About
Leadership
Senior Leadership
List of 1 items.
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Jill Quigley | Head of School
Jill Quigley was appointed Head of School in 2022 after eight years of dedicated leadership as TVT’s Middle & Upper School Division Head. She brings a deep commitment to academic excellence, character development, and Jewish education, ensuring TVT remains a place where students grow intellectually and ethically.Jill earned her M.A. in Jewish Studies from Emory University, specializing in modern Jewish history, and her B.A. in English from Arizona State University, where she explored literature and religious studies. During her tenure at TVT, she led the development of Character@TVT, reinforcing the school’s mission that character is paramount, and co-developed a Jewish Studies Alternative Pathways model to deepen students’ connections to Judaism within TVT’s pluralistic framework.Prior to TVT, Jill was an administrator and teacher at San Diego Jewish Academy and previously taught English at Carmel Middle School and Durango High School. In her free time, she enjoys cycling, spending time with family, and tackling the New York Times Crossword puzzle.
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Elise Blum | Assistant Head of School, TK-12 programming
As Assistant Head of School for TK-12 Programming, Elise Blum oversees the alignment and enhancement of academic and student programming across all divisions at TVT. Since joining the school in 2022 as Middle & Upper School Division Head, she has been a driving force in strengthening the student experience, fostering meaningful connections, and ensuring a supportive and engaging learning environment.Elise brings over 20 years of experience in independent school education, having served as a social studies teacher, school counselor, college advisor, and administrator. Before TVT, she was the High School Principal at American Heritage Schools in Florida, where she also held roles as Assistant Principal and Assistant Director of Guidance & College Planning. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Education from Brandeis University and a master’s degree in Teaching & Learning from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.Passionate about student growth, Elise believes in creating an environment where students feel safe to take risks and embrace new challenges. In her free time, she enjoys reading, practicing yoga, hiking, running, and spending time with family, friends, and her beloved dog, Precious Blum. -
Josh Adler | Division Head, Middle & Upper School
As Middle & Upper School Division Head, Josh Adler leads TVT’s MS/US faculty and programs, ensuring a student-centered approach to learning and leadership. He is deeply committed to fostering a dynamic educational environment that prioritizes academic excellence, personal growth, and a strong sense of community.Josh earned his MA in Education from NYU and holds a BS in Theater and a BA in English from Northwestern University. Before joining TVT, he served as Head of Middle School at New Roads School in Santa Monica and spent a decade at Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences in multiple leadership roles. Throughout his career, he has been guided by the belief that education is a transformative force, preparing students not just for academic success but for a life of integrity, purpose, and positive impact.A firm believer in the power of connection, Josh thrives on engaging with students, faculty, and families to build a vibrant and supportive school culture. Outside of work, he enjoys [insert personal interests or hobbies if available]. He is thrilled to be part of the TVT community and looks forward to partnering with students and educators to bring TVT’s mission to life. -
Dr. Todd Eckel | Assistant Head of School, Strategic Engagement
As Assistant Head of School for Strategic Engagement, Dr. Todd Eckel oversees Marketing & Communications, Advancement, and Enrollment Management, ensuring strategic collaboration across these key areas. With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, he combines data-driven strategy with a people-first approach to strengthening institutions and fostering meaningful relationships.Before joining TVT, Todd served as Assistant Vice President at Western University of Health Sciences, where he helped exceed institutional goals in both budget and enrollment. He also played a transformative role at the University of La Verne, driving significant growth in fundraising and institutional advancement. His leadership is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to community.A father of four, Todd can often be found on the soccer field, baseball diamond, or dance stage cheering on his kids. A passionate (and sometimes irrational) Arsenal Football Club supporter, he is also a former competitive jiu-jitsu fighter. -
Sarah Escobar | Division Head, Lower School
