Employee Directory: TVT Community Day School

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Department

Grade Level

Last Name

April Akiva

Teacher

(949) 509-9500 x5124

University of Southern California - B.A.
Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion - M.A.

Bio

April Akiva has been working in the field of Jewish education for over two decades in settings including synagogues, camps, and Jewish day schools. She spent several years with the Temple Beth Sholom and Congregation B'nai Tzedek communities serving as Director of Education, bringing meaningful Jewish programming to people of all ages. In addition to her teaching and administrative experiences, Mrs. Akiva sat on the clinical faculty for the Rhea Hirsch School of Education, mentoring and supervising graduate students. She is highly invested in the local Jewish community and recently served as the President of the Jewish Educators Association of Orange County, an organization that provides professional learning to hundreds of Jewish educators across Orange County and Long Beach. Mrs. Akiva also spent a year abroad in Israel, where she attended graduate school and worked with Ethiopian children in an Israeli immigration center.

Her favorite part of being a teacher is watching her students grow and develop into interesting, kind, and thoughtful adults and she is thrilled to be able to call some of her former students her colleagues! Mrs. Akiva's hobbies include dancing (tap and hip-hop), science/medicine, and doing escape rooms with her husband and two children.
Albert Anticona

Teacher

(949) 509-9500 x5152

California State University, Fullerton - M.A.

Bio

Languages are a testament to our past, a foundational tool for human progress. Mathematics is the most universal language, and its legacy is inspiring and inviting.

Mr. Anticona earned his M.A. in Mathematics from California State University, Fullerton. During his time there, he was privileged to observe the brilliance and passion of remarkable and captivating educators. This was a major factor in his decision to pursue mathematics education. He has taught a wide range of classes at the high school ranging from Algebra to AP Calculus BC. Furthermore, he has also taught Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations at the college level.

In his spare time, Mr. Anticona likes reading and spending time with his grandparents.
Margaret Bergamini

Teacher

(949) 509-9500 x5193

Butler University - B.S.

Bio

Ms. Bergamini earned her BS in Middle and Secondary Education at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. She has taught a variety of Social Studies courses as well as English as a New Language. During the past two years, Ms. Bergamini earned a certificate in trauma-informed teaching and started learning Spanish. She is very happy to be a new resident of California and uses her free time to explore as much as she can.
Elise Blum

Division Head, Middle & Upper School

(949) 509-9500 x3004

Harvard University - M.A.
Brandeis University - B.A.

Bio

Mrs. Elise Blum has spent over 20 years in independent school education, serving as a social studies teacher, school counselor, college advisor, and administrator. Born in upstate New York and raised in Connecticut, Elise attended Brandeis University in Waltham, MA where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Education. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Teaching & Learning from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, MA.

Before joining TVT, Elise was the High School Principal at American Heritage Schools in Plantation, FL where she previously served as Assistant Principal and Assistant Director of Guidance & College Planning. Elise began her career in education teaching social studies in Massachusetts and then Florida. Prior to teaching, she served as a program director and educational coordinator at Project Vote-Smart, a non-profit, non-partisan, political education organization.

Elise believes in creating a safe and supportive learning environment where students can take risks and try new things; as the Jewish proverb says, “whoever does not try, does not learn.” She is also committed to fostering strong relationships with faculty, staff, students, and parents.

In her free time, Elise enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dog (Precious Blum). She feeds her soul by reading, practicing yoga, hiking, running, and eating yummy and healthy food.
Mike Bogdanovic

Teacher

(949) 509-9500 x5109

University of California, San Diego - B.A.
Vanguard Univeristy

Bio

"Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." - John Maxwell

Mr. Bogdanovic has his B.A. from U.C.S.D in Quantitative Economics and Decision Sciences. He received his teaching credential and conducted further graduate work through Vanguard University. Before coming to TVT, Mr. Bogdanovic taught in Capistrano Unified School District and Tustin Unified School District.

When not solving math problems in his spare time, Mr. Bogdanovic can be found playing golf or surfing.
Nirit Bracha

Teacher/10th Grade Level Leader

(949) 509-9500 x5111

Hebrew University of Jerusalem - B.A.

Bio

“I am passionate about using current events and trends from Israel’s culture to enhance the language concepts I teach my students, providing them with the opportunity to transfer their classroom education into everyday usage of the Hebrew language.”

