Administration
Principal
ritzkowitz@bethshalomacademy.com
Dr. Russi Leiter-Itzkowitz holds a Bachelor’s in Music and a Master’s and Doctorate in Education. She has been passionate about education since the age of 6 and is now the Principal of Beth Shalom Academy. She began her career in 1999 at Bnos Malka and later taught for 14 years at Manhattan High School for Girls. Dr. Leiter-Itzkowitz believes in providing each student with a supportive environment that nurtures their unique strengths and challenges.
Associate Principal
aleiter@bethshalomacademy.com
Mr. Ari Leiter brings 25+ years of experience to BSA. After 10 years as a speech specialist, he earned a Master’s degree and Teacher of the Handicapped certification. Ari is passionate about helping children overcome challenges and thrive. He also supports parents, reassuring them that their children will succeed, and encourages them not to stress over the daily challenges of raising kids with his mantra, “It will work out in the end.”
Dean of Students
srowshanshad@bethshalomacademy.com
Morah Sara Rowshanshad currently teaches math and gym to both our elementary and high school students. She holds a dual degree in Education and Special Education. Morah Sara focuses on providing her students with problem-solving skills while fostering logical thinking. Her goal is to equip them with a valuable set of skills essential for both personal and professional success.
Program Coordinator
mraven@bethshalomacademy.com
Morah Miriam Raven holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and is passionate about teaching through play, bringing the classroom to life. In her role as BSA’s Informal Education Coordinator, she uses her creativity to actively seek opportunities for students to engage in volunteering within the broader Jewish community and to plan unique, out-of-the-box activities. Miriam was born and raised in Pennsylvania.
Director of Development
jrubin32@gmail.com
Mr. Joshua E. Rubin has an extensive sales background. Most recently he worked for the local NBC & CBS affiliates, where he established strong relationships with local business leaders. As a BSA parent and new Scrantonian, he understands the importance of BSA’s existance.
Director of Compliance
mceitlin@bethshalomacademy.com
Morah Mati Ceitlin
Resource Room Director
lrlyes@gmail.com
Mrs. Ruth Luchins
Office Administrator Assistant to the Principal
mgoldberg@bethshalomacademy.com
Miss Mushky Goldberg works tirelessly in the to make sure the office runs smoothly. Mushky is loved by all the students and staff alike and always has a smile to give.
Co Director of the Art Department
dweinberg40@icloud.com
Mrs. Devorah Weinberg
Co Director of the Art Department
nechema5750@yahoo.com
Mrs. Nechema Goldstien is a passionate and creative art teacher who brings cleverness, resourcefulness, and joy to her classroom. She has a talent for upcycling and loves discovering cute, fun, and fresh ideas to engage her students and spark their imagination. Her adventurous spirit and love for new experiences continually fuel her artistic practice and enrich her teaching.
Preschool Department
.
Co Preschool Director
mushkyborenstein@gmail.com
Mrs. Mushky Vogel
Co Preschool Director
cgoldstein@bethshalomacademy.com
Morah Chany Goldstein has been teaching in preschool for over 7 years and has worked with kids for more than 10 years. Her experience has included the teaching of Hebrew reading and Judaica Studies. She has a special love and understanding for children and believes in positive reinforcements while having the kids express themselves with their own words. Her focus is to create and cultivate a safe and fun environment for her students to learn in the best way possible!
Lead Teacher
mayapolatsek5@gmail.com
Mrs. Maya Polatsek
Teacher
shaelynb0013@aol.com
Mrs. Shaelyn Barbarechech is a passionate caregiver with a degree in Early Childhood Education. With a deep commitment to fostering the growth and development of young learners, Miss Shaelyn creates a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment where children feel encouraged to explore, learn, and thrive. With experience in implementing creative, play-based learning strategies, Miss Shaelyn strives to support each child’s individual needs and celebrate their unique strengths.
Assistant Teacher
michc159@gmail.com
Miss Michelle Costillo is the Assistant Teacher to our very lovely Toddler Class! Michelle went to Marywood University with a focus on early childhood education. She loves doing arts and crafts with her classes, teaching the English ABC’s and numbers! She loves spending everyday with her very energetic students!
Assistant Teacher
diazlezlie570@gmail.com
Miss Lezlie Diaz
Assistant Teacher
chanagittelharkavy@gmail.com
Miss Chana Harkavy
Lower Elementary Department
.
Kindergarden Teacher
cgoldstein@bethshalomacademy.com
Morah Chany Goldstein has been teaching in preschool for over 7 years and has worked with kids for more than 10 years. Her experience has included the teaching of Hebrew reading and Judaica Studies. She has a special love and understanding for children and believes in positive reinforcements while having the kids express themselves with their own words. Her focus is to create and cultivate a safe and fun environment for her students to learn in the best way possible.
