Serving as Executive Director and Hebrew High Principal, Mrs. Shindler is a lifelong Jewish Educator. Through her endless energy, she has implemented a variety of experiential programming complementing the Hebrew High curriculum; including 8th grade Retreats, Hebrew High Care-A-Van, Cookies for Hunger, and Bikkur Cholim Team, to name a few. During the 2014-2015 school year, Hebrew High, under Mrs. Shindler’s guidance, successfully completed an extensive external review process for accreditation for Hebrew language credit through AdvancED Accreditation.

Myra is an avid sports fan, and active in numerous fitness pursuits, both for enjoyment and to keep up with the teens. She is a graduate of the University of Iowa, with a Masters degree in Jewish Studies from Spertus College of Judaica.

Contact Myra at [email protected]

Linda Feldman has been working at the BJE for over 19 years creating programs and bringing families into our Jewish world. From Chicago and Washington, D.C., her numerous teaching opportunities helped her to become a master educator. Linda was the former Director of the Temple Solel Preschool before joining the BJE.

Linda created Jewish Baby University for Expectant Parents and Baby & Me Shabbat for young families in addition to Jewish Marriage University – a marriage preparation program. She administers the hands-on holiday experiences; Let’s Make Olive Oil for Hanukkah, and Let’s Make Matzah for Passover. Through these and other creative programs, Linda helps participants experience Judaism and become part of our Jewish community.

Contact Linda at [email protected]

Marina Awerbuch has 14 years experience working with children and parents in community-based settings. Marina has successfully delivered continuing education seminars to professionals and families on evidence-based parent education, trauma informed care and child development. She has conducted community outreach, education, and collaborative program efforts to enhance awareness of infant-toddler development and child abuse prevention in the Arizona community.

Marina’s work focuses on building program infrastructure, and data management to best support growth of local and national non-profits focusing on the wellbeing of children. Marina holds a Masters of Advanced Study in Infant Family Practice from Arizona State University and is endorsed through the Infant Mental Health Coalition of Arizona. Marina currently works at Sacred Spaces as the Aleinu program manager, where she assists Jewish Youth Serving Institutions implement best practices for child protection.

As part of the BJE team, Marina advises on Passages, family and community programming, and teacher conferences.

Contact Marina at [email protected]

Sada Gilbert is an experienced educator and program administrator who has spent over 15 years working across a wide range of learning environments—both formal and informal—and with students of all ages. Her work has always centered on creating meaningful, relevant learning experiences where each student feels seen, valued, and inspired to grow. Sada holds a B.A. in American Studies from Brandeis University and a master’s degree in Sustainable Communities from Northern Arizona University.

She is passionate about Jewish learning, community, and culture, and is an active member of Temple Chai in Phoenix, where she sings with the Prayer Lab ensemble and gets to tutor b-mitzvah students. Sada is particularly excited to join Hebrew High to continue the work of supporting students and families in building strong Jewish identities rooted in joy, resiliency, and a sense of belonging. She believes deeply in the power of Jewish education to spark connection, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

She lives in central Phoenix with her husband, David, and their three children—Maille, Oren, and Willa. Outside of work, Sada enjoys reading, helping out in her kids’ school garden, and spending time with her family..

Learn more about Hebrew High.

Contact Sada at sadag@bjephoenix.org