Our Staff
about Cutler Jewish Day School
Our programs
Administration
Rabbi Hershel Spalter – CJDS Head of school
Rabbi Hershel: Administrator of Jewish Studies came to CJDS in 2016. He received Rabbinic Ordination from Rabbinical College of Pretoria, South Africa in 2010 as well as an advanced rabbinical ordination by the Av Bet Din of Toronto, Canada. Rabbi Hershel was previously Co-Director of Teen and Young Adult Programming at Chabad of Greater Dayton and before that a Researcher for the Yahadus Curriculum for Jewish Schools. He also has multiple years of experience in informal Jewish education. When asked why he chose CJDS, Rabbi Hershel responded, “I love teaching at CJDS! our school has a philosophy of unconditional love for every student, which is reflected in every room and every interaction.”
Ms. Kristin Devers – Cutler Jewish Day School Principal
Ms. Kristin joined the CJDS family in 2019. She has 17 years of educational experience including serving as a classroom teacher and the past 12 years as an administrator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and Master in the Art of Teaching with a focus in Science from LaGrange College. In addition, she earned her Educational Specialist Degree in Principalship and Leadership from Arkansas State University. Currently, Ms. Kristin is working on her dissertation for the Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership at Arkansas State.
READ MORE ABOUT OUR PRINCIPAL
Ms. Kristin holds a Professional Teaching Certificate from the state of South Carolina indicating she is highly qualified in Middle Level Science, Science, and certified as Secondary Principal with a Gifted and Talented Endorsement. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher in the area of Early Adolescence Science. Ms. Kristin began her educational career teaching sophomore biology in Auburn, Alabama. After moving to South Carolina, she began teaching at Longleaf Middle School in Richland School District Two where she taught 7th grade science, served as a grade level team leader and head of the science department. For the past nine years, Ms. Kristin led the School of Zoological and Botanical Studies (ZooBot) housed at Longleaf Middle School. She was named the Magnet Schools of America Teacher of the Year Representative for Richland School District Two for 2018-2019, Richland County Soil and Water Conservation District State Teacher of the Year in 2017, and Teacher of the Year for Longleaf Middle School for 2015-2016. She has been trained and certified in Learning Centered Schools, Differentiated Instruction, Understanding By Design, Project Wild, and Project Wet. Kristin has also been trained as a project-based learning coach by the Buck Learning Institute. Ms. Krisitn has presented at numerous conferences at both the state and national level including South Carolina Middle School Association, Association for Constructivist Teaching, and Magnet Schools of America. When asked why she chose CJDS, Ms. Kristin replied, “Six years ago I chose CJDS for my daughter because it felt like home. I have never forgotten that feeling. You can feel the love as soon as you step inside the doors of this school. I am thankful to call CJDS my home now. It is truly a special place.”
Ms. Billie green smith – cjds Preschool Director
Ms. Billie began her career at CJDS in 2006, bringing with her over 30 years of experience in the field of education and family services. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois and her Master in the Art of teaching with an endorsement for Teacher Leadership and Coaching at Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois.
READ MORE ABOUT OUR PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR
Ms. Billie also studied at Erikson Institute in Chicago, completing coursework related to early childhood development, program administration and program advocacy. Ms. Billie has directed several large child care programs in Chicago and worked as a training coordinator for the University of Maryland School of Nursing. She initially began substituting at CJDS after retiring from the South Carolina Department of Social Services. When Ms. Billie was asked why she chose CJDS, she responded, “My 19 year old grandson attended CJDS from kindergarten to 3rd grade; during this time I fell in love with the mission and approach to learning that the Day School offers. As a substitute, I was able to see the continuity of learning from birth to fifth grade. As I joined the team as a teacher, I was able to help engage children in learning experiences and support their overall development.”
ms. pesha spalter – CJDS Assistant Preschool Director
Ha’Morah Pesha started at CJDS in 2016. She graduated from Teaching Seminary Chaya Mushka of Tzfat Israel. She completed a teaching internship in Helsinki Finland in 2011. Morah Pesha was a teaching assistant at Cheder Chabad of Thornhill in Ontario, Canada. She also served as a teacher at Preschool of the Arts at Chabad of York Mills in Toronto and DUMBO Preschool in Brooklyn, New York. In addition, Morah Pesha was the Co-director of Teen and Young Adult Programming of Chabad of Greater Dayton and the Director of Camp Leah Rivkah, which specializes in informal Jewish education. When asked why she chose the Cutler Jewish Day School, Morah Pesha replied, “CJDS gives unconditional love to every child that walks through the doors and strives to bring out the full potential of every student. It is a great honor to teach at CJDS!”
