Our Teachers

Hagit Ayalon

Hebrew/Jewish Studies Teacher / Lower School (K-4) Hebrew Curriculum Coordinator

Ms. Ayalon loves working with students of all ages at CCJDS. This year she is teaching first and fourth grade Hebrew and Jewish Studies and coordinating our kindergarten-fourth grade Hebrew program. 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 from Hebrew University with a BA in English Linguistics and an MA in Education. Joined CCJDS in 2011.

Hana Bar-Klein

Hebrew/Jewish Studies Teacher / Second-Eighth Grade Tefillah Coordinator

Ms. Bar-Klein currently teaches third grade Hebrew and Jewish Studies and middle school Hebrew. She also joins Ms. Loewenberg, Ms. Wirtschafter and Ms. Grembek in coordinating our second-eighth grade tefillah (prayer) program. Prior to joining CCJDS, Ms. Bar-Klein taught Hebrew at Krieger Schechter Day School in Baltimore, Maryland and General Studies and Science in Israel. She received her Bachelor of Education from the Kaye Academic College for Education in Beer-Sheva, Israel. Joined CCJDS in 2020.

Lior Ben Hur

Music Teacher

Born and raised in Jerusalem, Lior Ben-Hur has worked in music education in the Bay Area since 2004. For the past 8 years he has been the Music Director at Yavneh Day School in Los Gatos. In 2013, Lior won the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education, recognizing his innovative approaches to building Jewish community through music. He founded and leads Music By Heart, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping schools and organizations build community through music and music education. Lior’s band, Sol Tevél, has released three studio albums – including World Light, a collection of songs that aims to shed a new light and contemporary interpretation on old Jewish texts, ideals and mysticism; and So I Wander, an eclectic Reggae album which debuted at #14 on Billboard charts for Top Reggae Album. Lior will teach K-5th Music and provide Music and Ruach (spirit) at Shabbat and other special events. Joined CCJDS in 2024.

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.

Jason Dean

Aftercare Director / K-4th Grade PE Coordinator / Facilities Support

Originally from Alabama, Mr. 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. Mr. Dean graduated from the University of North Alabama with a BS in Education. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, golf, baking, and reading. Joined CCJDS in 2022.

Gordon Chong Dohemann

Science Teacher

Mr. Gordon Chong Dohemann has a passion for science and an unwavering dedication to fostering a love for learning among our students. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Colorado State University, where he also took courses in Education.  Mr. Dohemann brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to the classroom. His dedication to science and his genuine enthusiasm for the subject are matched by the joy he finds in connecting with students with respect and humor.  Joined CCJDS in 2023.

Michael Filice

Middle School Science Teacher / Middle School PE Coordinator

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 is thrilled to teach sixth and eighth grade Science and upper school Physical Education this year. Mr. Filice holds a BS in Earth and Planetary Sciences from UC Santa Cruz. Joined CCJDS in 2018.

Alex Fox

Lower School General Studies Teaching Support

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

First Grade General Studies Teacher / SHIR HaLev Service Learning Coordinator

Mrs. Fox brings warmth, enthusiasm, humor, and an open mindset to the classroom to help facilitate meaningful relationships with students. Her ability to engage, challenge, and support all kinds of learners stems from her love of learning and many years of experience in the classroom, including 10 years at Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School in Foster City. Mrs. Fox is a graduate of UC Santa Cruz with a BA 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.

Angelina Geisen

Lower School & Middle School General Studies Teaching Support

Ms. Geisen is thrilled to serve as a teaching assistant in first grade. Early on in life she discovered a passion for education and psychological development. After receiving her BA in Psychology from California State University Northridge, Ms. Geisen completed an MA in Education at Harvard University, focusing on Human Development and Education. Starting out as an educational research scientist, Ms. Geisen discovered that her greatest joy lies in creating genuine connections with students. She is excited to have the opportunity at CCJDS to do the work she finds most fulfilling – supporting children – while also applying what she learned through her academic studies. Joined CCJDS in 2023.

