Mrs. Tsivia Yanofsky
School Principal, Menaheles,משלי, The Yeshivos and Mussar Movement
An esteemed educator and administrator, Mrs. Tsivia Yanofsky began her teaching career at Machon Bais Yaakov High School. She subsequently assumed the position of Assistant Principal at Masores Bais Yaakov in Brooklyn, where she served with distinction. Respected by her colleagues as a melumedes, Mrs. Yanofsky has taught a host of kodesh subjects including Chumash, Navi, Mishlei and Tehillim. At Manhattan High School, she continues to be a vital presence in the classroom, teaching Mishlei and History of the Yeshivos and Mussar Movement. Throughout her tenure, Mrs. Yanofsky forged warm relationships with hundreds of students, many of whom have remained in close contact with her well beyond their high school and seminary years. Her proven capacity for leadership, intellect and warmth, combined with her great passion for Torah scholarship render her superbly qualified for the leadership of Manhattan High School for Girls.
Mrs. Estee Friedman-Stefansky
Principal, General Studies, IPC, Modern Literature
At Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Friedman-Stefansky serves as the Principal of General Studies. After earning her B.A. and M.A. degrees in English from Lander College for Women and Brooklyn College where she produced a thesis that examined the effects of modernism on the relationship between American and European cultures; she began her doctorate at Hofstra University in Language, Learning & Literacy. With over a decade of experience teaching English, Global Studies, Modern Fiction, Composition, Creative Writing, Children’s Literature and Oral Communications, Mrs. Friedman-Stefansky has created many accredited college courses and creative writing programs, including the innovative literacy program Literally Speaking for which she received a NYSEC Program of Excellence Award in 2008, and was a Covenant Foundation Award nominee in 2014. In addition to her leadership role, she also teaches Interpersonal Communications to grade eleven and Modern Literature to grade twelve while bringing her literary expertise across the disciplines.
Mrs. Cynthia Klugmann
Director of School Guidance, AP Psychology
Mrs. Klugmann has an M.A. degree in Developmental Psychology, an Ed. M. degree in Counseling Psychology from Teachers College Columbia University and over fifteen years of experience as a school guidance counselor. A graduate of BJJ Seminary, and an experienced Jewish History and Parsha teacher, at Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Klugmann serves as the Director of School Guidance and teaches the AP Psychology elective.
Mrs. Devorah Koenig
Director of Seminary Guidance, מחשבת ישראל, מגילה
Mrs. Devorah Koenig has extensive background in high school teaching and guidance. As a teacher and mechaneches who taught a range of subjects to many grades, Mrs. Koenig is uniquely suited to oversee the seminary application process. A wise mentor, Mrs. Koenig is directly involved in guiding the students with the decision making, the seminary interview and related application procedures. She serves as the liaison to all the seminaries in order to insure that the application process is both smooth and successful, often culminating in multiple acceptances. Mrs. Koenig has a teaching certification from BJJ and a B.A. in psychology from Brooklyn College where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. At Manhattan High School, Mrs. Koenig serves as Director of Seminary Guidance and teaches Machsheves Yisrael to Grade Twelve and Megilla to Grade Eleven.
Mrs. Sarah Greenwald
Director of College Guidance
Mrs. Greenwald has an extensive background in high school guidance positions throughout the New York region and is an experienced Social Worker, holding an LCSW from NYU. As students navigate the overwhelming process of standardized testing, college applications and future decisions, she nurtures their emotional needs and supports them in the bureaucratic processes. Mrs. Greenwald oversees the college application process, from preparing students’ transcripts and prepping them for their interviews to negotiating scholarships and helping them aspire realistically and choose wisely. Mrs. Greenwald mentors each student to find her unique strengths and aspirations. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Greenwald serves as the Director of College Guidance.
Mrs. Dena Spilzinger
Director of Technology, Digital Art, Street Photography
Mrs. Dena Spilzinger holds a degree in graphic design from Pratt Institute, and has over a decade of experience in the fields of technology and graphic design. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Spilzinger serves as the Director of Technology, as well as teaches digital art to Grade Nine and the Street Photography electives.
