Faculty and Staff
If more information is available for a specific staff member, his or her name will be accessible below as a link. Click on the name for the additional information.

Rabbi Hillel AdlerRabbi Adler received a BA from the University of Maryland of Baltimore County and Smicha (Rabbinical Ordination) and a Masters in Talmudic Law from Ner Israel Rabbinical College in Baltimore. He passed the CPA exam in 1993. Rabbi Adler and his wife Tamar moved to Connecticut in 2006 from Allentown, Pennsylvania. While living in Allentown, Rabbi Adler and Tamar both taught in the Jewish Day School of Allentown. At HHNE, Rabbi Adler teaches Judaic classes in the morning and serves as the Business Manager in the afternoon. Business Manager Torah Sheba'al Peh - Level 2B Beit Medrash Contact Rabbi Adler	Gil AndersonGil Anderson received his A.B. in English from Colgate University and his M.A. from Boston University in International Relations. Prior to coming to HHNE, Mr. Anderson taught at Loomis Chaffee, Tabor Academy, Pomfret School, the Anglo-American School of Moscow, and The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, New York. Additionally, he taught at Faribault High School in Minnesota where he chaired the English Department, Staff Development, and the Inter-disciplinary Education Committee. Mr. Anderson also is passionate about vernacular architecture, natural history, and acoustic guitar and once appeared on an episode of This Old House. History AP European History Contact Mr. Anderson	Ilana Bernstein Director of Development Contact Ilana	Sarah BouckomsMs. Bouckoms joins HHNE this year with a passion for science. She has a master degree in astroparticle physics and a graduate certificate in Antarctic studies, both from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. She also completed her undergraduate degree in physics at the slightly more local campus of Uconn in Storrs. She enjoys running, horseback riding and drinking tea. Sarah also has a well-traveled passport and loves to share her adventures stories. Physical Science Physical Science - Honors Physics Physics - Honors Contact Ms. Bouckoms
Dr. Nicole BrackmanDr. Nicole Brackman holds a BA in International Relations from Tufts University and an MA and PhD in Political Science from Washington University. Prior to joining the faculty of HHNE, Dr. Brackman has taught on middle school, high school, and university levels: at Island Village Montessori School in Venice, Florida; at Stella K. Abraham High School in Hewlett, New York; and at Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts. She has also served as a research analyst and as Director of Curriculum Development for CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy of Middle East Reporting in America) and was a Soref Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy in Washington, DC. Dr. Brackman is passionate about politics, history, Israel, environmental issues, global health, fitness, and of course, her family. She resides in Longmeadow, Massachusetts with her husband and three children. AP U.S. History U.S. Government - Academic/Honors U.S. History Chumash/Bible (Bamidbar) - Levels 4G & 2B Medieval Jewish History 9 & 11 Contact Dr. Brackman	Dr. Brian ClarkDr. Brian Clark holds a BA in English from Amherst College, an MTS from Harvard Divinity School, and a PhD in Religion from Boston University. Dr. Clark led a writing lab at Boston University. He has also taught for Hartford Seminary and has done ethnographic research for Claremont Graduate School. He remains an active scholar of the History of Christianity, and his first peer-reviewed article is awaiting publication. From the time he was in high school, Dr. Clark has served as a tutor and personal instructor for students of many ages – from preschool to grad school. He is a former homemaker and homeschooling parent who still cooks and bakes for his family. He lives with his lovely wife, two bouncy kids, and one paranoid cat. When he isn’t reading or exercising, he can often be heard singing or writing a song. World Literature - Academic/Honors Contact Dr. Clark	Ann Marie DombroskasAnn Marie Dombroskas, RN, received her bachelor of science in nursing from Saint Joseph College. Mrs. Dombroskas is in her nineteenth year as a non-public school nurse for the Town of West Hartford, her second year here at HHNE. Her goal at HHNE is to keep all the students, faculty and staff healthy. Mrs. Dombroskas lives in West Hartford with her husband Ed. They are the parents of three adult children. Nurse Contact Nurse Dombraskas	Rabbi Josh DredzeJosh is a native of Chicago before he moved to New York to study at Yeshiva University (YU). At YU, Josh received his Bachelors in Psychology before completing their rabbinic program (RIETS) and receiving his Masters in Social Work. Josh is currently pursuing his doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Hartford while teaching at HHNE. Psychology Contact Rabbi Dredze