Mrs. Bracha earned a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a Teaching Certificate of Education from the Talpiot College in Tel-Aviv, and a Certificate for Advanced Hebrew Teaching and Mentoring from the Hebrew College in Boston. From 1992 to 2000, Mrs. Bracha worked in schools throughout Israel. In 2000, Mrs. Bracha, along with her family, moved to the United States. Since starting to teach at TVT in 2006, Mrs. Bracha has had the opportunity to serve in several different roles including TVT’s Neta Coordinator and Upper School Hebrew Department Chair, along with teaching Hebrew for various grades and levels.
Megan Broderick

Counseling Services Assistant & Testing Coordinator

(949) 509-9500 x5192

University of Maine at Farmington - B.S.

Bio

“Ther is no place I'd rather be than working with students to help them succeed in life. The testing center is just a small piece of what makes TVT amazing, but I'm so happy to be a part of it !”

Originally from Massachusetts, Ms. Broderick earned a B.S. in rehabilitation services at the University of Maine at Farmington. She is a frequent traveler both for leisure and to help further her education. Prior to coming to TVT, she worked in New Zealand with adults with intellectual disabilities, and furthered that course of education by working with special education students in Massachusetts. She is now very happy to be the new Testing Coordinator and Counseling Services Assistant.

In her spare time, Ms. Broderick enjoys walking her beagle, painting and doing other crafts, and swimming in the ocean.
Susanne Broderick

Teacher/6th Grade Level Leader

(949) 509-9500 x5131

Florida State University - B.S.
University of Scranton - M.S.Ed
Worcester State University - B.S.

Bio

Ms. Broderick is a geologist with more than 10 years of experience as an educator in middle school. She earned a B.S. in Geology from Florida State University and her Masters in Education from the University of Scranton. She is a former field engineer/geologist having worked both in the oil and gas industry and in environmental remediation. She comes to TVT from Massachusetts, where she's more recently taught a variety of math and science in several settings.

Susanne's passion is to inspire students to be curious and to ask questions, take risks, and grow their confidence in learning.
Kenton Buck

Teacher/Department Chair

(949) 509-9500 x5125

Christopher Newport University - B.S.
The College of William and Mary - M.S.

Bio

"I believe in the power of a scientific worldview to unleash creativity and improve the human condition. I love guiding students to ask and answer their questions and appreciate science as more than just a collection of facts."

Mr. Buck graduated with honors from Christopher Newport University with a B.S. in biology and leadership studies. While working as a scientific researcher, he earned an M.S. in biology from The College of William and Mary, specializing in evolutionary biology and conservation. With more than six years of experience in independent schools, his courses prioritize critical, creative, and collaborative thinking and curiosity to empower students to envision themselves as scientists. Mr. Buck also works with the National SEED Project to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity within schools.

In his spare time, Mr. Buck enjoys being active within his local community, travel, and bird watching.
Nava Gabbai

Teacher

(949) 509-9500 x5120

The Hebrew University , Jerusalem - M.A.
Ben Gurion University of the Negev - B.A.

Bio

" Educate the child according to his way: even as he grows old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)

Mrs. Gabbai has been teaching Hebrew since 2007. She holds a BA degree in Education from Ben-Gurion University and a Masters degree in School Counseling from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Before joining the TVT school, she taught Hebrew at the San Diego Jewish Academy and at the Jewish Day School of Mertopolitan Seattle . Mrs. Gabbai is also a Certified Child life specialists and have been working with children and families in hospitals, to help them cope with the challenges of hospitalization, illness, and disabilities. Each day she looks forward to learning more about her students and help them love the Hebrew language.

In her free time, Mrs. Gabbai enjoys reading, hiking and travelng with her husband, and her two sons
Shir Geshvindman

Teacher

(949) 509-9500 x5126

Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel - M.A.
Haifa University - B.A
Haifa University - Teaching Certificate

Bio

"Being in a learning environment excites me. I love listening to the students' questions and their answers, and when they connect old to new information, they make my day. Most often, they teach me as much as I teach them. The thinking atmosphere on the way to solve a question is my favorite".

Mrs. Geshvindman has a M.A. in Education Management from Ben Gurion University, and a B.A. as well as a teaching certificate from Haifa University in Israel. Mrs. Geshvindman started teaching in Israel in 1999. Since coming to the United States in 2004, she served as a teacher, NETA Coordinator, and Hebrew Department Chair in JCHS of the bay in San Francisco, until joining TVT at 2009.

