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About 
Our School

Ganeinu, which means “our garden” in Hebrew, is a STEM school with a Reggio-inspired approach that provides a nurturing and inclusive environment for children to learn and develop. Our school believes in cultivating and nourishing each child’s unique potential like a garden--a child requires care and attention to thrive. Ganeinu encourages experiential learning, creative thinking, and collaboration, fostering a love of learning and a sense of community among students. Our school offers educational programs and opportunities for children from preschool to elementary school, designed to meet individual needs and provide skills and support for success. As a Jewish educational institution, Ganeinu emphasizes Jewish values and traditions, fostering a strong sense of identity and community among students.

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Our Leadership

Rabbi Shmuel Kogan's passion for education is contagious, and he is constantly seeking ‌growth in himself and in every person he meets. He grew up in a Russian American family. As a student of the Rabbinical College of America and the Rabbinical College of Australia and New Zealand, the vision and mission of the Lubavitcher Rebbe inspired him to lead a life of communal development. Rabbi Kogan graduated from the Institute of Day School Management at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business and was the Director of many successful camps, and was the Principal of JIQ Boys High School. He is married to Shevy Kogan. 

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Mission

Ganeinu began as a preschool in 2014. As time passed, we recognized the need for a quality Hebrew School education for children in our area. As we grew, we added our after-school programs to ensure students had a safe and warm after-school environment to thrive. We opened CTeen to provide local Jewish teens with the opportunity to connect, grow and develop as future Jewish leaders. As demand grew, we expanded our preschool and opened up Ganeinu Academy as a thriving elementary school. Today, Ganeinu provides an opportunity for every child and teen in our community to develop socially, emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually. From our flourishing preschool to our growing Academy for our elementary school, from our after school programs  to our CTeen offerings, there’s something for everyone. 

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Our Philosophy

At Ganeinu, we recognize the incredible potential of every child. We aim to provide a nurturing, safe, and warm environment for every student to thrive. Our fantastic team of educators empowers children to develop their unique talents and creativity and to be lamplighters of positivity and kindness to the world around them. We believe Judaism should be joyful, meaningful and relevant, with many opportunities for every child to develop their own personal connection to their heritage. We look at the whole child and strive to imbue each child with a strong work ethic, sense of community, Jewish pride, the ability to dream big, and the skills and knowledge needed to reach their goals.

Our Family | Faculty & Staff

Ganeinu Academy’s faculty and staff are dedicated educators and professionals committed to fostering a nurturing and stimulating learning environment. Our team consists of experienced teachers, early childhood specialists, and support staff who prioritize academic excellence, social-emotional growth, and Jewish values. With a passion for education and individualized attention, our faculty cultivates a love for learning while ensuring each child thrives in a warm, inclusive setting.

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Rabbi Shmuel Kogan

Director

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Morah Shevy Kogan

Principal

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Chana Pinson

Judaic Curriculum Coordinator + 4th Grade Judaic Studies

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Toby Barg

English Curriculum Coordinator

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Goldie Blank

Hebrew Reading Specialist + Program Director

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Ellen Cohen

English Reading Specialist

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Tiffany Abayev

Director of Development

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Morah Tami Fire

Art Director

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Morah Milana

Art Assistant

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Meirav Nahmani

3rd Grade Assistant Teacher

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Regina Yakubova

3K Teacher

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Sheva Kogan

3K Assistant

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Sora Hecht

Kindergarten English

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Esther Kheirbakhsh

3K-2 Teacher

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Yael Encaoua

3K-2 Assistant

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Elki Sarchi

3K-2 Assistant

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Nazila Shayestepour

UPK Assistant + Hebrew Reading Interventionist

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Emily Nebenhaus

UPK Teacher

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Rotem Levy

UPK Assistant

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Regina Nektalov

UPK-2 Teacher

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Odelia Matatov

UPK Assistant

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Leah Encaoua

UPK 2 Assistant

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Tammy Goldsobel

Kindergarten Judaic Studies

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Chaya Nacca

First Grade Judaic

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Chaya Rosenberg

First Grade + Kindergarten Judaic Studies

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Dini Hecht

First Grade English

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Yehudit Shak

First Grade English Assistant

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Rachel Wolffe

2nd Grade Judaic Studies

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Roula Coyle

2nd + 3rd English

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Shterna Nacca

3rd Grade Judaic Studies +

2nd, 3rd, 4th grade

Hebrew Language

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Aura Danesh

4th Grade English

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Odelia Mushayev

Bus B Monitor + Substitute Teacher

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Nina Asherov

3K1 Assistant

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Shifra Weinstein

Art Assistant

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Maria

Bus A Driver

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Orestis

Bus B Driver

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