School Leadership

A thoughtful and inspirational leader and educator, Rabbi Jonathan Knapp has been the Principal and Head of School at Yavneh Academy since 2006. His visionary approach to Jewish education and his warm and welcoming manner enrich the Yavneh family. Rabbi Knapp previously served as assistant principal of Judaic studies at Yavneh, supervising all aspects of the Judaic studies program, working with the teachers on enhancing the curriculum and monitoring student growth. Before joining the Yavneh community, Rabbi Knapp served as the director of student activities and as director of student life at the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy in Livingston, NJ. Rabbi Knapp graduated from Yeshiva University with a bachelor’s degree in economics, and he holds a master’s degree from Yeshiva University’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. He has presented on contemporary topics in Jewish education and moderated at many conferences organized by PEJE, the Orthodox Union and Yeshiva University, among others.

 

 

Rabbi Penn is responsible for supervising the Judaic studies department in grades 1-5. He oversees curriculum, develops and implements programs focusing on middot, chesed and chagim and leads the ever-popular lower grade “Erev Shabbat assemblies.” Rabbi Penn is always full of ruach, and he energizes students and teachers alike. Rabbi Penn spent his early career teaching talmud, mishnah and chumash in the Yavneh Academy middle school, and returned to Yavneh as assistant principal after serving as assistant headmaster at the Ramaz Lower School in Manhattan. Rabbi Penn also taught at the Yeshiva University High School for Girls. Rabbi Penn holds a master’s degree in Jewish education from the David J. Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Yeshiva University.

 

 

Morah Lori Ash has been in Early Childhood Education for over 25 years. Lori believes that Early Childhood educators are extremely fortunate to be on the ground floor of a child’s emotional and academic future. The most powerful tool we can give our youngest learners is the power of play! Play in conjunction with developmentally appropriate academic goals helps to set children up to be critical thinkers, risk takers, scientists, mathematicians, orators, writers and good citizens of the world.  As the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks wrote “Education means teaching a child to be curious, to wonder, to reflect, to enquire. The child who asks becomes a partner in the learning process, an active recipient. To ask is to grow.”  Lori believes in collaboration - among teachers and children and her greatest joy is spending time in the classroom with the children.  Lori began her career as an Early Childhood classroom teacher and then spent 13 years as the Early Childhood Director of the Ramaz School in Manhattan. Lori taught a Methodology of Early Childhood Education at Touro College. She holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College.

 

Mr. David oversees our technology department. He works with students and teachers to integrate technology into the curriculum and has implemented a digital literacy and citizenship program that focuses on safety and proficiency. Mr. David has developed our STEM Lab MakerSpace where students can explore their passions and become creative thinkers and builders. Before becoming Director of Technology and Innovation, Mr. David was the Director of Special Services in the Yavneh Middle School and has years of experience as a classroom teacher and learning specialist. Mr. David holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education and special education from Touro University. Mr David completed Prizma’s Leadership program and holds many educational technology certifications. 

 

Judy Friedman, Assistant to the Principals, Ext. 325

Ms. Judy lives and breathes Yavneh and has been a valued, warm, and receptive member of the Yavneh administrative team for many years. In her current position, Judy provides assistance and support to the head of school and assistant principals. She is also responsible for organizing and supervising field trips, arranging special assemblies, and overseeing bussing. Prior to taking on this role, Judy worked in Yavneh’s early childhood department for 14 years.

 

Dr. Aliza Frohlich, Director of Guidance, Middle School, Ext. 322

Dr. Frohlich is an invaluable resource for our middle school students, parents and teachers. During adolescence, children are changing at a rapid pace, and Dr. Frohlich has developed a guidance program targeted to the specialized needs of the “tween” years. With her “open door” approach, she helps students learn to self-advocate, brainstorm solutions to their problems, and enhance their communication skills. Dr. Frohlich particularly enjoys her role in developing and supervising Yavneh’s unique advisory program—a proactive and interactive weekly social/emotional class which provides our students with life skills geared toward ensuring healthy, resilient adulthood. Dr. Frohlich has a doctorate in school and child clinical psychology from Yeshiva University's Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, a master’s degree and specialist’s certificate in school psychology from Queens College, a master’s degree in Jewish education from Yeshiva University's Azrieli Graduate Institute and a Judaic teaching certification from Michlala Jerusalem College for Women. 

