Faculty & Staff

Learning at Columbus Jewish Day School is a transformative and joyful experience thanks to our remarkable teachers.  Both our faculty and staff are drawn to CJDS because they want to inspire students with love and excitement for learning, which they themselves model every day. Our teachers seek to make a difference in every child’s life.

Jodi B. – General Studies, K and Grade 1

With almost 20 years of diverse teaching experience across various grade levels, Jodi brings a rich background to her educational endeavors. Her journey has taken her from Kenton County public schools in the Cincinnati area to the JCC New Albany Preschool, where she not only taught but also served as the Judaics specialist.

Jodi is thrilled about her current role teaching kindergarten and first grade. Her academic pursuits at Xavier University, where she focused on Reading and Literacy, fuel her passion for the CJDS Library. She is dedicated to fostering a love for reading and books among her students, sharing her enthusiasm in every class.

Outside the classroom, Jodi lives in New Albany with her two sons and enjoys indulging her interests in art, music, theater, and nature, bringing a well-rounded perspective to her teaching and personal life.

Miriam B. – Judaics Teacher, Grade 3

Miriam Berk is a native of Columbus, having returned for a second time seven years ago to live here (fun fact - during the first return, Miriam sat on the Founding Board of CJDS until moving to Canada in 1997).

Miriam holds a B.A. in Judaic Studies from The Ohio State University and an Executive Master's degree in Jewish Educational Leadership through Hebrew Union College. Miriam also holds a Master's Concentration in Israel Education through the iCenter. Most of Miriam's 30 years of teaching has been in the fields of Jewish supplementary school education and Jewish camps on both coasts, in Canada, and in Israel. She has always had a passion for making Judaism accessible and engaging to all through creative and experiential learning.

Miriam has always admired the CJDS community and loves the emphasis placed on developing each child's spiritual and social emotional growth alongside intellectual pursuits. She and her husband, Arye have three grown children, two of which (and identical twin granddaughters) live in Israel. When not trying to video chat with those babies, Miriam enjoys reading, cooking elaborate Shabbat meals, dabbling in arts and crafts, and dreaming of sandy beaches. Miriam is thrilled to be a part of the CJDS family!

Brent B. – School Behavioral Consultant

Dr. Brent B., a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, has been working closely with CJDS students and supporting our teachers since 2014. Across his extensive career of over 40 years in the behavioral health field, he has worked with both children and adults in various settings, including in both public and private schools, community mental health agencies, a residential treatment center, and a community corrections facility. Brent holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education with Doctoral Equivalence in Psychology from The Ohio State University, a B.A. in Psychology from Taylor University and a Master’s Degree of Education in Counselor Education from Temple University. “Dr. B,” as he is affectionately known to CJDS students and teachers, delights in seeing the investment that goes into each student’s education at CJDS and supporting staff in their efforts to educate the whole child. Drawing on a variety of areas of training, Brent works with CJDS students individually, in small groups and in whole classes, in addition to consulting with faculty one-on-one and in small groups. He has a love of humor, adventure, outdoors, travel, nature, wildlife, bicycling, and camping. He enjoys basketball and tennis, board games, and singing. Originally not fond of heights and water, he turned this around and has participated in rappelling, high ropes courses, and whitewater canoeing. Married for over three decades, he is a parent of three adults and now a grandparent of three!

Angelo D. – Music Teacher, K-5

Angelo Dunlap is our music teacher at Columbus Jewish Day School (CJDS), He brings over ten years of teaching experience in Jewish settings and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The Ohio State University. Angelo has served as a Religious School Educator and Youth Coordinator, where he received the Torah Ora Award for providing an outstanding learning environment. Additionally, he has over a decade of experience with the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus.

Angelo believes that music is a fundamental language that helps us express ourselves, and that it is the task and duty of music teachers to help students find and use their voice, whatever it may be. He also believes that music plays a powerful role in bringing a community closer. Angelo feels incredibly fortunate to teach Jewish music and its history at CJDS, enjoying the shared experience of learning and singing with students and colleagues. Music is his passion, and he strives to utilize its connective abilities whenever possible.