As Division Head of Lower School, Sarah Escobar brings 18 years of experience in Jewish education, fostering a learning environment that blends academic excellence with Jewish values. She earned her Master of Arts in Education from Loyola Marymount University and has been a dedicated advocate for student-centered, holistic learning throughout her career.Before joining TVT, Sarah spent over a decade at Temple Israel of Hollywood (TIOH), where she served as a classroom teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, Teacher Trainer, and Senior Staff Member. She played a pivotal role in reimagining education by supervising educators, developing Family Education Programming, and nurturing creativity and innovation in the classroom. In addition to her leadership in schools, she has mentored aspiring Jewish educators across Los Angeles and at Hebrew Union College and holds a Supervision and Administrative Certificate from UCLA.Sarah finds joy in outdoor adventures, exploring new culinary experiences, and cherishing time with her husband, David, and their three children. She is excited to lead and support the Lower School community at TVT. -
Tammi Jones | CFO / COO
As Chief Financial & Operating Officer, Tammi Jones provides strategic leadership in finance, operations, and institutional sustainability at TVT. Since joining the school in 2014, she has overseen critical areas including finance and accounting, technology operations, facilities, human resources, risk management, compliance, and legal. With extensive experience leading independent schools and organizations across multiple industries, she is dedicated to ensuring operational excellence and long-term financial health.Before TVT, Tammi served for eight years as Chief Financial & Operating Officer at The San Diego Jewish Academy. She has also held leadership roles on numerous nonprofit boards, contributing her expertise in financial stewardship and organizational management. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Management, summa cum laude, from Morningside University.Outside of work, Tammi enjoys yoga, hiking, and home renovation projects. -
Rabbi Stuart Light | Director of Jewish Life & Learning
Since 2012, Rabbi Stuart Light has led Jewish Life & Learning at TVT, ensuring a meaningful and engaging Jewish experience for students across all grade levels. He is dedicated to deepening Jewish knowledge, practice, and connection within the school community.Rabbi Light earned his B.A. in Cognitive Science from Brown University before spending a year at an Outdoor Education Center in Vermont. He later received his Rabbinical Degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary of New York and a Master’s in Jewish Education. Before joining TVT, he spent 12 years at the Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle, serving as Director of Jewish Studies and later as Assistant Head of School.Rabbi Light and his wife, Wiebke—who is also a faculty member at TVT—are proud parents of a current student and two alumni.
Board of Trustees
The Board's primary role is to define the school's mission and to ensure its long-term viability. We identify several core attributes for our students and graduates and it is the Board's function to ensure that TVT's overall policies and actions remain consistent with those goals:-
Moral and Ethical Adults
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Critical Thinkers and Problem-Solvers
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Effective Communicators and Listeners
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Leaders and Team Players
- Achievers and Life-Long Learners
List of 13 items.
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Dr. Alyse Baron
Board Member 2022
Alyse is a Southern California native, and grew up in Irvine. She graduated cum laude, earning her bachelor's degree in Microbiology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Arizona. She then earned her Medical Degree and completed her residency in Pediatrics at the University of Arizona, College of Medicine. Alyse is Board Certified in Pediatrics and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Alyse has been a private practice Pediatrician for the last 20 years, and has been involved in numerous child advocacy groups. She also has published numerous research studies in the field of Pediatric Cardiology, and also has a special interest in early childhood development, child literacy, child safety issues, and child abuse prevention. Throughout the Covid 19 Pandemic, Alyse served on the TVT Health Advisory Committee, and has made keeping our TVT students, faculty, and familes safe her top priority. -
Mayer Cherem
Board Member 2017
Mayer Cherem is a Managing Director and Head of Portfolio Management at PAAMCO Prisma, a global multi-strategy institutional investment firm. He is an active risk taker and a driving force in the firm’s Investment Committees for complete Alpha and for Molecule, its multi-trader platform. The firm is headquartered in Newport Beach, CA .Mayer began his finance career at Procter & Gamble, and later worked at the Cisneros Group of Companies and Deutsche Bank. Mayer holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and an Engineering degree from Universidad Simon Bolivar in Venezuela, where he won the first prize in a National Physics Olympiad.