Mrs. Faye Rottenberg
Assistant to the Principal
Mrs. Faye Rottenberg, a BJJ graduate, continued her education at Penn State University. Mrs. Rottenberg has a decade of administrative experience at the Jewish Institue of Queens where she served as kodesh principal. She also served as a consultant for Ohr Halimud. At Manhattan High School, Mrs. Rottenberg helps coordinate programs in the Limudei Kodesh department and is involved in the administration of all school wide functions.
Assistant to the Principal
Mrs. Faye Rottenberg, a BJJ graduate, continued her education at Penn State University. Mrs. Rottenberg has a decade of administrative experience at the Jewish Institue of Queens where she served as kodesh principal. She also served as a consultant for Ohr Halimud. At Manhattan High School, Mrs. Rottenberg helps coordinate programs in the Limudei Kodesh department and is involved in the administration of all school wide functions.
Mrs. Malki Schwartz
General Studies Coordinator
Mrs. Malki Schwartz holds a B.S. in Business Management from Sy Syms School of Business, and has several years of management experience. At Manhattan High School, Mrs. Schwartz assists the General Studies department in planning and organizing our student enhancement programs, providing an academically rich, invigorating and educational school year.
Ms. Ilana Krausman
G.O. Coordinator, E.C. Coordinator
Ms. Ilana Krausman, an MHS alumna, is a dynamic and organized coordinator whose talents enhance our school community. Ms. Ilana Krausman serves as G.O. Coordinator and Extra Curricular Coordinator.
Mrs. Esther Cohen
Mechaneches, חומש, נביא, הסטוריה, מסילת ישרים
Mrs. Cohen earned her B.A. degree and teacher's certification from the Michlalah Jerusalem College for Women in Tanach and Music. She holds an M.A. in Tanach from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Yeshiva University and is presently also pursuing a second Master's degree in Ancient Jewish History from the same institution. Mrs. Cohen has taught for more than a decade in different high schools in Israel, Boston and in New Jersey where she was a Tanach teacher, teaching Chumash, Navi and Kesuvim. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Cohen teaches Chumash to Grade Nine, Navi to Grade Eleven, Historia to Grade Ten and the Mesilas Yesharim elective to Grades Eleven and Twelve. She also serves as the school wide Chidon coordinator and is the Mechaneches to Grade Nine.
Mrs. Miri Cohen
Mechaneches, נביא
Mrs. Cohen, a graduate of BJJ Seminary, has been giving shiurim to adults and teaching high school girls for many years. She has taught Tanach at Binah Seminary, Bais Yaakov High School of Baltimore and at Prospect Park Seminary. Currently, Mrs. Cohen is the Director of Women’s Studies at the Rutgers Jewish Experience and is teaching at Bais Yaakov High School of Lakewood and Reenas Bais Yaakov. She is also the coordinator of the women’s learning program in the Edison/Highland Park community. Mrs. Cohen spends her summers at Oorah’s Girl Zone Camp, where she is the Manhiga Ruchanis. At Manhattan High School for Girls, she teaches Navi to Grade Ten and is also their Mechaneches.
Rebbetzin Rivka Eichenstein
פרשה
Rebbetzin Eichenstein, a graduate of BJJ Seminary and Gateshead Seminary, began her teaching career in Yerushalayim, where she taught at BJJ Seminary and also directed the Special Education Program at the Bais Yaakov in Yerushalayim. Currently, Rebbetzin Eichenstein is Director of Student Coordination and Teacher Training in Limudei Kodesh at the Bais Yaakov Intensive Seminary in Boro Park. Rebbetzin Eichenstein is called upon to develop curricula for schools throughout the metropolitan area. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Rebbetzin Eichenstein teaches Parsha to Grade Twelve.
Mrs. Shaindy Eisenberg
Mechaneches, נושאים ביהדות
Mrs. Eisenberg is an MHS alumna, former Bnos Chava seminary teacher and mechanechet, and previous Director of Hineni-Israel branches. Granddaughter of the legendary Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis, Mrs. Eisenberg continues the glorious family legacy through teaching and outreach. Partnering with Mrs. Miri Cohen, Mrs. Eisenberg serves as the tenth-grade mechenechet and teaches נושאים ביהדות. Her course explores modern day issues from a Torah perspective while studying and analyzing meforshim and maamarim.