Assistant Teacher
sennaashwin@gmail.com
Miss Senna Shaju
Hebrew Reading Specialist
sysmith613@gmail.com
Morah Sara Smith has over a decade of teaching experience in both limudei kodesh and chol, her goals are to bring a passion for Torah and mitzvos to every student, and to ensure that each student can read and write Hebrew with fluency. Each child is unique and special and Mrs. Smith is dedicated to reaching every child in the way that will help them reach their fullest potential.
Boys Elementary Department
.
Head Rebbie Upper Elementary Boys
tzuker.tzvi@gmail.com
Rabbi Tzvi Cuckier comes to BSA with a wealth of knowledge in a wide variety of areas of Limudei Kodesh. In addition, Rabbi Tzuker is a world-renowned Chazzan/instructor who can be heard humming all sorts of nigunim in our hallways. Rabbi Tzuker teaches Chumash, Mishnayos, & Kriah.
Hashkafa Advisor Rabbi of Beth Shalom Congregation
rabbihecht@bethshalomscranton.com
Rabbi Alex Hecht has served as the rabbi of Beth Shalom Congregation since July 2021. He received semichah (rabbinic ordination) from Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, as well as an M.S. in Jewish Education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Education and Administration. At Beth Shalom Academy, Rabbi Hecht serves as the school’s Hashkafic Advisor, and teaches as a rebbi in its boys’ upper division.
Rebbe
jherber@comcast.net
Rabbi Yaakov Herber
Rebbe
Rabbi Menachem Dashiff
Rebbe
szkreiman@gmail.com
Rabbi Zalman Kreiman is from Sunny Palm Springs, California, which has no real Jewish community. He left home to pursue his education from 6th grade in Los Angeles. Later, after completing his yeshiva years, he went overseas to Caracas, Venezuela to help the Jewish community there. He ran children’s education activities, day camps, and special prayer programs. He then completed his rabbinical studies in Brookyln, NY.
Rebbe
pinny@baismenachem.com
Rabbi Pinny Levitin
Rebbe
2236066@gmail.com
Rabbi Yisreol Kehati
English Teacher Physical Education Coach
mattbohn2@gmail.com
Mr. Matt Bohn
ELA Teacher
saksonjohn@gmail.com
Mr. John Sakson
Computer Programming Teacher
stevemansour@yahoo.com
Dr. Steve Mansour received a BA in mathematics from the University of California at Berkeley, an MS in Operations Research and Applied Statistics from Union College, and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University. He worked for 12 years as a computer programmer at IBM East Fishkill, NY and later consulted for Security APL in Jersey City, NJ and the Carlisle Group in Scranton, PA. He has taught math and statistics at the University of Scranton, Marywood University and Penn State Scranton; he currently teaches statistics at Misericordia University.
Head Math Teacher
neillackerman@scranton.edu
Dr. Neill Ackerman was raised in South Orange, New Jersey. He graduated from Columbia High School and then went on to graduate school at Lehigh University where he earned a PhD in mathematics. Upon graduation, he set out on a career in teaching and has taught students of all ages. He is presently employed at the University of Scranton, the Bais Yaakov and of course the Beth Shalom Academy.
Girls Elementary Department
.
Director of Judaic Studies
blevi@bethshalomacademy.com
Morah Bracha Levi is originally from NY. She is the go-to when it comes to an arts and crafts project. She has been interested in art since she was a child and has made it her goal to incorporate more visual learning. She understands the importance of keeping students interested and focused through visual, physical and hands-on activities.
Judaic Studies Teacher
mushkybeut@gmail.com
Mrs. Mushky Gelman grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From a very young age, she was inspired by her parents- her mom was an educational psychologist and her father was a Rabbi. They helped Mushky discover her passion to teach Judaism to children in a fun and engaging way. Main teacher of High school, and Chumash teacher for 3rd Grade and above.
Judiac Studies Teacher
judithhecht2@gmail.com
Rebbitzen Judith Hecht
Secular Studies Teacher
malrivher1@gmail.com
Mrs. Malky Gearman holds a bachelors in computer science and went on to hone her skills at practical application of subject matter during her attendance at a seminary which focused on teaching methods and practices. Mrs. Gaerman works to empower all her students to focus on their unique capabilities through a broadened approach without the limitation of a single learning modality.
Judaic Studies Teacher
yossiandpearle@gmail.com
Mrs. Pearle Shwartz
Secular Studies Teacher
adinaharkavy@gmail.com
Mrs. Adina Harkavy
ELA Teacher
misscourtneybsa@gmail.com
Miss Courtney Murphy has a passion for fostering a love of literature and language, she is a dedicated educator committed to inspiring students to explore the realms of English language arts. She studied English and Education at Long Island University and with 12 years of teaching experience she brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm to the classroom. In the classroom, Miss Courtney employs innovative teaching methodologies to engage students in meaningful learning experiences. By integrating technology, interactive activities, and collaborative projects, she aims to create an inclusive and dynamic environment where every student feels empowered to express themselves.