“A social-justice-oriented, child-centered school with an emphasis on outdoor play, autonomous creativity, community building, and emotional intelligence. My daughter has been attending this school since she was one year old (currently a kindergartener), and we are constantly amazed by the skills she learns there and with how much the administrators, teachers, and caregivers value and respond to each child.”
Infant – Four-Year–Old Classes
blank
Young Infant Class – Hebrew Name – T’Nokeya: Young Child
Ms. Sunni
Ms. Sunni joined the CJDS staff in August 2020. She has eight years of previous experience in early childhood care. Ms. Sunni was also trained by our beloved Ms. Ud. She has four teenagers of her own and loves spending time with her family and friends. When asked why she chose CJDS, Ms. Sunni responded, “Because of the wonderful things I have heard about the active nurturing and care in the classroom. I wanted to be at a school that promotes loving children and values staff.”
Patrina Nicholson
Older Infants Class – Hebrew Name – Zereh: Seeds
Ms. Krystal joined the CJDS family in 2021. She has over 18 years of experience working with young children. Ms. Krystal has three young children of her own.
Ms. Shawn Spiger
One-Year-Old Class (1) – Hebrew Name – Shoresh: Roots
Ms. Taniesha joined the CJDS staff in 2021. She has fourteen years of previous experience in early childhood care.
Ms. Christy Prochaska
One-Year-Old Class (2) – Hebrew Name – Shoresh: Roots
Ms. Nadia Fields
Ms. Charmaine King
Two-Year-Old Class – Hebrew Name – Giv’all: Stems
Ms. Stephanie Boutte joined the CJDS family in 2020 after previously serving as a 3-year-old teacher at Trenholm Road United Methodist Church. She also has experience working with children with special needs. Ms. Stephanie is currently finishing her bachelor’s degree in Special Education at South Carolina State University. When Ms. Stephanie was asked why she chose the Cutler Jewish Day School, she replied, “I chose to work at CJDS in order to grow with these future leaders in many ways. I look forward to spreading knowledge and teaching respect for others and nature. Everyone should realize that we are all the same as humans yet we all have different purposes. CJDS is a wonderful place that uses a wonderful self-driven curriculum.”
Ms. Tiffany Williams-Felix
CLOSE ACCORDION
blank
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Two/Three-Year-Old Class Hebrew Name – Perech: Blossom
Ms. Barbara joined the CJDS family in 2021. She brings over 33 years of experience working with children to our school. Ms. Barbara has previously worked in ABC Quality and NAEYC accredited schools. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and multiple certificates in this area. Ms. Barbara enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and sharing her love of learning with them. Ms. Barbara believes teaching is a work from the heart.
Ms. Jessica Espinoza
Three-Year-Old Class – Hebrew Name – Alva: Leaves
Ms. Lindsey Feder began her career at CJDS in 2017. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Education from the University of South Carolina. Ms. Lindsey has received training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy and has over 4 years of experience working with a wide range of ages of children with various behavioral needs. She teaches children during the Creative Fit and Fun Camp housed at CJDS during the summer. When asked why she chose the Cutler Jewish Day School, she replied: “I choose to teach here, because I love the students and getting to help them learn as they grow.”
Ms. Amy joined CJDS again in August 2021 this year. She previously taught at CJDS before moving to Tennessee. Ms. Amy graduated from the University of South Carolina where she was one of Rabbi Meir’s former students. She used to teach the three-year-old class with Ms. Vernetta leading them in amazing inquiry projects including a detailed study of the symphony and a protest march to study about civil rights. Ms. Amy is expecting her first child in December.