Rebbetzin Miriam Eisenberger
Mechaneches, Senior Seminar, חומש
Rebbetzin Eisenberger, an experienced teacher and acclaimed mentor, is a graduate of the Sharansky Seminary in Tel Aviv and has a Bachir Diploma from the Ministry of Education in Israel. A seasoned teacher of Limudei Kodesh for high school students and adult education, Rebbetzin Eisenberger brings a love of Tanach to the classroom. As wife of the esteemed Rabbi Binyomin Eisenberger, she is a respected Rebbetzin of her community. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Rebbetzin Eisenberger teaches Chumash Bereishis to Grade Twelve and serves as their Mechaneches.
Mrs. Shifra Ferber
מגילה, הסטוריה
Mrs. Ferber, an experienced and vibrant educator, is a graduate of the two year program at Yavneh Seminary where she earned her teaching degree and a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Maimonides College. She has many years of experience teaching all Limudei Kodesh subjects at JEC in Elizabeth, Shaarei Tzion of Piscataway, and Bnos Brocha Yeshivah K’tana of Passaic. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Ferber teaches Historia to Grade Nine and Megilla to Grade Ten.
Rebbetzin Abby Fink
נביא
Rebbetzin Fink earned her Hebrew Teacher’s license at the Teachers Institute of Yeshiva University, where she graduated as valedictorian. She has a B.S. degree in Education and an M.S.W. degree from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Rebbetzin Fink has taught Limudei Kodesh on the high school level for many years, serving as both faculty advisor and coordinator of student activities. She has also taught Judaic Studies in the Adult Education Program of Lincoln Square Synagogue, conducted seminars for adults on Jewish family values, and has taught social work at Touro College. Rebbetzin Fink is an experienced and talented educator and is an involved member of the community in New Rochelle, where her husband officiates as the Rav. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Rebbetzin Fink teaches Navi to Grade Nine.
Rebbetzin Abby Fink
נביא
Rebbetzin Fink earned her Hebrew Teacher’s license at the Teachers Institute of Yeshiva University, where she graduated as valedictorian. She has a B.S. degree in Education and an M.S.W. degree from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Rebbetzin Fink has taught Limudei Kodesh on the high school level for many years, serving as both faculty advisor and coordinator of student activities. She has also taught Judaic Studies in the Adult Education Program of Lincoln Square Synagogue, conducted seminars for adults on Jewish family values, and has taught social work at Touro College. Rebbetzin Fink is an experienced and talented educator and is an involved member of the community in New Rochelle, where her husband officiates as the Rav. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Rebbetzin Fink teaches Navi to Grade Nine.
Rabbi Refael Gelley
אגרות, תפילה,חומש בקיאות, פרקי אבות
Rabbi Gelley, a dynamic educator and accomplished talmid chacham, is a musmach of Ponovezh Yeshiva in Eretz Yisroel and Bais Medrash Govoha in Lakewood. In the past, he taught at Manhattan High School, Bais Yaakov D’Rav Meir and was a principal for several years in Mosdos in Cleveland. Currently, Rabbi Gelley, teaches Grades Nine, Ten, and Twelve. His courses include an in-depth study of Tehillim in Grade Nine and Biur Tefillah in Grade Ten, classes rich in content, scholarship and relevant application that prepare them for Tefillah and Tehillim, tools for a lifetime. He also teaches Pirkei Avos to Grade Twelve, as well as an elective in which Igros written by scholars such as the Rambam, the Ramban, and the Vilna Gaon are studied.
Ms. Chani Gotlieb
הסטוריה, Genealogy Project, History of the State of Israel
An experienced and dedicated educator, Ms. Gotlieb has a B.A. degree in Education and Holocaust Studies from Michlalah College, an M.A. degree in Jewish Studies from Touro College, and teacher certification from the Ministry of Education in Israel. Ms. Gotlieb brings a wealth of diversified experience to the classroom, including her work for Steven Spielberg’s Shoah Foundation where she interviewed and documented Holocaust survivors’ experiences. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Ms. Gotlieb teaches Jewish History to Grades Eleven and Twelve, History of the State of Israel, and coordinates the Genealogy Project.
