Dr. Robin Akselrud
Dr. Akselrud brings her extensive experience as an occupational therapist to TAL Academy. With a masters from Touro College and doctorate from Quinnipiac University, she has distinguished herself as an expert therapist as well as a talented professor and mentor to students of occupational therapy. Dr. Akselrud has published widely in her field and brings the most current research to bear in her quest to help each of the children she works with thrive in all areas of their growth.
Rabbi Josh Alpert (AKA Rabbi Shabbos)
Rabbi Josh Alpert a.k.a. “Mr. Shabbos” is a NY-based Rabbi, educator, and performer. Using a blend of world music styles, humor, and his love of Torah, R’ Josh has been inspiring audiences worldwide. He received Semicha in 2009 from Yeshiva Zichron Akiva and teaches Torah and Jewish music in many of the Long Island/ NYC Yeshiva Day Schools. We are excited to have Rabbi Alpert on our team inspiring the TAL students.
Mrs. Amy Bodner
Mrs. Amy Bodner is both a seasoned occupational therapist and an experienced teacher. After receiving her Master's in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University and working in the field for many years, she discovered that she also has a love for teaching and has been teaching in TAG for the last number of years. She brings her expertise in both fields to TAL allowing her to address the sensory, spatial and organizational needs of our students, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Miss Chavi Brown
Miss Brown holds a Master's degree in Special Education and has taught in both general and special education settings with a focus on the needs of students with reading disabilities. Her thoughtful and kind demeanor coupled with her determination to meet the needs of each of her students is a winning combination.
Ms. Anne-Michele Eisenstein
Ms. Eisenstein received her Master's degree from Queens College in Exercise Physiology and has done further coursework at Teachers College. She is an adjunct Associate Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology where she teaches courses in fitness training as well as a motor learning and skill acquisition course for those majoring in toy design. Her warm smile and positive energy create a safe and inviting atmosphere for all children to enjoy her classes.
Coach Moshe Feintuch
Coach Feintuch is a sought-after gym teacher and personal trainer who is known for engendering positivity and self-confidence in the boys he coaches. He carefully crafts his lessons so that the boys enjoy the games they are playing but learn important life skills along the way.
Mrs. Reva Fuchs
Mrs. Fuchs holds a Master's with dual certification in General and Special Education from Bank Street Graduate School of Education. After teaching in the field of education in the New York Public School system for the last number of years, she has chosen to combine her love of art and special education and bring that expertise to the children of TAL.
Mrs. Alexa Gelnick
Mrs. Gelnick received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Queens College. She has worked at both the Luria Academy of Brooklyn and more recently at HAFTR. Her ability to connect easily with students, parents and teachers has endeared her to all. Mrs. Gelnick will be partnering with teachers in the classroom and collaborating with them in lesson planning so that language instruction is provided in an immersive and effective manner.
Mrs. Sara Gitlin
Mrs. Gitlin received her masters in speech-language pathology from Touro College. Most recently she has been part of a multidisciplinary team at Yeshivas Kochvei Ohr/Shira's Chana in Lakewood, NJ. Her thoughtful approach and creative planning allow her to engage meaningfully with students and collaborate effectively with teachers.
Mrs. Eli Gittleman
Mrs. Gittleman is certified with a Master's in Special Education from the University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education. Mrs. Gittleman has taught in both elementary and high schools and in all settings is known for her warmth, her professionalism and her “going above and beyond” approach in meeting the needs of her students.
Miss Chaya Hyman
Miss Hyman is a Kriah specialist who has previously been trained by Mrs. Kresch. Most recently, she has been working as a Kriah teacher at HALB. With her structured and systematic lessons and her positivity and warmth, students make steady progress in their Hebrew reading skills.
Rabbi Avi Karr
Rabbi Karr joins our staff as the lead Rebbe for our 4th-grade boys. He received Semicha from the Yeshiva of Far Rockaway and is well-known in the Far Rockaway and Five Towns area as a highly effective Kriah specialist and an expert in helping students develop textual skills. His warm approach and intuitive sense in building students’ self-confidence have earned him the respect of students, parents and fellow educators.
Rabbi Yitzchak Lapp
Rabbi Lapp has worked for Anchor Mentoring, Kol Torah, and Yeshivas Chaim Berlin tutoring students and helping them build Gemara skills, confidence, and self-motivation. His calm demeanor and drive to help each of his students reach their potential, allows them to grow step by step at their own pace.
Mrs. Maggie Madere
Mrs. Madere is a literacy specialist who holds a Masters in Curriculum Instruction and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Prior to joining the TAL Team, Mrs. Madere helped start the Jewish Community Day School of Greater New Orleans in Metairie, Louisiana. More recently, she served as the Language and Literacy Coordinator at Manhattan Day School. Mrs. Madere is excited to bring her love of children and passion for the science of reading to her classroom.
Mrs. Raizee Mendlowitz
Mrs. Mendlowitz is a New York State certified school psychologist with graduate degrees from Touro Graduate School of School Psychology and Touro Graduate School of Mental Health Counseling. In addition to providing counseling in local yeshivos through Counterforce, Mrs. Mendlowitz has been implementing the Second Step Program, an evidenced-based social-emotional skills program in several elementary schools. Her professionalism and sensitive approach allow her to connect well with students and collaborate effectively with staff and parents.
Rabbi Yaakov Morgenbesser
Rabbi Morgenbesser is a musmach of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim in Queens. He is a beloved first-grade Rebbe at Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island, and we are thrilled that he is teaching our youngest TAL boys. His classroom exudes structure and warmth while he serves as a role model for his students of the joy of learning Torah.
Mrs. Jeannie Toplin
Mrs. Jeannie Toplin is an experienced and dedicated General Office Manager with decades of experience working in a school setting. Her kind smile and attention to every detail have already distinguished her as an integral part of the TAL Team for faculty, students, and parents alike.