Administration
Rabbi Shimon Zehnwirth
Founder and Head of School
Rabbi Shimon Zehnwirth has been leading TA since its founding and is a dedicated educator with over 25 years of teaching experience guiding students of all ages.
Mrs. ELisa Zehnwirth
Principal
Mrs. Elisa Zehnwirth has over 30 years of teaching experience mentoring students across all grade levels and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Judaic Studies and a Master’s in Education from Yeshiva University.
Mrs. Samantha Schultz
General Studies Coordinator; History & ELA
Mrs. Samantha Schultz has been in education for over 22 years and has been part of TA since 2023. She teaches History and ELA to middle school students and leads our General Studies department. She holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and Administration.
Rabbi Jeff Holman
Judaic Studies Coordinator
Rabbi Jeff Holman has over 30 years of teaching experience, and has been part of TA since 2022 leading the Judaic department and teaching Judaic Studies for third through seventh grades.
rabbiz@torahacademybg.com
ezehnwirth@torahacademy.com
sschultz@torahacademybg.com
jholman@torahacademybg.com
Mrs. Dayna Berman
Operations Manager
Mrs. Dayna Berman has been part of TA since 2025 and serves as the school’s Office Manager. She oversees daily operations, supports staff and students, and is the welcoming face that helps keep the school running smoothly.
Teachers
Rabbi Yitzchok Kolsky
Judaic Studies
Rabbi Yitzchok D. Kolsky has over 25 years of experience in education and has been with TA since 2022 teaching Gemara, Mishna, Chumash, and Yahadus to middle school boys in grades 5–7.
Mrs. Ann Collins
ELA & Math
Mrs. Ann Collins has over 30 years of teaching experience and has been part of TA since 2018. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education.
Mrs. Diane Near
Science and Math
Mrs. Diane Near has over 36 years of teaching experience and has been with TA since 2021 teaching Math and Science to middle school students in grades 5–8. She also holds a Master’s degree in Special Education.
Mrs. Ruth Strimling
Title I Academic Instructor
In partnership with Catapult, as part of the Title I program, Mrs. Strimling instructs students who benefit from supplementary academic support.
Mrs. Esti Nissenbaum
ELC Teacher and School Nurse
Morah Esti has been teaching at TA since 2019, working with preschool and kindergarten students while also serving as the school nurse. She holds a Bachelor’s in Education and a BSN.
Mrs. Tom Dror-Mangel
Early Childhood Teacher
Mrs. Tom Dror Mangel has 8 years of educational experience and has been part of TA since 2021. She teaches Pre-K through first grade. Mrs. Mangel holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Counseling.
Mrs. Naomi Homnick
Early Childhood & Reading Specialist
Mrs. Naomi Homnick has over 40 years of teaching experience and has been part of the school since 2018, working with students of all ages, focusing on developing strong reading skills as well as teaching Judaic studies to the ELC.
Miss Shaina Stavnitser
Art & Physical Education
Miss Shaina Stavnitser joined Torah Academy in 2026 and brings a wonderful creativity to our art department and energy to our physical education classes.
Miss Sarah Sofovich
English Language Arts
Miss Sarah Sofovich has been part of TA since 2025 teaching English Language Arts to middle school girls in grades 5–8 supporting students as they develop strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills
Miss Basya Irons
Chumash & Shabbos
Miss Basya Irons has been teaching Judaic Studies at TA since 2024. She teaches Chumash and Hilchos Shabbos to girls in grades 5–8.
Miss Michal Chait
Judaic Studies
Miss Michal Chait has been teaching Judaic Studies at TA since 2024. She teaches Judaic Studies to girls in grades 5–8 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Touro University.
Miss Chana Hunter
Navi & Tefillah
Miss Chana Hunter has been teaching Judaic Studies at TA since 2025. She teaches Navi and Tefillah to girls in grades 5–8 and is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Consultants
Mrs. Carrie Kaz
Administrative Teachers Consultant
Mrs. Carrie Kaz is an early childhood consultant. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from DePaul University, with a major in Early Childhood and a concentration in Pre-K Curriculum Development.
Mrs. Miriam Schiller
Educational Consultant
Mrs. Miriam Schiller is an educational consultant. She has decades of experience in school leadership and is an invaluable advisor in all matters of education.