Rebbetzin Peshi Neuburger
נושאים בחומש
Rebbetzin Neuberger, a beloved mentor and experienced teacher, is a graduate of Stern College and holds a B.A. in mathematics. Rebbetzin Neuberger brings a wealth of diversified experience to the classroom, including adult education at Lincoln Square Synagogue, where she taught kallah classes for twenty five years. Rebbetzin Neuberger is the Rebbetzin of Congregation Beth Abraham in Bergenfield. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Rebbetzin Neuberger teaches Nosim B’Chumash to Grade Twelve.
Rabbi Tuvia Posen
הלכה
Rabbi Posen, a pioneering member of the West Side Kollel, holds semicha from Rabbi Avraham Pam, זצ''ל of Yeshiva Torah Vodaas. He studied previously at prestigious Torah institutions, including Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, NJ, Yeshivas Ponovezh in Israel, and the Gateshead Yeshiva in England. Rabbi Posen has also taught comprehensive semicha courses. He is a popular lecturer on Hilchos Shabbos and Yom Tov on the Upper West Side, and his daily shiurim in Manhattan are well attended. Rabbi Posen’s unique ability to break down complex matters clearly and concisely makes him an invaluable asset to our Halacha faculty. His energy and enthusiasm foster a love and excitement for learning in our students. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Rabbi Posen teaches Halacha to Grades Nine and Ten.
Rabbi Mordechai Prager
הלכה
Rabbi Prager, a noted posek in the West Side community and a musmach of Bais Medrash Govoha of Lakewood, Mesivta Chaim Berlin and Bais HaTalmud in Yerushalayim, is the assistant Rosh Kollel of the West Side Kollel in Manhattan. Rabbi Prager has been a Torah force on the West Side since his arrival over twenty five years ago and is a prominent lecturer for the women in the community as well. Our students benefit from his vast knowledge and practical experience in Halacha. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Rabbi Prager teaches Halacha to Grades Eleven and Twelve.
Mrs. Chaya Schwartz
עברית
Mrs. Chaya Schwartz received her B.A. degree in education from Beth Rivka’s Teacher’s College of Safed. After moving to the United States, Mrs. Schwartz engaged in a wide range of teaching venues. Topics of her lectures include the History of Israel, Introduction to Ivrit, Chumash, Neviim Rishonim, topics in Tehillim and a wide range of subjects in Torah Sh’Baal Peh. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Schwartz teaches Ivrit to Grades Nine, Ten, and Twelve.
Rabbi Shimon Taub
Advanced Chumash, נושאים ביהדות, עיון במפרשים
Rabbi Taub is a musmach of Beth Medrash Govoha and has a B.A. degree from Ner Yisroel College in Toronto and a Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers University. An accomplished teacher, lecturer, and guidance counselor, Rabbi Taub taught Gemara, Halacha and Chumash on all grade levels, lectured extensively on Jewish Law, mentored young adults and adults, and spearheaded many kiruv projects. Rabbi Taub is also the author of the exceptional sefer, The Laws of Tzeddakah and Maaser: A Comprehensive Guide (2001), published by Artscroll/Mesorah Publications. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Rabbi Taub teaches Nosim B’Yahadus to Grade Twelve and the Iyun B’Mforshim and Advanced Chumash electives to Grades Eleven and Twelve.
Rebbetzin Esther Twersky
תנ”ך
Rebbetzin Twersky, a native of Eretz Yisroel, graduated with honors from Beth Yaakov Teachers Institute in Tel Aviv, and received additional certification from Beth HaMoreh. She is a recognized and much sought after educator with over twenty-five years of teaching experience in fine schools such as Maalot Seminary, Machon Bais Yaakov, Beth Rivka and others. Rebbetzin Twersky specializes in teaching Tanach, with a strong focus on textual proficiency and fluency with the Meforshim. Her stated goal in Chinuch is "ללמוד על מנת לשמור ולעשות." At Manhattan High School for Girls, Rebbetzin Twersky teaches Chumash to Grades Ten and Eleven, and Navi and Shir HaShirim to Grade Twelve and she serves as the Coordinator of the Tanach Department.
Mrs. Sara Yankelowitz
עברית, חומש בקיאות
Mrs. Yankelowitz, a graduate of BJJ Seminary, has been teaching for over twenty years in the United States as well as in Eretz Yisroel. She runs a teacher training course called Shoham and also works as a consultant for various schools in the New York Metropolitan area. Mrs. Yankelowitz has developed a highly regarded curriculum for the study of Hebrew Language, and her familiarity with the scope of Second Language Teaching theory enables our students to achieve mastery of written and spoken Hebrew. A master teacher, Mrs. Yankelowitz’s clarity of presentation and focus on language immersion are key components of her success in the classroom. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Yankelowitz teaches Ivrit and Dikduk to Grades Nine, Ten and Twelve, and Chumash Bekius to Grades Ten and Eleven.