Meira Eisenberg Hebrew Department Chair Modern Hebrew I - Honors Modern Hebrew IV - Honors Contact Mrs. Eisenberg	Carol EngelsonCarol Engelson received a B.A. in Zoology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and the M.A.L.S. degree in Science from Wesleyan University. Her graduate studies have included studying the prehistory of Southern France and two Howard Hughes Medical Institute summer programs at Amherst College. For 31 years, Mrs. Engelson taught chemistry, biology, general science, introductory physics, and earth science at West Springfield High School, following which she taught biology at BCM of Longmeadow for one year. This is her second year teaching at HHNE. Mrs. Engelson and her husband Richard have two children, both of whom attended HHNE: Rabbi Abraham Engelson and illustrator Elke Reva Sudin. Mrs. Engelson is a former HHNE board member, former president and active board member of Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy of Longmeadow, and she is an active member of a number of committees of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts. Chemistry Chemistry - Honors Contact Mrs. Engelson	Paul Goines Custodian Contact Mr. Goines	Rabbi Uri Grosberg Chumash (Bamidbar) - Levels 3B/3G Introduction to Jewish Thought and Law Jewish Thought and Law 10 Contact Rabbi Grosberg
Rabbi Gedalyah Jeremias Torah Sheba'al Peh - Level 2G Contact Rabbi Jeremias	Rachaeli Lobl School Counseling Intern Contact Rachaeli	Rabbi Daniel LoewRabbi Daniel Loew received a BA in Biology from Yeshiva University, an MS in Jewish Education from the Azrieli Institute for Jewish Education, and ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. Rabbi Loew and his wife, Chanie, moved from Columbus, Ohio in 2004, where he served both as a teacher at Columbus Torah Academy and as an NCSY Chapter Director. Rabbi Loew and Chanie currently reside in West Hartford with their five children. Head of School Jewish Thought and Law 12 Chumash (Bamidbar) - Level 4B Contact Rabbi Loew	Donna LorenzoThis is Donna Lorenzo's fourteenth year at HHNE. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Fairfield University and a Master of Science in Secondary Education from Central Connecticut State University. She also teaches math at Heritage Academy in Longmeadow, MA. Donna previously taught at Avon Middle School in Avon, CT and Sage Park Junior High in Windsor, CT. She resides in Bloomfield with her three sons. 9th Grade Advisor Pre-Algebra Geometry - Honors Algebra II Algebra II - Honors Contact Ms. Lorenzo
Mary MaggiMary Maggi is a West Hartford native who has recently returned to the area and is excited to join the staff of HHNE as our school secretary. She holds a BA in History and Education from Manhattanville College and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Fordham University. Prior to coming to HHNE, Ms. Maggi has worked with youth in school and casework settings and also brings with her managerial experience as well. In her spare time, Ms. Maggi enjoys reading, travelling, and spending time in the outdoors. Secretary Contact Ms. Maggi	Dr. Richard NabelDr. Richard Nabel joins the HHNE team this year bringing with him years of school administration exerience. He was the principal of four public high schools, most recently in Brookfield, Connecticut, where he served for seven years. He has both a law degree and a doctorate in education and has served as an adjunct professor of education as well. In 1991, he was the winner of the very prestigious Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award and has published and presented on numerous topics in the field. Dr. Nabel lives in West Hartford with his wife, Doris, and enjoys playing tennis and softball. Head of General Studies Contact Dr. Nabel	Daniel Page Librarian Literary Genres - Honors Literary Appreciation American Literature - Academic/Honors AP World Literature Contact Mr. Page	Heather Page Director of College Guidance; Instructor, Dept. of English Literary Genres Literary Appreciation - Honors AP Language and Composition Contact Mrs. Page