 

Roni Isaacson, Director of Guidance, Lower School, Ext. 331

Roni Isaacson is devoted to enriching and enhancing the childhood experience for our students. Her expertise in child mental health positions her to oversee and nurture their social and emotional needs by fostering a warm, supportive and non-judgmental environment. Roni addresses the concerns of our students and families with a focus on individual strengths, self-awareness and problem-solving skills. Roni guides our students toward maximizing their potential both in and out of school. In her role, Roni works closely with the lower school team and students through ongoing consultation with our teachers, classroom observations, skill-building programs, in-class interventions and individual student support. Roni earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Stern College and holds a master’s degree from New York University's Silver School of Social Work. As an alumna of Yavneh herself, Roni is thrilled to be part of the Yavneh family again.

 

As Middle School Associate Principal, Mrs. Kranczer is dedicated to ensuring an exceptional educational experience for all students. In her role as Middle School Associate Principal, she works closely with students, faculty, and families to ensure a supportive, vibrant, and high-achieving school environment. She brings twenty years of classroom experience across elementary, middle, and high school levels to her leadership role, having spent over a decade teaching and leading at Yavneh. Prior to her appointment as Middle School Associate Principal, she served Yavneh as the Director of Middle School Support Services and as the 8th Grade Dean, where she championed student success and spearheaded crucial grade-level initiatives. She holds a bachelor's degree in education from Stern College and a master’s degree in special education from Queens College. A lifelong learner, Mrs. Kranczer also completed Prizmah's YOU Lead leadership program, further enhancing her ability to inspire teachers and support student success.

 

Chana Shefa, Lower School Assistant Principal, General Studies, Ext. 334 

Ms. Chana Shefa joins Yavneh Academy after 17 years at SAR in Riverdale, where she has earned a reputation as a highly respected educator, specializing in curriculum design, differentiated instruction, and fostering collaborative professional environments. She cares deeply for each of her students and is known for her clear and thoughtful communication with both parents and colleagues. In addition to her classroom and school experience, Ms. Shefa brings a strong administrative background from her work in camp settings. For the past four summers, she has served as an administrator at Moshava Ba’ir in Paramus, where she led staff development, cultivated a collaborative team culture, and supervised a wide range of personnel. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the Sephardic Adventure Camp in Seattle, WA. Ms. Shefa is a board member and part of the leadership team of The Orthodox Leadership Project (OLP), an organization dedicated to empowering Orthodox Jewish women’s leadership and strengthening both Orthodox communities and the broader Jewish community. Ms. Shefa’s thoughtfulness, insight, and deep commitment to supporting the whole child align closely with Yavneh’s core mission, and will help to further strengthen Yavneh's vibrant, collaborative Lower School environment.

 

Morah Russi Shor brings experience and passion to her role as Judaic Studies Assistant Principal for grades 1-4. Over the past 12 years, Russi has fostered the development of middot and a strong connection with Hashem in her students. She believes this growth flourishes through a vibrant combination of Torah study, intentional davening, and positive social interactions. Russi holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Stern College and a master's degree in Jewish education from Azrieli Graduate School, where she is currently a doctoral candidate. Additionally, she has completed Prizmah's You Lead program. Her commitment to lifelong learning fuels her innovative approach to Judaic Studies. For the past 9 years, Russi has dedicated herself to developing engaging programming that ensures fun and impactful experiences for our students. She will continue to develop these programs alongside the ongoing development of the Judaic Studies curriculum for the lower school. Russi's collaborative spirit ensures that she works closely with teachers to create a successful and joyful learning environment where each child thrives.