Introducing the School of Education’s Newest Cohorts

We are proud to welcome the newest cohorts of the Day School Leadership through Teaching (DeLeT) program and the Executive M.A. Program in Jewish Education (EMA) at Hebrew Union College. This year's students bring a blend of creativity, passion, and professional experience to their studies-uniting backgrounds in education, theater, psychology, political science, social services, and Jewish communal leadership.

Collectively, they represent more than 10 states and 2 countries, with careers that span Jewish day schools, synagogues, Hillels, and camps. Many have worn multiple hats in their careers such as teacher, director, youth leader, and counselor. They also bring an adventurous side; among them are surfers, rock climbers, hikers, and even a former Disney Princess party performer.

While their paths to Jewish education are diverse with some beginning in preschool classrooms, others in public policy or theater, and others through camp and youth movements, they share a common drive: to create meaningful, inclusive, and inspiring Jewish learning experiences for the next generation.

Through DeLeT students will spend 13 months in a blend of teaching residencies, coursework, and seminars, working toward a California Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a Certificate in Day School Teaching. Meanwhile, our EMA students, already established educators and leaders, will deepen their practice in a flexible two-year program that combines e-learning, immersive seminars, and study in Israel.

Together, these new students embody the future of Jewish education: thoughtful, creative, grounded in community, and ready to make an impact.

Meet the newest School of Education Students

EMA

Kate Cykman

EMA in Jewish Education, expected Spring 2027

Kate Cykman helps youth build strong Jewish identities through learning, play, culture, and tradition as Director of Experiential Education at Temple Israel in Fairfield, CT. She began teaching in 2014 after a career in social services supporting children in foster care, individuals with disabilities, and survivors of violence, and has also worked at synagogues across Maine. Drawing on her background in social services, she emphasizes inclusion and multimodal learning. Kate is a part of the MTEI alumni network and was part of cohort 10. Outside of work, Kate enjoys art, photography, cooking, board games, and travel.

McKinley Edelman

EMA in Jewish Education, expected Spring 2027

McKinley Edelman is the Director of Education at Temple Micah in Washington D.C. A graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara with a BA in Political Science, she previously spent eight years working for members of the U.S. House of Representatives from her home state of California. A proud alumna of URJ Camp Newman, McKinley also volunteers with the DC Diaper Bank. She enjoys yoga, reading, sushi, and time with family.

Daniella Forney

EMA in Jewish Education, expected Spring 2027

Daniella Forney is the Assistant Director of Education & Youth/Teen Programs at Temple Isaiah in Lafayette, California, where she helps lead JQuest (religious school), Noar Night (teen school), the Avodah TA program, and also teaches 8th and 11th-12th grades. She lives in Berkeley with her husband and teen daughter. A graduate of Clark University with a degree in Economics and Business Management, she previously taught English in China and worked as a business consultant specializing in organizational efficiency. Daniella has long been active in her community, serving on boards of East Bay schools and currently on the board of Jewish LearningWorks. In her free time, she enjoys painting, quilting, cake decorating, and scrapbooking.

Mirit Grembeck

EMA in Jewish Education, expected Spring 2027

Born in Israel and raised in a secular household, Mirit Grembeck moved to the United States in 2004, transforming her relationship with Judaism and discovering space for personal interpretation and authentic expression within Jewish tradition. Mirit has over twelve years of experience as a Hebrew and Jewish Studies educator for K-8th grades, focusing on empowering students' Jewish identities through critical thinking, diverse textual study, and exposure to multiple Jewish perspectives.

Currently based in Berkeley, California, Mirit serves as Director of Jewish Life, creating educational environments that honor both tradition and individual identity. Her work is informed by experiences supporting inclusive and gender-conscious Jewish practices, as well as by mentors like Rabbi Tsipi Gabai. She is committed to fostering Jewish spaces where tradition and individual expression can flourish together.

Alisha Sawyer

EMA in Jewish Education, expected 2027

Alisha Sawyer is the Religious School Director at Mount Zion Temple in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where she brings a passion for creative and accessible education that helps students discover more about themselves and the world. She holds a BFA in Theater from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, specializing in Directing and Theater for Young Audiences, and an MA in Private School Leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her experience spans theater with the Children's Theater Company, supplemental STEM education, early childhood education at Adath Jeshurun, and Waldorf education at City of Lakes Waldorf School. Alisha lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Hunter, and their two cats, Buster and Chaplin. Outside of work, she enjoys knitting and crafting, rock climbing, hiking, and exploring new restaurants around the Twin Cities.

Maya Shaar

EMA in Jewish Education, expected Spring 2027

Maya is the Associate Director of Education and Family Engagement at Touro Synagogue in New Orleans, where she oversees curriculum development, program coordination, and family engagement for early childhood through teen education. She began at Touro as a Sunday School teacher in 2015 and joined the Education Team in 2020. Maya earned a BA in Child Psychology and Early Childhood Education and an MS in Behavioral Health, both from Tulane University. Her experience spans Jewish preschool, youth engagement, and camp programming, and her approach to education emphasizes personal, joyful, and community-grounded learning. Maya's love for Jewish community was sparked through her participation in USY, summers at Camp Ramah in the Poconos, and as a counselor at the 92nd Street Y. Outside of work, Maya enjoys reading, yoga, baking, exploring the French Quarter, trying new local restaurants with friends, and attending live music events.

