Mrs. Edie Reichardt
I am a recently retired principal who has been with the Calgary Board of Education for thirty-six years.
It is a privilege to be your interim principal here at Halpern Akiva Academy.
mrsreichardt@akiva.ca
Mrs. Hannah Andrews
Mrs. Hannah Andrews is a certified Judaics Teacher and Kallah Teacher and holds a BA with a concentration in education from Thomas Edison State College. With over two decades of Jewish education under her belt, she is delighted to be the Interim Judaics Director at Halpern Akiva Academy while also continuing many roles within HOJMI. She is an inspiration and friend to the community and is passionate about making personal connections.
Mrs. Kizhakke Vandekkan
Kizhakke Vendekkan is the daycare director at Halpern Akiva academy. She earned her Bachelor of Education degree and Masters in Mathematics from India in 2008. Kizhakke moved to Canada in 2009 with her family and started her career as a teacher assistant. She holds a child development supervisor and a Montessori certificate from Canada and has worked at various preschools and daycares. She loves teaching all ages, but most of her experience involves the three to six age groups.
Her goals are to continue growing professionally as well as sharing her love for teaching and guiding children while providing a fun and creative environment. Kizhakke is a passionate educator who is always looking to perform at the highest standards. She respects children’s rights at all levels and is a committed team member of Halpern Akiva’s philosophy. As Director of the Centre, Kizhakke take great pride in knowing that our Centre is one that strives for excellence and quality in child care while promoting our Co-operative spirit. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, biking and hiking etc.
Rabbi Nisan Andrews
Rabbi Nisan Andrews was born and raised in Canada, and spent his formative years in Calgary. He attended Telshe Yeshiva in Chicago, where he received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Rabbinics, as well as receiving his Semicha directly from Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Levin zt”l.
After ordination, his first Rabbinic role was as Assistant Rabbi at Congregation House of Jacob-Mikveh Israel. Rabbi Andrews continued to minister congregations in Milwaukee, WI; London, England; and Allentown, PA. Rabbi Andrews has returned to HOJMI and works tirelessly to strengthen the engagement of the greater Jewish Calgary community.
Morah Esty Groner
A passionate Judaics teacher, Morah Esty loves watching little minds grow.
Her natural enthusiasm and warmth shine through in her classroom.
Morah Esty has been educating young minds at Halpern Akiva Academy in yiddishkeit since 2015.
Mrs. Marina Kaufman
Mrs. Kaufman has had a lifelong passion for teaching, beginning her career in the Soviet Union where she earned a Master’s in Mathematics with Honors and taught advanced Mathematics to Junior High and High School students. After immigrating to Israel with her family, she continued her work in education, teaching students from grades Seven through Twelve and actively participating in various educational initiatives, including adult education and working with new Olim from Ethiopia.
In Israel, Mrs. Kaufman earned multiple accreditations, including a Certificate in Teaching Jewish Subjects, a Permanent Teaching License, and the status of State Employee.
As a Hebrew Language Teacher, Mrs. Kaufman brings a wealth of experience and a passion for both the Hebrew language and Jewish Studies. To further enhance her teaching, she attended several TaL AM Training Institutes in Canada and the United States, immersing herself in a unique curriculum designed to engage students in meaningful learning.
Her classroom is a place where critical thinking, personal growth, and a sense of family are fostered. Mrs. Kaufman strives to create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages her students to reach their full potential, develop a love for learning, and become confident, independent learners for life.
Ms. Barbara Wonko
Ms. Wonko is proud to be a member of the HAA team, contributing to the education and development of future leaders. She is passionate about early literacy and foundational math skills, a commitment that is clearly reflected in her Grade One program.
Ms. Wonko is dedicated to fostering both academic excellence and social-emotional growth, encouraging her students to challenge themselves and strive to be the best versions of themselves each day.
Ms. Tali Kirzhner
Mrs. Tali Kirzhner is a dedicated and passionate Hebrew teacher at Akiva Academy. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (B.Ed.) with a specialization in Math and Social-Emotional Learning from Israel. In addition to her degree, she has earned a Teaching Certificate, a Certificate in Group Facilitation, and a Certificate of Excellence for her outstanding achievements in mathematics teaching.
Ms. Tali is committed to meeting the educational needs of her students and fostering their holistic development. Ms. Tali believes that the key to success lies in effective communication, understanding, and making learning an enjoyable experience. She emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and engaging environment where children can thrive and enjoy their educational journey.
