OUR STAFF

Leia Ger-Rogers is an Ontario certified teacher with a Master’s degree in Special Education- Curriculum Design since 1990. In addition to 15 years teaching experience, she has considerable expertise in both administration and working with educational facilities, employers, government agencies and students. Along with being the Director of Educational Services and owner of the Hamilton Learning Centre for 16 years, simultaneously she was also the Principal of Lawrence College for 9 years, a private elementary school for students with learning disabilities. Leia has had significant experience as an educational consultant throughout her career and has helped many students and families find the best school fit for their unique needs. Along with experiences in Secular Private Schools, Leia assisted in the development and implementation of a private Jewish day school in North York – Zareinu Education Centre for both special needs and regular stream students. In Hamilton, Leia wrote curriculum for and directed the development and growth of the Hamilton Midrasha Program since its inception in 1999. principal@kehilaschool.ca

This is Morah Barb’s fourth year at Kehila. Barb has a B.Sc. in Mathematical Science from McMaster University and she received her Masters of Education from Medaille College in Buffalo. Last year Barb completed her Special Education part one. Barb has been a swimming instructor for the past 10 years. When she is not teaching, she enjoys badminton, swimming, skating and lacrosse.

Rachely Tal – Hebrew and Judaica, Grades 4-6

This is Morah Rachely's second year at Kehila. Rachely grew up in Israel, where she has worked for more than 20 years as a teacher and a principal at several elementary schools. She has got an Education Diploma from Nahalal College in Israel, a B.A. in Psychology from Burlington College in the USA, and an M.Ed. from the University of Derby, in the UK. When she is not teaching, she enjoys working out, building model airplanes and working with stained glass.

Jessie-Ann Bradshaw - Music & French, K - Grade 6

Morah Jessie-Ann has been involved in music education and performance for over twenty years. Working comfortably with students of all ages, she has prepared students for music examinations, concerts, competitions and university auditions. During the past six years she has worked as a music advisor and accompanist for three Montessori School campuses in Oakville and Burlington. Jessie-Ann is as comfortable on stage as she is in the studio. For the past nine years she has been involved in choral and solo work with the prestigious vocal ensemble, The John Laing Singers, performing in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Montreal, Jackson, Michigan and Sarasota, Florida. Jessie-Ann has served regularly as a keyboardist and a choral director for over two decades. Jessie-Ann joined the Kehila teaching staff in September 2005.

Paula Baruch - Drama, Global Education & Jewish Ethics, K - Grade 6

Morah Paula is a native Ontarion who earned her teacher's certificate in 1987 at Queen's University and later her Drama Specialist qualification. She also has a Masters degree in Adult Education. She has spent over 20 years teaching Judaica, Drama, Music, Art, History, Psychology and Economics to all ages. Her experience living in Israel, teaching in Northern BC and in South America have enriched her as a person and a teacher. Paula has certification in Jewish Spiritual Direction from the Lev Shomea program and is a long-time student of Kabbalah.

Janus McBride - Art, Grades 1-6

Morah Janus lives in beautiful, green Eden Mills. She has been involved in creative classes with children for over twenty years. From the performing arts to visual arts and everything in between. She has specialized and enjoyed teaching art to children with Learning Disabilities and has happily returned to Kehila JCDS to fill in for Morah Tzvia in her absence.

Francine Lindenbaum – Administrative Assistant

Francine has been with us at Kehila since we began. She keeps the office running and assists the teachers as needed. She is warm and caring with our students and an integral member of our staff.