Administration
Rabbi Perry Tirschwell was raised in a passionately Zionist home. His Jewish day school journey began as a transfer student from public school in ninth grade. After studying at Yeshivat Har Etzion and graduating from Yeshiva University, he earned his smicha (ordination) at RIETS and a Masters in School Leadership and Supervision from the Graduate School of Education of the College of New Rochelle.
After serving a number of years as a Judaic studies classroom teacher, RPT (as he is known by his students) subsequently served in the positions of Department Chair, Director of Judaic Studies and Assistant Principal, teaching throughout. Rabbi Tirschwell was then given the unique opportunity to create and head the first Jewish high school between Miami and Atlanta- the Katz (formerly Weinbaum) Yeshiva High School in Boca Raton.
In his spare time, Rabbi Tirschwell organizes the Torah Educators Network, which brings together leaders of Jewish day schools from throughout North America to share best practices and innovative ideas. Rabbi Tirschwell’s wife Miriam is a speech therapist in public schools, they live in Palo Alto and are the proud parents of five daughters, four sons in law, and a growing number of grandchildren.
Hilary Andaya comes to SPHDS with over fifteen years of experience in education in public, private religious, private secular, and international schools. As a classroom teacher, she taught grades 2-5, with the bulk of her years spent in 4th and 5th Grade. She loves helping grow students' sense of independence and confidence. As a school leader, Hilary is excited to be part of SPHDS' growth in all ways. With the school's three distinct departments: General Studies, Judaics, and Hebrew, there is a tremendous opportunity to integrate material and collaborate to make the learning even more engaging. In addition, with the added layer of social-emotional learning and modeling, SPHDS students and teachers are fostering a rich and nurturing environment that will produce well-rounded, confident, and kind students.
Hilary is originally from Stockton, California in the Central San Joaquin Valley. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of San Diego, a master's degree from the University of the Pacific, and holds both a California Teaching Credential as well as a California Administrative Services Credential. She's excited to be back in the Bay Area after teaching in Hong Kong, New York, and Hawaii over the last few years. When Hilary has down time, she enjoys good food with good friends, and a good book.
After obtaining her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Mills College, Hang Dang has spent 11 years in various early education settings in the Bay Area such as UC Berkeley, Google Child Care Centers, Santa Clara Office of Education and Stanford Childcare ICRI. Hang holds a NAEYC membership and has led a KinderCare preschool program in Atherton, CA to successfully renew their NAEYC accreditation. Deeply rooted in emergent and Reggio-inspired curriculum, Hang is passionate about empowering children, their families, and educators to reach their fullest potential.
Hang married to David Bruce, a software engineer working in the Bay Area. She lives in Cupertino with her husband and their five children. In her free time, Hang enjoys hiking, cooking and gardening.
An avid contributor to her communities, Atara has an array of experience in informal Jewish education in the US, Israel and South Africa, including experiences with Bnei Akiva, Camp Moshava, and the Kobi Mandel foundation. As part of her Sherut Leumi national service, Atara volunteered in an elementary school for children with ADD and ADHD. With an extensive background in Interior Architecture and Design, Atara is adept in leading cross functional teams, managing complex projects, and building strong relationships. Atara injects passion and light into everything she does.
Atara is the proud mother of three SPHDS students, ranging from Early Childhood through Lower School. In her free time she enjoys nature, cooking, and pilates.
Debbie has an extensive background in the advertising industry, having worked at agencies including Y&R, BBDO, and Carat. She decided to switch to the other side of the desk and joined People Magazine, where she worked in Sales Development, Marketing, and Events. Over the years, Debbie has held the position of Marketing Director in several companies. Debbie is also known for her philanthropic work and dedication to various organizations, including serving as the Chair of Young Leadership for Migdal Ohr. She has been an active volunteer in her community, organizing fundraising events for several non-profits.
Debbie was the President of the Parents' Association of Sephardic Academy of Manhattan and presently serves on their Board of Directors. Debbie and her family relocated from Manhattan to the Bay Area six years ago. Prior to her current position, she was the President of the SPHDS Parents' Association and served on their Board of Directors.