academic selves. Mrs. Gaerman holds a dual bachelor’s degree in philosophy and psychology from Brooklyn College (CUNY) and a master’s degree in Literacy and Learning Differences from Teacher’s College Columbia University. Mrs. Graerman is currently enrolled in Azrieli’s Executive Doctoral Program in Leadership in Jewish Education. Mrs. Gaerman attended the Harvard Principal’s Center and Hidden Sparks trainings. She has years of experience working with students in both clinic and school settings, including HAFTR Middle School and Columbia University’s Dean Hope Center for Educational Services.

Mrs. Danyel Goldberg's energy, creativity, and ardent passion for quoting America's Founding Fathers make her an asset to the Shulamith team. A teacher for over ten years, Mrs. Goldberg has spent the last eight in the Shulamith family. Her unique approach to classroom teaching cultivates intellectual curiosity with her dynamic lessons. Utilizing techniques that allow for all students to demonstrate cognitive engagement, Mrs. Goldberg was formally the Professional Development Coordinator in the Middle Division and provided teachers with interactive lessons on a variety of teaching strategies. A true leader, she is dedicated to supporting teachers in developing their craft. Mrs. Goldberg's ability to think outside the box motivates students and teachers alike. Currently, Mrs. Goldberg is a participant in Harvard Business School's School Management and Leadership program. She completed her dual Bachelor's of Arts degrees in English and Theology at the University at Albany and went on to Hofstra for a Masters in History Education. As an admitted history addict, in her free time, you can always find her reading esoteric primary sources. Mrs. Goldberg lives in West Hempstead, with her husband, daughter (a proud Shulamith fourth grader), and son. COURSES & CLUBS: American History

Originally from the Bay Area, Rabbi Yitzchak Goodman went on to pursue his love of Talmudic studies at the Mir and Brisk Yeshivot in Yerushalayim. Rabbi Goodman received smicha and a Masters in Talmudic Studies from Beth Medrash Govohah in Lakewood, NJ. He previously taught for 5 years at the Hebrew Academy of Miami Beach, and is energized to be returning to the Shulamith team this year. Rabbi Goodman loves to share his excitement of Talmud Torah with his students and encourages them to have their own transformative experience in studying Hashem’s Torah. Rabbi Goodman looks forward each day to celebrating his students achievements and creating opportunities for a collaborative and inspired learning environment. Rabbi Goodman’s experience in differentiated instruction and kiruv leadership add a dynamic and exciting dimension to the Shulamith team. COURSE: Halacha, Chumash

Mrs. Gross is concerned about the confused state of today's' notions of what is considered 'healthy eating', the increasing incidences of food related diseases, as well as society's body image obsession. In this science elective course, SHS students discover the fundamentals of proper nutrition, the biological effects various foods have, and its' impact on their overall health and well being. Mrs. Gross obtained her Nutrition degree from Queens College, New York, and became an NCCA approved Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach. Ms. Gross's specializations include Behavior Change, Weight Management, and Youth Fitness through the American Academy of Exercise. Additionally, she regularly takes Continuing Education courses to ensure that her students are always receiving the most current information of our growing understanding of the science of nutrition. COURSE: Health & Nutrition

As a member of both the Judaic Studies and Secular Studies departments, Ms. Sara Leah Gulkowitz’s passion to learn, inspire, and share Torah is maximized to contribute to the educational program at Shulamith High School. Ms. Gulkowitz earned her Judaic Studies Teaching Certification at Michlalah Jerusalem College for Women and is completing her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Stern College for Women. Sara Leah was Division Head in Camp Sternberg as well as a special needs counselor at Kids of Courage. Ms. Gulkowitz brings her broad array of knowledge and youthful spirit to Shulamith High School in order to enhance the educational experience and ruach of our girls. COURSE: Chumash, Intro to Python