Ms. Felicity Hik
Ms. Hik holds a combined degree in Fine Arts (BFA) and Education (B.Ed) from the University of Calgary. She trained with the Dinos Track and Field team during her studies and continues to enjoy running. Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, she is dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment that encourages students to always do their best. At Halpern Akiva Academy, Ms. Hik teaches Grade 3 as well as Physical Education and Health.
Mrs. Kimberley Kaul
Married with three children and two grandchildren, Mrs. Kaul loves being a teacher and has taught as far north as Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, as well as, Auckland, New Zealand. Most of her teaching career has been in southeastern Alberta.
While she left full time teaching in 1998 to focus on raising her children, she chose to continue her support of child learning as either an aide, a tutor, Director, Assistant Director and Recreation Leader in a Before and After School Care program.
Mrs. Kaul’s interests include genealogy, going on cruises, RVing, and story writing (with two published novels and currently working on her third.) She have started to teach herself to play piano and dabbled in watercolour painting.
Ms. Viola Clarke
Ms. Clarke has been employed at Halpern Akiva Academy since May 2018 as a Daycare Assistant. She migrated from Jamaica in 2005 with her husband. Ms. Clarke attended the Academy of Business College in Toronto, where she obtained her Diploma as a Medical Receptionist in 2008. Although certified in this field, she prefers working with children. I pursued a career in Early Childhood Development and obtained certification as Child Care Development Assistant in 2013. She has over 9 years experience working in Child Care, including working as a Room Leader in different age groups, ranging from infants to kindergarten.
Prior to working in Child Care, Ms. Clarke worked in Tourism for more than 10 years. She believes that working with children requires patience, sincerity and openness. Her goal is to ensure that each child in her care feels loved and valued. Ms. Clarke is excited to contribute to the Halpern Akiva Academy family.
In her free time she enjoys reading, listening to music, going to the gym, watching movies and sports.
Morah Mickaela Corenblum
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, she is a proud Halpern Akiva Academy alumna. Morah Mickaela graduated from Beth Jacob High in Denver, Colorado. She has her PSW certification and Level 1 certification. One of her first work experiences was a salesperson at B Gifted that was once located at our Calgary JCC. She has also worked as a companion for seniors in their home or nursing home. While living in Toronto for 3 years, she gained more experience working with seniors in health care settings. Morah Mickaela has been employed at Halpern Akiva Academy for over 11 years. She learns something new every day from our wonderful students. Morah Mickaela is fortunate to have been able to travel to many places around the world. She has a great love for the land and state of Israel and has been very fortunate to have visited there numerous times. In her spare time, she enjoys photography and walking around different places in the city. Morah Mickaela loves animals, especially dogs. She also enjoys meeting up with friends and family for coffee.
Mrs. Corinne Trott
Since 1985, teaching 3 and 4 year olds has been an integral part of Mrs. Trott’s life. For the last 15 years, she has been teaching Early Childhood Education at Halpern Akiva Academy. Playing and learning alongside her Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten children has continuously impacted on her how unique each child’s emotional, intellectual, physical, social and creative developments are.
Outside the classroom, you will find Mrs. Trott going for walks, reading, cooking and visiting with friends. She also enjoys researching creative projects for young children. Most of all, she enjoys home time with her family of seven.
Ms. Fiona Whitlie
A former teacher and Curriculum Specialist with the Calgary Board of Education, she brings 36 years of experience in a variety of roles to Halpern Akiva Academy.
Her experience includes teaching all subject areas, early reading intervention at the younger grades, and peer leadership on a variety of grade teams. As a Curriculum Specialist, Ms. Whitlie worked with educators across the system in curriculum design and resource implementation.
Her focus at Halpern Akiva Academy is on supporting children in their learning journeys and assisting classroom teachers with assessment and development of learning opportunities to provide the best possible environment for student success.
Mrs. Lindsay Wakeling
Mrs. Wakeling has been working with children on and off for the past 15+ years. Have my youth care counseling diploma and level 3 child care certification.
“I love being an education assistant because I love seeing children accomplish difficult tasks. I was not fortunate enough to have an EA all the time and did not get the support that is offered now. I want to give back. Help children of our future succeed in whatever they choose to do.”
Ms. Brittany Rogers
Ms. Rogers has over ten years of experience working with adults and children with special needs.
She also works with youth who are transitioning out of the child services system and in to independent living. She holds a Business Administration diploma from SAIT as well as a Bachelors of Arts degree in psychology from Athabasca University.
