Faculty & Staff Directory

Learn all about our wonderful administration and staff.

Meet Our Head Of School

Rabbi Moshe Isaacs

Rabbi Moshe Isaacs, originally from Toronto Canada, has been involved in Jewish education for over 30 years.

With 20 years of rich experience as a school administrator, Rabbi Isaacs possesses a deep understanding of the complexities of school administration. Rabbi Isaacs knows how to cultivate a cohesive team, nurture the talents of educators, and strategically manage the financial health of a school—all while remaining firmly aligned with its religious and educational mission.

Rabbi Isaacs has also spent over 10 years as a high school teacher, most recently at Yeshiva University High School in Queens NY. This was not only a professional obligation, but it also was a rejuvenating experience that allowed him to recharge his passion for learning and teaching and the entire educational experience.

Rabbi Isaacs began his academic journey earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in history and philosophy from the University of Toronto. He then pursued smicha under Rabbi ZN Goldberg ztz’l, in Jerusalem. He also holds a master’s degree in Jewish history from Touro College, along with two school-leadership certificates from Harvard University.

Beyond his academic achievements, Rabbi Isaacs brings a playful spirit and a love for sports to our school, as a certified baseball and hockey coach. His competitive nature shines through as a nationally ranked chess player, reflecting his strategic thinking both on and off the field. Rabbi Isaacs embodies the spirit of a true educator, blending knowledge, leadership, and passion into every aspect of his multifaceted career.

moshe.isaacs@sphds.org

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Meet Our K-8 Principal

Hilary M. Andaya, M.Ed.

Hilary’s teaching career began 25 years ago by volunteering in classrooms and substitute teaching, including in her hometown’s school for homeless children. After completing her teaching credential, she worked in public, independent (secular and religious), and international schools in California, Honolulu, HI, and Hong Kong, S.A.R. She has been a classroom teacher, a grade level leader, a curricular leader, and an administrator in very small and very large school settings.

She is dedicated to creating a well-rounded educational environment where students can discover and foster curiosity, deepen knowledge, experiment with creative endeavors, grow independence, make friends, and practice moving through challenges of all kinds. To make such an environment possible for students, Hilary cultivates and maintains a faculty who are both excellent teachers and compassionate people who truly see each other and the students.

Hilary earned a bachelor's degree at The University of San Diego and a Master of Education degree at The University of the Pacific. She holds both a California K-8 Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a California Administrative Services Credential.

handaya@sphds.org

Meet Our Early Childhood Director

Lily Schwartzman

With over two decades of experience in early childhood education, Lily’s journey began in Lima, Peru, where she taught dance and creative movement. That early experience, combined with her background in Philosophy and the Arts, deeply shapes her educational philosophy today. She believes in fostering critical thinking, self-expression, and a sense of wonder in every child.

For 16 years, Lily held leadership roles at Google Children's Centers, serving as a Site Director, Studio Teacher, and Curriculum Specialist. During that time, she had the privilege of designing educational programs and professional development to support staff growth. As a strong advocate for inquiry-based learning and emergent curriculum, Lily is dedicated to mentoring educators and building strong, inclusive partnerships with families. She strives to create a community where both children and adults feel valued, heard, and inspired to learn.

lily.schwartzman@sphds.org

Faculty

Ms. Mirjam Cohen

Early Childhood Music & Program Director

Mirjam fosters a strong Jewish identity and connection to Israel through the joy of music. She expertly integrates Israeli culture, holidays, and storytelling into daily learning.. Beyond the classroom, she serves as a strategic Program Director, collaborating with administration to develop and implement school wide initiatives and holiday celebrations. Working closely with classroom teachers, she ensures music is not just a standalone class, but a core part of the child-centered curriculum. By weaving together music, Jewish values, and emergent curriculum, she creates a cohesive, engaging, and spiritually vibrant environment for students and families alike.

Ms. Clara Rosenfeld

Director of Early Childhood Judaic Program

Clara is dedicated to bringing the warmth and richness of Jewish tradition to our youngest learners. She designs a vibrant curriculum and provides ongoing support to empower teachers to bring these lessons to life. She actively leads weekly Torah instruction, oversees Kashrut observance, and collaborates with the administration to design memorable holiday events. Clara ensures that Jewish values are seamlessly woven into every aspect of the early childhood experience.

Ms. Yana Tiv

Assistant Director and Family Center Manager

Yana works hand-in-hand with the EC Director to support our students, staff, and families. She plays a central role in the daily life of the school, managing teacher scheduling, classroom support, and the safe operation of our facilities. Beyond logistics, she helps foster our school community by welcoming new families, coordinating parent communications, and organizing aftercare, enrichment, and our holiday and summer camps. Additionally, Yana manages our Little Learners Family Center, where she oversees programming for parents and children under two. In this role, she organizes a variety of classes in Hebrew and creates a welcoming space to foster community and support for young families.

Mrs. Lori Meyers

Assistant Principal

Together with the principal, Mrs. Meyers oversees academic instruction, student behavior, and social-emotional well-being. She leads the creation and management of the master schedule and helps coordinate outside specialist teachers. She also conducts academic enrichment groups, and helps coordinate K-8 field trips.

Ms. Mindy Cramer

Director of Student Services

Mrs. Cramer directs Student Services, building students’ learning profiles and providing targeted student support. She liaises with parents and local agencies (e.g. school districts, psychologists, etc.) in order to best plan for students’ differentiated needs. Mrs. Cramer works closely with teachers to support students across academic and social-emotional domains.

Mrs. Michal Kopelman

Hebrew Department Chair

Mrs. Kopelman oversees all Hebrew curriculum, instruction, and student placement. She also organizes and manages special events for students having to do with Hebrew language and Israeli national holidays (Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron, Yom HaAtzmaut). Mrs. Kopelman supports Hebrew teachers in aligning instruction across grade levels.

Mrs. Liora Wittlin

Judaics Department Chair

Mrs. Wittlin oversees all Judaics curriculum, instruction, and student placement. She ensures that cyclical events such as Jewish holidays and weekly parashot are celebrated and taught in an age-appropriate way. Mrs. Wittlin collaborates with teachers to ensure continuity and coherence across the Judaics program.

Ms. Wendy Gibb

Middle School Lead

Ms. Gibb represents the voice of middle school teachers and students, ensuring that the SPHDS middle school experience is unique from elementary school life. She supports the academic and social development of students as they transition through the middle school years. Ms. Gibb also teaches science in upper elementary grades and middle school.