Wendy earned her B.A. and teaching certification in Elementary Education and Education of the Hearing Impaired from Flagler College in Florida.  She taught second grade in Miami and taught and developed IEPs for students ranging from pre-K to 12th grade in a variety of academic settings.  Mrs. Bernstein's former administrators, colleagues, students and their parents have commented on her exciting, interactive classroom. Since 2006, Mrs. Bernstein has taught our second grade with fantastic creativity!

John earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Master of Science in Teaching as well as a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Administration, all from SUNY Brockport.  His experience ranges from serving in the military, teaching 6th & 7th grade science at Hawkins School in Lyndhurst, Ohio, as well as having worked in quality assurance, production and as a plant manager in the dairy industry.  John retired as assistant director of Education from NYS Department of Correctional Services.  He has taught all Middle School Grade Science classes at DHR during the '08 - '09 School year.

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 3 years and Middle School Math for 3-1/2 years.  Mr. Elich's philosophy of "explore it, use it, know it" leads his students to think creatively and achieve. He is very personable and caring, and always has a smile and kind words for everyone.  We are delighted to welcome him back to DHR.

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 2 years at DHR.  His high expectations combined with his innovative teaching techniques make his students thrive.

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. Freschette 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 is a great addition to our talented staff!  

Our new fifth grade 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).  Miss Leo will begin working on her Masters in Special Education in the fall.  She is a lively, dynamic teacher who is adored by her students.

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 an enthusiastic teacher with loads of energy and creativity.  She has also taught fifth grade English Language Arts.

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 fantastic 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.

Yael earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies at Excelsior College in Albany, New York.  She also attended Machon Teachers' Seminary in Brooklyn.  Yael is presently working on her Masters in Childhood Inclusive Education / Special Education through Nazareth College.  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=2 and Girls' Physical Education.  She 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.  Additionally, Rabbi Caro has nearly completed a degree in computer programming. Rabbi Caro served as a permanent substitute for grades 1-8 in 2005-2006 at Yeshivas Tiferes Moshe in Queens, NY.  He also worked as a shadow for a hearing impaired fifth grader and is known as an outstanding Baal Kriah.  Rabbi Caro is a fun, energetic, hard-working teacher. We know that he's a fantastic, dedicated Rebbe as a result to his spectacular three years at DHR!  We are very privileged to have him on board.

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!

Lea earned a Master's degree in Educational Administration from SUNY Brockport, a Bachelor's in Judaic Studies from SUNY Empire State College, NYS permanent teaching certification (7-12 Hebrew Language), Early Childhood Certification from Roberts Weslyan College, Israeli government permanent teaching certification (K-6 Judaic Studies) and teaching certification (K-12) from Machon Devorah teaching seminary.  Mrs. Goldstein has taught grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and Middle School Judaic Studies, high school Math, and Phys. Ed.  In addition to being DHR's founding principal, Mrs. Goldstein taught for 18 years and served as Director/Coordinator of Judaic Studies for 3 years before becoming DHR's principal.

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 14 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 who focuses on skill-building and creative techniques in the classroom.

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 has taught kindergarten for the last 7 years.  "Morah" Penina is sweet, nurturing, patient, creative -- and her students love her!

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 3rd through 7th grades, Rabbi Troppe is being mentored as part of an administrative internship under the auspices of C.O.J.D.S.

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 has taught at local Hebrew schools for 6 years. We're looking forward to welcoming Mrs. Wurtzel back to DHR for her fourth year.  Her friendly personality and high standards will, once again, be a perfect fit!