Michael PowersMichael Powers holds an MBA from the Stern School at New York University and BA from Pennsylvania State University. He has pursued a career at the confluence of business, languages and technology, including cross border mergers and aqcuisitions, the privatization of former state owned industries in Eastern Europe, the globalization of the internet, and currently the technologies and business practices underlying the translation industry. Business and Economics Contact Mr. Powers	Richard RenockRichard Renock is excited to be returning to the faculty of HHNE for a fifth year. Prior to assuming his current position as the director of our learning center, Mr. Renock taught in Bloomfield, Connecticut; in Pine Hill, New Mexico; and in Deep River, Connecticut. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Special Education, both from University of Connecticut. Mr. Renock also is the recipient of the 2011 Unsung Hero Outstanding Professional Leadership Award from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. He currently resides in Rocky Hill. Learning Center Director Contact Mr. Renock	Irit RocklandMrs. Rockland was born in Israel and holds an undergraduate degree from Beer Sheva Technological School, associated with Ben Gurion University. She has served as a teacher and assistant teacher for many years and various grades. A native Hebrew speaker, Mrs. Rockland teaches Hebrew language at HHNE. Modern Hebrew I Modern Hebrew II Modern Hebrew IV Contact Mrs. Rockland	Rabbi Chagie RubinRabbi Chagie Rubin received his semicha from the Yeshiva Gedolah of Montreal, Canada, where he studied from 1973 to 1979. Thereafter, Rabbi Rubin joined the Kollel Yad Shaul of Johannesburg South Africa, and in 1984, Rabbi Rubin was appointed principal of the Shaarei Torah Primary School in Johannesburg. He served there for sixteen years and also founded the Shaarei Torah High School in 1993. Upon returning to the United States, Rabbi Rubin was appointed principal of the Cincinatti Hebrew Day School, where he served for two years, and then he was invited to serve as principal of Hillel Academy of Denver, Colorado, a position he held for six years. In 2008, Rabbi Rubin was offered the position of Executive Director and Head of Outreach of the Yeshiva Gedolah of Bridgeport, Connecticut, a newly founded yeshiva community, and then, in 2009, he became rabbi of The Young Israel of Hew Haven where he continues to serve. Rabbi Rubin also has been teaching at the Merkaz Jewish High School Program in Bridgeport and the Makom hebrew high school program in New Haven. He is also a member of the Vaad Hakashrut of Connecticut (VKFC). Rabbi Rubin's wife Deena, hails from Monsey, NY. Rabbi and Mrs. Rubin have seven boys, four girls, and thirteen grandchildren. He is excited to join the HHNE faculty this year. Chumash (Bamidbar) - Level 2G Introduction to Chumash Contact Rabbi Rubin
Nina SalazarNina Salazar studied art and design at the University of Hartford and at Central Connecticut State University. She holds an AA in early childhood education and a BA in art education. She has been teaching art for nearly 15 years, at Farmington Valley Art Center, University of Hartford, in her own studio, and through various schools and non-profit programs. She also has worked as a mural painter and interior designer. Nina resides with her family in Hartford, and she is excited to bring her passion for art to HHNE and to our students. Visual Arts Teacher Studio Art A/B Contact Ms. Salazar	Dr. Arthur SalhanickDr. Arthur Salhanick received his BA in Biology from Northeastern University and a MA and Ph.D. (Biology) from Boston University. Following post-doctoral research training at the University of Rochester (NY), he took a position as Scientist at Bayer Healthcare-Pharmaceutical Division in West Haven, Connecticut. His primary responsibility was hands-on preclinical development of drug candidates for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. When Bayer closed their facilities in Connecticut, he continued his research as a Senior Principal Investigator for a small biotech company in Worcester, Massachusetts. In 