Mrs. Sara Tendler
נביאים ראשונים, Genetics
Mrs. Sara Tendler is a graduate of BJJ seminary currently working toward a masters in education. At Manhattan High School for Girls Mrs. Tendler teaches נביאים ראשונים on the ninth grade level, and the Genetics elective. Mrs. Tendler also lends her creativity to several extra curricular enrichment activities such as clubs, Moadim and school Shabbaton.
Ms. Judy Alper
Chemistry, Intro to Neuroscience
Ms. Judy Alper an MHS alumna, holds a B.A. degree in Physical Science from Stern College for Women, an M.S. degree in Biomedical Engineering from the City College of New York, and is a PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering at the City College of New York. For her PhD, Ms. Alper performs neuroimaging research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, focusing on the development of MRI techniques for detection of imaging biomarkers for neurological disorders. Ms. Alper is the recipient of an award for excellence in physical sciences as well as a graduate fellowship. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Ms. Alper teaches Chemistry to grade ten and the Introduction to Neuroscience elective.
Mrs. Batsheva Badrian
Global History
Mrs. Badrian has a B.A. degree in History from Hunter College and over twenty-five years of experience teaching social studies on the high school level, conducting seminars on the Jewish experience in world history, and preparing students for standardized exams in History and Economics. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Badrian teaches Global History to grades nine and ten.
Miss Martha Baumgarten
Computer Science, History
Miss Baumgarten holds a B.A. in History from Stern College for Women, an M.A. in Jewish History from Bernard Revel Graduate School, and is currently pursuing a Master of Computer and Information Technology from Penn Engineering. Ms. Baumgarten has taught in various schools throughout South Florida. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Ms. Baumgarten teaches Global History and Computer Science to grades nine and ten.
Mrs. Raquel Benchimol
Art, Modern Art, Fashion Design
Mrs. Benchimol has an AAS degree in Fashion Design from the Art Institute of New York, an AAS degree in Pattern Making Technology from the Fashion Institute of Technology and a Certificate in French Tailoring from the Maison Sapho School of Dressmaking. A creative fashion designer, at Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Benchimol teaches art to grade nine and the Modern Art elective.
Mrs. Ruchie Deitsch
Math
Mrs. Deitsch holds a B.S. degree in Math and Actuarial Studies and an M.S. degree in Math Education from Touro College. Student-centered in her pedagogical approach, Mrs. Deitsch has taught diverse levels of Geometry and Algebra I and II at The Churchill School and Center and at HANC High School. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Deitsch teaches Math to grades nine, ten, and eleven.
Mrs. Goldie Feinberg
Math Chair
Mrs. Feinberg has a B.A. degree in Computer Science from Thomas Edison State College and an M.A. in Applied Mathematics from Queens College. A seasoned and certified teacher, Mrs. Feinberg has prepared students for participation in the American Scholastic Mathematics Association contest and the New York Mathematics contest, as well as for success on the ACT, SAT and AP exams. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Feinberg teaches math to grades nine, ten and eleven and the AP Calculus and Pre-Calculus electives. She serves as Chairperson of the Math department, and oversees the annual math publication.
Mrs. Brenda From
Science Chair, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, Mentor of the Social Science Intel program
Mrs. From holds a B.S. degree in Chemistry from Brooklyn College and an M.S. degree in Biochemistry from Boston University where she was recently awarded a prestigious teacher’s Fellowship. In addition, she has an M.S. degree in Instructional Technology. An experienced educator, Mrs. From has previously taught chemistry and biology at the regents and honors levels at the Ramaz Upper School, was an adjunct lecturer at Pace University teaching Environmental Science, and is certified as an adjunct lecturer at Syracuse University to teach Freshman Chemistry under Project Advance. She has recently been conferred with the American Chemical Society’s prestigious “Excellence in Chemistry Education” award. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. From teaches the AP Biology and AP Chemistry. She serves as Chairperson of the Science department.
