Rabbi Baruch Harris brings over a decade of Jewish educational leadership to Zucker Dallas. He previously served as Head of School at Phoenix Hebrew Academy and Assistant Principal at Margolin Hebrew Academy in Memphis. With a passion for academic excellence, community connection, and Jewish values, Rabbi Harris is known for his approachable leadership and innovative programs that bring families together. He holds semicha and a Master’s in Education, and is a certified mentor and graduate of Prizmah and Harvard leadership programs. Rabbi Harris and his wife Malka are proud to raise their four children in the Dallas Jewish community.

Aliza Shmueli brings over 19 years of classroom experience and a deep passion for both academic excellence and student well-being. She holds a Master’s in Special and General Education and advanced training through the Torah Umesorah Instructional Coaching Collaborative and the Modern Classroom Project. Aliza has taught at leading Jewish day schools in Dallas, including Akiba Yavneh Academy and Torah Day School, where she also led family programming and student-centered initiatives. Known for her warm, structured, and inclusive style, Aliza partners closely with parents to help every child feel confident, supported, and inspired to grow.

As Director of Education for all Zucker Jewish Academy schools, Dr. Laya Salomon oversees the school’s mission, vision, educational principles, curricula, and teaching and learning standards, ensuring all schools meet high benchmarks for academic success.
Dr. Salomon’s passion is for children and for educating with goals that are learner-centered. She believes in the innate joy of learning and the role of schools in cultivating that joy through targeted, challenging, and personalized learning experiences. She is honored to be a partner in building a network of schools that is committed to educational excellence and effective teaching practices, while rooted in strong Jewish values and beliefs.
In addition to her role at Zucker Jewish Academy, Dr. Salomon serves as the Director of the Master’s Program and an Associate Professor at the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education & Administration at Yeshiva University, where she teaches graduate and doctoral-level courses in curriculum, assessment, lesson planning, teaching methods, mentoring, supervision, and leadership.

Rabbi Itzchak Hazan is a respected rabbinic and community leader in Dallas and the founder of ‘I-CONNECT DALLAS’, a central community organization serving Jewish and Israeli families across the DFW metro area. His work spans all areas of Jewish life—spiritual, educational, cultural, and social—offering support, inspiration, and meaningful programs for individuals and families of all ages.

In his role as Director of Jewish Life at Zucker Hebrew Academy, Rabbi Hazan supports students, families, and faculty with dedication and genuine care, strengthening Jewish values, identity, and community pride. He is committed to creating meaningful educational and experiential opportunities that inspire connection, unity, and a deep sense of belonging within Jewish life and heritage.

Rabbi Hazan looks forward to meeting every family and being a meaningful partner in their journey at Zucker Jewish Academy.

Mrs.Wolk, MSEd, is a passionate and accomplished educator with more than three decades of experience in literacy education, curriculum development, and student support. As Director of Student Success, she brings deep expertise in reading intervention, differentiated instruction, and teacher mentorship, with a strong commitment to helping every child reach their fullest potential.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Wolk has led innovative literacy initiatives, developed curriculum programs, mentored educators, and supported students with diverse learning needs, including dyslexia and language-based learning challenges. Her collaborative leadership style, dedication to academic excellence, and unwavering care for students make her an invaluable resource for both faculty and families.

Bracha Strassman, LMSW, is a compassionate and dedicated social worker with extensive experience supporting children, families, and school communities. As a skilled counselor and student advocate, she is deeply committed to fostering students’ social, emotional, and behavioral growth while creating a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment for every child.

Throughout her career,Mrs. Strassman has worked closely with students, parents, educators, and support teams to provide counseling, crisis intervention, social skills development, and family-centered support. Her background in both school and clinical settings, combined with her thoughtful, relationship-driven approach, allows her to help students build resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being both inside and outside the classroom.