She is highly passionate about child development and helping others to build the confidence to be their best selves. Her ultimate goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of the people she has the opportunity to work with.
In her spare time Ms. Rogers enjoys reading, hiking and yoga.
Rabbi Yonatan Plotkin
Born and raised in Israel, Rabbi Plotkin learned in yeshivot and kollelim in Jerusalem.
He has worked as a resource teacher in a boys school and is fluent in Hebrew and English.
Mrs. Megan Gaffuri
Mrs. Guffari joined us this year as the General Studies teacher for grades five through nine.
Mrs. Gaffuri has eleven years of full-time teaching experience and is dedicated to helping students feel successful and stay successful. She obtained Teaching Certificate, B.Sc. Education in Math, Chemistry, and Physics from University of Western Ontario and also holds a B.Sc. in chemical engineering from University of Western Ontario.
She has taught math and science since 2002 in London Ontario, Iowa, and California, teaching grade K-12 including: Math: AP Calculus, Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III, Pre-calculus, Pre-algebra, Algebra, Algebra 1,Algebra 2, Geometry, Vector Algebra, Vector Function, Advanced Function, Trigonometry, Differential Equation, and Numerical Analysis, PSAT Math, SAT Math, and ACT Math Science: Chemistry, Honor Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Biology, Physics (General and AP), Physical Science, and Environmental Science, High-school Chemistry (Honors and College-Prep), General Chemistry I & II, Organic Chemistry I & II, Chemistry SAT Subject Test
Ms. Erin Dorchak
Ms. Dorchak graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor’s of Arts and a Bachelor’s of Education from the University of Calgary. Ms. Dorchak enjoys watching students grow and creating environments they can thrive in. Outside of school she enjoys spending time with her two children.
Mr. Binyomin Lewis
Reb Lewis brings a strong background in Judaic studies and a deep passion for Judaism and education. He began his educational journey at Toronto’s Yeshivas Eitz Chaim Schools, continued at the Wisconsin Institute for Torah Study, and spent two transformative years learning at the Beis Medresh of Ateres Yerushalayim in Ramot, Israel. He also completed the Torah Umesorah AishDos Program, further strengthening his skills as an educator. His dedication to Torah learning and working with children makes him a valued addition to our school community.
Ms. Gurpreet Kaur
Gurpreet Kaur is a dedicated and passionate Level 3 Early Childhood Educator (Child Development Supervisor) with over six and a half years of experience supporting young children in their developmental journey. She is committed to creating nurturing, engaging environments where children can grow with confidence, creativity, and curiosity.
Currently serving as a Toddler Educator at Akiva Academy, Gurpreet continues to foster each child’s unique potential through thoughtful, play-based learning experiences. Her teaching philosophy centers on the belief that every child is capable and deserving of individualized attention and care. She takes pride in building strong, meaningful relationships with children and their families, and in creating classroom spaces that promote independence, exploration, and joyful learning.
Before transitioning into early childhood education, Gurpreet earned a Master’s degree in Computer Science in India and worked as a Network Engineer at Wtechy. These experiences strengthened her problem-solving skills and collaborative approach, qualities she now applies daily in both educational settings and professional teamwork with colleagues.
Outside the classroom, Gurpreet enjoys traveling, discovering new cuisines, and embracing new experiences—bringing that same sense of adventure and enthusiasm into her teaching practice.
Morah Rochel Leah Plotkin
Mrs. Plotkin is a trained teacher through Bais Yaakov HaYashan.
She has several years of experience teaching preschool and has received additional certification to teach social skills.
Born and raised in Israel, she is fluent in Hebrew and English.
Mrs. Mariia Borysiuk
Mrs. Borysiuk (Miriam) graduated in 2014 from the Lviv State University of Life Safety with a degree in Practical Psychology.
She has over three years of experience working in a kindergarten in Israel and has also worked as a family psychologist.
She holds a Level 1 Early Childhood Educator certification and is passionate about supporting children’s growth and creating a nurturing, engaging learning environment.
Mr. Simon Apter
A proud Halpern Akiva Academy parent, Mr. Apter has over twenty years of administrative experience with various organizations.
Born in Montreal, Mr. Apter has a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Concordia University.
Since moving to Calgary in the fall of 2010, Mr. Apter has been heavily involved in the community and looks forward to seeing the young minds at Halpern Akiva Academy grow.
Mr. Sami El Sogheir
Keeping our school running for over 25 years! Thank you Sami!