Our Staff
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Our dedicated staff consists of experienced and passionate educators who are committed to guiding and inspiring our students. They serve as supportive role models, fostering both academic excellence and personal growth in every child.
MRS. ADINA DECKELBAUM
Menaheles
Morah Adina Deckelbaum holds a dual Masters in Education and is an established mechaneches for over 20 years. She has served as the Early Childhood Director at Yeshiva Ketana of Manhattan for the past 10 years and has become beloved in the West Side community, known for her trademark warmth, energy, creativity, and passion to help each child grow and succeed. She has raised the bar of education at Yeshiva Ketana’s preschool with students excelling in all academic areas. Her extensive educational background includes working in both integrated and mainstream classrooms and building curricula in both Limudei Kodesh and General Studies. She has worked in multi-cultural environments and fuses her administrative experience and keen understanding of child development to inspire growth within each child. In her role leading Bais Tzipra of Manhattan, Morah Adina Deckelbaum is helping to shape the future of the girls in our community!
MRS. LUCY CHERKEZ
General Studies Curriculum Coordinator
Mrs. Lucy Cherkez is an educator with 16 years of classroom teaching experience across multiple grade levels and school settings. She has taught at Prospect Park Elementary School in Brooklyn, NY; Yeshiva Beis Hillel in Passaic, NJ; the Clifton Cheder in Clifton, NJ; and currently at Yeshiva Ktana Bnos Bracha of Passaic, NJ. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and is passionate about supporting both students and educators. Throughout her career, she has mentored teachers, taught college-level education courses, and continues to serve as a mentor in the Sarah Schenirer student teaching program. In addition to her classroom experience, Mrs. Cherkez writes and develops curricula and collaborates on educational initiatives focused on enhancing student learning, engagement, and instructional practices. She is excited to take on this new initiative of mentoring teachers, refining the curriculum, and creating stronger connections and continuity between grade levels.
MRS. YOCHEVED JURKOWITZ
1st Grade Limudei Kodesh Teacher
Morah Yocheved Jurkowitz is a superstar in her field. As a first grade Morah for many years, she has earned a sterling reputation for connecting with her talmidos and creating an environment where each child can flourish and shine. Morah Yocheved is a teacher’s teacher and has authored and illustrated the widely acclaimed Safa Yafa curriculum which is being utilized at countless schools across the country. Morah Yocheved is a Kriah specialist par excellence and is known for her ability to help each student build Kriah fluency, laying a strong foundation for Chumash skills. Morah Yocheved uses her incredible artistic and creative talents as she serves as Art and Activity Director at the well-known Camp Bnoseinu summer camp.
MRS. LAYA LANDSBERG
1st Grade General Studies Teacher
Mrs. Laya Landsberg brings three decades of experience along with the latest academic and research-based methodologies to our first graders as they embark on their learning journey. Her ever-growing passion for continuous learning and dedication to using cutting-edge methods to reach each child instills a genuine love for learning in her students. Mrs. Landsberg is trained in both the Wilson/Fundations and Orton/Gillingham approaches to teaching reading. To enrich and solidify her students' academic achievement, Mrs. Landsberg utilizes Whole Brain Teaching, Social-Emotional Learning, and Brain Gym Exercises throughout the day. Community ventures, timely lessons, and hands-on activities further enhance the learning experience.
MRS. SHERRI KAYE
2nd Grade Limudei Kodesh Teacher
Morah Sherri Kaye brings passion and joy to her students along with over 25 years of professional experience teaching lower elementary grades in Bais Yaakov of Queens and Hebrew Academy of Long Beach (HALB). Morah Kaye has created a curriculum that is highly academic and appealing to her talmidos, and she is known to differentiate her subjects based on her students’ needs and goals. She is highly successful at introducing and mastering Chumash skills in a fun and engaging environment. She enhances many of her lessons with technology integration. Morah Kaye is beloved for her close relationships with her students and her open communication with their parents. As a professional artist, Morah Kaye brings a great deal of creativity to her classroom, and she strives to make the Torah and Judaism relevant to her young students' lives.
MRS. SORAH OSIAS
2nd Grade General Studies Teacher
Mrs. Sorah Osias is a recent addition to the Upper West Side community. She holds a degree in Applied Science and brings a strong background in both education and child development to the classroom. With several years of experience working with children in both academic and enrichment settings, she is passionate about creating a learning environment where every student feels encouraged to explore, question, and succeed. She is especially passionate about making learning relevant and engaging, drawing from her background in science and psychology to design lessons that spark interest and build confidence. Whether leading a science investigation or guiding a classroom discussion, she aims to make every student feel seen, capable, and inspired. Her devotion and warmth greatly enrich her students' classroom experience.
MRS. TOVA KRAUSE
3rd Grade Limudei Kodesh Teacher
With a decade of experience teaching third grade in various schools, Morah Tova Krause brings a wealth of knowledge, warmth, and educational expertise to the classroom. Additionally, she has worked as a remedial high school teacher and mentor, as well as providing private tutoring in both Hebrew and secular studies across elementary, high school, and seminary levels. Her background also includes serving as a camp director for young children, which has built up her skills in leadership and organization. Her diverse experiences have equipped her with the ability to connect with students of all ages and capabilities.
Morah Krause is an alumna of Bais Yaakov High School of Monsey, where she earned an honors Regents diploma. She furthered her education at Bais Yaakov Intensive Seminary, completing their Teacher Training Course. Morah Krause has engaged in numerous teacher workshops and holds a deep passion for education. She is adept at nurturing her students' character development and supporting their academic achievements. Her presence in Bais Tzipra creates new opportunities for our students to thrive.
