Hank earned his B.S. from St. John Fisher College in Accounting and has almost completed his Master's in Education from SUNY Brockport. He is a licensed Special Education teacher and has 7-12 NYS certification in Mathematics. Hank has taught a variety of age and grade levels for the Rochester City School District. Mr. Elich has taught 1st grade at DHR for 4 years and Middle School Math for 4-1/2 years. Mr. Elich is always composed and ready for his students. His philosophy of "explore it, use it, know it" leads his students to think creatively and achieve. He is very personable and caring, with a smile and kind words for everyone. Mr. Elich joyfully volunteers to help whenever he notices that it is needed and is always ready with a joke for his peers.
Dana earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from SUNY Oswego in 1973. He taught 8th and 12th grade English at Lyons Central School for 34 years. He was also the English Department Head there before retiring in 2005. Dana has been teaching fourth grade general studies for 3 years at DHR. His high expectations combined with his innovative teaching techniques make his students thrive. Mr. Ford prepares our students to transition from elementary school and its expectations to middle school level work. He has very high standards and trains his pupils to work independently. Mr. Ford uses his experience, knowledge and expertise to create a most effective and dynamic learning environment for his students. He inspires them with creative and interactive lessons and makes his classroom a favorite destination!
Our third grade general studies teacher earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and his Master's of Science in Inclusive Childhood Education. He is dual-certified by NYS to teach grades 1-6 and Students with Disabilities at the Childhood Level (grades 1-6). Before joining the DHR faculty, Mr. Frechette worked very successfully with several of our students as a BOCES tutor and consultant teacher. In addition to teaching grade 3, Sam also serves as our Boys' physical education teacher. Mr. Frechette has utilized his great talents, extensive background and creativity to make his classroom into an interesting, productive spot. He toils to ensure that his lessons are individualized and appropriate for every child.
Our new general studies teacher recently graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a dual Bachelor of Science in Education degree with concentrations in Childhood Education (grades 1-6) and Special Education (grades 1-6). She is a lively, dynamic teacher who is adored by her students. Ms. Leo always has a smile on her face and is eager to meet the needs of every single one of her students. She is a wonderful new addition to our faculty!
Our middle school Language Arts teacher earned Bachelor's degrees in Criminal Justice and English, an Associate's degree in Marketing, and her Master's degree in Adolescent Special Education. Kathleen has three NYS teaching certifications, which are in Childhood Education, Secondary English and Adolescent Special Education. Mrs. Philbin is a dedicated teacher who has been mustering all of her enthusiasm to encourage her students to write, write, write. It is not easy to teach Language Arts, really work on skills and still remain popular, but Mrs. Philbin finds a way. She is creative and fun-loving - and you can often hear laughter emanating from the classroom.
Bill is our grades 5-8 Social Studies teacher. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and studied abroad at Middlesex University in London, England. He also earned a Master's in Secondary Education and has NYS permanent certification in 7-12 Social Studies. Bill started his teaching career in 2004 in Albany and built a reputation as a dedicated, outstanding teacher. He was honored on the 2006-2007 Who's Who Among American Teachers list. Bill has also taught Physical Education at DHR and teaches Global Studies, ELA and Economics at TIUNY. Mr. Swidorski is a kind, reliable and hardworking teacher. He is very thorough and committed to ensuring that his students not only cover the expected curriculum, but also truly understand what they have learned.
Jon earned a Bachelor's degree in Physics from University of Virginia, a Master's in Meteorology from the University of Maryland, USAF Academic Instructor certification and numerous other certifications during his years in the U.S. Air Force. He recently earned a Master's degree in Education and received his NYS teaching certification. He was a Commander at Fort Drum, a Training and Programs Branch Chief at Langley Air Force Base and has served as an instructor in many diverse settings. Mr. Lundberg has taught at R.I.T. and Hobart and William Smith colleges and, most recently, at Wayne Central School District . Jon has very high expectations for his students, yet is realistic, warm and nurturing. He believes in making science interactive and hands-on, so if you visit his classes at DHR, you'll probably find yourself in the middle of a lab or demonstration. Jon is also passionate about getting his students to really understand deeper concepts and pushes them to think logically and creatively.
Yael earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies at Excelsior College in Albany, New York. She also attended Machon Teachers' Seminary in Brooklyn and is currently working on her graduate degree. Yael previously taught physical education at Ateret Torah and served at Shaare Torah as a creative movement teacher and Assistant Kindergarten (pre-1A) teacher. At DHR, Yael teaches Art, Library and K-3 and 5-8 Girls' Physical Education classes. Mrs. Wise works hard to develop plans for her classes that encourage the participation and growth of all her students. Whether for Phys. Ed., Art or Library, she manages to incorporate all kinds of entertaining activities to make learning more enjoyable. Mrs. Wise loves working with children of all ages!
Rabbi Caro studied Talmudic Law at the Chofetz Chaim Yeshivas in Israel and Milwaukee. He also studied in the Rabbinical Seminary of America's Rabbinical graduate and post-graduate programs. Rabbi Caro received his Rabbinical Ordination from R' Moshe Heineman. Rabbi Caro served as a permanent substitute atYeshivas Tiferes Moshe, worked as a shadow for a hearing impaired fifth grader and is known as an outstanding Baal Kriah.
