Faculty & Staff

Hiring and Mentorship at SJCS

 

Photos Courtesy of Sabina Burd Photography.  We thank Sabina (SJCS Parent) for volunteering her time and talent on these portraits.

 

SJCS staff e-mails are first initial and last name (no caps, no spaces) @sjcs.net

Shoshi Bilavsky

Head of School
  • At SJCS since 2010
  • 20+ years teaching
  • M.A. in Judaic Studies with an emphasis on Bible and Jewish Education, Laura and Alvin Siegal College of Judaic Studies
  • B.A. in Education and Judaic Studies, Bar Ilan University & Talpyot College (joint program)

 

"As a Jewish educator, my philosophy of education is based on the principle that each individual is created b'zelem Elokim - in God's image - and therefore of infinite worth."

Chrys Hunstiger

Director of Curricular Affairs/Learning Specialist
  • At SJCS since 2002
  • 25+ years teaching
  • M.Ed. in Governance, Policy, and Administration (Principal Certificate), University of Washington
  • California Clear Teaching Certification, California State
  • B.A. in Sociology and Psychology, Occidental College

 

"I believe education is about caring for and nurturing the whole child.  Academic growth is maximized when a strong, caring relationship is developed."

Mary Grace Lentz

Kindergarten/Student Support Specialist
  • At SJCS since 2004
  • 10+ years teaching
  • Professional Certification in Elementary Education, Pacific Oaks College
  • M.A. in Human Development, Pacific Oaks College
  • B.A. in Performance Arts and Transpersonal Psychology, Prescott College

 

"The beauty of education is to guide the individual on a path of self-discovery.  Through a facilitated curriculum, the child explores the beauty of nature and discovers his or her place in the interconnected world through engaged interaction."

Shoshana Stombaugh

Kindergarten/Music Specialist
  • At SJCS since 1991
  • 25 years teaching
  • Grinspoon/Steinhardt Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient, 2012
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, Seattle University
  • B.A. in Speech Communication and Theater, University of Michigan

 

"I believe that human beings are natural learners, and that teachers teach best when teaching from their place of passion. Children learn best when they can trust that they will be respected, heard, and honored in both emotional and learning needs."
Photo Not Available

Jenni Hurner

1st Grade
  • At SJCS since 2010
  • 7 years teaching
  • M.I.T. (Master's in Teaching), University of Washington
  • B.A. in Political Science and Social Justice, St. Olaf College

 

"To teach is to guide others as they explore and come to better understand themselves, the world as it is, and the relationships therein.  Simultaneously, teaching guides students as they develop the skills and vision to make and remake themselves, the world, and those relationships as they might dream them to be – more just, more sustainable, and more joyful."

Mihal Stern

1st Grade
  • At SJCS since 1994
  • 25+ years teaching
  • B.H.L (Bachelor of Hebrew Letters), Gratz College
  • B.A. in Education, Temple University

 

"The role of the teacher is to support and facilitate students' growth in the areas of academic achievement, social skills, study skills, mitzvot, and the cultivation of dereh eretz."

Debbie Clement

2nd Grade
  • At SJCS since 2008
  • 20+ years teaching
  • Teacher Certification, Seattle University
  • B.A. in Society and Justice, University of Washington

 

"My philosophy of education is to understand each child and modify the curriculum to meet his/her needs, to provide an engaging and fun curriculum so that every child will want to learn, and to help each student make a smooth transition into the intermediate grades."

Paulette Doulatshahi

3rd Grade
  • At SJCS since 2004
  • 15+ years teaching
  • Professional Certification, Seattle Pacific University
  • Elementary Teaching Credential, Loyola Marymount University
  • B.S. in Foreign Service, Georgetown University

 

"My goal as a teacher is to be exceptional; that is, to convey my love of learning to each child and my concern for each one of them as an individual learner."

Amee Sherer

3rd Grade
  • At SJCS since 2002
  • 25 years teaching
  • Pamela Waechter Award recipient, 2011
  • M.Ed. in Elementary Education, University of Washington
  • Teacher Certification, University of Washington
  • B.A. in Jewish Studies, University of Washington

 

"Life is mitzvahs." - The Rabbanit Bracha Kappach

Gabrielle Azose

4th Grade/ Advancement Associate
  • At SJCS since 2008
  • 5 years teaching
  • M.A in Education, Antioch University
  • B.A. in Anthropology and Middle Eastern Studies, McGill University

 

"I believe that as a teacher, it is my responsibility to stimulate students academically, support students social-emotionally, see each child as an individual, and love each child for who he or she is.  As a role model, I must exemplify the values that I hope to instill in my students - a love of learning, a kindness and compassion toward others, and self-respect."

Ben Gown

4th/5th Grade Hebrew
  • At SJCS since 2012
  • 2 years teaching
  • Fulbright Scholarship recipient, 2011
  • Professional musician/puppeteer
  • M.A. in teaching, Seattle Pacific Univeristy
  • B.A. in Jewish Studies and Brazilian Studies, New York University

 

"All God's creatures got a place in the choir."

Amnon Bruck

4th Grade Judaic and Hebrew Studies & 5th Grade Hebrew Support
  • At SJCS since 2013
  • Ph.D. in Hebrew and Semitic Languages, Bar-Ilan University with certification to teach Hebrew as a second language

Lauren Wennstrom

5th Grade
  • At SJCS since 2012

Beth Huppin

5th Grade
  • At SJCS since 1995
  • 30+ years teaching
  • Covenant Award Recipient, 2010
  • 2 years post Master's, Hebrew University
  • M.A. in Teaching Judaics, University of Judaism (now American Jewish University)
  • B.A. in Near Eastern and Jewish Studies, Brandeis University

 

"The goal of education is to help each student discover and develop his/her unique God-given gifts so that he/she can become God's partner in improving our world."

