About the Yeshiva & Day School Team

With over 35 years of experience in Jewish education, Sara has a proven ability to anticipate needs and develop impactful programs. Her leadership has earned her recognition at both the State and City levels. Sara holds degrees in Psychology, Special Education, Educational Technology, and Educational Leadership.

Penina brings nearly two decades of teaching and educational leadership experience to her role at The Jewish Education Project. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Touro University’s Graduate School of Education and as an intervention specialist with Torah U’Mesorah. Her educational background includes a Master’s of Science in School Leadership and Bachelor’s degrees in education and school counseling. Penina has furthered her expertise through Montessori training, leadership courses at Harvard, and coaching certifications. She is passionate about guiding educators with a client-centered approach. 

Gary Pretsfelder is Senior Manager, Professional Learning and Growth (NY Day Schools) at the Jewish Education Project, where he consults with, and coordinates professional development for, Yeshivot and Day School educators in the New York area in support of educational and cultural change in their schools. Gary is a former long-time day school Principal and teacher who built learning communities that put students and active learning at the center.

Nabila has over 16 years of experience guiding schools through the NYS Testing process. A pre-law graduate with a BS in Political Science, she has become a representative and liaison for schools dealing with the Regional Information Center and NYSED Testing Department. Nabila’s expertise and commitment ensure that schools successfully navigate the complexities of State Testing requirements. 

Shay holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, a teaching diploma in secondary education, and an MBA. With a decade of teaching experience across Israel and New York City, he brings a comprehensive understanding of both educational and financial aspects to his role. Shay has been with The Jewish Education Project for three years, dedicated to supporting schools with their Title fund needs. 

With nearly 35 years of experience, Shelley has been a cornerstone in supporting Day School and Yeshiva educators with their State-mandated responsibilities. She holds a BA in English Writing from Queens College and has coordinated the Yeshiva HS Placement Exam for 22 years. Shelley’s dedication to her work remained steadfast even during her treatment for breast cancer, and she is now cancer-free as of December 2021. 

Tova brings nearly a decade of experience from Jewish Day Schools and NYC charter schools. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology & Audiology from Stern College for Women and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and Literacy from Bank Street College of Education. Tova is passionate about supporting teachers in helping struggling learners succeed. 

Tamar is an alumna of Manhattan High School for Girls, Ateres Seminary, and Lander College for Women. She has previously worked at Agudath Israel, providing educational and administrative support to multiple yeshivas and organizations. Tamar’s experience and dedication greatly enhance the team’s efforts to support and advocate for Yeshiva education. 

Rabbi Yanofsky is a veteran educator with a wealth of experience in multiple yeshivas. His extensive experience includes serving as Menahel of Yeshiva Chaim Berlin, Associate Dean of Mesivta of Waterbury, and Menahel of Mesivta of Chestnut Ridge. He also plays key roles in various educational committees. He is the founder and executive committee member of Ichud Mosdos Hachinuch of Brooklyn and has served on the Educational Advisory Committee for the P’tach Program at Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin. His work continues to impact Jewish education on a national scale.