Meet the team
From the Gan to Grade 8, our teachers, specialists, and staff bring warmth, wisdom and heart to every day.
-
Maya Alagna
Gan Shelanu
Teacher
I hope that our students remember the community, their friends and all the fun experiences that they had at Gan Shelanu.
-
Talia Ambar
Pre K – Grade 3
Hebrew Learning Specialist
Known for national park adventures and a deep love of The Princess Bride movie.
Something (at)something.com
-
Finance and Investment Chair - Dr. Liran Edelist
Liran is Chief Product Officer at Lumel, with over 20 years of experience in business strategy and digital transformation. He previously led Jedox Americas and founded TopIT. Liran teaches at BU’s Questrom School of Business and holds a Ph.D. and MBA from Bar-Ilan University. He lives in Newton Centre with his wife, Roni, and their children: Gil ’22, Shir ’24, and Or ’29.
-
Audit Chair and Development Co-Chair - Ellis V. Morris
Ellis is a CPA and founding partner of Morris & Morris, P.C. He has held executive finance roles in both corporate and nonprofit settings. Ellis previously served on Temple Israel of Natick’s board and currently sits on Gann Academy’s board. He brings deep financial insight and leadership to Schechter. Ellis lives in Natick with his wife, Barbara. Their daughter Ashley is a Schechter ’17 and Gann ’21 graduate.
-
Development Co-Chair - Leora Kimmel Greene
Leora is founder and CEO of One28 Strategic Events, bringing over 15 years of experience in fundraising and event strategy. She has led major campaigns and rebrands for Boston nonprofits and holds a master’s in Communication Management from Simmons. Leora lives in West Roxbury with her husband, Ben, their daughters Avie ’30 and Mila, and their dog, Roki.
-
Nominating Chair - Sydney Schwartz Gross
Sydney Schwartz Gross is assistant dean for communications at Boston University’s College of Arts & Sciences. A former journalist, she holds degrees from the University of Chicago and Columbia. Sydney lives in Newton Highlands with her husband, Tal ’95, and their daughters Sally ’26 and Nora ’29. She previously served as co-chair of the Schechter Boston Parent Association.
-
Governance Chair - Melissa Sydney
Melissa is a trusts and estates attorney at Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, and leads the firm’s estate planning department. She advises families on wealth transfers, charitable giving, and probate matters. Melissa is active in professional and philanthropic circles and brings thoughtful leadership to the board. She lives in Newton with her husband, Adam, and daughters Yaira ’26, Ophira ’29, and Yardana ’31.