Laurie Gold

Middle School Language Arts Teacher / Learning Support Coordinator

After joining CCJDS as a middle school Math teacher, Laurie Gold transitioned to two roles that she also loves – as a middle school Language Arts teacher and a Learning Support Coordinator. During her educational career, which spans over 20 years, Ms. Gold has developed a passion for working with students across disciplines – including teaching middle school Humanities at Tehiyah Day School – and supporting teachers as a coach and learning specialist. As our Learning Support Coordinator, Ms. Gold will work with teachers, students, and families to support differentiation in curriculum and teaching. She will offer professional development and coaching to faculty to strengthen our ability to understand our students’ diverse learning styles and differentiate teaching to help all students thrive. For students with diagnosed learning differences, she will facilitate a strong home-school partnership (including serving as a point person for parents and outside providers) and work with teachers to develop and implement appropriate interventions and accommodations to support student success. Joined CCJDS in 2022.

Adelia Hunt

Third Grade General Studies Associate Teacher

Ms. Hunt is thrilled to join Third grade as General Studies Associate Teacher. Over the past three years at CCJDS, she has worked as a full-time substitute teacher and teaching assistant.  Ms. Hunt holds a BA with honors in political science from Barnard College and a JD with honors from American University Washington College of Law. Professionally, Ms. Hunt has practiced law, worked in Congressional Affairs and as Assistant to the Ambassador at the Embassy of Israel in Washington D.C., conducted research at a political think tank in Israel, and taught courses in Constitutional Law to public high school students in Washington, D.C. Joined CCJDS in 2021.

Courtney Lazzara

Second Grade General Studies Teaching Support

Ms. Lazzara is looking forward to her 9th year as an elementary educator. She is delighted to join the second grade team as a teaching assistant. Ms. Lazzara has worked at CCJDS for seven years – starting as a teaching intern for two years and then serving as the First Grade General Studies lead teacher. She also taught kindergarten at Queen of All Saints School for three years. Ms. 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. When she’s not teaching in the classroom, you can find her spending time with her family or coaching swim team. Joined CCJDS in 2014.

Orli Loewenberg

Hebrew/Jewish Studies Teacher / 2nd-8th Grade Tefillah Coordinator

Ms. Loewenberg teaches fifth and sixth grade Jewish Studies and Level I Hebrew for fifth-eighth grades. She loves teaching at CCJDS because students get to embody the Jewish values they learn about by putting them into practice. Ms. Loewenberg previously taught 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 in Cultural Anthropology from McGill University. Joined CCJDS in 2018.

Mr. Taylor Lyng

Lower School Teaching Support

Taylor has worked for the past decade teaching Jiu Jitsu. He loves working with kids and has enjoyed the CCJDS experience so much that he is continuing down the road of education as a career path. Taylor will be a support for 4th grade general studies as well as a number of additional grades. Taylor has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Cal State University East Bay, Hayward. Joined CCJDS in Spring 2024.

Aliza May

Hebrew/Jewish Studies Teacher 

Ms. May has taught Hebrew and Jewish Studies to CCJDS students of all ages. She is thrilled to work with our youngest learners this year in Kindergarten and 2nd grade class. 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. Prior to joining CCJDS, Ms. May taught Hebrew and Jewish Studies to students at Congregations B’nai Tikvah and B’nai Shalom. Professionally, Ms. May has also been a court reporter and court clerk in the trial courts in the Southern District of Israel. She received specialized training for Hebrew teachers of Hebrew at the Tal Am Language Institute in Jerusalem. Joined CCJDS in 2016.

Renée Penegor

Drama Specialist / Middle School Humanities Teacher

Ms. Penegor brings a rich tapestry of experiences to her role as a teacher of English Language Arts, History, and Drama. Ms. Penegor graduated with an MFA from American Conservatory Theater and has over 20 years of experience acting and teaching in both private and classroom settings. Since 2016, Ms. Penegor has successfully directed the annual school musical and orchestrated a variety of other K-8 performances. Ms. Penegor brings her passion for integrating the arts with core academic subjects to CCJDS, aiming to engage students and inspire a lifelong love for learning. Her academic foundation in English Literature, Theatre, and Women’s Studies, with honors from the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse, underscores her interdisciplinary approach to education. Joined CCJDS in 2016.

Haya Sansani

Annie Simmons

Kindergarten General Studies Associate Teacher / Drama Specialist (Kindergarten & First)

Ms. Simmons is passionate about integrating arts in education and bringing song, movement, crafts, and games to learning environments. Prior to CCJDS, she taught collaborative playwriting and improv at the San Francisco Mime Troupe and was a nanny and Drama Specialist at Camp Tawonga. Ms. Simmons graduated with honors from Saint Mary’s College of California with a BA in Justice, Community, and Leadership. She loves teaching at CCJDS! Joined CCJDS in 2021.

