Ma’ayanot is excited to begin a new year and to welcome several new faculty members.

Cara Levine, College Guidance

Ma’ayanot’s dynamic college guidance department works closely with each student and her family to guide them in the current reality on college campuses and maximize students’ educational opportunities. Leebie Mallin, director of College Guidance, even visited Israel this summer with the Tzemach David Foundation to look at campuses there. Prior to joining Ma’ayanot’s college guidance team, Cara Levine served as a recruiter for Binghamton University, and as college guidance counselor at RKYHS for five years. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Binghamton, and a master’s in guidance and counseling. “I am excited to bring my passion for and expertise in college guidance to Ma’ayanot!” said Mrs. Levine. “It is my goal to offer each of my students and their families personalized and strategic support as they navigate this exciting chapter.”

Daniella Rifkind,
Judaic Studies Teacher

Daniella Rifkind, a 2020 Ma’ayanot graduate, has extensive experience in formal and informal Jewish education. She studied at Shaalvim for Women for a year and a half, and graduated from Stern College in May of 2024 as a fellow of the Legacy Heritage Jewish Educators Project while learning part-time at Yeshiva University’s Graduate Program in Advanced Talmud/Tanach Studies (GPATS). She has interned for YU’s Chinuch Incubator, served as the director of junior congregation at Bnai Yeshurun and on the chinuch staff at Camp Nesher for three years. She is currently pursuing a master’s in Jewish Education at Azrieli. A performing arts star during her own Ma’ayanot days, Mrs. Rifkind will also serve as faculty advisor for Heartbeats, Ma’ayanot’s annual evening of song, dance and connection. Mrs. Rifkind remarked,“I am excited to work alongside the incredible educators in the Judaic Studies department and to advise Heartbeats, one of the highlights of my own high school experience. I hope to engage my students by exploring Torah while also fostering meaningful relationships.”

Bonnie Shine, Math Teacher

Bonnie Shine will join the Ma’ayanot math department, teaching math at all levels, including Advanced Placement Calculus BC. She attended SUNY Albany and taught at South Shore High School in Brooklyn before making aliyah. In Israel, she taught math for two decades at various schools, including Tichon Ramah Yerushalayim, NFTY Heller High, and the Anglican International School. Since moving back to the New York area in 2018, she has been teaching at Ramaz, and is now excited to join the Ma’ayanot faculty.

Danielle Nix, Math Teacher

Danielle Nix has been a math teacher at Northern Valley Regional High School for 30 years, and also serves as an instructional coach. Thanks to a New Jersey grant for teachers of STEM subjects in non-public schools, Ms. Nix will work as a math specialist with students in the Ma’ayanot learning center.

Elizabeth Horowitz,
Health Sciences Teacher

Elizabeth Horowitz, PA-C, a practicing physician assistant, will be teaching the new 11th grade health science elective, which will impart essential skills required for a future career in healthcare, including introductions to medical procedures and to legal and ethical obligations. Through a partnership with JOWMA (the Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association), students will gain clinical experience and have the opportunity to meet and shadow medical professionals with the possibility of future mentorship.

Each new staff member brings her stellar talents and qualifications, and together with Ma’ayanot’s outstanding returning faculty, will provide excellent opportunities for learning and growth for all Ma’ayanot students, in high school and beyond!