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Our Staff

Rabbi Hershel Spalter

Head of School

Rabbi Hershel 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.”

Mr. Hugh Harmon

Elementary Principal

Mr. Harmon has 25 years of experience in elementary education. He holds a master's degree in Elementary Education, a master's degree in Elementary administration and leadership, and a master's degree in literacy education. He has served as an assistant principal at Brennan Elementary School and Fairfield elementary school, and more recently led Renaissance Collegiate Academy, a Charter school in Northeast. His leadership style revolves around empowering teachers and students. His ideal classroom is "humming and buzzing, scholars working individually and collaboratively".

Morah Pesha Spalter

Preschool Co-Director

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 be at CJDS!”

Ms. Karen Spruill

Preschool Associate Director

Ms. Beth Clelland

Office Manager

Ms. Robin Lourie

A graduate of The University of Georgia’s College of Education with a degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education; Ms. Robin began her teaching career in Richland District Two at Conder Elementary School. While teaching fourth grade, Ms. Robin was distinguished as the Teacher of the Year and attained National Board Certification. In her fourteen year career in Richland two, she also taught at Bethel Hanberry Elementary and Bridge Creek Elementary schools. Joining The Cutler Jewish Day School in 2017 was always a goal, as it allowed Ms. Robin to practice constructivism in her teaching. Ms. Robin is the adoring mother of twin sons, Izzy and Duncan (who are proud alumni of The Cutler Jewish Day School), Patch the dog; and is married to Neal Lourie.

Dr. Valerie Hoyt-Parrish

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.”

Mr. Howie Scher

Ms. Jenna Owens

Ms. Vernetta Fogle

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.”

Ms. Lisa Aiken

Ms. Lisa has lived in Columbia most of my life and graduated from the University of South Carolina. After graduating, she worked in State Government for many years. Ms. Lisa joined the Cutler family in March 2017. "CJDS has become my second career. It’s been a pleasure working with children of all ages and of great enjoyment seeing the growth in the children through out the years. They are very special to me. The teachers and staff at CJDS are wonderful to work with."

Ms. Linda Blakeney

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Ms. Fran Boyd

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Ms. Amy Richards

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Ms. Dakotah Sizemore

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Ms. Barbara Wilson

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. Sharny Barhydt

Ms. Sharny Barhydt has been teaching at CJDS for 15 years in the 2’s, 3’s and 4’s. Before that she taught four year olds in public school. She also has a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Winthrop University.

Ms. Stephanie Boutte

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. Sunni Grindstaff

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.”

Ms. Remi Palevich

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Ms. Shawn Spigner

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Ms. Amy Benson

Ms. Amy originally joined CJDS in 2014 after graduating from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education. She has over 10 years of early childhood experience. "I love working at CJDS because of the nurturing environment that values curiosity, and meaningful learning opportunities. I love creating a space where children feel loved and cared for while we explore the world around them! "

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”.

Ms. Linda Jacobs

Ms Linda is from Charlotte NC and a graduate of the University of South Carolina. She retired from Richland School District One after a 30 year career. Her positions in the school district included being the Registrar in the Guidance Department at Dreher High School and the Administrative Assistant to the principal at Mill Creek Elementary School. This is her tenth year at CJDS and 40th year working in education. She loves being a part of the children's lives at CJDS.

Ms. Monique Brown

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Ms. Shemaine Thronton

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. Shemaine responded, “ I love the caring and compassionate environment at CJDS.”

Ms. Andrea Bezerra

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Ms. Jessica Espinoza

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Ms. Charmaine King

Ms. Charmaine joined CJDS in September of 2022. She has over 15 years of experience working in early child care settings, including working with children with special needs. Ms. Charmaine has an associate's degree in early childhood education and a bachelor’s in behavioral science. What she likes most about CJDS is the student-teacher interactions and the hands-on learning through students' interests. She enjoy working for a school that offers these incredible opportunities.

Ms. Louvenia Sinkler

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Ms. Zonia Funes

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HaMorah Vered Almor

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.

Morah Miriam Robbins

HaMorah Sarit Avni

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.

Morah Mushka Drihem

Morah Mushka joined the CJDS staff in 2021. She has vast experience in teaching Judaism to children. 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 loves being part of the CJDS family.

Rabbi Mendy Drihem

Rabbi Mendy joined the CJDS family in 2021. 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.”

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