SINAI Schools recently announced the appointment of Hannah Cowan as director of SINAI’s Rabbi Mark and Linda Karasick Shalem High School at Heichal HaTorah. Cowan comes to Shalem at Heichal from Kulanu Academy in Cedarhurst, New York. She has over a decade of experience working in special education, notably with high school students who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Hailing from England, she earned a master’s degree and certification 

in special education in the United States, and since that time has participated in substantial professional development in areas of educational technology relating to special education.

Cowan is a warm and personable educator with extensive experience in planning curricula and guiding the instruction of older students with an eye toward their impending transition to adulthood. She has served as a mentor to other teachers through the Jewish New Teacher Project and has a history of collaboration and partnership with a wide array of professionals.

Partnering with the boys’ high school Yeshivat Heichal HaTorah in Teaneck, SINAI Shalem at Heichal serves boys ages 18-21 years old who are classified with developmental or profound learning disabilities, including autism, social/emotional challenges, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy and neurological disabilities. Shalem at Heichal provides a second stage of high school for older boys who are ready to focus more intently on life skills and vocational training, in preparation for their transition to adulthood.

Cowan will be moving to New Jersey from Lawrence, New York this summer with her infant daughter and her husband, Yosef.