Dr. Jenna Pappas
Dr. Pappas holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, as well as a Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation and a Master’s degree in Bilingual Education from Arizona State University. She brings a wealth of international experience from working overseas. She is most proud of her time at the ISF Academy Hong Kong, a bilingual International Baccalaureate school, where she served as Deputy and Assistant Principal. In these roles, she led the elementary school with a specific focus on curriculum development, teacher mentorship, and experiential learning.
Now back in Calgary, Dr. Pappas is excited to bring her expertise to our school community. Her passion for fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Halpern Akiva Family. She looks forward to partnering with staff, students, families, and the community.
drpappas@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
Morah Marina Kaufman
Morah Tali Kirzhner
Mr. Binyomin Lewis
Rabbi Yonatan Plotkin
Morah Rochel Leah Plotkin
Ms. Megan Baxter
Ms. Erin Dorchak
Mrs. Megan Gaffuri
Ms. Felicity Hik
Mrs. Kimberley Kaul
Ms. Barbara Wonko
Ms. Lindsay Thomas
Mrs. Miriam Borysiuk
Ms. Viola Clarke
Morah Mickaela Corenblum
Mrs. Jeanette Ferrer Cacatian
Ms. Gurpreet Kaur
Morah Corinne Trott
Mr. Simon Apter
Mr. Sami El Sogheir
Mr. Jon Melashenko