In his free time, Angelo plays piano and guitar and spends time with friends.

Amanda C. – Director of Office Operations

Amanda brings a wealth of experience to her role, with over 15 years of administrative expertise in both medical and educational settings. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University and is a passionate advocate for the power and importance of education and student safety. Dedicated and committed, Amanda consistently goes above and beyond for students, families, and staff at CJDS. Outside of her professional life, Amanda cherishes time spent with her family and friends. She enjoys cooking, traveling, and takes great joy in seeing her children thrive in their various activities. Amanda's well-rounded approach to life and work makes her a valuable member of our community.

Katie F. – Hebrew and Jewish Studies, Grades K & 2

Katie began at CJDS as a graduate intern and has now taught Hebrew and Jewish Studies for over 22 years in either first or second grade. With a Master’s in Education in Elementary Education from The Ohio State University, Katie is certified in Ohio to teach K-8. Her own upbringing and Jewish education instilled a passion to impart her love for the Hebrew language and Jewish religion, along with guitar, music, and dance, to her students. Her favorite ways to do this are through song, dance, and dramatic presentations. Katie believes so strongly in the child-centered and integrated approach at CJDS that she and her husband enrolled their son who graduated from CJDS in 2019. Outside of school, Katie enjoys singing, dancing, reading, and spending time with family.

Gina F. (PhD) – Science Specialist, Shomeret HaAdamah and Related Arts coordinator, Grades K-5

Gina holds a Doctorate, Master’s and Bachelor’s of Science Degrees in Education with Minor Degrees in Management and Human Resources, Health Education and Biological Science from The Ohio State University. She also holds licenses in School Administration, Physical Education, Adapted Physical Education, Health Education and Biological Science. As a founding faculty member who also served as Dean of Students, Gina has always been drawn to CJDS’s whole-child, learner-centered, integrated education. She is driven by her passion to help every child reach his/her full potential. Gina is a military veteran and was awarded the Medal of Merit which is the highest award for a non-combat soldier. Gina enjoys gardening, volunteering, reading, yoga, walking, camping, fishing, sewing, and kayaking with close family and friends.

Ari F. – Hebrew and Jewish Studies, Grades K & 1

Arielle (Ari) holds a Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies from The Ohio State University. She began her teaching career at Rockwern Academy, a community day school in Cincinnati, serving as the Judaics teacher for Kindergarten. Upon moving to Columbus, she furthered her expertise as a Hebrew and Judaics instructor at the Columbus JCC preschool, where she led the Judaics program for the Nitzanim class. Ari, a native Hebrew and English speaker, grew up in a Hebrew-speaking household, fostering her deep connection to the language. She also directed the Chaverim B’Ivrit, a nationally recognized Hebrew immersion camp experience at the JCC. Ari has participated in numerous training seminars, honing her skills in Hebrew language instruction for both day school and immersive settings. Her approach to Jewish education emphasizes diversity and the value of learning from different perspectives, aligning with CJDS's pluralistic ethos. Outside of work, Ari enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, music, fitness, and honing her culinary skills.

Glenn H. – Building Maintenance

Glenn comes to us after a long career in the computer support environment. He has always been a DIY’er, and has many years of experience in remodeling and updating his residences using his plumbing, electrical, and carpentry skills. He is thrilled with the new position because it presents something new and challenging each and every day, enabling him to use his vast experience to resolve them. In his off hours, you’ll find Glenn cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes during football season. Glenn resides along the Hoover Reservoir where he loves to kayak with his family and friends. He lives with his wife and son, three dogs and two cats, and loves the serenity of living in the woods along the reservoir.