Mayer directed the Macabi Tzair youth movement in Venezuela, and participated in the Institute for Advanced Studies for Jewish Leadership, which culminated with a training and assistance trip for the Jewish community of Camagüey, Cuba. Mayer actively participates in multiple organizations in the Orange County area.
He and his wife Deborah have three children at TVT, Eitan (class of ’24), Gilah (class of ’27) and Noah (class of '32). -
Bruce Gorchow
Board Member 2025
Recently retired as President of PPM America Capital Partners, Bruce brings decades of leadership in global investment strategy and governance. He currently serves on TVT’s Finance and Investment Committee and previously chaired the Investment Committee at Haverford College. Bruce and his wife, Jodi, are the parents of five children. -
Dr. Jeffrey Kopstein
Board Member 2023Jeffrey Kopstein is a Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Irvine. He received his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, and has extensive administrative experience, frequently advising governmental agencies and foundations. From 2015 to 2020 he was Chair of the Department of Political Science and starting in July 2023, he will be the Director of UCI’s Center for Jewish Studies. Before moving to UCI, Kopstein held faculty positions at Dartmouth College, the University of Colorado at Boulder, and the University of Toronto, where he was Director of the Anne Tanenbaum Center for Jewish Studies and Professor of Political Science. He has held fellowships at Harvard University, Princeton University, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.In 2021-2022, Professor Kopstein was the Ina Levine Invitational Senior Scholar at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. His research has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, the United States Department of Defense, and the Fulbright Commission. -
Dr. Neil Kramer
Board Member 2023Neil Kramer has over 35 years of secondary school teaching, coaching, and administrative experience, having taught History, English, Government, and Jewish Studies. In his times at Marlborough School, Windward School, Geffen Academy at UCLA, and what is now deToledo High School, Neil has held positions as Faculty, Founding Dean of Faculty, History Chair, Founding Assistant Head of School, golf coach and lacrosse coach for both boys and girls. He was an early enthusiast for using materials from Centropa.org in history and Jewish Studies curricula. In 2012 he was elected to the Southern California Lacrosse Hall of Fame.Neil’s extensive involvement in the Jewish community includes work for the American Jewish Committee and as Pacific Southwest Executive Director of the American Jewish Congress. Neil was also an adjunct faculty member at the Ziegler School of Rabbinical Studies of American Jewish University.
Neil received his BA in History from Union College, and his MA and PhD from Claremont Graduate University. He and his wife Robin will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2024 with their three sons and their fabulous granddaughter. -
Brian Levy | Chair
Board Chair; Board Member 2022
Brian grew up in the south bay, West Torrance. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Brian is the founder & president of BML Wealth Management as well as the Managing Member of West Wealth Group, LLC. He is an Investment Adviser Representative, holds a Series 66 securities license, and licensed in life and health insurance. Away from work, Brian loves spending time with his wife, Ruthie, their two daughters, 10 & 8, and their son, 4. When Brian’s not with his family, he can be found cheering on his favorite team, the LA Clippers. -
Dr. Dara Sorkin Michaelson
Board Member 2024
Dara Sorkin Michaelson, PhD is a tenured Professor in the Department of Medicine and has been Director of the Community Engagement Unit for UCI’s Institute for Clinical and Translational Science for the past 8 years. Conducting community-engaged research and including community-engaged approaches in her teaching and research has been central to her life’s work. Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), AHRQ, and other public and private foundations. As a child of a Holocaust survivor and proud Jewish woman, she is driven to build communities where every person is valued. Most importantly, Dara, with her husband, Grant, are proud parents to their three children at TVT: classes of 2024, 2027, and 2030. -
Izzi Neufeld
Board Member 2021Izzi Neufeld is the proud mother of three TVT girls, Emily z’’l (Class of 2017), Ally (Class of 2019), and Rachael (Class of 2022). Ally is currently attending American University in Washington, DC studying Environmental Science.Izzi has served on the TVT PA Board as Vice President, Upper School Coordinator and class representative. She served on the Executive Committee at Temple Beth El of South Orange County as treasurer as well as a trustee at large. She has also served as treasurer at her children’s elementary and middle schools before they transferred to TVT.Izzi the CFO for Jillson & Roberts, a family-owned gift wrappings company. In her free time, she enjoys Pilates, reading, crossword puzzles, and traveling. -
