Our Leadership

Daniella Steinberg, Head of School
דניאלה שטיינברג , מנהלת בית הספר

Daniella Steinberg is beginning her fifth year as part of the HLA staff. She began as a second-grade teacher, transitioned into the role of Special Education Coordinator, and is now beginning a new role as the Interim Head of School. Daniella has a passion for elementary education and takes great pride in her continued efforts to support joyful, rigorous instruction for ALL students.

Daniella has a masters degree in general and special education from Brooklyn College and is currently pursuing an additional degree in building leadership from Touro College. In her spare time, Daniella enjoys spending time with her three children and family.

Contact Daniella: dsteinberg@hlacharterschool.org

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

Ksenia Parris, Director of Operations
קסניה פאריס, רכזת תחום תפעול

This is Ksenia’s first year as part of the HLA team. Ksenia has almost a decade of experience working in charter schools throughout Brooklyn serving students from all grade levels. She immigrated to the United States in 2nd grade and attended a public school in Brooklyn. It was from that experience that she developed the belief that all students can succeed and should be given the support that they need to do so. Ksenia is excited to put her experience to great use with the HLA team to further the school’s growth and success. 

Ksenia has a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Arts in Economics from the City College of New York. In her spare time, Ksenia spends time with her husband and three children, playing with their new puppy and hiking. 

Kim Rivera, Dean of Culture for Grades 6-8
קים ריברה, דיקנית התרבות של כיתות ו׳-ח׳

Kim Rivera has been part of the HLA family since 2012. She started her journey as part of the Ops team and transitioned into the Culture Team two years ago. Throughout the years, she has built strong relationships with HLA students and families, and in the role of Dean of Culture, she continues to build relationships and bring joy into our middle school. Kim believes in the diversity at HLA. “Students who learn about different cultures during their education feel more comfortable and safe with these differences later in life. This allows them to interact in a wider range of social groups and feel more confident in themselves as well as in their interactions with others.”

Kim has a Dual  Master’s Degree in Business Management and Human Resources. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two children, cooking, and traveling

Carleasha Joseph, Dean of Culture K-5
קרלישה ג׳וזף, דיקנית התרבות של כיתות גן – ה׳

Since 2020, Carleasha has been a member of the HLA family. As the Dean of Culture for grades K–5, she has developed close relationships with many HLA students and their families in just a few short years. Working with teachers to support students so they feel safe and comfortable in their learning environment is one of her favorite aspects of her job. Carleasha enjoys traveling to other islands in her free time, hanging out with her three kids, and loves thriller movies.

Carleasha is presently furthering her education in Criminal Justice at the University of Phoenix 

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

Chrisalaxsandra Gilthrise – Academic Dean PreK-2
קריסאלכסנדרה גילת׳רייז , רכזת פדגוגית טרום חובה – כיתה ב׳

Chrisalaxsandra Gilthrise aka Ms. G is in her third year at HLA.  It has been an absolute pleasure and joyous experience becoming a part of the HLA family.  She began her journey as a first-grade ICT teacher, transitioned to first-grade general education, and now Academic Dean.  Ms. G is passionate about and committed to ensuring that all students receive the highest quality and well-rounded education.  She is a firm believer in the importance and power of education, “educate to liberate”, and believes that all students should have access to instruction that supports, motivates, encourages, and celebrates students and their differences. 

Ms. G has a dual degree in Childhood and Special Education and is currently working on a Masters degree in Literacy.  In her spare time, Ms. G likes to travel, do charity work, write and spend time with loved ones.  

William Mann – Director of Mathematics
וויליאם מאן – רכז תחום מתמטיקה 

William Mann is beginning his second year as part of the HLA staff.  With over 17 years of experience teaching middle school math, he transitioned to the Director of Mathematics for the 22-23 school year. One of his favorite aspects of his role is collaborating with teachers and administrators to further learning to better instruct our students. William deeply values our mission of providing excellent education to children of diverse backgrounds and preparing them to be global citizens.

William has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from The State University of New York College at Buffalo and a Masters degree in Education from Brooklyn College. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, traveling, and playing basketball. 

Nina Henig – Director of MLL Services
נינה הניג – רכזת תחום למידה רב שפתית

Nina Henig is beginning her fifth year as part of the HLA staff. She joined the HLA family as a third-grade ICT teacher, transitioned into the role of Special Education Teacher Support Services, and is now beginning her first year as the MLL Coordinator.

Nina believes that the power of education can transform lives and that each student is unique. She loves making learning fun and engaging. In addition, Nina serves as an advocate for her students and their families. Our students know that there is someone there for them no matter what, to support and love them unconditionally.

Nina graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She also received her Master of Science degree in Early General and Special Education with a Bilingual Extension from Touro College. 

In her spare time, Nina enjoys cooking, traveling, volunteering at the local animal shelter, and spending time with her daughter, family, and friends.