![A Letter from Lauren El-Mofty, Director of Student Services | September 3, 2025]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1756916777/bernardzellorg/lq8attmscspmwceeeuys/Lauren9424.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1756916777/bernardzellorg/lq8attmscspmwceeeuys/Lauren9424.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1756916777/bernardzellorg/lq8attmscspmwceeeuys/Lauren9424.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1756916777/bernardzellorg/lq8attmscspmwceeeuys/Lauren9424.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1756916777/bernardzellorg/lq8attmscspmwceeeuys/Lauren9424.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1756916777/bernardzellorg/lq8attmscspmwceeeuys/Lauren9424.png","width":1920}])
Lauren El-Mofty, Director of Student Services
Dear Bernard Zell Families,
It's been an exciting start to the school year, with students filling our hallways with energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning. I'm delighted to share an overview and update regarding the Student Services Team for the 2025-26 school year.
The Student Services Team
The Student Services team works in collaboration with teachers and families to help students with diverse learning needs maximize their potential, recognize their strengths, and find success at school. The team is comprised of a Director of Student Services, an Early Childhood Specialist, a Lower School and a Middle School Social Worker, two Learning Lab Specialists (who support academic enrichment, our Innovation Hub, and our school Library), our team of literacy/humanities and math Learning Specialists (supporting students in SK-8th), and our full-time Nurse. This year, we're pleased to share some updates on our talented faculty members on the Student Services team.
The Student Services Team
The Student Services team works in collaboration with teachers and families to help students with diverse learning needs maximize their potential, recognize their strengths, and find success at school. The team is comprised of a Director of Student Services, an Early Childhood Specialist, a Lower School and a Middle School Social Worker, two Learning Lab Specialists (who support academic enrichment, our Innovation Hub, and our school Library), our team of literacy/humanities and math Learning Specialists (supporting students in SK-8th), and our full-time Nurse. This year, we're pleased to share some updates on our talented faculty members on the Student Services team.
New Team Members
We are thrilled to announce that Lydia Malkin has joined the Student Services Team as a Lower School Learning Specialist. Ms. Malkin has been a beloved member of our school community for the past five years, teaching both 2nd and 3rd grade with incredible dedication and heart. Prior to joining us, she taught at a private school in New York City and has experience working with students from kindergarten through 3rd grade. Ms. Malkin holds a graduate degree in General and Special Education and brings a deep passion for helping students reach their full potential. She finds immense fulfillment in building meaningful connections with her students and supporting their growth both academically and personally. A proud native of downtown Chicago, Ms. Malkin now lives in Lakeview with her husband, Chris. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her close-knit family, diving into a good book, and staying active through exercise.
New Team Members
We are thrilled to announce that Lydia Malkin has joined the Student Services Team as a Lower School Learning Specialist. Ms. Malkin has been a beloved member of our school community for the past five years, teaching both 2nd and 3rd grade with incredible dedication and heart. Prior to joining us, she taught at a private school in New York City and has experience working with students from kindergarten through 3rd grade. Ms. Malkin holds a graduate degree in General and Special Education and brings a deep passion for helping students reach their full potential. She finds immense fulfillment in building meaningful connections with her students and supporting their growth both academically and personally. A proud native of downtown Chicago, Ms. Malkin now lives in Lakeview with her husband, Chris. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her close-knit family, diving into a good book, and staying active through exercise.
Please join us in celebrating Ms. Malkin's new role—our students are lucky to have her!
Logan Hammerberg joined Bernard Zell this year in a dual role as the 7th-grade science teacher and the 6th-grade math specialist. Mr. Hammerberg graduated with a degree in secondary education with endorsements in social studies and math. He has spent the last six years teaching middle school math in both public and private schools in Chicago. During that time, he had the opportunity to teach a wide range of diverse learners and worked extensively with our new MS math curriculum, Illustrative Math. Mr. Hammerberg has completed extended professional development focused on math instruction, teaching strategies, and methods that help students build both confidence and a deeper understanding. He has coached a variety of sports, including baseball, basketball, and volleyball, and hopes to continue this at Bernard Zell. Mr. Hammerberg is looking forward to making math accessible, engaging, and meaningful for students. He is very passionate about helping students find their passions and grow both academically and personally.
Please join us in welcoming Logan to the Bernard Zell community!
I am looking forward to a fantastic year ahead.
I am looking forward to a fantastic year ahead.