SCDS Montessori Teachers and Staff
Bracha Minkowicz
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Elyana Verkley
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Bracha has experience coordinating and scheduling children’s activities and learning experiences through her time as Camp Assistant Director, Art Teacher, Hebrew School Teacher, and mother. Bracha helps keep the children regulated and increase their ability to focus by facilitating nutritious snacks during the school day.
She enjoys giving the students an opportunity to grow and give back to others by interacting and volunteering with seniors and other community initiatives. |
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Elyana manages the day-to-day office operations at Shaarei Chinuch Day School. She enjoys working behind the scenes to keep everything at the school running smoothly and efficiently. Her goal is to provide a warm, capable presence in the school to help ensure that all people feel supported.
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Gavriel Meyerowitz
Teacher, elementary boys
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Gavriel Meyerowitz has been teaching elementary and high school grades for 30 years. His goals have always been to teach the skills necessary for independent learning; a teacher should be the “guide on the side and NOT the sage on the stage.” He is guided by the principle that if you develop a love for learning, then you will want to continue.
Gavriel holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Semicha from Rav Yoel Landau, and has received Montessori training for elementary. |
Jane Marinets
Teacher, primary
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With a passionate desire to guide each individual according to their developmental path, Jane is continuously learning and strengthening her skills as a Montessori practitioner. Jane holds a Montessori Primary Diploma from Montessori Training Center of St. Louis, and has taught in both Primary and Toddler Montessori classrooms. Jane loves to connect with the children, and brings joy and positive energy to her environment.
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Joanie Harris
Teacher, primary
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Joanie brings a wealth of experience from her work in preschools, Sunday schools, and therapeutic school settings. She loves watching children grow and take on new challenges, and she finds deep joy in helping them develop confidence and independence. Joanie especially appreciates the camaraderie and supportive environment at Shaarei Chinuch, where every child is encouraged to thrive. Joanie holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology/communication, and received Montessori training for primary.
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Maria Hurtado
Maintenance Manager
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Maria was the first employee of Shaarei Chinuch and has been an integral part of its journey since day one. As a dedicated mother with a deep passion for children’s well-being, Maria brings warmth and care to everything she does. Known for her trustworthiness, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to the school’s success, she works tirelessly to maintain a clean, welcoming, and safe environment where children can learn and thrive.
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Michal Elkins
Teacher, primary
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Michal has been involved in education for the past nine years. She has worked with children in early childhood and middle school classrooms.
Michal received Montessori training for primary age (3-6) and holds a bachelor's degree in Agriculture from Lima, Peru, where she was born. Michal finds much similarity between the nurturing of seedlings and their growth and the nurture in education of children. |
Nelly Mirzai
Teacher, elementary girls
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Nelly has taught in Jewish schools for over a decade. Originally from Israel, she loves connecting her passion for Hebrew with Montessori’s approach to literacy and language building skills. Nelly was a well loved as a teacher in our primary classroom, and is excited to now be working with our elementary girls. Nelly has received Montessori primary and elementary trainings from the Center for Jewish Montessori Teacher Education, and the Jewish Montessori Training Center.
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Olamide Sanya
Teacher, primary
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Olamide is a seasoned Montessori educator and trainer with over 10 years of experience teaching children aged 3-6 and training teachers. Born in Nigeria, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, and an Early Childhood Montessori Diploma (3-6).
With her extensive expertise, Olamide creates engaging, inclusive environments that foster academic excellence, social growth, and emotional well-being. As a respected Montessori trainer, Olamide mentors educators, sharing expertise and inspiring best practices in early childhood education. |
Oscar Rosales
Teacher, elementary boys
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Oscar is originally from Mexico and recently moved from Playa del Carmen to Chicago. He has been a teacher since age 19, holds a Bachelor's degree in Education, and has received Montessori training for lower elementary. Over the past 13 years, Oscar has worked with students of all levels and spent the last 5 years as a Montessori guide in elementary and middle school classrooms. “I’m excited to be here and look forward to getting to know the community, and growing together as educators and learners.”
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Rina Pole
Teacher, middle school girls
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With extensive experience in both formal and informal educational settings, Rina brings a wealth of knowledge and diverse teaching skills to her role. Over the years Rina has taught various subjects, including science, math, language arts, and Judaic studies, to students ranging from lower elementary to high school. Her tutoring background, specializing in supporting students with neurological differences, emotional diagnoses, and executive function challenges, has honed her ability to tailor instruction to individual learning needs. Rina is committed to fostering an engaging, supportive, and stimulating learning environment for each of her students. Rina has a degree in Science from the University of Chicago, and received Montessori training (elementary) from the Center for Jewish Montessori Teacher Education, and the Jewish Montessori Training Center.
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Ronnie Kado
Security
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Mr. Kado brings extensive experience in security across a variety of settings. Growing up in a home daycare and with many siblings, nieces, and nephews around, he developed a natural ability to connect with children of all ages. He takes pride in greeting students by name each morning, and is deeply committed to his role of ensuring a safe school environment throughout the day.
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Sasha Pruss
Teacher, primary
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Sasha is passionate about education that meets the needs of each child. She has taught in both preschool and elementary school settings, as well as provided individualized instruction to students of all ages. She loves to integrate her creativity, musical background, and passion for science into her lessons. Sasha has a degree in journalism from California State University, and received Montessori training (age 3-6) from the Center for Jewish Montessori Teacher Education.
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Shira Moses
Teacher, elementary girls
Talia Honchar
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Shira comes to Shaarei Chinuch with a background in mathematics and a big passion for working with kids. She studied Applied and Computational Mathematics at DePaul University and spent several years working in data analytics related industries before finding her way into the classroom. She’s worked as a tutor for both children and adults and she has many years of experience working with children as a nanny and babysitter. She loves helping kids build confidence, ask questions, and discover the fun in learning. When she’s not teaching, you’ll probably find her singing, playing with her kitten, or being active in her Jewish community.
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Talia is originally from Ukraine and has dedicated many years to working with children in Jewish educational and community settings. She served as a youth leader, camp counselor, and educator in programs that focus on Jewish values, traditions, and holiday celebrations. Talia has also supported children in Jewish family environments with warmth, creativity, and care. She is passionate about helping each child grow in their own unique way and is excited to be part of a Montessori classroom where curiosity, kindness, and connection to Jewish identity are nurtured every day. Talia has a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, and has received Montessori training for primary.
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