Dr. Dora Chana Haar’s love of chemistry began in her own tenth grade Regents Chemistry class. That class in many ways set the course for her academic and professional career. She went from Regents Chemistry to AP Chemistry, followed by two summers in a materials science laboratory at Stony Brook University. She received her Pharm.D. at Long Island University’s Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy. Throughout this journey, she has been passionate about tutoring and helping others through their chemistry coursework both on the high school and college levels. Dr. Haar is looking forward to sharing her love of chemistry with the students at Shulamith High School for another year. COURSE: Chemistry, STEM

Born and raised in Far Rockaway and currently a resident of North Woodmere, Mrs. Herskowitz brings with her a fresh approach to Math. Mrs. Herskowitz has a Math degree from Brooklyn College and has previously taught in other high schools in our community. Mrs. Herskowitz’s personalized approach with her students has helped her students achieve a 100% pass rate on the Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II Regents. Mrs. Herskowitz specializes in making certain that every student completely understands the material and gives each student the time she needs to fully master the course work. COURSES & CLUBS: Algebra, Geometry

Ms. Evie Hoffman was born and raised locally, in West Hempstead. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from LIM College, with a concentration in Special Events, where she was a member of Delta Mu Delta Honor Society. Shortly after graduation, Ms. Hoffman relocated to Palo Alto, California. Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, she began a career in marketing, communications, and special events. After a seven year stay in California, Ms. Hoffman, with her husband and their three daughters, moved back to New York. Ms. Hoffman returns to Shulamith, excited to guide prospective students and families through the admissions process.

Sarah Katz is delighted to teach in the English Department at Shulamith High School. Born and raised in the Five Towns, Sarah always knew she wanted to use her love of reading and writing in her future career. After graduating from Stern College with a major in English & Creative Writing and a minor in Education, Sarah received her Masters in English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Sarah’s interests in writing, film, and theater have led to her involvement in journalism and the theater world, on which she has reported. She is enthusiastic about continuing her passion for English, writing, theater, and film in Shulamith’s classrooms. COURSES & CLUBS: English, Film, Production Assistant

Known as a prominent source of education, Hashkafa and guidance in the Five Towns for over 25 years, Mrs. Katzenstein brings her passion for Yiddishkeit and love for people to Shulamith High School as 12th grade teacher of Halacha. Mrs. Katzenstein hails originally from Chicago and attended BJJ of Jerusalem, Bais Yaakov L’Morot. She has taught every level of education, from three year olds to post high school seminary. Serving the Woodmere community and beyond in many educational capacities, she has held positions in Bais Yaakov H.S. Denver, HAFTR High School, Reenas Bais Yaakov and TMM. Her goal is to impart to her students an appreciation for the beauty of Halachic structure in the different stages of our Jewish Life Cycles. With love for each talmidah, she hopes to instill in them the excitement, confidence and pride in being B’not Yisrael. COURSES & CLUBS: Halacha

Mrs. Tamara Klein is passionate about her love for English education. Her love for reading began in her youth with Dr. Seuss books. She then graduated to anything she could get her hands on: newspapers, novels, and her parents’ now-obsolete set of Encyclopedia Britannica. She enjoys exploring literature from different times and places, and encourages her students to see how classic texts, no matter how old, can still have real-world connections and resonance. In addition to teaching English, Mrs. Klein coordinates Book Day and the mother-daughter Confidence Brunch. Mrs. Klein graduated summa cum laude from Queens College and further completed her master’s degree in English at Queens College. She has over 10 years of teaching experience, from Cuyahoga Community College in Ohio to Manhattan High School for Girls. She is also a trained and certified teacher mentor, through the Jewish New Teacher Program, and is currently enrolled in Prizmah’s You Lead program for teacher leaders. COURSES & CLUBS: English, Jewish History

Jeffrey Lazar is glad to be teaching closer to home after eight years at Yeshivah of Flatbush. Having grown up in Far Rockaway and the product of a YOSS and Mesivta Rambam education, Mr. Lazar is really excited to share his love of history with the next generation.. By combining his passion of both history and theater, completing both in a dual major in Queens College, history becomes more than just an intellectual exercise. Mr. Lazar continued his education completing a master’s in history in Queens College and received a master’s in history from the CUNY Graduate Center while working towards completing his PHD in Ancient history (currently ABD). COURSES & CLUBS: AP European History, Global Studies, American History, Israel and Zionism, Latin Club