Yehudit K. – Teacher Mentor

Yehudit has been a faculty member at the Columbus Jewish Day School for twenty-five years, variously teaching Hebrew and Judaic Studies to Grades K, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Columbus’ “Jewish Educator of the Year'' for 1996, she has been working with students from kindergarten through high school since 1977, teaching in supplementary schools in Toronto, Canada, in Patchogue, Hauppauge, and Smithtown, New York, as well as Religious School and Junior Congregation here at Agudas Achim Synagogue in Columbus. Her day school credentials include over nine years at the Columbus Torah Academy, before a stint as Teacher Leader at CJDS. Yehudit received a Bachelor of Hebrew Literature and a Master of Arts in Talmud from the Jewish Theological Seminary, and also completed coursework for a Ph.D. Concurrently, she earned a B.A. in Classical Languages from New York University, and spent a year at Hebrew University’s Center for Jewish Education in the Diaspora.

Though she initially envisioned herself as a college teacher, Yehudit believes today that the education of young children is a “sacred” enterprise upon whom the future of the Jewish people hinges. She was drawn to CJDS because of her understanding of its mission: To teach children to connect their Jewish identity with (in Heschel's words) "the art of asking the right questions" and to empower them to act upon their responses to those questions.

When she is not teaching, you can find Yehudit volunteering with MetroParks, hiking, or biking along the streets of Bexley. She enjoys spending time with her far-flung family, including three grown children, two grandchildren, and extended family from coast to coast.

Debbie M. - Art Teacher, Grades K-5

Debbie M received her Bachelor’s degree in Art and Design and minor in Graphic Design from the College of Design at North Carolina State University.

Although her early work focused on interior and furniture design, she quickly developed a love for teaching and has spent over 5 years in the classroom in various capacities including teaching kindergarten in Florida.

Always up for an adventure, Debbie served as first mate and Head of Homeschool aboard her family’s sailboat for a year long sabbatical sailing the US East Coast and Caribbean. After exploring over 13 countries with her husband of 18 years and two daughters, the family returned to land life and is now proud to call central Ohio home. Debbie enjoys volunteering with local charities, playing tennis, gardening and raising her two wonderful daughters.

Julie M. – General Studies, Grades 2 & 3

Julie graduated from the Teaching All Learners program at Indiana University where she learned to implement effective strategies associated with teaching in classrooms with students having a wide range of abilities. She is credentialed with a dual license in elementary and special education. Julie is drawn to the developmental stage of eight- and nine-year-olds, when students are actively transitioning to a more intellectually abstract curriculum. She derives great satisfaction from witnessing the immense strides students take in reading and math at this stage of their education. Julie loves the collaborative atmosphere that permeates CJDS, and was drawn from the very beginning to its warm and welcoming faculty and staff. In her spare time, she enjoys playing golf and traveling. Julie is also a board game devotée, and is convinced that game-playing is a great tool for learning.

Sheri N., CJDS Learning Specialist

Sheri graduated from Capital University with BA in Psychology and continued her education at Ohio State University to receive her license in Special Education for grades K-12. She also has a license for EEH (Early Education of the Handicap). She furthered her education with Grand Canyon University earning her M.Ed. in Reading/Curriculum & Instruction. She taught for 42.5 years with FCBDD with students with Multiple Disabilities as an Intervention Specialist with different grade levels and in various school age programs both public schools and residential. She served as Teacher on Special Assignment broadening her skills both through leadership with the School Principal learning skills regarding IEP’s, behavior programs, communication and classroom management. Sheri worked her early years as a teacher in teaching Adult Basic Education at Columbus Developmental Center and Heinzerling Memorial Foundation. Sheri wrote and implemented IEP’s. She has a strong background with teaching students communication through communication devices and picture symbols. She has experience with News-2-you to help students expand their literacy skills through basic awareness of symbols and print to read fluently building their comprehension. She has training through Orton Gillingham. She works with students daily 1:1, small group or in the classroom for support at CJDS and loves the stories the students share with her. Sheri spends her time outdoors and loves to travel, camp, kayak, garden, scrapbook and read.

Kristina P. – Physical Education, Science, and Health, Grades K-5

Kristina teaches physical education and health in grades K-5. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a B.A. in Physical Education and an adapted physical education minor, with a focus on modifying sports equipment to meet the individualized needs of athletes with disabilities. Upon graduation, she earned her Certificate in Health Education from Capital University. Before joining the CJDS faculty in 2010, Kristina taught and coached in Westerville schools. She was attracted to CJDS because of the curriculum and the amazing students, faculty, and parents. Kristina is driven by a passion to make physical education so enjoyable for the students that they will want to continue to be active for life. It is not uncommon for CJDS students to see Kristina at hockey games or diving competitions. Kristina’s passions are weight lifting, snowboarding, boating, hiking, and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.

