Our Educational Leadership
Rachelle Grossman
Director, Kaplan Cooperative Preschool and Early Childhood programs
Rachelle Grossman is the founding director of the Kaplan Cooperative Preschool. Rachelle grew up in Jersey City. She has a BA in early childhood education from Rutgers University and an MPA in administration from City University of New York. Prior to working at the Kaplan Cooperative Preschool, Rachelle worked for 15 years at AHRC (an organization to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities), taught kindergarten in the Orange Public Schools, and taught preschool at Congregation B'nai Israel in Millburn. In 2000, she worked with a small group of USH members and Rabbi Scheinberg to create this special early childhood center.
See http://www.kaplancooperativepreschool.org/ for more information about the Early Childhood programs at USH that are directed by Rachelle!
Amir Orbach
Director, Kaplan Learning Center
Amir was born and raised in Israel, in the city of Ra’anana. After completing his IDF service he moved to the United States to pursue a career in acting, first in New York and then in Los Angeles. He received his BA in Theater from The New School University in New York City, and his Masters of Education and Bachelors of Literature in Hebrew Letters from the American Jewish University in Los Angeles.
Amir is thrilled to be back on the east coast and serve as the Director of Education at USH.
As a dynamic educational leader, Amir’s passion for Jewish learning and education stems from his love of learning and children. His background as a musical theater performer and student of theater and drama fostered his approach to integrating experiential education with a core commitment to Jewish knowledge and Hebrew language. Amir’s experience in the field spans more than fifteen years, including teaching and serving as an educational leader in a variety of formal and informal learning environments.
Amir is also a proud Father of little Evyatar, who will be entering Kaplan preschool this year.
Administration
Ruthy Tyroler
Administrative Director, USH