Mrs. Miriam Lerner is passionate about helping students take ownership of their Tanach study. Whether it is learning to make meaning of ancient texts in the modern age or delving into the nuances of interpretation, the most magical moments are when students learn and apply tools to discover their own spiritual journey through the lens of Tanach. Mrs. Lerner earned her bachelor’s degree at Yeshiva University as a Legacy Heritage Scholar, as well as her master’s degree from Azrieli Graduate School of Education and Administration. Mrs. Lerner has been teaching Tanach in Chicago at Ida Crown Jewish Academy for the last six years and has recently moved to Jamaica Estates. Mrs. Lerner is excited to join the Shulamith team and share her love of Tanach with her students.

As the Athletics Coordinator, Mrs. Dina Mann brings her passion for all things fitness and extensive coaching experience to the Shulamith team. She coordinated and directed a Women’s Basketball Club in the NY area for over 10 years and has used her knowledge and expertise to coach a number of schools to athletic success. She is an ACE certified personal trainer who works with teens and young adults and specializes in educating them how to infuse health and physical fitness into everyday life. By coaching both the basketball and volleyball teams, Mrs. Mann hopes to empower the girls with strong athletic skills as well as focusing on team-building, communication skills and confidence! COURSES & CLUBS: Skillz and Drillz, Basketball Team, Volleyball Team, Basketball Club, Tennis Club

Mrs. Temima Miller coaches our softball club and coordinates Israel Activism. Originally from Israel, Coach T has immersed herself in sports: playing for the Israel Association of Baseball, the women’s Shomron basketball all-star team, coaching in camps, and competing in college softball. Coach T moved to the Five Towns after serving in Sherut Leumi and in the Israel Army. Coach T received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Queens College and has worked in the mental health field for over 16 years and in education for over 6 years. She has a wide range of experiences working with teenage girls in middle school, high school, and in NCSY. She also has over 16 years of experience working with developmentally disabled teens and adults. Coach T is a licensed EMT and has over 10 years’ experience volunteering with the Woodmere Fire Department. With a passion for Chessed and Zionism, Coach T can be found supporting so many of our high school programs. CLUBS: AIPAC, Softball, Chessed, Israel Awareness

Esty Munk is originally from St. Louis where she graduated from Block Yeshiva High School. She spent her gap year in Michlala, and subsequently received her degree in Jewish Education and Biology with a minor in Psychology from Stern College in NYC. While there, she directed several musical productions, and was the president of the Public Health Student Association as well as an ambassador for the Sharsharet orginazation international. When Esty isn’t working she enjoys leading trips to Israel or sitting back at a Broadway show!

Rabbi Jonathan Muskat has taught in various Long Island Yeshiva high schools for over ten years and has been the Assistant Principal at YDE High School, a Syrian boys Yeshiva High School in Brooklyn, for five years. Rabbi Muskat is very passionate about creating a student-centered classroom where his students are inspired to learn and grow in their love for Torah and Torah values. Rabbi Muskat has been the Rabbi of the Young Israel of Oceanside for the past fifteen years. He is also a Vice-President of the Rabbinical Council of America. Additionally, Rabbi Muskat is a pastoral health care liaison at South Nassau Communities Hospital. He received his semicha, a Masters degree in Medieval Jewish History and an undergraduate degree in Jewish Studies and Speech and Drama, from Yeshiva University. Rabbi Muskat also received a law degree from New York University School of Law and served as a corporate attorney in the New York law firm of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver and Jacobson for four and a half years. He also posts a weekly blog in Times of Israel on contemporary Jewish issues. Rabbi Muskat is excited to share his love of Torah with the students of Shulamith High School.

