Rabbi Dr. Eliezer Sneiderman, Head of School
Rabbi Dr. Eliezer Sneiderman is the former Director of Jewish Community Relations and Head of Israel Initiatives at the Greensboro Jewish Federation. He was also the Dean of Jewish Studies at the American Hebrew Academy. In addition to rabbinic, residential, and administrative duties at AHA, he taught Jewish History, Intro to Rabbinics, Jewish Literature, Jewish Thought and Philosophy, Personal Growth through Torah, and Drawing. For many years Rabbi Sneiderman and his wife provided rabbinic leadership for the University of Delaware. While at Delaware Rabbi Sneiderman served as an Adjunct Professor of Philosophy, teaching courses in Jewish Philosophy, Theology, and Mysticism. He has written curricula and taught for Gratz Hebrew High School and the Adult Education program of the Delaware Valley JCC. Rabbi Sneiderman holds a BA in History from the University of Pennsylvania, an MSW from Yeshiva University, a Doctorate in Jewish Education from Gratz College, and two certificates in Experiential Jewish Education, one from Brandeis University and the other from Yeshiva University. Rabbi Sneiderman has recruited and led 30 Taglit Birthright Israel trips. Rabbi Sneiderman’s Doctoral Research focused on the History of Jewish Education in America and developing models of Jewish Identity for the 21st century.
Rabbi Pinchas Allouche, FOunding dean and spiritual leader
Rabbi Pinchas Allouche is the founding Rabbi of Congregation Beth Tefillah and the founding Dean and Spiritual Leader of Arizona Jewish Academy, where he resides with his wife, Esther, and ten children. He is a respected rabbinic figure, a renowned lecturer, and a prominent author of many essays on the Jewish faith, mysticism, and social-criticism. Besides his academic pedigree, Rabbi Allouche is richly-cultural, having lived in France, where he was born, South Africa and Israel. He is also fluent in English, Hebrew, French and Italian. Rabbi Allouche is a member of AIPAC's National Council, and a member of the Vaad Harabanim, the Orthodox Rabbinic Council of Arizona. Rabbi Allouche's wise, profound, and sensitive perspective on the world and its people, on life and living, is highly regarded and sought-after by communities and individuals of all backgrounds. Rabbi Allouche is also tremendously involved in the Jewish community of Greater Phoenix, and he teaches middle-school Judaics at Pardes Jewish Day School. Rabbi Allouche is a blogger for many online publications, including the Huffington Post and The Times of Israel. Rabbi Allouche was listed in the Jewish Daily Forward as one of America's 36 Most Inspiring Rabbis, who are "shaping 21st Century Judaism."
Vernon Nicholas, Social sciences, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICs AND STRATEGIC ACADEMIC INITIATIVES
Vern Nicholas grew up in Montana and Oregon teaching, coaching, and traveling the world! Vern completed his Master’s Degree in Science of Education and a Masters in International Education Leadership teaching with over 15+ years in education while living in over 6 countries. He has traveled with his 13-year-old daughter to over 35 countries. As an educator, he brings passion and experience to the classroom connecting real world challenges and solutions to curriculum helping students develop their future pathways towards success in areas like engineering, business operations, digital marketing and the promotion of the health sciences and working towards his third published book.
Mr. Nicholas has a Masters in Educational Leadership. Hehas coached and directed MS/HS students in multiple sports programs including soccer, volleyball, basketball, football, track and field, and was a former collegiate athlete in football earning All-Conference Academic Honors. His lifetime focus is developing young teens in personal and professional growth in academics and athletics!
NICOLE SMEDLEY, ENGLISH AND LANGUAGE ARTS
A native of the Chicago suburbs, Nicole Smedley has called Arizona home since 1998. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Education and a minor in Judaic Studies from Arizona State University, she began her teaching career. Though initially starting as an elementary teacher, Mrs. Smedley quickly realized her true passion lay in secondary education. Over the past two decades, she’s become a dedicated high school educator, helping students grow into independent readers, writers, and thinkers. Mrs. Smedley earned her Masters of Education from Northern Arizona University in 2008 and became a certified Literacy Specialist, which has allowed her to support both struggling and gifted readers in reaching their full potential.