Rabbi Caro labors to clarify, simplify, and present the depths of Torah to his talmidim. A peek in the faculty conference room during Rabbi Caro's planning time reveals Rabbi Caro intensely examining a commentary on the Chumash for his first grade class. Evenings find Rabbi Caro debating the nuances of the Talmud, striving to find the interpretation that will penetrate into the minds of our precious children. Never satisfied with simply giving over material, Rabbi Caro's classes are always fun and exciting! He's a most energetic, dedicated Rebbi! We, at DHR, are very privileged to benefit from his amazing talents.Michal is a graduate of the Jerusalem College for Women (Michlala) and studied Special Education at Montreal's McGill University. Mrs. Davidowitz's 27 years in the classroom have ranged from elementary education through high school. Mrs. Davidowitz is also a sought-after speaker and has taught adult-education courses. Michal is a spectacular teacher's teacher. She is a vibrant, passionate educator who inspires all of her students to excel! Walk into any of her classrooms, any day, any time - and you will find a spellbound group of children hanging on every word. She is dynamic and wise…and all of her students love her!
Nati Katz earned his B.A degree in International Affairs and Conflict Resolution from Israel's Interdisciplinary Center in Hertzlia. Following his studies at the Shaalvim Yeshiva, he attended the Lifshitz College of Education in Jerusalem while teaching at the Yeshiva High School in Raanana and at the Berlitz School of Language in Ramat Gan. Mr. Katz is currently studying for his Master's Degree at Syracuse University in International Affairs, and for an M.S in Public Relations. Back in Israel, among other positions, Nati wrote for the Hebrew edition of Business Week. He was excited to join the remarkable staff and faculty at Derech HaTorah, and is teaching Ivrit for the 4th - 7th grade classes. Nati is an enthusiastic, creative teacher!
Bracha earned a Bachelor's in Psychology from Touro College with a minor in Judaic Studies, and teaching certification from Bais Yaakov of Boro Park Seminary. Over the last 16 years, she has taught Judaic Studies to students in grades 2, 3, middle school and high school. "Morah Bracha" is a very successful, committed and talented teacher. She is famous for her constant focus on skill-building - yet she always makes it so much fun that her students don't realize how hard they are working! Her creative techniques and mastery in the classroom cause her colleagues to ask for her advice and suggestions.
Penina attended Beth Jacob Teachers' Seminary of America. She also studied at Touro/Landers College for Women. Mrs. Rossman was trained in the Wilson Reading System and several other reading programs. Penina has taught second, fifth and sixth grades and taught kindergarten for several years before coming to DHR. "Morah Penina" is sweet, nurturing, patient and amazingly creative. Mrs. Rossman educates the whole child, encouraging and building upon all of their strengths. She is an excellent role model and teacher. She has high standards for her little pupils and while she differentiates as necessary, she also amazingly turns out class after class of students reading Hebrew and English before they graduate kindergarten! Morah Penina relates beautifully to her adorable Kindergarten students - and they love her!
Rabbi Roness came from Canada as a high school student to study in the Talmudical Institute of Upstate New York. After graduating, he studied at the Rabbinical Seminary of America for Bais Medrash/undergraduate Talmudic studies, then returned to T.I.U.N.Y. for Kollel/graduate studies. Rabbi Roness also earned a Masters in Special Education from Adelphi University, as well as NYS teaching certification. When not disseminating Torah among the advanced T.I.U.N.Y. Bais Medash students, strengthening the Mesivta through his fantastic high school shiur, giving his spellbinding Gemara shiur to Derech HaTorah's upper middle school boys, or teaching at Ora Academy, Rabbi Roness serves as a Rebbi at camp Chaverim each summer. We are honored to have such a dynamic Torah educator investing his time and talent in our children!
Rabbi Troppe earned his Semicha from Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim, and his Masters in Education from Touro University. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Merkaz Teachers' Training Program, and the Principals' Training Initiative of the Consortium of Jewish Day Schools (C.O.J.D.S.). Rabbi Troppe taught sixth grade at Toras Yisroel Sabah (formerly H.A.W.Q.), and was a teacher in the Jewish Education Program (JEP) of Queens. In addition to serving as a Rebbi for the middle school girls, Rabbi Troppe is being mentored as part of an administrative internship under the auspices of C.O.J.D.S. Rabbi Troppe impresses us with the way that he challenges his students to really think and do their best. Rabbi Troppe is an enthusiastic member of our faculty who has become famous for his great ideas and innovative solutions.
Mrs. Wurtzel earned teaching certification from Bnos Chava Teachers' Seminary in Jerusalem, Israel. She also attended Townson State University in Baltimore, MD. Kara has taught third grade Judaic Studies, high school Judaic studies and Hebrew language classes. Additionally, she taught at local Hebrew schools for 6 years. We now have the great privilege of having Mrs. Wurtzel on our faculty. Her friendly personality and high standards are perfect for her students. She challenges them and inspires each and every one to do the best that they can - and then a little more. Mrs. Wurtzel is an outgoing, dynamic educator who is passionate about teaching and learning. She is a fabulous teacher!