Mrs. Channi Packer is excited to join the staff of Shulamith High School as Social Worker and Project Safe teacher. She was the recipient of the Dean's Scholarship at Yeshiva University's Wurzweiler School of Social Work, and has held positions of Social Worker in both HANC High School and HALB Elementary. Mrs. Packer realized her passion for helping people through active and empathetic listening when she was a Madricha at Darchei Binah seminary in Yerushalayim. After two and one half years in Israel, she went on to be the campus kiruv coordinator at NYU, where she ran weekly learning programs for the Jewish students on campus and led a trip to Poland where the students learned about their heritage and history.Mrs. Packer joined several other college campuses on trips to Israel, helping students connect to their roots for the very first time. After those experiences, Mrs. Packer decided to pursue a career in Social Work as a means to help others find meaning and balance in their lives . Mrs. Packer recently attained her Clinical Degree and began work in the private sector as well, seeing clients in her private practice in Cedarhurst. She also runs a Social Skills group in the Five Towns. Mrs. Packer is looking forward to becoming an integral part of the staff as well as an active participant in student life, ensuring the students are having a positive and meaningful experience in High School. She loves to play basketball, and enjoys spending time with her husband and two young sons. COURSES & CLUBS: Project Safe

Mrs. Simi Petegorsky has joined the Shulamith faculty with decades of experience teaching Torah and Hashkafa. She inspires her students with passion and enthusiasm, helping them develop a true love to learn and succeed. Hailing from the Midwest, Mrs. Petegorsky went on to study in the prestigious Seminar Bais Yaakov LeMorot/ BJJ of Jerusalem, where she received her teacher training and certificate. She then went on to teach Chumash, Navi, Parsha, Megila, Tefilah, and Hashkafa in St. Louis, Detroit, and Cleveland, and now continues teaching locally. Mrs. Petegorsky has experience teaching complex Hashkafa-oriented subjects in a loving, heartfelt, and compassionate way. She develops a close and warm long-lasting relationship with each one of her students. Her goal is to connect to the heart of her students, helping them develop a true love towards Hashem, while leaving them with inspiring lessons and practical tools which they can use throughout their lifetime. COURSES & CLUBS: Chumash and Sichot Mussar

Mrs. Shifra Raskin was born and raised in Amsterdam, Holland and can solve a Rubik’s Cube in under two minutes. A life-long love of anything math-related has led her to join the faculty of Shulamith as a mathematics teacher. Mrs. Raskin received a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Stern College for Women and a master’s degree in Biostatistics from Columbia University. Mrs. Raskin spent several years as a statistician in the healthcare industry before transitioning to a career in teaching. Mrs. Raskin brings her passion and enthusiasm for working with teens from her time as head counselor in Camp Sternberg to her role as teacher and mentor in Shulamith. COURSES & CLUBS: Algebra A, Geometry B, Algebra II, Computer Applications, Chess Club

Mrs. Rivky Rubin spent a few years in her early childhood thinking she would become the president’s speechwriter. At least, that’s what her 4th grade English teacher told her she should be. While that dream didn’t last very long, Mrs. Rubin’s love for (mostly persuasive) writing continued to grow. That passion led her to opt in to two years of AP English in high school, to participate in many essay contests (some of which she has won), to a stint in publishing and to teaching English Literature and Language, both in Israel and in America. In Michlalah, Mrs. Rubin started combining her love for English with her ambition to teach it. With a teacher’s degree from Michlalah, Mrs. Rubin went on to get her B.A. in English Literature from Touro College and her M.S. in Secondary Education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. Now living in Far Rockaway with her husband and daughter, Mrs. Rubin is excited to be returning to Shulamith this coming year and looking forward to discovering the power of literature and language together with her students. COURSES & CLUBS: English, Jewish History