Four-Year-Old Class Hebrew Name – Tzemach: Plants
Ms. Sharny Barhydt joined the CJDS family in 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Winthrop University. Prior to serving our students at CJDS, Ms. Sharny taught 4k and 3rd grade at Burton Pack Elementary for 10 years. She also spent time as an educator with all age groups of children while working at Main Street Developmental Center. In 2014, Ms. Sharny completed the South Carolina Program for Infant and Toddler Care Training. When asked why she chose CJDS, Ms. Sharny responded, “I started at CJDS because it seemed like such a wonderful atmosphere to work in. I then fell in love with the community and educational philosophy as I enrolled my own children and continued to work here for going on 11years!”
Ms. Linda Blakeney
CLOSE ACCORDION
Kindergarten – 5th Grade Classes
blank
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Kindergarten
Ms. Vernetta Fogle came to CJDS in 2007 and has been in the field of education for more than 30 years. She has served as an educator to special needs children at both the elementary and middle school level in Cumberland County School Systems in Fayetteville, North Carolina. During this time she coached girls track, softball, basketball, volleyball, and refereed youth basketball. Ms. Vernetta also substituted in both Richland One and Two school districts as well as working for Montessori Schools in Columbia. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Sports/Exercise Science from The University of North Carolina. Ms. Vernetta also earned a Master of Arts degree in Sports Administration from The University of North Carolina. When asked why she chose CJDS she responded, “I enjoy working with all children. CJDS is unique and I want to be a continuing part of its excellence. I thrive to contribute to its continued success.”
Mr. Phillip Hedrick came to CJDS in 2022. He attended ZooBot and then came back often to share his love of the outdoors and all living creatures. One of his many talents is the excellence in creativity and craftmanship he demonstrates by upcycling tree branches and logs to make beautiful furniture. Mr. Phillip has a passion for nature, and he is skilled at identifying various amphibians, reptiles, fish and mammals as well as plants. H also enjoys gardening.
First Grade
Gabbie Simpson
Gabby Simpson is originally from New Jersey and graduated USC with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Degree. She completed her internship at CJDS in second grade with Ms. Karen. Gabby plans on working with early elementary students when she graduates. Ms. Gabbie teaches elementary aftercare at CJDS. When asked why CJDS? I had the privilege of student teaching at CJDS as well as working aftercare last school year. I love the values, students, and staff at CJDS as well as the inquiry-based learning here. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to teach here!
CLOSE ACCORDION
blank
Second Grade
Ms. Karen Counts came to CJDS in 2017 after teaching kindergarten through fourth grade in both Florida and South Carolina public schools. She also spent three years as a lead teacher at The Children’s Center at the University of South Carolina. Ms. Karen earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education from Columbia College with additional Gifted and Talented credit from Coastal Carolina University. She holds a Professional Teaching Certificate from the State of South Carolina in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education with a Gifted and Talented Endorsement. When Ms. Karen was asked why she chose CJDS, she responded, “I came to teach at CJDS because of the reputation it holds in inquiry-based education. I love the family atmosphere, students, staff, and administration’s outlook toward student collaboration promoting learning. Students and teachers are highly valued at CJDS.”
Third Grade
Ms. Ashley Auspelmeyer
Ms. Ashley came to CJDS in 2022. She has been teaching for 14 years. She has Master’s degrees in Teaching and Educational Leadership from USC. She believes in an experiential, inquiry based approach to education and in the merit of relationships and fellowship.
Fourth Grade
Ms. Valerie Parrish-Hoyt began teaching at CJDS in 2007. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina. She was awarded her master’s degree in education from Columbia College. Her thesis explored student-led conferences within a kindergarten classroom. Ms. Val has earned her doctoral degree in education from the University of South Carolina. Her dissertation was focused on the implementation of a Forest School Approach in a third grade classroom. She has presented at many state, regional and national conferences sharing her expertise in Project Based Learning and the implementation of Forest School principles within classroom curriculum. When asked why she chose CJDS, Ms. Val responded, “At CJDS I am given the opportunity to teach without limits or restrictions.”
Fifth Grade
Ms. Robin Lourie came to CJDS in 2016 after being a public school teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Georgia. Ms. Robin earned her teacher certification in both Georgia and South Carolina. She is also recognized as a National Board Certified Teacher. Ms. Robin taught ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) for one year at Conder Elementary School in Richland School District Two. After that, she moved into teaching fourth grade. She has also taught at Bethel-Hanberry and Bridge Creek Elementary Schools. When asked why she chooses to teach at CJDS, Ms. Robin says, “My teacher education program focused on the Constructivist theory of teaching. It was a delight to find a school that practices this belief in children building their own knowledge. When I walked in the doors I felt the magic and love and couldn’t wait for the opportunity to be a part of this learning community.”