In her free time, Mrs. Geshvindman enjoys reading, crossword puzzle solving, being outdoor and spending time with her family.
Matthew Hamadani

Coach - Girls Volleyball & Girls Soccer
Rebecca Kalamaro

Teacher

(949) 509-9500 x5168

University of Arizona - BS
American Jewish University - MA

Bio

Mrs. Kalamaro's passion for Jewish Education began when she was just 2 years old using a feather to find Chametz in her parent's cupboard during Pesach. Since then, it has transformed into a mature passion for tradition and inquiry, historical analysis and questioning of our text.

Upon earning her Masters in 2016, she served as an Assistant Director of Religious School in Thousand Oaks for two years before making the switch from supplemental school to teaching Kindergarten in a day school in 2018. Upon having her daughter in 2019, she realized just how much she loved and missed Orange County so she and her family moved back to her hometown from Los Angeles in 2020 when she began her position at TVT as the 11th and 8th grade Jewish Studies teacher. In her spare time, Mrs. Kalamaro enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, traveling to new places and cooking. She is thrilled to be a part of the TVT community.
Alan Krause

Teacher/7th Grade Level Leader

(949) 509-9500 x5133

University of California, San Diego - B.S.
National University - M.A.

Bio

Mr. Krause has a B.S. in Animal Physiology & Neuroscience from UCSD and an M.A. in education. He has taught math and science in middle and high schools for over 17 years. He is passionate about bringing the content to life and showing real-world applications.

Mr. Krause is an instrument-rated private pilot and certified scuba diver. He has two young daughters and enjoys spending his free time playing with them and watching them grow.
Allison Lawton

Teacher/Department Chair/US ASB Advisor

(949) 509-9500 x5210

Academy for Jewish Religion - Masters
Pepperdine University - Masters
Pepperdine University - Bachelor of Arts

Bio

“The power of our tradition draws students of all ages into active, thoughtful learning experiences. Making the connection between what was, what is and what can be is what motivates my rabbinate and guides my teaching.”

Rabbi Lawton earned her rabbinic ordination and one of two Master’s degrees in Hebrew Letters from the Academy for Jewish Religion, California and her B.A. in Liberal Arts as well as her first Master’s degree in early childhood education from Pepperdine University. Before coming to TVT, she taught elementary, middle and high school students for more than 20 years in the Los Angeles area. Rabbi Lawton enjoys spending time with her three children, Jesse, Evan, and Abbie who are 21, 19 and 16.
UC Learning Center Service

(949) 509-9500 x5211
Christina Lee

Teacher

(949) 509-9500 x5132

Cal State University Fullerton - MFA
University of Nevada Reno - BFA

Bio

“I love learning and the best teachers remain students their whole lives. I never stop learning so that I can become a better teacher. I teach my students, as well as learn from them.”

Ms. Lee got her MFA from Cal State University Fullerton and her BFA from the University of Nevada Reno. She has been an art educator for over six years. She has been teaching drawing courses at CSUF for three years as a part-time lecturer. She was also the Assistant Director at the after school art institution, US Arts and Design, where she helped create and oversee the portfolio prep program. This is Ms. Lee's second year at TVT. She teaches a range of art classes to upper and middle school students, including Studio Art, AP Art, and Digital Photography. In her free time, Ms. Lee enjoys working on her own creative projects which range from drawing to sculpture to photography. She also enjoys spending time with friends/family, watching films, and more recently, gardening.
Jeffrey Littman

Coach - Boys Basketball, Boys Flag Football & Soccer

California State University, Northridge - BA

Bio

Jeffrey earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Management & Administration from California State University at Northridge. He spent several years coaching Friday Night Lights Flag Football as well as Special Olympics in Southern California. He is most proud of being the caddy to the first Irish woman to win a gold medal in golf at a Special Olympics World Games, in Los Angeles.

In his spare time, he is a musician who plays guitar locally. He enjoys snow skiing and going to the gym.
Luis Mejia

Teacher

(949) 509-9500 x5199

University of Southern California - M.A.
Naval Postgraduate School - M.A.
California State University, San Bernardino - B.A.