Meg Horigome is a dedicated and compassionate educator with more than 23 years of experience nurturing young learners through creativity, connection, and hands-on learning. Passionate about early childhood education, Meg creates warm and engaging classroom environments where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to grow.
Meg holds a CDA Certification and Preschool Lead Teacher Certification. Fluent in English, Japanese, and Thai, she brings a rich multicultural perspective to her work with children and families.

Her diverse professional journey has also included teaching music to young children, international interpreting, radio hosting in Japan, and working in the music industry — experiences that continue to shape her vibrant and creative approach to education.

Meg believes that fostering creativity, kindness, and emotional connection in the early years lays the foundation for lifelong success.

Gallia Benglas was born in Eastern Europe and moved to Israel with her family at the age of two. She grew up in Haifa, where her love of learning and curiosity for science first took root. For the past forty years, she has called Dallas home.

Gallia built a successful career as an analytical chemist, earning her degree in organic chemistry from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and continuing her graduate studies in chemistry at Southern Methodist University. Over twenty-five years, she applied her expertise in a wide range of fields, including forensics, environmental science, and pharmaceuticals.

Eventually, Gallia chose to follow her true passion: teaching. For more than two decades, she has inspired students in schools and synagogues, teaching Hebrew, Jewish studies, mathematics, and STEM to children and adults alike. Her greatest joy comes from sparking curiosity and helping students discover the excitement of learning.

This year, Gallia is thrilled to bring her knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm for STEM to the students of Zucker Academy, where she looks forward to nurturing the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers.

Morah Tehila Krengel is excited and honored to begin teaching Judaic Studies and Ivrit at Zucker Jewish Academy. Originally from Israel, she brings with her a deep love for the land of Israel, the Hebrew language, Jewish traditions, and the timeless values of the Jewish people.

With over a decade of experience, Morah Tehila has taught students of many ages — from preschoolers discovering the joy of Jewish learning to high schoolers preparing for their year in Israel. Her service as a platoon commander in the IDF instilled in her values of responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance, which she now carries into the classroom in a warm, loving, andnurturing way.

As both an educator and a mother, Morah Tehila’s mission is to inspire children to embrace Judaism with joy and pride, nurture their curiosity and confidence, and help them build a strong foundation of Jewish identity and values that will guide them throughout their lives.

Victoria Nicholson is an experienced early childhood educator with a passion for guiding young learners in pre-K through second grade. With over 25 years in education and nearly 40 years living in Dallas, Texas, she has created nurturing and engaging classrooms that support both academic and personal growth. Victoria is CPR and First Aid certified and brings a strong background in child development, safety, and family connection. She is dedicated to fostering curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning in her students.

Morah Miriam Yavner is super excited to welcome your SENsational kids into her classroom this year! With over 15 years of experience in teaching and running a sensory gym program, she is deeply passionate and committed to every one of her students.Her goal is to help children feel emotionally safe through meaningful and connected daily interactions. She believes that children learn best when they are engaged and curious. In her classroom, there is a strong focus on the social and emotional component of development, as well as music, movement, and sensory-based play.

Morah Miriam looks forward to partnering with families to ensure a joyful and successful year of growth and learning.

Danit Yotvat is a licensed teacher with a passion for creativity and education. Certified by the Israeli Ministry of Education to teach Torah, Hebrew, and Science, she also holds an Art Instruction Certificate with a focus on integrating art into education. Believing that art is a powerful tool to foster creativity, curiosity, and self-expression, Danit makes it an essential part of her teaching approach.

Danit  brings extensive experience from various schools and communities. She founded and managed an art school, led creative workshops and camps for children and adults, and worked in art-based therapy to support personal growth and rehabilitation.

Danit’s goal is to inspire children through experiential learning, hands-on exploration, and creativity—helping them discover new ways to express themselves and engage in meaningful learning.