MS. TZIONA WEISS
3rd Grade General Studies Teacher
Ms. Tziona Weiss is a caring and dedicated educator who possesses a background in both general and special education. With her degree in Education and Special Education from Touro University, she is well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of her students. Currently, Ms. Weiss is pursuing a Master’s in Education and Judaic Studies at Touro, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning. Ms. Weiss has three years of experience working in classrooms and has spent many summers in leadership positions in camps, where she has built meaningful connections with children. Her role as a resource room instructor and private tutor further underscores her ability to tailor educational strategies to differentiated learners. By incorporating hands-on, engaging lessons, Ms. Weiss helps students establish real-world connections, allowing them to appreciate the value of what they’re learning. Her teaching philosophy is centered on the growth of her students, fostering both academic and personal development - building confidence, strengthening social skills, and teaching her students to collaborate effectively and think critically.
MRS. ROCHEL BAKST
4th Grade Limudei Kodesh Teacher
With 18 years of experience teaching across a variety of elementary grade levels, Morah Bakst's reputation precedes her. She has trained at Bais Yaakov Intensive Teacher's Seminary and acquired many teaching methodologies which she implements in her lessons, including the Goldhar Method, Slingerland Approach, and others.
Morah Bakst is known for infusing each day at school with song, enthusiasm, and joy. She conducts a structured, positive classroom, where learning is engaging, meaningful, and memorable. Morah Bakst especially enjoys teaching fourth grade, appreciating this important stage when students grow in confidence, independence, and character as they begin developing into young ladies.
In addition to her direct teaching, Morah Bakst has used her talents to develop curricula and coach other teachers. She leads extracurricular programs and school fairs with tremendous creativity and a beautiful artistic flair, which has strengthened her ability to create dynamic, multi-sensory, and experiential learning opportunities for her students.
Morah Bakst looks forward to empowering each student to grow, building strong relationships with each talmida and her family, and partnering together to create a successful and rewarding learning experience.
MS. MALKY SHER
4th Grade General Studies Teacher
Office Assistant
Ms. Malky Sher joins us in a vital and multifaceted role, bringing a beautiful blend of organizational excellence, spiritual warmth, and vibrant energy to our school community. An accomplished graduate, she has earned her Advanced Regents Diploma from Bais Yaakov of Monsey before continuing her studies at Neimas Bais Yaakov Seminary in Jerusalem, Israel. She has completed the Torah Umesorah Teachers Training Course and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree. Her natural leadership is reflected in her past roles as Class Valedictorian and Senior Class President. Ms. Sher holds a deep passion for youth work and special education.
Her experience includes serving as a both counselor and head counselor in various camps, and a dedicated special needs counselor at Camp Migdal and Camp Mizmor. This commitment to uplifting others is further reflected in her selfless volunteer work with vital community organizations such as Lev with Love and Siach Sod. We are incredibly fortunate to have Ms. Sher join our school team this year.
MRS. AIDEL KALTER
6th Grade Limudei Kodesh Teacher
Morah Kalter is legendary for the way she builds up each student, forming connections that last far beyond the school year. As a talented curriculum developer, she has authored Ivris stories for the Safa Neima workbook, composed and directed performances, developed a sixth-grade limudei kodesh curriculum, as well as crafted innovative and meaningful extra-curricular Shemoneh Esrei and Bas Mitzvah programs, which have transformed hundreds of students over the years.
With over twenty‑five years of experience teaching in schools like TAG, RPRY, Bas Mikroh, and for the past 8 years in Bais Yaakov Elementary of Rockland County, Morah Kalter brings a love for teaching and a gift for guiding others. She uses her talents and experience to mentor other teachers in educational methods and classroom management.
Morah Kalter's warmth, energy, and expertise shine through in everything she does, and she is excited to utilize her skills to help guide the growth of Bais Tzipra’s middle school.
MRS. ELLEN KREITZMAN
6th Grade General Studies Teacher
With over 30 years of experience in Jewish day schools, Mrs. Ellen Kreitzman brings an abundance of knowledge, warmth, and dedication to the classroom.
Most recently, she served as the fifth-grade General Studies teacher for 10 years at Yeshiva Ketana of Manhattan, where she created engaging, student-centered lessons and fostered a positive, respectful learning environment. Her teaching approach blends strong academic instruction with a focus on social-emotional growth, critical thinking, and real-world connections – especially in math and literacy.
Passionate about lifelong learning, she integrates modern tools, and draws on extensive professional development to continually enhance her practice. Parents can expect clear communication, thoughtful instruction, and a deep commitment to their children's success.
MRS. LAYA HELLMAN
Learning Center Director
Along with over two decades of teaching experience, Mrs. Hellman brings a rare blend of enthusiasm, empathy, organizational skills, vision and strategic leadership that makes her the ideal choice to serve as the new director of our Learning Center. Mrs. Hellman has been a renowned teacher at Bais Yaakov of Queens for well over a decade. With her background and a deep commitment to student-centered education, she understands that every child learns differently. She is dedicated to building systems that recognize and respond to those differences with targeted precision and care. By working collaboratively with our outstanding staff, maintaining open and continuous communication with parents, and firmly committing to child advocacy, she hopes to ensure that each child receives all the tools needed to thrive and succeed.
MRS. SHAYNA LANDAU
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Shayna Landau serves as Bais Tzipra's dedicated administrative assistant and office manager, playing a vital role in the school’s daily operations. She graduated from the Lakewood Institute of Technology as a skilled computer programmer, and she effectively applies her efficiency and organizational skills to ensure a professional and seamless running of the Bais Tzipra office and admissions process. Mrs. Landau’s years of experience working in various educational settings, including schools, summer camps, and after-school clubs have helped her develop a wonderful rapport with both our students and staff. Her approachable nature and willingness to assist in any capacity make her an invaluable asset to our community, ensuring that everyone's needs are met with care and competence.