Sharon Miller, Director, Shalem High School at TABC
SINAI Schools is proud to welcome Sharon Miller back to SINAI as director of the Rabbi Mark & Linda Karasick Shalem High School at TABC.
Miller first came to SINAI in 1994 as an art therapist and assistant teacher and became associate director in 2000. In 2002, she moved to Manhattan Day School, where she held many roles over the last 22 years, including director of special education and middle school principal. When longtime director of SINAI at TABC Esther Klavan announced her intention to transition from the role, Miller was ready for a new challenge and thrilled at the prospect of returning to SINAI.
“Esther has created a beautiful team for SINAI at TABC,” Miller said. “I hope I can add to it and bring my spin on things while continuing to build and grow SINAI at TABC to help each student and family get to where they need to be.”
SINAI at TABC serves students with a range of developmental and learning disabilities. The curriculum focuses on functional academics that stretch each student’s mind to foster independence; enhance social integration; strengthen communication, advocacy, and social skills; and develop a deep connection to Jewish knowledge and practice.
As Director of SINAI at TABC, Miller joins a cohort of directors at each of SINAI’s eight schools, who meet regularly to collaborate under the direction and guidance of SINAI’s Dean, Rabbi Dr. Yisrael Rothwachs.
Miller is looking forward to collaborating with her new colleagues to “help each student meet their potential and build on their strengths so they can be as independent and productive as possible.”
Miller earned a bachelor’s in advertising and fine arts from Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women and a master’s in art therapy from New York University. She earned a certificate in spiritual guidance from Prizmah and has completed five training programs on specific educational approaches.
Mimi Samter, Assistant Director at SINAI at TABC
SINAI is also excited to welcome two new assistant directors, Mimi Samter and Sharon (Golda) Sturm, to our academic leadership team.
Samter will be partnering with Miller at SINAI at TABC. Prior to starting her role with SINAI, she was a field instructor at Wurzweiler School of Social Work, a Growth Group facilitator at Bellevue University, and director of Guidance and Student Support Services at Rabbi Arthur Schneier Park East Day School. She earned a bachelor’s in psychology from Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women and a MSW from Hunter College School of Social Work.
Sharon (Golda) Sturm, Assistant Director at SINAI at SAR Academy
Sturm is joining the Irving Montak SINAI School at SAR Academy. For nearly two decades Sturm has been a Judaic Studies teacher at SAR Academy. She has served as a mentor to student teachers and new teachers and received the 2014 Audrey Schurgin Teacher of the Year Award. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s in Jewish education from Yeshiva University and a master’s in special education from City University of N ew York.
“Providing the highly individualized education we give to each child at SINAI requires a strong team with diverse skill sets,” said Rabbi Dr. Rothwachs. “I look forward to working with these outstanding new members of our leadership team and all the administrators, teachers, therapists and staff at SINAI’s eight schools in New Jersey and New York to continue to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of children whose special needs cannot be met in regular education settings.”