Bio

Major Mejia served in the United States Marine Corps for 25 years. He first enlisted and later commissioned an officer. During his career, he served in the Infantry, Communications Command & Control, and Policy & International Affairs. He served extensively in Washington D.C., Japan, Republic of Korea, Afghanistan, and the greater Indo-Pacific region. He has held several staff and company command assignments. His final assignment was the Director Northeast Asia, Policy & International Affairs, Marine Forces Pacific.

Mr. Mejia retired to return home, support his wife’s career, and pursue a calling to teach America’s youth. Post retirement, he attended the University of Southern California, where he earned his Master of Art in Teaching Social Science with a California teaching credential. He is primarily concerned with America’s youth and human development. Foremost he believes in teaching middle school because youth require positive encouragement and development for their life-long success. Mr. Mejia taught history for three years before accepting his position at Tarbut V’ Torah.

Mr. Mejia is married to Nao “Ikeno” Mejia and they have one son and two daughters. He enjoys life and exploring his children’s interests.
Christopher Miles

Teacher/8th Grade Level Leader

(949) 509-9500 x4345

Middle Tennessee State University - B.S.
University of Tennessee - M.S.

Bio

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” -Nelson Mandela

Mr. Miles received his B.S. from Middle Tennessee State University in math education and completed his M.S. in educational leadership at the University of Tennessee. Prior to coming to TVT, Mr. Miles taught mathematics in East Tennessee.

When not at school, Mr. Miles enjoys spending quality time with his wife and daughter and running.
Justin Moreno

Associate Director of Athletics

(949) 509-9500 x4318

California State University, Fullerton - B.A.
California State University, Fullerton - Single Subject Teaching Credential

Bio

Justin Moreno is a Southern California native, born and raised. He earned a B.S. degree in Kinesiology and a single subject teaching credential in physical education from California State University, Fullerton.

In his spare time, Justin enjoys exercising, surfing, and going on hikes with his dog.
Tanya Musquez

Teacher

(949) 509-9500 x4346

Chaffey College - AA
California State University San Bernardino - BA
California State University Fullerton - Single Subject Teaching Credential

Bio

Mrs. Musquez received her BA in History from California State University, San Bernardino in 2005. She returned to school to earn her Single-Subject Teaching Credential in Social Sciences in 2013 from California State University, Fullerton, after which she began her full-time teacher career. Always yearning to learn more, Mrs. Musquez has recently returned to pursue her Masters Degree in American History at Gettysburg College in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

In her free time, Mrs. Musquez enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband of nearly 28 years, her four children, and granddaughter. She enjoys reading historical novels, musical theatre, and is a self-professed Disney geek. She also loves power tools, woodworking, and home improvements.
Tal Perel

Teacher

(949) 509-9500 x5159

College of Management, Israel - B.A.
Levinsky College of Education - Teaching Diploma

Bio

Mrs. Perel believes that there is a 3 way interaction between fun, love and success in learning Hebrew. If you have fun and love learning, you will succeed. If you have fun and succeed learning Hebrew, you will love it. If you love learning Hebrew and have fun, you will succeed.

Mrs. Perel earned a B.A. in Computer Science from the College of Management in Israel. She completed her teaching diploma from Levinsky College of Education in Israel. Mrs. Perel has been teaching Hebrew as a second language since 2005. She has vast experience in teaching Hebrew reading & writing based on multiple programs she is certified in. Mrs. Perel was the head of the Hebrew department in the Agency for Jewish Learning in Pittsburgh, PA; and led various Hebrew programs for all ages, from infants (Mommy and Me all in Hebrew program), Teen Sunday Schools, and Adults Ulpan programs.

In her spare time, Mrs. Perel enjoys hiking, traveling and spending time with her family.
Abby Pezzner

Teacher

(949) 509-9500 x1125

Penn State University - B.S.

Bio

"I love it when the kids in PE class don't think they can improve their time in running or get better at skills such as catching, throwing, or kicking. Then, you can see the, oh my goodness, I can get better at this! Their eyes get big and they have a big smile on their face from their accomplishments."

Mrs. Pezzner has her B.S. degree from Penn State University. She has been at TVT since 1998 as a teacher and Associate Athletic Director. Before that she taught at the Hebrew Day School and the Montessori School and was a program director at the Jewish Community Center in Wilkes-Bare, PA.

