The Yeshiva of Central Queens is thrilled to introduce their newest staff members, a dynamic group of experienced and enthusiastic educators and administrators who will complement their spectacular returning faculty. Four new positions have been created for this year to best serve our students and teachers.
Executive Director Mrs. Malka Fishman comes to YCQ from Shulamith School for Girls, where she served as Executive Director for the past six years. Mrs. Fishman was a driver of the school’s growth and success by focusing on operational quality and professionalism in every aspect of the school experience. She will bring her passion for excellence, responsible fiscal management, and communication to YCQ as she refines the organizational culture and structure of our school.
Junior High School Principal Rabbi Stephen Knapp is a well-respected and distinguished Jewish educator with decades of teaching and administrative experience. For the past six years, he has served as the Principal of Grades 1-8 at the Hillel Yeshiva in Deal, New Jersey. Under his leadership, Hillel achieved unprecedented growth in academic initiatives, student engagement, culture, and student registration.
Director of Technology Mr. Simcha Sommer is back in the building. He is a graduate of YCQ and is a technology whiz. Mr. Sommer has significant experience in the IT and coding worlds, including doing previous work for YCQ’s systems and website.
Morah Morin Biton, Fifth Grade Judaic Studies, practiced law in Israel, working with the District Attorney, in addition to her training in education. She has exemplary Hebrew speaking and writing skills as well as an amazingly patient and professional demeanor. After joining the YCQ staff last year, the Yeshiva is eager for Morah Biton to bring her enthusiasm and high-level Hebrew to the fifth grade students this year.
Mrs. Linette Boghossian, First Grade General Studies, is a dedicated educator with a diverse background in teaching. She has four years of classroom experience and holds a master’s degree in teaching. She is passionate about helping her students achieve their full potential. She is excited to build memorable relationships with the YCQ staff, students, and families.
Morah Eden David, Junior High School Ivrit, is a proud YCQ graduate and former Assistant Teacher. She spent the past five years in Israel, where she served as a combat instructor in the IDF and taught in a high school. Morah David is so excited to reunite with the YCQ family.
Mr. Brian Goldstein, Junior High School Math, previously served as a substitute, and the YCQ administration is thrilled that Mr. Goldstein will be in the building on a daily basis this year. Mr. Goldstein is looking forward to teaching Math and they are confident that he’ll be a fantastic addition to the faculty.
Rabbi Tzvi Greenberg, Junior High School Judaic Studies, grew up in Queens. For the past six years, he has been teaching in Yeshiva Ohr Dovid in Brooklyn, where he taught Gemara, Chumash, Halachah, and Y’dios Klaliyos. He places a strong emphasis on skill-building and critical thinking development. Rabbi Greenberg’s engaging manner encourages student participation and generates a positive learning environment.
Morah Nelly Hershcovich, K’riah Instructor, is a caring educator and fluent Hebrew speaker with experience working with children. She will be incorporated into the Elementary school classrooms and work with small groups of students to help develop their K’riah b’Ivrit skills.
Morah Courtney Isler, Kindergarten Associate Teacher, is a proud graduate of YCQ. She recently graduated from Queens College with a BA in Psychology. She has experience working with children during the year and during the summer. She is looking forward to returning to her roots at YCQ, this time as a member of the dedicated team of faculty.
Mrs. Hadassah Kaplan, Second Grade General Studies, taught at Yeshiva of South Shore in Hewlett for the past four years. She has spent her summers as the Head Lifeguard at the JCC Day Camp in Lawrence. She is excited to be joining the YCQ family, especially because her husband and all his siblings are proud YCQ alumni. She can’t wait to get started.
Mrs. Kara Keppel, Junior High School English Language Arts, has ten years of teaching experience for the NYC Board of Education. Her specialty and passion lie in teaching middle school English. Mrs. Keppel is so excited to join the YCQ community and is looking forward to getting to know the students and families throughout the year.
Mr. Noah Myers, Junior High School Social Studies, hails from Indiana and recently moved to New York. After graduating from Indiana University, he taught middle school and high school Social Studies. He is very much looking forward to meeting the students and staff, and having a great year.
Rabbi Yisroel Schonfeld, Fifth Grade Judaic Studies, has lived In Queens his whole life. He received his s’michah from Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim and worked in Ptach as an assistant rebbi. He is looking forward to a great year in YCQ.
Ms. Paula Ambagtsheer, Director of K-8 General Studies Curriculum and Instruction, will be serving in this new position, in addition to her role as a fabulous JHS ELA teacher. With her experience and talents, we are confident that she will bring our curriculum to even greater heights this year throughout the school.
Mrs. Allison Blass, Curriculum Coordinator K-2 General Studies, will be serving in this new role in addition to her position as an outstanding First Grade teacher. Mrs. Blass is a literacy specialist with 15 years of teaching experience. She recently received a degree in educational leadership from Queens College and has a deep understanding of what children need in order to be successful. She is looking forward to a highly effective year of helping students and providing guidance and support for teachers.
Mrs. Shirly Pourad-Kaikov, Director of Transportation, will be taking the reins of coordinating how our students get to and from school each day, in addition to her role as Director of Student Activities and After-School Programs in the Elementary School. Since she began working at YCQ six years ago, Mrs. Pourad-Kaikov has been a pillar of our school, always stepping up to the plate to serve the needs of our students, faculty, and administration.
Mrs. Milana Ustayev, School Nurse, is looking forward to joining the YCQ team. She is licensed as a Registered Nurse and Medical Assistant and has experience working with patients of all ages.
