Re-Imagining Your School’s Student Support Systems

Julie has over 30 years of experience in the field of special education, ranging from classroom teaching to serving as an administrator, consulting with schools to facilitate inclusion, and developing curriculum. Before coming to the Chicago area, Julie was the director of curriculum and instruction for The Learning Center for Deaf Children in Boston and was part of the team that founded Gateways: Access to Jewish Education, an organization that provides special education services for Jewish organizations, schools, and synagogues. As the executive director of REACH, Julie also works closely with a wide range of agencies to maximize private and government funding to ensure that resources are available to all Jewish day schools.

Julie holds a B.A. in psychology from Queens College and a M.A. in education of the hearing impaired with a second area of concentration in learning disabilities from the Teacher’s College at Columbia University.

Ellah supports teachers and administrators within the Jewish day school system to build best practices in data-driven instruction, intervention, and case management. She also supports a network of coaches within the system to help build capacity within the schools toward evidence-based practices. She has been working in the field of special education for 22 years. Ellah developed a love for data while working as an ABA therapist. She then worked within the public school district in California as a special education teacher with a range of students including those with specific learning disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and challenges with social-emotional regulation. She worked as a special education administrator overseeing various specialized programs, professional development, and student evaluations. She is honored to work with the Jewish day school system.

Tamar is the Director of Professional Development at REACH, Resources for Educational Achievement Collaboration and Health, in Chicago. Prior to joining REACH, Tamar served as the Learning Center Director at Ramaz Middle School in New York City. In her role, Tamar works with the Chicago day school system to meet the educational and social emotional needs of all students. Tamar develops and facilitates professional development sessions that build the internal capacity of hundreds of teachers and administrators. Tamar has expertise related to Collaborative Problem Solving, and is a certified trainer in the model. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and Education from Barnard College and Master’s of Education in Special Education from Bank Street.

As the Director of Student Services at REACH, Rusi supervises special education teachers who provide individualized education programs to students within the Jewish day schools. Rusi mentors staff, collaborates with school administration, and helps schools and teachers develop plans to better service students who struggle both academically and behaviorally. Rusi is committed to evidence-based programs and making data-driven decisions so that the school staff at the Jewish day schools can reach all their students. She has a B.A. in Jewish studies and special education from Hebrew Theological College and a M.Ed. in administration and supervision from Loyola University. In addition to her two Illinois State Licensures in special education and administration, she has an endorsement in middle school math, extensive training as a teacher coach, and is a certified practitioner in Collaborative Problem Solving.