In her free time, Mrs. Pezzner or Coach Pezz, which her students call her, referees high school varsity and college basketball, likes to ride her bike with the TVT cycling club, take exercise classes at the JCC, volunteer with the JCC Maccabi Games, and read.
Nicole Samuels

Upper School Counselor

(949) 509-9500 x4304

Chapman University - B.A.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - Psy.D.

Bio

Dr. Samuels is a proud alumni of TVT who earned her B.A. in psychology at Chapman University, and completed her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Samuels spent several years providing clinical care and consultation in community mental health and pediatric settings, and most recently completed a child psychology postdoctoral fellowship at The Guidance Center in collaboration with Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Samuels highly values the bio-psycho-social approach to mental health and utilizes “the whole child” perspective to inform her clinical work.

When Dr. Samuels is not providing therapeutic care, she enjoys being a ‘fur-mom’ to two cats and one dog, baking sweet treats, and has a passion for interior design.
Alexander Segal

Teacher/Department Chair/9th Grade Level Leader

(949) 509-9500 x5173

University of California, San Diego - B.A.

Bio

“Music is a team sport. We all succeed together!”

Mr. Segal inspires student growth in a collaborative, creative, and performance-driven environment. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of California, San Diego with a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Computing in the Arts and Music. OC Parenting Magazine named Alex Segal as one of the "Top Teachers of 2022.” He is a member of the Association for Popular Music Education (APME), Audio Engineering Society (AES), Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI), and National Association of Composers, USA (NAC-USA).
Carlin Stein

Teacher

(949) 509-9500 x5195

University of California, Santa Barbara - B.A.
California State University, Long Beach - Teaching Credential
Concordia University, Irvine - M.A.

Bio

"My favorite job in the world is to enrich curious minds and spark learning. I love to learn from my students and witness all the ways they connect with their learning."

Mrs. Stein earned a B.A. in English from the University of California at Santa Barbara, her teaching credential from California State University in Long Beach, and her M.A. in Education from Concordia University in Irvine. Mrs. Stein spent several years teaching English in Long Beach and spent a short time teaching language arts and reading in Garden Grove.

In her spare time, Mrs. Stein enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, as well as being an avid reader, Sudoku lover, and yoga student.
Davis Thompson

Engineering & Computer Science Program Director

(949) 509-9500 x5130

Columbia University - B.S.
NYU School of Law - J.D.

Bio

Facility with mathematics is the key that opens so many doors, thus there is no greater gift I can give a student than to help them enter college confident in their abilities. In my class, I seek to develop that facility in students with an approach that focuses on problem-based learning with immediate feedback."

Mr. Thompson earned a B.S. magna cum laude in electrical engineering from Columbia University, and a J.D. from New York University School of Law. Rick has spent the majority of his professional life as a teacher of mathematics in independent schools, most recently teaching AP Calculus and AP Statistics at Mater Dei High School. He began his mathematics teaching career at his alma mater Polytechnic School in Pasadena where he spent six years developing and adapting curriculum for the accelerated and honors programs.

Rick holds the FINRA Series 65 investment advisor license and runs an advisory firm with his father part-time. He is also a registered patent attorney. In his spare time, he likes to play soccer and the piano, take his dog Rory for a walk, and play games with his family.
Silvia Vidor

Teacher/Department Chair

(949) 509-9500 x5162

University of Phoenix - EdD.

Bio

Inspired by the book “The Courage to Teach” by Parker J. Palmer, Dr. Vidor believes that ‘teaching is a call of the heart.’

Dr. Vidor joined the TVT Hebrew department after completing her doctoral dissertation at the University of Phoenix. She holds an M.A. in Education and a B. A. in Hebrew letters from the Jewish American University, as well as a B.A. in Biblical studies and Literature from Haifa University. Dr. Vidor served as a teacher at the Weizmann Day School in Pasadena, and a teaching assistant at the Jewish American University. She was the Director of Education for eight years at Congregation B’nai Israel, in Tustin and was the Assistant Director of Educational Resource Center at the American Jewish University, where she led workshops and presentations to students and faculty. Dr. Vidor is a member of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL). She was a member of the TVT Admissions committee and the Faculty Professional Growth Plan committee. In her years at TVT, Dr. Vidor acted as advisor and chaperone trips to Catalina and Monterey.

In her free time, Dr. Vidor enjoys traveling with her husband and granddaughters, reading and exercising.

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