RYNJ is very proud to welcome Elana Cohn to its team. Cohn has been the director of Support Services of grades one through eight at Ben Porat Yosef in Paramus for the past 13 years. After graduating from Barnard College, Cohn received her master’s degree in Special Education from Hunter College. She has teaching certification in pre-k, kindergarten and grades one through six as well as professional certification to work with students with disabilities. Cohn has been trained in Orton-Gillingham by the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education. Cohn comes to RYNJ with a wealth of experience and a strong knowledge base. She has successfully coordinated teams of skilled professionals to work with classroom teachers and students who need academic support, and she looks forward to collaborating with RYNJ’s professionals to ensure that a full team approach is taken for each child. Cohn is a positive difference maker. She works well with staff members and is lauded for the many positive relationships she developed with students and their parents during her tenure.
RYNJ is happy to welcome Devorah Banayan back to RYNJ, as interim lower school general studies principal. Banayan was a sought after RYNJ fourth grade teacher, then served as academic director of the transitional program and finally, as middle school director of Student Services. In addition to her master’s degree in education, Banayan has completed leadership courses with both YU Lead and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. A versatile educator, Banayan has created innovative and sustainable systems for transparent communication and improved student learning. She is well known for her ability to cultivate strong educational teams and for her valuable faculty guidance. Her impressive skill set and creativity will enable Banayan to lead our talented staff of teachers in empowering their students to recognize and maximize their potential. Her warm, understanding and positive approach will facilitate strong student-teacher-parent partnerships that enable each RYNJ student to grow and flourish.
Morah Aviva Vogel has served as RYNJ early childehood assistant director for eight years and has graciously agreed to serve as interim early childhood director for the coming school year. She will be assisted by Morah Ronit Wenger who has also been an early childhood star educator at RYNJ for the past seven years. Morah Aviva’s educational expertise, warmth and strong relationships with students and parent body will ensure a seamless transition for students and families. Morah Ronit’s excitement, love and creativity will round out the early childhood administrative team. RYNJ staff is excited to work with both of these extremely talented, forward thinking and thoughtful educators.
By�Elana Cohn