Computer Programming Teacher
stevemansour@yahoo.com
Dr. Steve Mansour received a BA in mathematics from the University of California at Berkeley, an MS in Operations Research and Applied Statistics from Union College, and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University. He worked for 12 years as a computer programmer at IBM East Fishkill, NY and later consulted for Security APL in Jersey City, NJ and the Carlisle Group in Scranton, PA. He has taught math and statistics at the University of Scranton, Marywood University and Penn State Scranton; he currently teaches statistics at Misericordia University.
Head Math Teacher
neill.ackerman@scranton.edu
Dr. Neill Ackerman was raised in South Orange, New Jersey. He graduated from Columbia High School and then went on to graduate school at Lehigh University where he earned a PhD in mathematics. Upon graduation, he set out on a career in teaching and has taught students of all ages. He is presently employed at the University of Scranton, the Bais Yaakov and of course the Beth Shalom Academy.
Math Teacher
missbridgetlewis@gmail.com
Miss Bridget Lewis
Math Teacher
sennaashiwn@gmail.com
Miss. Senna Shaju
Music Teacher
kirsten.melten03@gmail.com
Miss Kirsten Melten
Music Teacher
madelynn.kessler@gmail.com
Miss Madelynn Kessler has a degree in music performance. Her main instrument is viola, but she also plays the violin, cello, piano and guitar! She is going to be teaching all of those instruments, as well as voice here at BSA! She is so excited to be apart of the BSA family!
Highschool Department
.
Judiac Studies Teacher
judithhecht2@gmail.com
Rebbitzen Judith Hecht
Judiac Studies Teacher
itkinscran@msn.com
Mrs. Rashi Itkin
Judiac Studies Teacher Chemistry Teacher
brachabz@hotmail.com
Mrs. Bracha Cohen
Secular Studies Teacher
malrivher1@gmail.com
Mrs. Malky Gearman holds a bachelors in computer science and went on to hone her skills at practical application of subject matter during her attendance at a seminary which focused on teaching methods and practices. Mrs. Gaerman works to empower all her students to focus on their unique capabilities through a broadened approach without the limitation of a single learning modality.
Judiac Studies Teacher
rachelite@gmail.com
Mrs. Rachelli Rich
Judaic Studies Teacher
yossiandpearle@gmail.com
Mrs. Pearle Shwartz
Judiac Studies Teacher
mushkybeut@gmail.com
Mrs. Mushky Gelman grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From a very young age, she was inspired by her parents- her mom was an educational psychologist and her father was a Rabbi. They helped Mushky discover her passion to teach Judaism to children in a fun and engaging way. Main teacher of High school, and Chumash teacher for 3rd Grade and above.
Spanish Teacher
tziona1985@gmail.com
Miss Tziona Ackerman
Halacha Rabbi
tzuker.tzvi@gmail.com
Rabbi Tzvi Cuckier comes to BSA with a wealth of knowledge in a wide variety of areas of Limudei Kodesh. In addition, Rabbi Tzuker is a world-renowned Chazzan/instructor who can be heard humming all sorts of nigunim in our hallways. Rabbi Tzuker teaches Chumash, Mishnayos, & Kriah.
Pirkie Avois Teacher
Rebbitzen Fraidel Cuckier
ELA Teacher Biology Teacher
misscourtneybsa@gmail.com
Miss Courtney Murphy has a passion for fostering a love of literature and language, she is a dedicated educator committed to inspiring students to explore the realms of English language arts. She studied English and Education at Long Island University and with 12 years of teaching experience she brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm to the classroom. In the classroom, Miss Courtney employs innovative teaching methodologies to engage students in meaningful learning experiences. By integrating technology, interactive activities, and collaborative projects, she aims to create an inclusive and dynamic environment where every student feels empowered to express themselves.
Computer Programming Teacher
stevemansour@yahoo.com
Dr. Steve Mansour received a BA in mathematics from the University of California at Berkeley, an MS in Operations Research and Applied Statistics from Union College, and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University. He worked for 12 years as a computer programmer at IBM East Fishkill, NY and later consulted for Security APL in Jersey City, NJ and the Carlisle Group in Scranton, PA. He has taught math and statistics at the University of Scranton, Marywood University and Penn State Scranton; he currently teaches statistics at Misericordia University.
Head Math Teacher
neill.ackerman@scranton.edu
Dr. Neill Ackerman was raised in South Orange, New Jersey. He graduated from Columbia High School and then went on to graduate school at Lehigh University where he earned a PhD in mathematics. Upon graduation, he set out on a career in teaching and has taught students of all ages. He is presently employed at the University of Scranton, the Bais Yaakov and of course the Beth Shalom Academy.
Math Teacher
missbridgetlewis@gmail.com
Miss Bridget Lewis
Geography Teacher History Teacher
kwbondllc@yahoo.com
Dr. Kenneth Bond
Music Teacher
kirsten.melten03@gmail.com
Miss Kirsten Melten
Music Teacher
madelynn.kessler@gmail.com
Miss Madelynn Kessler has a degree in music performance. Her main instrument is viola, but she also plays the violin, cello, piano and guitar! She is going to be teaching all of those instruments, as well as voice here at BSA! She is so excited to be apart of the BSA family!