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.
Ms. Kanen earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from The University of Arizona and has been teaching since 2013.
Teaching is Ms. Kanen's true passion. Watching her students make progress both academically and socially throughout each year is the most rewarding gift. Ms. Kanen loves making meaningful connections year after year with her students while shaping their young minds and helping them develop into well-rounded citizens. She believes teaching is truly a work of heart!
In her free time, Ms. Kanen enjoys spending time with friends and family. She also loves going to concerts, the beach, and traveling!
UrmiKar
Director of Advancement and Communications
(949) 509-9500 x3012
Wellesley University - B.A. California State University, Fullerton - M.A.
Urmi Kar joined the TVT community in 2022 as the Director of Advancement and Communications, and in her role oversees fundraising, parent and alumni relations, as well as marketing and communications at the school.
Urmi has been in independent schools and colleges her entire career, in a variety of capacities in admissions, communications, and philanthropy. Prior to coming to TVT, Urmi worked at Foothill Country Day, Echo Horizon School, Vistamar School, Marlborough School, and Whittier College. She holds a Bachelor’s in English and History from Wellesley College in Massachusetts and a Master’s in Communications from California State University, Fullerton. Urmi deeply values the opportunity to work closely with TVT parents and families, partner with her colleagues, and as time permits, find a way to bring together family and friends over a delicious meal.
Ms. Katz is a southern California native. She received her BA in Mathematics, Teaching Credential, and Master's of Education in Teaching from University of California, Santa Barbara. She has taught middle school math for over 10 years, teaching in Fountain Valley and Santa Monica before joining us at TVT.
Ms. Katz enjoys spending time with her family and friends. On the weekends, you can find her with her husband and son going on hikes, riding bikes, and watching college football. Ms. Katz also enjoys traveling and has been to 12 of the largest national parks in the United States, Alaska, Israel, Mexico, Iceland, Panama, and several countries in eastern and western Europe.
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do."
Ms. Kopp has a B.A. in physical education from CSU, Chico. After living in Europe for many years, Ms. Kopp returned to California and earned her teaching credential with the OCDE. She has been working at TVT since 2005. Ms. Kopp has worked all grades at TVT from K- 6. After school, she is also a swim coach for the Gators Swim Club.
In her free time, Ms. Kopp likes to swim, bike and work in her garden.
ToviaKorisky
Teacher Assistant
(949) 509-9500 x4343
Chapman University - Bachelor of Arts Pepperdine University - Master of Arts
Tovia Korisky attended TVT as a student from Kindergarten through 12th grade, and is grateful to begin her teaching career in 3rd grade as a TVT alumni! Tovia earned a B.A. in Integrated Educational Studies (IES) and minor in Disability Studies at Chapman University. Recently, Tovia completed her M.A. in Teaching at Pepperdine University where she earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She is most proud of her work at the Merage JCC within her several years as a Unit Head for Camp Haverim and Club J. She feels passionate about teaching through engaging all types of learners and promoting a positive classroom environment where students foster a love of learning.
In her spare time, Tovia enjoys going to the beach, traveling, and spending time with family.
GalitKozokaro
Teacher Assistant
(949) 509-9500 x5115
University of Haifa - B.A. University of Haifa - M.A. Gordon Education Collage - English Teacher Certificate
AlanKrause
Teacher/7th Grade Level Leader
(949) 509-9500 x5133
University of California, San Diego - B.S. National University - M.A.
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.
“Each student is a creative universe unto themselves. My job is to meet each of them where they are and bring them along as far as I can in our time together. I believe in making mistakes, and learning from them. I believe that so long as we don’t give up, we haven’t failed, we just haven’t succeeded yet. And most of all, I believe in my students.”
Dr. Krause completed his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees from Pomona College, Loyola Marymount University, and The University of Utah, respectively, each in English with a focus in creative writing. His writing has appeared in two languages, three countries, and four dimensions, and he has worked in education for twenty-five years. Outside of TVT, Dr. Krause enjoys time with his incredible wife and two amazing daughters.