CLOSE ACCORDION
“Student centered learning through inquiry and projects, focus on nurturing and embracing individual needs of each child, teaching them to be kind and helpful. a wonderful place to learn and grow.”
Hebrew & Torah Teachers
Hebrew
Hamorah Vered has served the students at CJDS since 2004. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Computer Science from Bar Ilan University as well as completing all Masters’s degree requirements for Contemporary Judaism. Morah Vered has been to multiple Tal am training institutes for grades 1-5 as well as iTalam grade 2 curriculum. She completed the “People, Place & Self” Teacher Training Institute through the David Project. In association with Emory University, Morah Vered attended Modern Israel’s History, Politics, and Culture Seminar through the Center for Israel Education. She has also completed the Legacy Heritage Teacher Institute through LHF and the Hebrew University. When asked why she chose CJDS, Morah Vered responded, “Because it is a Jewish school whose mission and needs align with my core beliefs and abilities. For me teaching Hebrew is a way to bridge between my student’s contemporary world and the Jewish history and it’s a wealth of wisdom and lessons it can teach us today.”
Hamorah Sarit came to CJDS in 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in both Accounting 1 & 2 from the Technical College Amal. Morah Sarit has been trained and earned numerous certifications such as Early Literacy for Children Age Birth to Three, ASQ for the Developing Child, Facility Rules & Regulations, Health, Safety, & Nutrition, Abuse & Neglect Recognition, Child Growth & Development, Behavioral Observations & Screening, and Special Needs Appropriate Practices. She served students at a preschool in Florida before moving to South Carolina. When Morah Sarit was asked why she chose the Cutler Jewish Day School, she responded, “I chose to work at CJDS not only because I can share my first language but also to encourage kids that they can always learn new things in a safe, fun, and positive way.”
Preschool Torah
Morah Mushka joined the CJDS staff in 2021. She has vast experience in teaching Judaism to children. She spent one year of teaching seminary in Italy and another year teaching seminary in Ukraine. Morah Mushka student taught in ohr Avner day school and volunteered in an orphanage while in Ukraine. She has served as a preschool assistant in several schools. Morah Mushka also has been a counselor and staff member in various Jewish day camps and overnight camps during the past ten years. She also led a birthright trip to Israel in 2014. Morah Mushka and her family moved to Columbia from California where she spent 5 years teaching elementary ages in the Hebrew Academy of Orange County. Morah Mushka shared that she looked forward to teaching at CJDS this year.
x
Jewish Studies
Rabbi Mendy joined the CJDS family this year. He grew up in Montreal, Canada, and has five years of experience teaching Jewish Studies. Prior to coming to CJDS, Rabbi Mendy taught at the Hebrew Academy of Huntington Beach in California. He holds a Rabbinical degree from the Rabbinical College in Brooklyn, NY and completed training programs in both California and New York. When asked why he chose CJDS, Rabbi Mendy replied, “At CJDS we don’t just say we are a family, we truly treat each other as a family.”
Extra Curriculars
Creative Arts - Ms. Evelyn
Ms. Evelyn Gaton began her career at CJDS in 2015. She went to college for culinary arts and medical coding. Ms. Evelyn has completed Pro Solutions Training and Be Well Care Well Training. She has also been a Sunday School educator at the Tree of Life synagogue for preschool-age children. In addition, Ms. Evelyn worked Camp Gesher for preschool-age children for multiple years. She assists in all classrooms and takes care of all the supplies and our teachers. When asked why she chose the Cutler Jewish Day School, she replied, “I chose to teach at CJDS due to the quality of education, the size of the school, and being able to get to know the students on a one by one basis.”