Originally from Milwaukee and raised in Israel, Racheli grew up in a musical home where singing and harmony were part of daily life. She began playing piano and guitar in her younger years and later trained professionally in voice in New York. Racheli has taught music privately and in preschools, led choirs, and directed student musicals. Her joyful, student-centered approach inspires creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of music

Judy Winegard was classically trained in the performing arts at the Neighborhood Playhouse in Manhattan, New York, as well as, at Ithaca College where she was awarded her BFA in Drama. On tour with a Broadway-bound production of Jekyll and Hyde when she began her return to Yiddishkeit, Judy left her blossoming career in show business for a more promising career as a Jewish wife and mother. Since then she has been a master acting teacher and performance coach for Kol Neshama, a Jewish Girls Conservatory for the Arts and has directed the Emek Theater Program for girls, as well as being an assistant teacher for grades K-8 and was the Performance Director at Yeshiva Ohr Eliyahu in Los Angeles.

Megan Wolicki brings over a decade of experience in Jewish and special education settings, working with students from early childhood through elementary school. She holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Mercy College and has extensive experience supporting learners in both Generaland Judaic studies.

Megan recently served as a Judaic Studies Lead Teacher at Akiba Yavneh Academy in Dallas, where she taught second grade Judaic Studies. Her areas of strength include Hebrew language instruction, individualized learning support, and creating warm, engaging classroom environments that foster both academic and social-emotional growth. Fluent in English, Hebrew, and French, Megan is passionate about helping every child feel confident, supported, and successful.

Maria Ortiz is passionate about early childhood education and helping young learners grow with confidence. Originally from Mexico, she moved to Dallas at the age of four and was inspired by the teachers who supported her as she learned English.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of North Texas at Dallas and discovered her passion for education while working as a teacher assistant. Maria also spent two years teaching Spanish in early childhood education, where she fostered language development and a love of learning in young students. She is dedicated to creating a nurturing and engaging classroom where every child feels valued, supported, and excited to learn.

Vered Lopo-Kabilio brings eight years of experience in early childhood education at Chabad, where she worked in warm, loving, and nurturing classroom environments supporting young children in their foundational years.

Vered began her work with children ages 2–3 year old. During this time, she focused on building strong emotional connections, fostering trust, and creating a safe and supportive space where children felt loved, secure, and encouraged to explore the world around them.

She later worked with children ages 4–5, where she expanded her teaching to include early Hebrew language development. In this role, she supported children in recognizing Hebrew letters, learning correct pronunciation, and beginning early writing skills, all while nurturing confidence and a love of learning.

Throughout her work, Vered has developed a strong belief that every child is a unique individual with their own developmental pace. She is passionate about helping children grow by providing patience, encouragement, and a learning environment where they feel valued and able to flourish.

Orit Dai brings over 13 years of experience in early childhood education, with a strong background in teaching first and second grade in Israel. She holds a background in education through the Israeli Ministry of Education and is a certified Master NLP practitioner, specializing in supporting children and youth in their emotional and academic development.

Orit is passionate about creating a nurturing, structured, and engaging learning environment where every child feels seen, supported, and capable of success. Her teaching approach combines professional educational experience with tools from NLP to strengthen confidence, motivation, and social-emotional growth.

With nearly 30 years of experience in education, Nechama Katz has had the privilege of teaching students from the earliest elementary grades through high school. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of educational leadership roles, including directing a Judaic Studies program and, most recently, mentoring and coaching teachers. She is passionate about helping both students and educators grow and enjoys creating engaging, skill-based learning environments that foster confidence, curiosity, and success.

Mrs.Katz greatest passion is teaching Chumash, particularly through the Lehavin U’Lehaskil program. She has taught the curriculum extensively, supervised teachers implementing it in grades 3–8, and mentored faculty during its successful introduction in their schools.

Mrs.Katz is excited to bring her experience, enthusiasm, and collaborative spirit to the Zucker team. She looks forward to inspiring students, partnering with colleagues, and supporting excellence in Jewish education.