Our Team - Stanford Eisenberg Knoxville Jewish Day School

Miriam Esther Wilhelm

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Prior to founding Stanford Eisenberg Knoxville Jewish Day School in 2006, Miriam Esther had acquired 8 years of experience in Jewish education, ranging from preschool through university. She taught at Seymour J. Abrams Jewish Day School in Chicago, Associated Beth Rivkah Schools in Brooklyn, and served as Lead Teacher at the Arnstein Jewish Community Center Preschool, and as Hebrew instructor at the University of Tennessee. She received her teaching degree in 1998 from Beth Chana Tzfat in Israel. Intrigued by the Montessori style of teaching, Miriam Esther officially completed her Montessori training in July 2006. With Miriam Esther’s extensive experience and passion for researching new education methodologies, she continues to bring fresh and dynamic approaches to elementary education to KJDS.

Louise Lindsay

INNOVATION COACH

“KJDS is an exciting place to be! I am thrilled that I can work in a community that is both fun and challenging for students and staff. I truly enjoy supporting our teachers and children as they try new things, whether it’s learning a different approach to unit planning or attempting to build a structure that can withstand an earthquake. At KJDS we are constantly igniting curiosity and modeling a life-long love of learning."

Ms. Louise brings a wealth of classroom experience to her work at KJDS. After earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees at The College of Charleston, she began her career as a Social Studies teacher. She then went on to teach Geography, English, Writing, Critical Thinking, and Math at secondary schools in Charleston, SC, Washington, DC, Chelsea, MA, and Newport News, VA. She has also worked as Department Head and Lead Teacher, helping teachers to write and implement curriculum and sharing management and instructional strategies.

In addition to acting as Innovation Coach at KJDS, Louise works as a Teacher Mentor for the National Urban Alliance for Effective Education. With NUA, Louise coaches teachers in urban districts in best practices to improve student outcomes. Louise loves being part of the KJDS team where she can see children enjoy learning everyday and be part of a warm and supportive community.

Sheryl Connelly

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Anna Gross McDonald

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

Born and raised in Knoxville, Anna grew up attending Heska Amuna Synagogue. After graduating high school, she spent a year abroad in Israel. She then attended Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where she received her bachelor’s degree in religious studies. Following college, Anna trained in the Montessori method and was awarded certification from Montessori Northwest in Portland, Oregon. She earned her master’s degree in education from Loyola College in Maryland. Anna enjoyed her first year of teaching in a Montessori classroom in Honolulu, Hawaii before returning to Knoxville, where she served for ten years as a lead teacher in the early childhood class at Nature's Way Montessori School. Anna brings warmth, child development expertise, and a deep knowledge of the Knoxville’s Jewish community to her role as Director of Admission.

Katie Lusk

KINDERGARTEN - 1^ST GRADE TEACHER

“I believe all children can learn and I enjoy finding ways to reach every child. I know everyone learns differently and I like to present topics and skills in a variety of ways that are engaging and fun. When you come to my classroom you will see lots of smiles, dancing, and laughing. I make the most of our time in the classroom each day and the goal is always to leave with new knowledge and a love for learning!”

Katie Bell is in her 10th year of teaching. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Carson-Newman College and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University. Katie has 6 years of primary grades experience in the public school system. As a reflective teacher, she is always seeking to meet student needs and reach all learners. Katie has created a fun learning environment, with a combination of structure and silliness.

Brook Haskins

Grade One Teacher and K-1 Homeroom Teacher

Brooke began teaching in 2005, after receiving her bachelor’s degree in human growth and development (K-6 certification) and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Tusculum College. Brooke consistently promotes questioning and problem-solving with her students. With her talent in design, she creates classrooms with soft hues and places for everyone at every energy level. Her superpower is bringing a high level of academic energy to every day at KJDS.

Bekka Blanchard

2^ND - 3^RD GRADE TEACHER

Since receiving her bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Tennessee, Bekka has been teaching second and third grades at KJDS since 2010. A life-long learner and student of educational practices, she has proved to be a valued team player in creating an action research project on the use of science notebooks in the primary grades; improved math practice and student enthusiasm about math by using games, centers, and group activities to help students explore important concepts; and has a consistent track record in making grammar exciting to her students. Bekka is a life-long learner and student of educational practices.

Jessica Vose

2^ND - 3^RD GRADE TEACHER

With a bachelor’s degree in child development (teacher licensure K-8) from Maryville College, Jessica is a highly qualified teacher with a passion for service and project-based learning. She began teaching in 2006 as the very first classroom teacher at KJDS, and she uses our campus to the fullest, exploring nature in math and bringing chicken hatching to school. An adaptable life-long learner, Jessica loves engaging in novel studies with small groups of students.