The Caring Team
blank
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Ms. Shemaine Thorton
Ms. Shemaine Thornton came to CJDS in 2019. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Columbia College with additional graduate work in History from the University of South Carolina. She holds a Professional teaching certificate from the state of South Carolina in Elementary Education. Ms. Shermaine spent the majority of her career in education teaching Science and Social Studies. She has been trained in Nature-Based Inquiry (NBI) and participated in a 3 years grant, Teaching American History. Additionally, In addition, Ms. Shermaine taught Elements of Art this past summer. When asked why she chose the Cutler Jewish Day School, Ms. Shermain responded, “ I love the caring and compassionate environment at CJDS.”
Ms. Lisa Aiken
Ms. Lisa Aiken joined the CJDS family in March 2019. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of South Carolina. She has a wealth of experience as she has been caring for children for many years. Ms. Lisa serves as a teacher assistant in several of the preschool classrooms during the day. She also teaches during our aftercare program Ms. Lisa is also a teacher at the Creative Fit and Fun Camp housed at the Cutler Jewish Day School during the summer. When Ms. Lisa was asked why she chose the Cutler Jewish Day School, she answered, “I get to interact with many different children during the day and the leadership at CJDS is exceptional.”
Ms. Sinkler
Ms. Sinkler joined the CJDS family in 2002, as an aftercare teacher and Child Adult Care Food Program monitor. She has received training and certification from the Program for Infant and Toddler Care (PITC). Ms. Sinkler has also participated in the “Be Well, Care Well,” training available through South Carolina Program for Infant and Toddler Care. In addition, she is trained in both Infant and Adult CPR and first aid. When asked why she chose CJDS, Ms. Sinkler replied, “I love the children at this school.”
Ms. Linda
Ms. Linda has been at CJDS since 2014 after 30 years of working in Richland One and subsequently retiring from Richland One. During her time in Richland One, she worked as an Administrative Assistant at Horrell Hill and Mill Creek Elementary as well as Dreher High School. Ms. Linda holds an associate degree from the University of South Carolina in business. When asked why she chose the Cutler Jewish Day School, Ms. Linda replied, “My granddaughter attended CJDS from age 2 through 5th grade. As I would pick her up each afternoon, I saw the greatness of CJDS in so many ways. I let it be known that I would love to be a part of CJDS when I retire.”
CLOSE ACCORDION
blank
Ms. Jill Allawos
Ms. Jill Allawos came to CJDS in 2018 after teaching in Lexington One and Richland One public schools (grades 4-7 and Adult Education) for 36 years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina and her Masters of Education from Southern Wesleyan as well as becoming certified in Elementary Education with a Gifted and Talented Education endorsement from the state of South Carolina. Ms. Jill has been trained in Coached Project and Assessment at the Paidea National Training Center. She has also received training from the Writing Improvement Network. Most recently, she attended R.I.S.E. training through Dyslexia Resource Center to assist struggling readers. When asked why she chose the Cutler Jewish Day School, she answered, “Cutler offered me the opportunity to teach in the way I know children learn best. Student-driven curriculum is my passion, and I find I learn every day from these children.”
Ms. Lynn Cassidy
Ms. Lynn Cassidy is happy to be part of the team at CJDS. She joined the staff at CJDS in January of 2016 as a substitute and in 2019 became an assistant teacher.
Prior to moving to Columbia in 2015 from Maryland, Ms. Lynn was the office manager for a successful dental practice for 18 years. She iis a native Pittsburgher and you will see her in her Steeler, Penguin and Pirate t-shirts throughout the school year. She shares her love of cross stitching with her students.
She has a kind and nurturing soul and adores working with all ages of children but the ones hold a special place in her heart. When asked why she chose to work at CJDS, Ms. Lynn replied, ”The teachers at CJDS are my role models and every day is a learning experience”.
After Care Staff
Suzanne Perez
Ms. Suzanne joined the CJDS family as a substitute in Marcy 2020. Ms. Suzanne is from Montana originally but grew up in an Air Force family and moved around a lot. She has been working in child care and education for thirty-two years. Ms. Suzanne has served as a teacher aide in special needs classrooms, volunteered for reading programs focused on second graders, and was employed as a teacher’s aide at Killian Elementary school. She attended the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. When asked why she chose CJDS, Ms. Suzanne replied, “I knew Ms. Kristin previously from her serving as my child’s lead teacher in ZooBot. I was excited to see what all she would do at CJDS and was happy to be asked to come to substitute and work in aftercare.”
CLOSE ACCORDION
