About

Departments and Faculty

Mark H. Shpall

Head of School
JD, University of Southern California
MA Ed, Pepperdine University
BA, University of California, Santa Barbara

Ellen Howard

Principal
MA/MA, California State University, Northridge
BA, California State University, Northridge

List of 11 items.

  • Athletics

    Athletics Mission Statement
    Athletic and Physical Education Department  Mission: The de Toledo interscholastic athletic program promotes fostering a lifelong commitment to physical activity and healthy competition through the lens of Jewish values and traditions. These values drive our student-athletes to become the best version of themselves as both athletes and people. The program stresses the importance of modeling transformational citizenship, of utilizing competitive drive as a tool towards self-actualization, and of spawning a deep-rooted interest of sport entrenched in both play and in acquired in-game knowledge. All of these guiding principles contribute to the primary focus of the program of building stronger athletes while simultaneously building stronger community members.

    Alvin Castro
    Athletic Director
    BS, De La Salle University

    David Avila
    Associate Athletic Director
    MA, California Lutheran University
    BA, California Lutheran University

    Hubert Paz
    Athletic Trainer and Assistant
    BS, California State University, Northridge
  • Dance

    Dance Mission Statement
    The de Toledo High School Visual and Performing Arts Department promotes the exploration of personal expression, creative skills, and Jewish cultural identity. We nurture an understanding of and appreciation for the diverse modes in which people think and communicate. With a wide variety of artistic disciplines, our department cultivates practices and passions that will last a lifetime. 

    BA, Loyola Marymount University

    Elisha Schaefer
    Israeli Dance
    BA, Vassar College
  • English

    English Department Mission Statement
    The mission of the English department at dTHS is to expose students to a wide variety of texts -- from great literature to infographics -- in an effort to promote close reading and critical thinking, and to foster an understanding of the moves writers make to create meaning. Through analysis and synthesis, students produce thoughtful written and oral responses for a variety of audiences. We facilitate deep inquiry and support students in seeking answers; we nurture an appreciation for literature's ability to imbue a deeper understanding of the human experience; we strive to expose students to impactful writing from around the world to help them develop a broad cultural literacy; we cultivate empathy and compassion for the human experience in all of its diverse forms. We aim to produce college-ready writers and speakers, confident of their clarity, purpose, and voice, in hopes that they may advocate for themselves and others.

    Sarah Golden
    , Chair
    BA, Sarah Lawrence College

    Vanessa Averbach
    BA, Brandeis University
    MA, Pepperdine University

    BA, University of Alberta
     
    MA, California State University, Northridge
    BA, University of California, Los Angeles

    MFA, California Institute of the Arts
    BA, Emerson College

    MA, Slippery Rock State University
    BA, Slippery Rock State University

    BA, University of Michigan 

    BA, California State University, Long Beach
  • Global Jewish Education

    Global Jewish Education Department Mission Statement
    The Jewish People is global in more than just a geographic sense. The wide variety of settings in which Jews and Jewish communities exist are reflected in both our diversity and the ties that bind us. Student exchanges with Jewish schools in Israel, Europe, and Latin America, and additional collaborations with Jewish peers in Israel, Hungary, Turkey, South Africa, Uruguay, Mexico, are powerful ways for teenagers to explore these bonds, understand differences, and ultimately themselves. Through our global Jewish educational programs, our students also possess a unique advantage to gain first hand exposure to a broader and interconnected world. de Toledo leads the Jewish high school world in the range, diversity, and integration of our global programs.

    Lior Sibony
    Director of Global Jewish Education
    MA, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
    BA, Tel Aviv University

    Rafael Monkarsh
    Associate Director of Global Jewish Education
    BA, Reed College

    Cynthia Jeron
    Global Jewish Education Assistant

    Adina Cohen
    Global Jewish Education SIEP Coordinator
    Teaching Degree, Seminar Hakibbutzim, Israel

    Global Jewish Education SIEP Coordinator
    MA Ed, American Jewish University
    BS, Champlain College
    BA, American Jewish University
  • Hebrew

    Hebrew Department Mission Statement
    The mission of the Hebrew department is to provide students with meaningful and authentic communicative experiences by integrating both oral and written expressions. Students are immersed in a rich array of primary sources in order to foster cultural awareness as well as a love for Israel, its people, and the Hebrew language. 