Susan Ehrenclou

4^TH - 5^TH GRADE TEACHER

Lev Gross-Comstock

A musician, photographer, and graphic designer with a long interest in computer science and technology, Lev attended the Visual Arts and Youth Performing Arts School for High School along with Prep Music Conservatory at University of Louisville. He studied music education at University of Tennessee and Middle Tennessee State University and additionally holds bachelor’s degrees in English, Judaic Studies, photography, and philosophy. Lev is passionate about continuous learning and teaching children how to use music, performance, and technology to express themselves creatively.

Faina Rozov

Hebrew Teacher

With an extensive background in both education and financial management, Faina has taught for over a decade in various capacities, focusing on Hebrew language instruction as well as science. She received her bachelor’s degree in science and Hebrew language from Levinsky College of Education in Israel. In addition, she received certification from Israel’s Ministry of Education to teach Hebrew as a first and second language. Faina has also worked at the embassies of Israel to the United States, Bulgaria, and Russia as a billing specialist, bookkeeper, and budget manager.

Amy Broady

ART TEACHER

Raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Amy earned her bachelor’s degree in art design from Duke University and her master’s degree in education from Xavier University. She began her career as an art educator in 1995 and has also embraced periods of being a stay-at-home mom to her two children, who are now grown adults. Amy’s creative passions are Zentangle® and mixed media (which supports trying all sorts of materials, tools, and techniques). She has been sharing the Zentangle method of drawing with children and adults since 2010, when she became a Certified Zentangle Teacher. Amy is a firm believer in the benefits and necessity of lifelong learning.

Coach Geno Anderson

Physical Education Teacher

In the Anderson family, basketball runs deep. Coach Geno’s father was a McDonald's All-American at Knoxville Catholic School, and his godfather was the late Lewis Lloyd of the Houston Rockets. Both basketball stars taught Coach Geno the game at a very high level and blessed him to be around many great basketball minds. Coach Geno’s teaching experience ranges from children to professional athletes; and he has coached in the Philippines, Guam, Brunei, and the USA.

Jami Quartararo

SUPPORT TEACHER

Julie Jolly

Director of Operations

As a passionate educator with over twenty years of experience, Julie has taught primary grades in private and public schools and worked as an administrator for several years in a family-focused private school. She has a proven track record of developing and implementing policies and procedures that foster a safe, supportive, and positive learning environment for students. Julie received her bachelor’s degree in botany as well as her master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

Darcy Devrnja

Innovation Coach

With vast experience in education and school administration, Darcy has served as elementary and middle school teacher, curriculum coordinator, and division head in lower school and middle schools. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership. In addition, Darcy taught the Teacher Ready Program to Florida educators in the process of obtaining their teacher certificate, as well as classes at the University of Tennessee Outreach Program. Darcy has served on many accreditation teams, facilitated the new teacher orientation at the Florida Council of Independent Schools, and presented at the FCIS annual conference about Project Based Learning and planning thematic units for early childhood.

Becca Stein

Director of Development

After receiving her bachelor’s degree in cross-categorial special education (with a minor in Jewish studies) from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Becca attended the University of Texas at Austin where she received her master’s degree in early childhood special education. She launched her professional career serving as the special education department chair in the Austin independent school district. Since leaving Texas, Becca began to leverage her vast management and educational experience to work in the Jewish nonprofit sectors. At the prestigious Central Synagogue in New York City, Becca served as the assistant director of PreK-2nd grade and family engagement coordinator. During her tenure In Florida, she served as director of community programs and family engagement for the Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast in Largo. Her experience and gracious personality have proven Becca to be an invaluable team member at KJDS.

Nikki Sawyers

Grade K Teacher and K-1 Homeroom Teacher

With over 20 years of classroom expertise, Nikki brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and dedication to fostering a love of learning in our young students. Raised in East Tennessee, she attended East Tennessee State University and then continued at Milligan University for her master’s degree in education. Over her many years in education, her focus in education has been on literacy.

Laura Saddlemire

Grades Four/Five Teacher

As a passionate and creative educator who is known for building supportive and loving classroom communities, Laura received her bachelor’s degree in childhood education from the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh and her master’s degree in education from Southern New Hampshire University. Laura is also a veteran of the United States Air Force, where she instructed pilots and aircrew members on using their life-saving equipment. Among her favorite memories from service in the Air Force to support the National Science Foundation was traveling with Bill Nye the Science Guy and the former astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

Sara Venable

4-5 Teacher, Drama Director and Aftercare Director

Sara Venable was raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and had the good fortune of being born into a family of creative and adventurous world travelers. Sara is deeply enthusiastic about the performing arts and project-based learning. She has taught Arts Education in Seattle, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Portland and since 2009…East Tennessee. Along the way she earned a master’s degree in educational theatre from New York University. Most of her career has been spent in teaching, independent school administration and program building. When she is not working, she enjoys attending cultural or performance events, watching movies, exploring new restaurants, and sitting in the sunshine with her two dogs.