 

View the Covenant Foundation video recognizing Beth's award-winning work at SJCS.

Brooke Einstein

Library/Science/ Technology Specialist
  • At SJCS since 2009
  • 15+ years teaching
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, City University
  • B.A. in English, History, and Education, The Evergreen State College

 

"I believe that as an educator and teacher it is my primary responsibility to ignite and feed the student's passion for learning about the world in which they live."

Eddie Raskin

Recess & BASE Director
  • At SJCS since 2010
  • 4 years teaching
  • Teaching Certification, University of Washington - Bothell
  • B.A. in Anthropology, University of Victoria

 

"I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my desire as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas."

Bibi Powell

Art Specialist/ \Teaching Assistant
  • At SJCS since 2007
  • 10+ years teaching
  • A.A. (Associate of Art) in Graphic Design, Seattle Central Community College
  • B.A. in Humanities with Emphasis on Fine Arts, Seattle University

 

"I believe that education is about sharing the joy of learning with children concerning the wonderful, wide world around us, simultaneously expanding our understanding and horizons."

Alex Pfeiffer

PE Specialist
  • At SJCS since 2012
  • B.A. in Health ad Physical Education, Central Washington University
  • Mathematics Endorsement

Yair Cohenca

Judaic Studies Teaching Assistant
  • Current student at University of Washington, studying International Relations and Political Affairs.

 

 

It is a mission of mine to raise the awareness and understanding of who we are as the Jewish people, particularly to young generations lacking the same education that Israeli children receive. 

Eric Johnson

Movement/Dance Specialist
  • At SJCS since 1993
  • 25+ years teaching
  • Currently leads teacher training nationally for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.
  • 8 years mentoring classroom teachers on the use of dance in the classroom for the Puget Sound ESD Arts Impact Program.
  • 16 years as a professional choreographer and dancer
  • B.M. (Bachelor's of Music) in Organ Performance, Michigan State University

 

"Since each child and their internal constellation is unique, the role of education is to:  a) make each student aware of and able to utilize their individual talents, skills, and capabilities; b) assist each student in learning to interact and collaborate with others effectively and joyfully; c) meaningfully teach the information, skills, and processes of the content areas so the student may become a self-sufficient, capable, and creative member of the world, contributing to both its present and its future."

Sabina Burd

K Teaching Assistant
  • At SJCS since 2012
  • 5+ years working with preschool education
  • B.A. in Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo
  • B.F.A. in Fine Arts/Photography, State University of New York at Buffalo

Andrea Yee

GS Associate Teacher
  • At SJCS since 2008
  • 6 years teaching
  • M.Ed. with WA State P-12 Reading Endorsement, University of Washington - Bothell (expected June 2013)
  • B.A. in Education with WA State K-8 Teaching Certification, Interdisciplinary Childhood Development, Western Washington University

 

“At the core, teaching and learning must be made purposeful with the whole child in mind and belief that every student is capable and can achieve his/her full potential.  In doing so, we discover the unique abilities of all students and meet their individual academic and social-emotional needs, fostering respect, kindness, curiosity, and a love of learning for life, within themselves and others.”

Diane Zipperman

School Counselor
  • At SJCS since 1995*
  • 25+ years counseling
  • M.A., M.Ed, Counseling Psychology, Columbia University
  • B.A., Psychology, Boston University

 

"I believe all people have an innate desire to feel good about themselves, have positive relationships with others, and do good in the world.  My role as a school counselor is to support children’s efforts, as well as those of their family and teachers, to develop these desires into reality."

 

*Employed by Jewish Family Service, Contracted by SJCS

Yael Sachs

Director of Operations
  • At SJCS since 2008

Jessica Graybill

Director of Admissions and Marketing
  • At SJCS since 2012
Photo Not Available

Steve Kepher

Director of Development
  • At SJCS since 2013
  • 20+ years in development
  • Marine Corps Veteran
  • M.A. in History, University of Glasgow, Scotland
  • B.A. in International Relations, University of Southern California

Karen Friedman

Development Manager
  • At SJCS since 2007
  • B.A. in Political Science, California State University - Chico

 

"As an Alumni Parent and former Trustee I am thrilled to be working for an organization that I so passionately believe in.  I witness daily the benefits of an SJCS education, and work hard to ensure that our community's children can continue to experience it."

Heidi Stangvik

Office Manager
  • At SJCS since 2010
  • B.A. in Physical Education (emphasis on Exercise Science), Western Washington University

Deidre Stevenson

Business Manager
  • At SJCS since 2009
  • 17 years working with business and accounting

Jana Miller

Lunch Program Coordinator
  • At SJCS since 2003
  • 30+ years teaching
  • B.S. in Home Economics Education, Oregon State University - Corvallis
  • M.H.Ec. (Master's of Home Economics), Oregon State University - Corvallis

 

"I believe that as an educator my teaching style, my creativity, and my caring for each and every child has an impact.  At SJCS I see students eager to try new foods and learn to prepare unusual and difficult recipes.  I believe it is important to make each child feel successful and allow choices in the hot lunch program to fulfill nutritional needs."