Mrs. Estee Goldschmidt
Business Psychology
Mrs. Estee Goldschmidt holds a B.S. degree from Sy Syms School of Business and an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business. A successful entrepreneur, Mrs. Goldschmidt is the co-founder of ShopDrop app, a virtual GPS to sample sales, and is currently the Venture Operations Manager at The Spotlyte, An Allergan Company. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Goldschmidt teaches the Business Psychology and Entrepreneurial Studies elective.
Mrs. Estee Goldschmidt
Business Psychology
Mrs. Estee Goldschmidt holds a B.S. degree from Sy Syms School of Business and an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business. A successful entrepreneur, Mrs. Goldschmidt is the co-founder of ShopDrop app, a virtual GPS to sample sales, and is currently the Venture Operations Manager at The Spotlyte, An Allergan Company. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Goldschmidt teaches the Business Psychology and Entrepreneurial Studies elective.
Dr. Abigail Haka
Biology, Forensic Science, Mentor of the Social Science Intel program
Dr. Abigail Haka holds a PhD in Chemistry and Medical Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She currently serves as an Assistant Research Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College and her research on macrophage biology has been published in several scientific journals. At Manhattan High School, Dr. Haka teaches Biology to grade nine and the Forensic Science elective. Dr. Haka also serves as the Mentor of the Social Science Regeneron program.
Ms. Esther Hersh
Computer Science, Coding Bootcamp, 100 Days of Making
Ms. Esther Hersh holds an M.A. degree from NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program where she studied design and technology. Ms. Hersh is a curriculum consultant for the CS4ALL team at the New York City Department of Education and a founder of two Computer Science Education startups. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Ms. Hersh teaches Computer Science to grades nine and ten, and the Coding Bootcamp and 100 Days of Making Electives.
Mrs. Raizy Holzer
Physical Education
Mrs. Raizy Holzer has over a decade of personal training and group fitness experience by operating a personal training studio for females. Having a passion for fitness, she enjoys motivating students in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A certified pilates, core conditioning, and functional training instructor, at Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Holzer teaches Physical Education to all grades.
Ms. Serene Klapper
Sculpture & Painting
Ms. Serene Klapper, a Manhattan High School alumna, is pursuing a degree in Mathematics with a minor and concentration in fine arts. She has experience teaching studio art at the Art Studio Workshop of Yonkers, NY and the Neve Michael Crisis Center in Pardes Hanna, Israel. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Ms. Klappere teaches the sculpting and painting elective, and coaches the STEM Math club.
Ms. Miryam Lakritz
English
Ms. Miryam Lakritz holds a B.A. degree in English and Education from Lander College for Women and is completing her M.A. degree in English Education at Columbia Teachers College. At Manahattan High School for Girls, Ms. Lakritz teaches English to grades ten and eleven.
Mrs. Russie Leiter-Itzkowitz
Music Appreciation, Piano, Culture of Music
Mrs. Leiter-Itzkowitz, an accomplished musician, was accepted to study with Daniel Epstein at The Manhattan School of Music and earned a B.M. and M.A. in Piano Performance. After furthering her studies in music pedagogy, music history, and music theory and becoming an accomplished solo and chamber performer, she is following her passion for teaching by pursuing a PhD in education. Mrs. Leiter-Itzkowitz maintains a large private studio of piano students in the city. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Leiter-Itzkowitz teaches music to grades nine and ten, as well as the Piano instrumentation and Culture of Music electives.
Mrs. Shuly Leitman
Spanish
Mrs. Shuly Leitman holds an education degree from the Sara Shnirer institute and has over two decades of spanish teaching experience. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Leitman teaches Spanish Language to grades nine and ten.
Ms. Rachel Licht
Holocaust Studies
Ms. Licht has a B.A. degree in History from Brooklyn College and has taught History in several high schools in the New York area for over two decades. Her experience in the field of Holocaust studies began with her role as researcher at the Center for Holocaust Studies with Professor Yaffa Eliach. She has provided the research for Professor Eliach's book There Once was a World and for Professor Eliach’s exhibit at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. Over the years, Ms. Licht has contributed to several Holocaust publications, the most recent, Witness to History, by Mrs. Ruth Lichtenstein, for which Ms. Licht served as the Research Editor. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Ms. Licht teaches Holocaust Studies to Grade Twelve.
