Our Leadership

Maria Rosen, Assistant Head of School for Academics
מריה רוזן , סגנית המנהלת – תחום פדגוגי

I am excited to be entering my tenth school year with Hebrew Language Academy. I began as a second-grade teacher directly following college graduation, gained a strong skill set, and soon moved into the role of Academic Dean for ELA. I am proud to now step into the role of Assistant Head of School for Instruction. I am a graduate of Adelphi University with a bachelor’s in English and a Master’s in Education. In my role I oversee academic planning and curriculum, as well as content implementation and aspects of professional development while ensuring instruction is joyful and rigorous.

I am truly passionate about bringing Hebrew Public’s mission to life and see myself as a lifelong learner. I am absolutely committed to doing my part each day in providing high-quality education and rich learning experiences. I view HLA as my home and the staff and students as family. I am also a proud mom to a wonderful 5-year-old daughter who I spend all of my time with when I am not at HLA. I bring the perspective of both educator and parent to my work and keep myself grounded in the why behind our work; the academic success and well-being of every student.

Contact Maria: mrosen@hlacharterschool.org

Lyvette Robles, Assistant Head of School for Operations
ליווט רובלס , סגנית מנהלת בית הספר – תחום התפעול

I am a seasoned nonprofit professional who came to HLA in 2017 already holding over 10 years of experience as a nonprofit leader. I am entering her 5th School year at HLA as an Operations Leader. I am hardworking, dedicated to the success of our entire school community (students and staff alike), and committed to exhibiting our OLAM Values daily. I love working at HLA because no 2 days are the same – I love experiencing, the challenges, the growth, and the success!

Contact Lyvette: lrobles@hlacharterschool.org

Kadidiattou (Kadi) Ouedraogo, Director of Culture
קיידי אווגראוגו , אחראית תחום תרבות

Hi HLA Families. My name is Kadidiattou Ouedraogo and I am the Director of Culture for grades K-8. I am a first-generation Burkinabe American. My passion is ensuring joy in any and every space I can. I’ve earned my B.S in Human Services with a Minor in Psychology from the University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT. Prior to HLA, I worked at a women’s and children’s shelter which sparked my need to be proactive in the work of helping to mold lives. My goal at HLA is to not only help bring our mission to life but to also ensure that the whole child is nurtured. My team and I are excited to help students learn not only academically but also mentally and emotionally in a joyous but consistent environment.

Contact Kadi: kouedraogo@hlacharterschool.org

Jessica Bucknor- Academic Dean K-2
ג׳סיקה בקנור – רכזת פדגוגית, כיתות גן-ב׳

Hello, my name is Jessica! I am really looking forward to having a great year at HLA as the Academic Dean for the Lower School. I graduated from Howard University in 2013 and I have been teaching elementary school for the last seven years. I entered education because I believe in encouraging children to be their best self and as an educator, I would have the honor of guiding children toward their own passions in life. At my core, I believe that each and every child deserves to have a positive, healthy learning environment to develop and grow. My goal at HLA is to make sure your child has everything they need to succeed.

Contact John: jbucknor@hlacharterschool.org

Jason Sutton- Academic Dean 6-8
ג׳ייסון סוטון – רכז פדגוגי כיתות ו׳-ח׳

I’m Jason and I’m excited to be returning this year as HLA’s middle school, academic dean. I received my master’s in teaching from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016. After moving to NYC in 2018, I’ve had the honor of serving the HLA community for over three years as a middle school science teacher. In that time, HLA has become my home. My vision for our middle school is to create a space where students receive the highest quality and engaging learning experience that instills our OLAM values! At HLA, children are at the heart of all that we do, and I am humbled and honored to continue my journey with our HLA family!

Contact John: jsutton@hlacharterschool.org

Chelsea Gorski Halpern- Special Education Coordinator
צ׳לסי גורסקי הלפרן , מתאמת חינוך מיוחד

I am extremely excited to begin my fifth year at HLA. I began my career here as a 5th and 6th grade Math and Science ICT teacher. Within that, I was formally trained for our International Baccalaureate program.  I then moved into an 8th grade ICT role tracking the progress of one class in all four core subjects. I then transitioned out of teaching and into the IEP coordinator position where I became responsible for overseeing the writing and implementation of IEPs and related services for our students with disabilities, as well as our Multi-Language Learners program as well. I will be working closely with staff, students, and families to ensure that the individual needs of our students are fully met. I am looking forward to an amazing school year working closely with the HLA community and fostering a structured but joyful learning environment.  

I have received my BA in History and Education from Mount Saint Mary College. I graduated dual certified in Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities. I am currently finishing my Masters in Students with Disabilities 7-12. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family and friends and hanging out on the beach. I enjoy baking and cooking.  I also love trying new and adventurous things (sky-diving anyone?). 

Contact Info: chalpern@hlacharterschool.org