2009, he decided to pursue his long held desire to be a classroom teacher and completed the Connecticut State Department of Education Alternative Route to Certification (ARC) program and became a certified Biology teacher(grades 7-12). His student teaching requirement for the program was completed at Conard High School in West Hartford. Shortly thereafter, he added a second state certification in General Science. Following a position as a long-term substitute in Bridgeport Public Schools, Dr. Salhanick assumed the position of biology teacher at HHNE for Academic, Honors, and AP students in the 2010-2011 school year. Dr. Salhanick and his wife live in New Haven and are the proud parents of seven children and three grandchildren. He is actively involved in the New Haven Jewish Community having served positions as Secretary and President of Young Israel of New Haven and currently is the synagogue Treasurer and Gabbai. Science Teacher AP Biology Biology - Academic/Honors Contact Dr. Salhanick	Maya Schwartz Modern Hebrew II - Honors Modern Hebrew III - Honors Contact Mrs. Schwartz	Rabbi Menachem SheinkopfRabbi Sheinkopf holds Rabbinic Ordinations from Kollel Ayshel Avrohom and Yeshivas Ohr Hachaim. Prior to joining the faculty at HHNE, he served as a Rebbe/Judaic Studies Teachers at the Rabbi Alexander S. Gross Hebrew Academy of Greater Miami. He currently lives in West Hartford with his wife, Shoshana, and their children. Judaic Librarian Sports Coordinator Medieval Jewish History - Mechina Medieval Jewish History - Gr. 10 Talmud (Berachot) - Levels 4B/4G Beit Medrash Contact Rabbi Sheinkopf
Dr. Boris Slepchenko Geometry Pre-Calculus - Honors Contact Dr. Slepchenko	Michael TraversoWhen Michael Traverso joined the HHNE faculty in 2006, he brought with him over 34 years of high school teaching experience in a variety of subjects including AP U.S. History, World History, Civics, Contemporary Systems, Black History and Colonial History. Mr. Traverso holds a B.A. in Economics from Bates College and Masters Degrees in History and American History from Central Connecticut State University. U.S. History II - Academic/Honors Current Issues War and Peace Contact Mr. Traverso	Rabbi Shimmy TrencherRabbi Trencher resides in West Hartford with his wife, Stacey, and their three children. Prior to joining the faculty of the Hebrew High School of New England, Rabbi Trencher served as the Assistant Director of New England Region NCSY for seven years. He holds a BA from Yeshiva College and a Masters Degree in Social Work from University of Connecticut. Rabbi Trencher is also a trained instructor of Redirecting Children's Behavior; is director of Heart, Mind & Soul, a non-profit organization he founded in 2003; and is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice in West Hartford. He is the recipient of the 2012 Unsung Hero Outstanding Professional Leadership Award from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Dean of Students Contact Shimmy	Stacey TrencherStacey Trencher currently serves as the Office Manager at HHNE. Prior to joining our staff, she served as the Director of Operations of the Jewish Day School Consortium. Additionally, Stacey holds a B.S. in Marketing from Sy Syms School of Business and has experience in both the non-profit and corporate arenas. She resides in West Hartford with her husband, Shimmy, and their three children. Office Manager Contact Mrs. Trencher
Mildred UnfriedThis is Mrs. Unfried's tenth year teaching at HHNE. She has previously taught in Houston, Texas, with the Department of Defense, Overseas Dependent Schools, and at East Hampton High School where she was also department chair. She has a BS in mathematics from the University of Houston, a MS in Mathematics from the University of Oregon and a MA in Gerontology from St. Joseph College. Algebra I Algebra II - Honors Pre-Calculus - Academic/Honors AP Calculus AB Contact Mrs. Unfried	Elana WeinbergElana Weinberg received a B.A. in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies as well as a B.A. in Philosophy from Brandeis University. She earned her Master's Degree from Yeshiva University's Azrieli Graduate School for Jewish Education and Administration, while also completing Yeshiva University's Graduate Program for Women in Advanced Talmudic Studies. Prior to coming to HHNE, Mrs. Weinberg taught at the Frisch School in Paramus, New