Barak Stockler

EMA in Jewish Education, expected Spring 2027

Barak Stockler is the Assistant Director at Goucher College Hillel in Baltimore, where he serves as the primary engagement professional on campus and manages the Hillel's Israel educational programs. He began his Jewish professional journey as a Youth Director at Kol Ami, a Reform synagogue in White Plains, where he grew up. Barak earned a BA in Applied Physics from SUNY Geneseo in 2019 and has over 5 years of experience as a Jewish educator in New York and Baltimore. In his free time, Barak enjoys exploring new coffee shops, attending concerts, disc golfing, shooting 35mm and instant film, and wandering around the city.

Joe Winner

EMA in Jewish Education, expected Spring 2027

Joe Winner is a senior early childhood associate at the Jewish United Fund in Chicago, where he facilitates the ElevatEd cohort, supporting new teachers in Jewish preschools throughout the area. He grew up in Chicago's northwest suburbs, active in his synagogue, NFTY, and summers at OSRUI. After earning a degree in mathematics and secondary education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Joe pursued a career in Jewish education, including work with NFTY and Diller Teen Fellows. He lives in Albany Park with his partner and their dog. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, listening to music, and cheering on the Chicago Sky and Chicago White Sox.

DeLeT

Rebecca Cohen

DeLeT Credential Program and Certificate in Day School Teaching, expected Summer 2026

Rebecca Cohen is starting her first year with Pressman Academy in Los Angeles as a 3rd grade General Studies educational assistant while completing the DeLeT credentialing program. Born in Boston and raised in Los Angeles, she earned a B.A. in Psychology and Comparative Literature from Binghamton University in 2025. She has previously interned with Sharsheret and the Center for the Developing Mind. In her free time, Rebecca enjoys cooking, relaxing on the beach, and exploring the different branches of the Los Angeles Public Library. She is grateful to be part of a strong and intelligent cohort of prospective teachers and hopes to create a classroom environment where students feel supported in both learning and growing.

Riley Creditor

DeLeT Credential Program and Certificate in Day School Teaching, expected Summer 2026

Riley Creditor is starting her first year as an Assistant Teacher in 2nd grade at Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School in Northridge, CA, bringing a deep passion for early childhood and elementary education along with a strong foundation in child development to her classroom. Since graduating from UCLA with a B.A. in Psychology and minors in Spanish and Applied Developmental Psychology, Riley has spent the past two years as an Assistant Teacher in Heschel's Transitional Kindergarten classroom, designing learning experiences that support each child's academic, social, and emotional growth. She has also taught after-school Hebrew classes at Hamakom in West Hills, CA, and previously participated as a camper and staff member at Camp Alonim in Simi Valley. In her free time, Riley enjoys baking, board games, puzzles, trips to the beach, exploring new coffee spots, listening to live music, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Arye Fohrman

DeLeT Credential Program and Certificate in Day School Teaching, expected Summer 2026

Arye Fohrman is completing his teaching residency with third graders at Sinai Akiba Academy while pursuing the DeLeT program. He specializes in person-centered education and executive functioning skills, helping students develop strategies in organization, time management, and self-regulation. Born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, Arye comes from a family of Jewish educators and holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology with minors in Spanish and Drama, as well as an associate's degree in Hebraic Language and Literature.

Over his 15-year career, he has worked as a tutor, educator, fundraiser, and community engagement professional with AMIT, UJA Federation of New York, and Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, mentoring students of all ages in Hebrew reading. In his free time, Arye enjoys reading, films, theater, music, building Lego sets, puzzles, and podcasts on ancient history, archaeology, and Judaism.

Sarahi Liera Morales

DeLeT Credential Program and Certificate in Day School Teaching, expected Summer 2026

Sarahi Liera works at Emek Hebrew Academy, where she brings her passion for working with children and families to her students each day. Born in Mexico, she moved to the United States at age 11 and went on to earn an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice from Pierce College and a B.A. in Sociology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Sarahi began her career as a preschool educator and is committed to continuing her professional growth to better serve her students.

Kinsey McCabe

DeLeT Credential Program and Certificate in Day School Teaching, expected Summer 2026

Kinsey McCabe is an Associate Teacher in Kindergarten at a San Diego school, where she brings warmth, creativity, and connection to student learning. She also plays an integral role in Kayefet, the school's after-school enrichment program, leading classes such as mosaic making, musical theatre, and basketball. As a member of the Wellness Committee, Kinsey helps foster a positive and inclusive school culture. Known for her empathetic approach, she ensures each child feels seen, heard, and valued. Outside of work, Kinsey enjoys crafting, crocheting, biking along the beach, attending live music events, and spending time with friends, family, and her pets.

Liv Reinis

DeLeT Credential Program and Certificate in Day School Teaching, expected Summer 2026

Liv Reinis is a Kindergarten Co-Teacher at Briskin Elementary School in Los Angeles. She graduated from Vassar College in 2024 with a Bachelor's Degree in Educational Studies and is currently pursuing her California State Teaching Credential through the DeLeT program. During college, Liv volunteered at local schools in Poughkeepsie, NY, and worked in the campus Media Resources department. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, playing video games, and spending time with friends.

Sigal Walder

DeLeT Credential Program and Certificate in Day School Teaching, expected Summer 2026

Sigal Walder is committed to deepening her connection to Jewish education and community. Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Sigal is a first-generation American with an Israeli father and French-Canadian mother. She earned a BFA in Acting from NYU Tisch School of the Arts and an MA in Holocaust Studies from Haifa University. Sigal is passionate about fostering student confidence, curiosity, and resilience, and is committed to helping future generations stay connected to Eretz Yisrael while engaging meaningfully in their daily lives.