Dear BZ Families,

It has been so wonderful to see all the smiling faces of our students ready for a new year! I am excited to share some updates regarding the Student Services Team for the 24-25 school year. The Student Services team works in collaboration with teachers and families to help students with diverse needs maximize their potential, recognize strengths, and find success at school. The team is comprised of a Director of Student Services, two social workers, two enrichment specialists, six learning specialists, and a school nurse. This year, we are pleased to welcome some new and talented faculty members to the team. 

Alicia Levy is no stranger to teaching or to the BZ community. After teaching for 12 years in preschool through 3rd grade in Chicago Public Schools and a JCC preschool, Alicia moved to Bernard Zell six years ago, where she has taught in Nursery and 4th grade. Alicia holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, her National Board Certification and an endorsement in Gifted Education. This year, Alicia has stepped into the role of Learning Lab Literacy Coordinator and will be running our school library and literacy enrichment program. She is thrilled to be working with various age groups and providing differentiation for all of learners.

Jenna Adler is excited to transition to a learning specialist role at BZ - a place that has been so special to her for the past 9 years (teaching in Early Childhood and 1st grade). Jenna holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a minor in English. She has an endorsement in English Language Learning and Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, and received training in the Wilson Reading System while teaching summer school at Hyde Park Day School. Jenna has taught in a structured teaching special education classroom and piloted a personalized learning program with a focus on differentiated instruction for younger learners. In her time at BZ, Jenna has led the charge in rethinking literacy instruction to better align with the Science of Reading, including training and coaching teachers in literacy and math instruction, and spearheading the successful Wit & Wisdom pilot. In her new Learning Specialist role, Jenna is eager to continue working in the area of reading and dyslexia and is committed to conveying that all students can and will succeed. 

Reena Vohra Morgan is thrilled to join BZ part-time this year as an Early Childhood Education Specialist. Reena has over 20 years of experience in the field of early childhood education. Reena holds a Master’s Degree in Childhood Development from the Erikson Institute,Montessori Certifications, and is also a Certified Parenting Coach from the Jai Institute. In 2022, she founded HIVE, and works part-time with other Chicago-area schools while also running a teacher education program in the summers. Combining theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and compassion, Reena uses an evidenced-based, reflective approach to guide and empower educators and parents, keeping the child at the center of these collaborative efforts. 

Hannah Taussig is thrilled to be joining the BZ team as the School Nurse! She grew up in Highland Park, IL, and is a proud alumni of Solomon Schechter Day School and Rochelle Zell Jewish High School. Hannah received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and began her career at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago on the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplant unit. She gained a vast amount of knowledge and understanding of caring for children when they are not feeling their best, and she is excited to bring her experience and knowledge to BZ. The health, safety, and well-being of your children are of utmost importance to Hannah. 

I am looking forward to a great year! 

Warmly, 

Lauren El-Mofty, Director of Student Services