In addition to her work in public and charter schools, Mrs. Smedley has taught and worked in the administration of several synagogues and Hebrew programs, serving as a Hebrew and Judaics instructor. When she’s not teaching, Mrs. Smedley is a proud mom to five wonderful sons who range from 10 to 19! She enjoys reading, watching Suns basketball and traveling with her husband.
Dr. Jordy Cevallos-CHavez, MAthematics and Science
Dr. Cevallos-Chavez is a passionate mathematics educator and researcher, who brings real-world applications and interdisciplinary connections into every classroom. Dr. Cevallos-Chavez holds a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics for Life and Social Sciences from Arizona State University, where his research spans infectious disease modeling, public health strategies, and computational simulations. He further holds a Subject Matter Expert Certificate by the State of Arizona in Mathematics at the Grade 6-12 level. Dr. Cevallos-Chavez has taught a wide range of mathematics courses from College Algebra and Precalculus to applied modeling at both the university and community college levels.
"I want my students to see mathematics come alive. For example, by exploring exponential growth by modeling viral spread or by applying trigonometric functions to real-world problems in physics and engineering. My goal is to make mathematics relevant, engaging, and empowering. I believe every student can develop mathematical confidence, and it’s my job to guide them there."
Carmit Ferency, Hebrew Language
Education has always been a central part of Ms. Ferency's life, from her teenage years as a youth group leader, through her service in the army as a commander, and later as a kindergarten teacher and educator in schools. Originally from Israel, Ms. Ferency holds a Bachelor’s degree in General and Special Education and a Master's degree in Remedial Teaching for students struggling with Hebrew. She has additional training in parent coaching.
Ms. Ferency has served as a Special Education Coordinator and has experience in staff leadership, teacher mentorship, and in-class modeling and guidance. Her experience is notable for demonstrated responsibility, the development of strong personal connections with students, and the ability to provide extensive student support to families and struggling students.
RABBI SHNEUR FEIGIN, JUDAIC STUDIES
Rabbi Shneor Feigin was born and raised in Israel, where he began his studies in Yeshiva before continuing his education in New York. He earned his rabbinical license (Smicha) in both New York and Israel, solidifying his deep knowledge and commitment to Jewish scholarship. He has dedicated his life to teaching, mentoring, and community building, developing a strong foundation in leadership, adaptability, and personal growth. Currently serving as a Rabbi at the Chabad Israeli Center in Phoenix, Arizona, he focuses on fostering personal connections, teaching Jewish studies, and supporting individuals and families in their spiritual and personal journeys. With experience managing teams, overseeing kashrut supervision, and working with special needs children. Rabbi Feigin brings a well-rounded and compassionate approach to his work. Fluent in multiple languages and committed to continuous learning, he strives to make a lasting impact on the community he serves.
Rabbi TZVI RImler, Judaic Studies
Rabbi Tzvi is originally from Melbourne, Australia. He mastered Talmudic training at schools in London, Los Angeles and New York and obtained his Smicha (Rabbinic Ordination) at Rabbinical College of America. He previously served as Assistant Rabbi of Chabad of the East Valley, where he further directed their camp, the Hebrew school and CTeen programming. Rabbi Tzvi is the previous Judaics and Hebrew Director at Desert Jewish Academy and currently directs CTeen of Phoenix. As a teacher, he is known for being attentive to each individual while teaching jewish concepts and values in a fun, interactive way. "I believe that in order to engage and inspire the next generation of youth, Judaism must be taught in a positive and exciting light. I enjoy using relevant contemporary concepts as a way of explaining timeless Jewish traditions." Rabbi T, as the teens call him, loves to rap, play piano and will never say no to a game of soccer.
Dana Ponsky, college Advisor
Dana’s unique background in college and graduate school admissions counseling, career counseling, and student development services at both the high school and collegiate level span nearly 20 years. She has served as Director and Assistant Director for College Counseling at multiple schools, including The Idea School in Tenafly, NJ, Magen David Yeshivah High School in Brooklyn, Berman Hebrew Academy in Rockville, MD, and Scheck Hillel Community School in North Miami Beach. Dana has tremendous experience in all aspects of college guidance, including test prep, college list development, extracurricular and summer program planning, financial aid options, essay and application development, interview prep and gap year planning. She also has expertise in understanding campus Jewish life and the factors that are vital to a Jewish students' college experience and quality of life.