Alison Nightingale
Board Member 2025
Returning Board member and past Board Chair, Alison is an attorney at General Atlantic and brings expertise in legal strategy and regulatory compliance. She and her husband, Charlie, are the proud parents of two sons. -
Kimberly Snyder
Board Member 2025
An entrepreneur and community leader, Kimberly Snyder’s background spans psychology, youth development, and small business ownership. She is actively involved on TVT’s Advancement and Gala Committees. Kimberly and her husband, Josh, are the proud parents of two daughters. -
Somer Tejwani
Board Member 2024
Somer Tejwani began her career as a journalist and has been a journalism teacher, author of three books, and now the senior vice president of global marketing for one of the world’s leading prestige beauty companies—The Estee Lauder Companies’ Too Faced Cosmetics. In her role she oversees all facets of consumer engagement and is regarded as a leading expert in social media, influencer strategy, digital content, and reaching the Gen Z consumer through marketing. Somer is a passionate advocate of leadership development and spends her free time mentoring early stage career women to become the beauty industry’s leaders of tomorrow. She has volunteered for many years as a room parent for the TVT PA, Gala co-chair, and is a supporter of the Jewish Community Center of Irvine. Somer has two wonderful children at TVT: classes of 2032 and 2035. -
Jeff Toporek
Board Member 2021Jeff Toporek is a co-founder and Principal at FD Stonewater, a fully integrated real estate investment, development and consulting firm. The company was founded in 2003, has 40 professionals and is headquartered in Washington DC with offices in Los Angeles. Jeff is responsible for the firm’s operations, business development and serves as the co-head of the Investment and Asset Management business.If you are looking for Jeff outside of the business world you can likely find him with one of their boys on a field coaching baseball, including at TVT. Teaching student-athletes about life through sports is one of Jeff’s great passions and he is a firm believer that success in life stems from the experiences that can be obtained through team sports.Jeff is married to Staci for 21+ years and they have 3 boys, all of whom attend TVT, and their white golden retriever Bella. They are both originally from New York and permanently relocated to Southern California in 2016. Jeff graduated with a BA in Organizational Behavior from The University of Michigan in 1990. GO BLUE! -
Li Yu
Board Member 2020
Li is an educator by passion. He has always been enthusiastic about teaching and education. Immediately after college, he started teaching at Southeast University in China. After moving to North America, he served as a research or teaching assistant at the University of British Columbia and the University of Southern California when he studied for his Masters’ degrees. Later, Li was once offered to teach at the University of California, Irvine. He is now mainly focusing on children’s potentials and brain plasticity and applying innovative approaches to children development.
Li is an entrepreneur by practice. He is an inactive Certified Public Accountant of California who was nicknamed as “an accountant who enjoys coding.” He has been a serial startup practitioner since 2010 with hands-on experiences of managing startups from early to hyper-growth stages, and most recently led as a prior CFO and partner at DTEN Inc., an innovative startup in interactive communication technologies.
Li is also a community contributor by love. He has been an active parent and spearheaded several cultural and educational initiatives in the Southwest Chinese School in Irvine since 2017., and has been actively involved with local Cub Scout and Boy Scout activities in Orange County. He is also a book lover with his son in BOB club at Tarbut V' Torah since 2018 and has been volunteering in the “Friends of the Library” at Newport Beach Public Library since 2019. Li and his wife, Dr. Shuya Yin, are proud parents of Evan (Class of '27) and Alan (Class of '31).
Li earned his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering at Southeast University, Nanjing China, and a master’s degree in Supply Chain Management from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver Canada, and also a master’s degree in Accountancy from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles California.
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