    Adina Cohen
    , Chair
    Teaching Degree, Seminar Hakibbutzim, Israel

    BA, Max Stern Academic College of Emek Yezreel, Israel

    Dikla Krems
    Hakibbutzim College of Education

    Ronit Maish
    MA, Middlebury College
    BSc, Technion

    MA, Middlebury College
    MA, Bar Ilan University
    BA, Ben Gurion University

    MA, Ed, American Jewish University
    BS, Champlain College
    BA, American Jewish University
  • History/Social Science

    History Department Mission Statement
    The de Toledo High School History Department develops students for whom the study of history deepens their understanding of the past, enriches their engagement with the present, and grounds their commitment to the future. From prehistory to the twenty-first century, students explore their Jewish, American, and global identities. Through critical reading, empathetic thinking, collaborative work, effective writing, and civil discourse, students hone the skills to become engaged citizens and ethical role models.

    Etan Kelman
    , Chair
    MA, California State University, Northridge
    BA, University of California, Santa Cruz

    MA, Clinical Psychology
    BA, California State University, Chico

    Raymond Marcus
    PhD, Indiana University
    MA, Indiana University
    BA, University of California, Los Angeles

    BA, UC Davis
    MA, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion

    JD, University of Southern California
    MA, Pepperdine University
    BA, University of California, Santa Barbara

    BA, University of California, Santa Barbara

    deTOP
    BA, California State University, Long Beach

    Miles Weinhart
    BA, California State University, Northridge

    Thomas Wiebe
    BA, University of Oregon
    MA, University of Oregon
  • Jewish Studies

    Jewish Studies Department Mission Statement
    de Toledo seeks to prepare its students as the next generation of Jewish leaders.  To that end, the mission of the Jewish Studies and Jewish Life departments is to train our students to be literate Jews grounded in our textual and cultural traditions.  The curricular and co-curricular goals of these departments intend to shape the moral character of students through the constant exploration of Jewish values. Because it will enrich their lives, we aim that students claim Judaism’s wide history, wisdom and practice as their own. Further,
    our goal is to facilitate familiarity with texts and skills so they can actively participate in the Jewish community.  On the grandest scale, our mission is to launch students who employ Jewish values in shaping the direction and tenor of challenges facing them as global citizens.

    Rabbinic Ordination and MA, Jewish Theological Seminary
    MHL, University of Judaism
    BA, California State University, Northridge

    BA, Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School
    Higher Diploma, Education/Jewish Studies,
          University of Cape Town
    BA, University of Cape Town
    Director, Speech & Debate Program
    MFA, University of California, Los Angeles
    BA, University of California, Los Angeles

    Bobby Lebeda
    Speech & Debate  
    MA, California State University, Northridge
    BA, California State University, Northridge

    BA, Jewish Theological Seminary of America
    BA, Columbia University
     
    Gary Shapiro
    BA, University of Minnesota
    MA, University of Chicago
  • Mathematics

    Mathematics Department Mission Statement
    The Mathematics Department supports and implements the philosophy of de Toledo High School as well as the curriculum standards established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The mathematics instruction at de Toledo is designed to develop strength in mathematics and to develop skills in both reasoning and problem solving, enabling students to approach questions in other academic areas as well as in life situations logically, rationally and analytically.  The Mathematics Department offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum designed to meet the diverse needs of the students and courses that appropriately challenge the student population. The ability to examine, analyze, simplify, prove, and write solutions in a clear, concise, and organized manner is a requirement for all students. Appropriate use of technology in the form of computer software and graphing calculators is an important feature of our teaching as we seek to encourage students to use other modalities to encourage critical thinking. Within our Jewish environment, the mathematics instruction supports an appreciation of the order of the universe and Jewish values.

    Alicia Kasif
    , Chair
    MA, California State University, Fullerton
    BS, Millersville University

    Joy Coe
    BA, California State University Fullerton

    Ellen Howard
    MA/MA, California State University, Northridge
    BA, California State University, Northridge
     
    BS, University of California, Los Angeles
     
    MA, Hebrew Union College
    BA, University of Southern California

    BEd, Seminar Hakibbutzim, Israel
  • Science

    Science Department Mission Statement
    The mission of the science department is to provide scientific knowledge through observation, identification, description, and experimental investigation of natural phenomena.  Our goal is to foster the Jewish value of life-long learning, through questioning and appreciating the world around us, understanding that our actions affect all organisms. Students learn to differentiate between facts and opinion, and based on proven scientific data, be able to question the validity of the information provided to them. Students learn to combine scientific inquiry and critical thinking to help them pose good questions, design experiments to address them and interpret the data collected in order to extract meaningful results.  The science department thrives on emphasizing collaborative and project-based work, regular hands-on laboratory work, and rigorous analytical thinking to take students beyond traditional rote memorization of concepts. As a department, we encourage students to keep working even if a failure occurs. Failure is a result, not an end. We encourage students to gain confidence in how the world works and not be afraid of it.