Jersey. Talmud (Berachot) - Levels 3B/3G Jewish Thought and Law 9 Jewish Thought and Law 11 Nach (Chagai and Zecharia) Contact Mrs. Weinberg	Lorie ZackinLorie Zackin holds a bachelors degree in history from University of Hartford with a minor in Judaic studies and also holds masters degrees in secondary education and special education from University of Hartford. She has been an adjunct faculty member of the Hillyer College at the University of Hartford since 1995 and during this time has been actively involved in numerous community organizations including the Jewish Federation and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Mrs. Zackin resides in West Hartford with her husband and two children. World History Contact Mrs. Zackin	Fred ZarnowskiFred received his Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Loyola University (Chicago, Illinois), has a Master's of Science Degree in Communications and Information Management from Bay Path College (Longmeadow, Massachusetts) and completed 9 doctoral courses towards a PhD in Business Administration with an MIS (management information systems) concentration at Northcentral University (Prescott Valley, Arizona)before withdrawing in April 2012. Mr. Zarnowski currently teaches computer science classes at Capital Community College, Lincoln College of New England, and Western Connecticut State University as well as online courses for the University of Phoenix,the Kentucky Community and Technical Colleges, and Bryant and Stratton College. Previously, Mr. Zarnowski was Director of Information Systems at Western Connecticut State University. He also was employed at the Connecticut Dept. of Transportation, Coleco Industries, and UARCO Business Forms. Fred is passionate about technology and keeps up with the latest trends. Technology/Facilities Coord. Podcast Contact Mr. Zarnowski
Meagan MacleodMeagan MacLeod holds a B.F.A. in musical theater from the Hartt School at the University of Hartford. As a singer, dancer, and actress, she has performed at numerous venues including the Bushnell Theatre, Goodspeed Opera House, Hartford Children's Theater, and the Spirit of Broadway Theater. Meagan also has experience teaching voice and theater skills, and she is excited to work with our students to produce this year's girls' musical production. Meagan resides in Hartford and is currently pursuing a masters degree. Musical Theater Contact Meagan	Jennifer MagnanoJennifer Magnano shares the peace and presence of yoga across Connecticut. She is the founder and director of Mamoga Wellness, inspired by a 10-year personal journey working in Western Medicine. As a holistically-minded being and mother, Jennifer is dedicated to providing a safe place for girls, women, and mothers to find loving-awareness and kindness through breath. She holds certifications in Family Yoga and Women's Yoga from Aura Wellness Center and The Kripalu School of Yoga. She resides in Colchester with her husband and son. Yoga Contact Jennifer	Reuven RussellReuven Russell, an accomplished actor and comedian with an extensive theatrical background, has been seen on ER, and in the feature films Chaplin, Inside Monkey Zetterland and The Proprietor. He originated the role of Hersh in the Off Broadway debut of The Quarrel. He has toured nationally in Neil Simon’s The Sunshine Boys starring Mickey Rooney and Donald O’Connor. A graduate of the Yale School of Drama, Reuven teaches Theatre and Public Speaking at Stern College for Women and is the Artistic Director of the Stern College Dramatic Society. He is a husband and father of five, and is the son of the late comedian and Jewish humorist Joey Russell. Drama Contact Mr. Russell	Audra WeiselAudra Weisel graduated from the Connecticut Culinary Institute in 1993 with certification in savory culinary but has practiced as a pastry chef in many of the top restaurants and catering facilities in the area. She also custom designs special-occasion cakes. For the past for years, Audra has taught cooking, baking and cake decorating classes at Michaels Stores, Sur La Table, and community education venues. She has instructed Avon and Canton High Schools' Teen Battle Chef teams and brought the Teen Battle Chef model to Hartford at Billings Forge Community Works. Audra and her husband have two daughters in college and are in the process of moving from Avon to Seymour, Connecticut. Culinary Arts Contact Audra