Helen Soo Hoo

Second Grade General Studies

Helen joins CCJDS as our Second Grade General Studies Lead Teacher. Helen has most recently taught at the Yu Ming Charter School in Oakland and taught for 10 years prior to that in Hong Kong. Helen looks forward to building strong relationships with her students, colleagues and the CCJDS families. Originally from London, England Helen has a BA in Early Childhood Development from The Open University, a MA degree in Business Information Systems from Middlesex University, and a certificate in Teaching English. Joined in 2024.

Rachel Starczewski

Second Grade General Studies Teaching Support

Ms. Starczewski is excited to join CCJDS this year as a second grade teaching assistant. Over the past 20 years she has been an active stay-at-home parent, raising two daughters and a son and volunteering in their classrooms and school libraries. In her freetime, Ms. Starczewski enjoys reading, sewing, and traveling. She loves animals and has three cats and six chickens. She received her BA in Social Work from San Diego State University. Joined CCJDS in 2023.

Brooke Vermeer

Middle School Math Teacher

Ms. Vermeer has taught over 20 years. I am excited to once again be teaching at CCJDS because of the wonderful and supportive learning community for all students. Brooke loves the smaller class sizes which allows her to practice and enhance differentiated student learning so all students feel successful. 

Ms. Vermeer previously taught at Charlotte Wood Middle School in Danville for 13 years before taking time off to be a mom. Once her children were in preschool, Ms. Vermeer took on long term substitute positions at Seven Hills School and Walnut Creek Intermediate, to name a few. Mr.Vermeer has a BS Education, and a multiple subject teaching credential and a single subject credential in math. Joined CCJDS November of 2022. 

Catie Warburton

Fifth Grade General Studies Teacher

Ms. Warburton infuses her fifth grade classroom with kindness, intellectual curiosity, and creativity. Before coming to CCJDS, she 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 in Biological Sciences and German Language and Literature from UC Santa Barbara and her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Notre Dame De Namur University. When not at CCJDS, she enjoys knitting, cooking, and spending time with her family. Joined the CCJDS in 2018.

Kenny Widmann

Middle School Humanities Teacher

Mr. Widmann is entering his eighth year teaching at CCJDS. Earlier in his career, Mr. Widmann taught public and private middle school in Tennessee and South Carolina. Before returning to teaching, Mr. Widmann was a reporter, columnist, advertising writer, and author. He holds a BA in History from Connecticut College and an MA in American Civilization from Brown University. Joined CCJDS in 2017.

Marci Winer

Middle School Math Teacher

Ms. Winer is excited to return to middle school this year as the sixth grade math and SHIR HaLev teacher as well as a sixth grade advisor. In the past five years at CCJDS, Ms. Winer has been the school-wide PE coordinator, taught fifth and sixth grade math and science, and fourth grade general studies. Prior to CCJDS, she worked for eight years in the Lafayette School District, leading the Physical Education Program at Springhill Elementary and supporting classroom teachers in general studies. Ms. Winer has a BA in Political Science and Business from the University of Arizona. Joined CCJDS in 2018.

Diane Schon Wirtschafter

Third Grade General Studies Teacher

Ms. Wirtschafter is thrilled to begin her second year teaching General Studies at CCJDS! She has taught for over two decades in Jewish day schools in Minneapolis and El Cerrito. Before joining CCJDS, she taught fourth grade at Black Pine Circle School in Berkeley for 13 years. A native of New York, Ms. Wirtschafter studied psychology at Barnard College in New York City and studied for her MA in education at Bank Street College of Education and at the University of Minnesota. She has twice won the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Education at the state level. Ms. Wirtschafter is passionate about life-long professional development, and she’s been particularly excited in recent years to bring to her classroom best practices she’s learned from Context for Learning Math, Reading and Writing Workshop, and Responsive Classroom workshops. Music is at the heart of her life, and, accompanied by her husband on violin and mandolin, she has sung with klezmer bands, washboard bands, and students and colleagues. Twice during the pandemic, her family’s musical parody videos of “Fiddler on the Roof” songs went viral. While playing ukulele, she enjoys leading singing at CCJDS tefilah (prayer) and at our school’s Kabbalat (welcoming) Shabbat gatherings. Joined CCJDS in 2023.