    Yolanda Hovsepian
    , Chair
    Science Academy Director
    MS, California State University, Northridge
    BS, University of California, Los Angeles

    William Cornell
    BS, Mechanical Engineering, California State University, Northridge

    David Harris
    BSc(H), Imperial College
    PGCE, Cambridge University
     
    MSW, University of Southern California
    BA, San Diego State University 

    BA, California State University

    Deborah Vane
    deTOP
    BA, University of Northern Colorado
    M.A.Ed., University of Phoenix
     
    BA, Haigazian University
  • Visual and Performing Arts

    Visual and Performing Arts Mission Statement
    The de Toledo High School Visual and Performing Arts Department promotes the exploration of personal expression, creative skills, and Jewish cultural identity. We nurture an understanding of and appreciation for the diverse modes in which people think and communicate. With a wide variety of artistic disciplines, our department cultivates practices and passions that will last a lifetime. 

    Gregory Keer
    , Chair
    MFA, University of California, Los Angeles
    BA, University of California, Los Angeles

    Matt Lifson
    BFA School of Visual Arts, New York
    MFA Otis College of Art & Design

    BFA, Tufts University and School of the Museum of Fine Arts
    CA Single Subject Art Credential, Cal State Long Beach

    Amanda Quinlan
    Photography, Graphic Design
    MFA, California State University, Long Beach
    BA, Colorado State University

    Raymond Saar
    Theatre Director
    BFA, United States International University in San Diego

    Elisha Schaefer
    Stage Craft, Theatre Technical Director
    BA, Vassar College

    Richard Stark
    Media Arts, Video Production
    MFA, USC School of Cinematic Arts
    BSc(H), University of Toronto, Canada

    Jared Stein
    Instrumental Music
    BA, University of California, Santa Barbara
     
    Performing Arts Instrumental Music
    Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
    MA, University of California, Los Angeles
    BA, Rice University

    BA, Loyola Marymount University
  • World Languages

    World Languages Department Mission Statement
    The World Languages Program at de Toledo High School encourages linguistic and cultural literacy while nurturing a life-long appreciation and curiosity for languages (spoken or signed) and the cultures they portray. By offering a new language to our students, we believe we will allow them to open a robust world of new possibilities and increase their overall critical skill for the XXI century: communication. Furthermore, acquiring a new language will open students’ minds to new and different perspectives, help them be more empathic and caring citizens of the world, and ultimately understand more deeply who they are.

    Tania Ruiz, Chair
    Spanish Teacher
    BA, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California


    Solange Dichter
    American Sign Language
    Fashion Design Degree, Shanker College, Tel Aviv

    Norma Olmos
    Spanish Teacher
    BA, California State University, Northridge

List of 10 items.

  • Admissions

    Michelle November
    Director of Admissions
    MS, Columbia University
    BA, University of California, Berkeley

    Debbie Abelson
    Director of Enrollment Management
    MPA, University of Southern California
    MAJCS, Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion
    BA, University of California, Santa Barbara

    Jennifer Berger
    Admissions Coordinator
    BA, California State University, Northridge
  • Business

    Deborah Shapiro
    Chief Financial and Operations Officer
    BA, University of California, Los Angeles

    Scott Lasker
    Director of Human Resources
    JD, Loyola Law School
    BS, University of California, Los Angeles

    ACCOUNTING


    Elena Karapetian
    Assistant Controller
    BA, Volgograd University

    Michelle Reese
    Accounts Receivable Specialist

    Toni Wilson
    Accounts Payable Coordinator
  • College Counseling

    College Counseling Mission Statement
    We believe high school is a critical time where students develop their self-awareness and a voice about their lives, their interests, their beliefs, their ways of knowing, and themselves. The college counseling process exists to support, guide, and care for students in their personal journeys towards more authentic and ambitious post-secondary goals, authorship over their lives, and stronger, more resilient self-concept. We hope all graduates of dTHS move forward with a sense of purpose, growth mindset, and confidence in their next steps.