Mrs. Janet Salman is always searching for ways to better serve her students as a Learning Lab Specialist and College Guidance Counselor. Dedicated to helping each student find her own path to success, Mrs. Salman is an ardent believer in the twin powers of passion and perseverance. She strives to form positive and supportive relationships with her students in the belief that a student who feels supported will also feel confident and empowered. Mrs. Salman holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Brooklyn College, a J.D. from Yeshiva University’s Cardozo School of Law, and a master’s degree in Education and Special Education from Touro College. In over two decades of teaching, Mrs. Salman has taught at every grade level from pre-K through college, in both the classroom and the resource room. She is particularly proud of her three wonderful children, and of her ability to write upside down. COURSES & CLUBS: Ivrit

Ms. Seffi Schofield has a love of all things history. Ms. Schofield enjoys traveling and brings her journeys and imagination into her classroom. A theater enthusiast, she makes history come alive and compels students to question the past. It is Ms. Schofield’s belief that every student should be challenged and inspired. Ms. Schofield graduated Summa Cum Laude from Queens College with a dual bachelor’s degree in History and Jewish Studies. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Social Studies Education at Queens College. After teaching in the NYC public school system for several years, Ms. Schofield is thrilled to be joining the Shulamith family. COURSES & CLUBS: Global History, American History, American Sign Language, Immigration Studies

Miriam Siegel brings to her teaching a passion for educating students and a deep caring for each student’s individual success and growth. A certified math geek, she absolutely loves math and loves helping students to acquire essential skills. She experiences tremendous nachas when students who claim to “hate math” or to “be bad at math” actually end up proclaiming that “math is fun!” Mrs. Siegel is continually fascinated by the different ways that students learn and she can teach concepts in a number of diverse ways depending on the unique needs of the student. Mrs. Siegel is New York State-certified in special education K-12, and mathematics education 7-12. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brandeis University and a master’s degree in special education K-12 and math education 7-12 from Hofstra University. She has over 15 years of experience teaching math at the high school level to students with and without learning disabilities. COURSES: Algebra

Rabbi Ya’akov Trump serves as the Rabbi of the vibrant community of Young Israel of Lawrence Cedarhurst. It is his passion to share his passion for the Torah and its relevance in contemporary times. Rabbi Trump has been involved in many community wide projects including being hub coordinator of the Shabbos Project in the Five Towns-Far Rockaway bringing hundreds and thousands together raising the bar of Shabbos and the Five Towns Drug Awareness panel. Rabbi Trump teaches Parsha at the Shulamith High School for girls. Rabbi Trump recently co-chaired the 59th annual RCA Convention for hundreds of Rabbis across America. He has his own Nach Yomi website, has a itunes podcast and recently released an App on both the App and Play stores. COURSE: Parsha

Esther Wein has been teaching Jewish women for close to 30 years. She is known for teaching subjects such as Parsha, Tefillah, Navi, and History on an intellectually advanced level, but gearing her shiurim towards students with all levels of education. With a strong text based and philosophical emphasis, she strives to expose students to fundamental Jewish ideas and their eternal truths. Drawing on great masters spanning from the Midrash, Rambam, and Ramban, to more modern thinkers such as the Maharal, Ramchal, Rav Hirsh, her grandfather Rav Shimon Schwab, and LBLCT Rav Moshe Shapiro, she excites and inspires her audience with the ingenuity and profundity that is hiding just beneath the surface of the text. COURSE: Hashkafa, Parsha

Mrs. Adina Wolf aspires to connect with and inspire her students through the embracing and magnetic force of Torah. A seasoned teacher at Shulamith High School, Mrs. Wolf is excited to be teaching Navi and Foundations (Jewish Philosophy) and leading the “Get Vocal” and “Chopped” clubs. An alumna of Michlalah Jerusalem College and Stern College for Women, where she majored in psychology and Judaic Studies, she combines a warmth for our girls with a passion for Yahadut and an enthusiasm for teaching. Mrs. Wolf and her family live in Woodmere, where she serves as a Rebbetzin at the Young Israel of Woodmere. COURSES & CLUBS: Navi, Foundations, Parsha