Mrs. Penina Manies
Math, SAT/ACT Prep, AP Statistics
Mrs. Manies holds a B.A. degree in Math Education from Teachers College in Antwerp, Belgium and a B.A. degree in Mathematics from Brooklyn College. Mrs. Manies also received a Masters in math education from Lander College and is presently also preparing for an actuarial degee. A seasoned teacher, at Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Manies teaches Algebra I, Pre-Calculus, Geometry and Algebra II, AP Statistics elective, as well as the grade eleven SAT Math course.
Mrs. Zisi Naimark
Interior Design
Mrs. Zisi Naimark holds a BFA from The New York School of Interior Design. She has worked for prestigious firms such as Fox Nahem and Toledo Geller and currently maintains a small residential practice. Mrs. Naimark is also a columnist for Binah Magazine. Her interior design column in Binah magazine combines pragmatism, taste, and humor. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Naimark teaches the Interior Design Elective.
Mrs. Jackie Rosensweig
Chair of History Department, AP US History, AP European History,
Courtroom Law, Lexington Weekly Blog, Mentor of the Social Science Intel program
Mrs. Rosensweig has a B.A. degree in History from Stern College for Women, an M.A. degree in Jewish History from Bernard Revel Graduate School, and is a Ph.D. candidate in Modern Jewish History from Bernard Revel Graduate School. The recipient of fellowships and awards and a seasoned teacher, at Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Rosensweig teaches AP European History to Grade Ten, AP US History to Grade Eleven, and the Courtroom Law elective. Mrs. Rosensweig serves as Chairperson of the History Department, Mento of the Social Science Intel Program, and heads the Lexington Weekly Blog.
Mrs. Deborah Schneider-Rendel
French, Advanced Dance
Mrs. Schneider-Rendel holds a B.A. degree from Cornell University and an M.A. degree in French Language and Civilization from New York University in Paris. She is currently pursuing a second M.A. degree at NYU, in Foreign Language Education. Mrs. Schneider-Rendel has taught beginner through advanced French at Friends Seminary in Manhattan and founded StudySmileSucceed Tutoring after more than a decade of experience as an academic tutor. Mrs. Schneider-Rendel has performed and taught for many years as a professional modern, contemporary and ballet dancer, with companies including Martha Graham II, Merce Cunningham Trust, and Douglas Dunn and Dancers. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Schneider-Rendel teaches French to grade nine and the Advanced Dance elective.
Mrs. Frady Steinhaus
American Sign Language
Mrs. Steinhaus holds a B.A. degree in Education from Brooklyn College, has devoted many years to her passion of assisting children with special needs and has been teaching American Sign Language to high school students for over a decade. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Mrs. Steinhaus teaches ASL to grade ten.
Mrs. Tova Szenberg
Mechaneches, US History, AP Political Science, Stock Market
Mrs. Tova Szenberg holds a B.A. degree in Political Science from Queens College. A dynamic and veteran history teacher, Mrs. Szenberg teaches grade eleven US History with a strong focus on raising students’ interest in and awareness of current events through digital media and creative learning experiences. At Manhattan High School, Mrs. Szenberg also teaches the Stock Market elective and serves as the grade eleven Mechaneches.
Dr. Shaina Trapedo
English, Public Speaking, Dramatic Arts
Dr. Trapedo holds a B.A. degree in English and Economics from Columbia University and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in English from the University of California, Irvine. She has over a decade of experience teaching literature and composition courses at the post-secondary level. Dr. Trapedo cultivates cross-disciplinary learning experiences for our students by working closely with faculty to deliver classical liberal arts education for 21st-century learners. At Manhattan High School, Dr. Trapedo teaches English to grade nine, The Art of Persuasion; Rhetoric, Composition and Public Speaking to grade twelve, and the Dramatic Arts elective. She also heads the 12th Period, our quarterly student magazine, and our Literary and Art Journal.
Ms. Ching Yu Lin van Boxtel
Mandarin Chinese
Ms. van Boxtel has an M.A. degree in Education from the National Taiwan Normal University and is currently finishing her Ph.D. in Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she has taught East Asian Studies for several years. At Manhattan High School for Girls, Ms. van Boxtel teaches grades nine and ten Mandarin.