    Michael Truschke
    Director of College Counseling, Associate Dean of Academic Advisement
    MBA, Pepperdine University 
    BA, Pepperdine University 

    Briana Barkin
    Associate Director of College Counseling, Associate Dean of Academic Advisement
    MA, MA ED, Teachers College, Columbia University
    BS, University of Maryland, College Park

    Kelly Hedgspeth
    Associate Director of College Counseling, Associate Dean of Academic Advisement
    MA ED, Harvard Graduate School of Education
    BA, The University of Michigan

    Heidy Meneses
    College Counseling Assistant
    AA , LA City College


  • Communications and Marketing

    Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing
    MBA, Monterey Institute of International Studies
    BA, University of California, San Diego

    Jamie Tashman

    Communications and Marketing Manager
  • Development

    Erika Guerrero
    Director of Development

    Carin Coonrod
    Development Assistant

    Development Manager
    MA, Columbia College, Chicago 
    BA,  Arizona State University

    Nancy Lurie
    Alumni Affairs Coordinator
    BA, University of California, Santa Barbara
  • Facilities

    David Marcus
    Director of Facilities
    BA, California State University, Fullerton
  • Jewish Life

    Rabbi Tsafreer Lev
    Rabbinic Director
    Rabbinic Ordination and MA, Jewish Theological Seminary
    MHL, University of Judaism
    BA, California State University, Northridge

    Lisa Clumeck Graef
    Director of Jewish Life
    MA, ED American Jewish University
    BA, University of California San Diego
  • Office

    Afsoun Rahnavard
    Director of Administrative Services & Registrar
    BS, California State University, Long Beach

    Barbara Edberg

    Administrative Assistant
    DC, Cleveland Chiropractic College
    BS, Cleveland Chiropractic College

    Heidy Meneses
    Administrative Assistant
    AA , LA City College

    Cynthia Jeron
    Administrative Assistant

    Jennifer Berger
    Administrative Assistant
    BA, California State University, Northridge
  • Student Services

    Gregory Keer
    Dean of Students, Director of Community Programs
    MFA, University of California, Los Angeles
    BA, University of California, Los Angeles

    Tammy Shpall
    Dean of Student Support Services, 9th Grade Dean
    BA, University of California, Santa Barbara

    10th Grade Dean
    MA, California State University, Northridge
    BA, University of California, Los Angeles

    11th Grade Dean
    BEd, Seminar Hakibbutzim, Israel

    Beverley Kamenir
    12th Grade Dean
    Higher Diploma, Education/Jewish Studies,
         University of Cape Town
    BA, University of Cape Town

    Rabbi Tsafreer Haim Lev
    Dean of Faculty Development
    Rabbinic Ordination and MA, Jewish Theological Seminary
    MHL, University of Judaism
    BA, California State University, Northridge

    Lisa Clumeck Graef
    Director of All-School Shabbaton, Coordinator of 9th & 10th Grade Trips
    MA Ed, American Jewish University
    BA, University of California San Diego

    Renée Levine-Blonder
    Coordinator of 11th & 12th Grade Trips, Coordinator of Service Learning
    MAJE, Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion
    BA, University of California, San Diego
     
    Etan Kelman
    PeTaCh Program Coordinator
    MA, California State University, Northridge
    BA, University of California, Santa Cruz

    Michaella Yarnell
    PeTaCh Assistant
    BA, Loyola Marymount University
     
    Jeanette Rivera
    Learning Specialist
    MA, Teachers College, Columbia University
    BA, Boston University

    Jamie Stein
    Director of Special Events
    MBA/MA, American Jewish University
    BA, University of California, Santa Barbara

    Thomas Wiebe
    Director of Student Life
    BA, University of Oregon
    MA, University of Oregon


    Joy Coe
    Data Analysis
    BA, California State University Fullerton

    Data Analysis
    MA, Hebrew Union College
    BA, University of Southern California

     
  • Technology

    Omer Maor
    Director of Information Technology

    Byron Guerrero
    IT Assistant


Located in the San Fernando Valley portion of the City of Los Angeles in Northern Los Angeles County. de Toledo High School is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and Builders of Jewish Education (BJE,) and financially supported by the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and the Jim Joseph Foundation.