Eran R. – Jewish Studies, Grades 4 & 5, Director of Jewish Life and Learning, Judaic Studies Department Chair

Eran serves as Director of Jewish Life and Learning, the chair of the Judaic Studies department and teaches Hebrew language and Jewish Studies, grades 4 and 5. Born and raised in Israel, Eran began his professional career as an organizational and occupational psychologist evaluating educational systems and instruction, both in Israel and abroad. A former tank commander in the IDF, Eran is now passionate about being a Jewish Educator in Columbus, and promotes the love of learning with all his soul and all his might. Eran devotes countless hours to offering every one of his students a fully experiential, personally relevant, and intellectually rigorous Jewish education. He has developed numerous creative pedagogical and curricular resources, many of which have been featured in workshops in Columbus and beyond. Eran regularly incorporates creative play into his teaching methods and, accordingly, has amassed an impressive collection of masks and costumes to engage his learners in new and exciting ways all the time. He was awarded the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education and the Lasday Jewish Educator of the Year Award (2010) and was the recipient of the CJDS Hokhmah award (2023), as the school celebrated its 25th anniversary. Eran is a founding member of the National Association of Teachers of Hebrew and is involved with developing and sharing educational materials across the field of North American Jewish day schooling. Eran is also active in the Jewish life of Columbus, serving on the steering committee of the Partnership Together Program (a program connecting Kfar Saba, Israel, and the Columbus Jewish communities), offering B’nai Mitzvah instruction, chanting Torah at a variety of synagogues, conducting children’s programs, serving and leading on community holiday planning committees, and acting in local community theater. Eran especially enjoys hosting friends in his home for meaningful Shabbat and holiday meals.

Lori S. – Building Substitute Teacher

Lori was born here in Columbus and studied at The Ohio State University after a gap year in Israel. She has been teaching since she was in high school and still enjoys working with kids of all ages.

Lori is married to Ed, who she met while living in Omaha, Nebraska. They have one son, Eric, who attended CJDS in the early days. Eric is now living in NYC.

Besides teaching religious school at Congregation Tifereth Israel, Lori keeps busy volunteering and reading. She has kept a list of the books she has read for over 20 years -- and she just passed 330 books. Lori also loves to travel and looks forward to being able to do that again soon!

Jennifer S. – Speech Pathologist

Jennifer is a Speech/Language Pathologist with Northrup and Associates. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from The Ohio State University and a Master’s Degree from the University of Akron. She holds a license from the Ohio Board of Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology and the Ohio Board of Education. Jennifer also has a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Prior to working at Northrup and Associates, Jennifer worked at Bridgeway Academy with students on the autism spectrum.  Jennifer provides screenings, evaluations and treatment for all areas of communication: articulation, receptive and expressive language, language processing, voice, fluency, and pragmatic/social skills. Jennifer is passionate about teaching speech and language skills, particularly social language, and enjoys finding fun and creative ways to teach her students. She looks forward to providing CJDS classroom lessons focusing on social communication. Jennifer and her husband enjoy biking, hiking, traveling, and spending time with their friends and family.

Joanna V. – General Studies, Grades 4th and 5th

Joanna received a Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College, a Master of Arts from The University of Chicago’s Divinity School, and a Master of Science in Education from Northwestern University. She has lived all over the country, from California to Pennsylvania, racking up teaching licenses in four states, but was happy to return to her hometown of Columbus. She loves encouraging kids to think deeply about the world and ask as many questions as possible. Joanna also loves teaching because it allows her to be a lifelong learner and believes she learns the most from her students. The warmth of CJDS and the holistic approach to education impresses her and is aligned with her own philosophy and values. Outside of school, you can see Joanna with her head in a book, writing, playing with her two kids, working out, baking, and hiking.