CLAL Faculty
Ami Berlin
Ami Berlin grew up at Congregation Ner Tamid and has been working at CNT for 34 years, the last 19 years as the Director of Education and Youth. Ami loves her work at CNT and feels very grateful to be a part of this community. Ami graduated from the University of Arizona with a BA in Political Science and Psychology. She also has a MBA in NonProfit Management from the University of Judaism, a certificate from Hebrew Union College in Jewish Education specializing in adolescents and emerging adults, and a MA in Education from American Jewish University. In her free time, Ami likes to spend time with her friends and family, walk her dog, Coco, binge popular streaming shows and do yoga. She is currently working on gaining her EDD in Jewish Education and Communal Leadership. Ami is particularly proud that eight of the ten faculty members are alumni of CLAL and 21 current CLAL students are the second generation of the family that Ami taught - their parents were her students too! Ami is so excited for the upcoming year and knows it is going to be a really special one!
Maia Boardman
Maia Boardman will be teaching Torah Tots for the 2025-2026 school year. A little bit about her, she is currently a senior at Palos Verdes High School, and this is herfirst year being a teacher after being a part of the madrichim program for the past four years. She has been involved with the synagogue since she was in preschool, and is now in her second year of being one of the co-presidents of the synagogue’s youth group. Outside of the synagogue, you can find herdrawing, taking walks, and on the sidelines of football games as a member of the cheer team She is very excited to be teaching Torah Tots and to get to know each and every one of your children as they embark on a year full of fun, creativity, and ruach!
Sadie Handler
Sadie Handler is teaching Gan (Kindergarten) this year. She was part of the Madrichim Program and this will be her second year as CLAL Faculty. She is a senior at Rolling Hills Prep. When she is not teaching at CLAL, you can find her on the Rolling Hills Prep stage, as one of the members of the cast. She is so excited for a fun and wonderful year!
Gabi Perez
Gabi Perez is teaching Alef (1st Grade) this year! She assisted in classrooms as a madricha for four years and this is her sixth year as CLAL faculty. One of her favorite things about teaching getting to know students’ diverse personalities and inspiring them to love their Jewish identity. Gabi is a graduate of Chadwick school and is currently a Senior at University of Southern California. When she is not teaching at CLAL, Gabi enjoys hanging out with her family and dog, doing art, and trying fun new recipes. Gabi can’t wait for an amazing school year!
Hannah Dunbar
Hannah Dunbar is teaching Kitah Bet (2nd Grade) and Kitah Gimel ( 3rd Grade) this year! This is her seventh year being a part of the CLAL faculty and loves teaching students at CNT. As a graduate of CLAL, Hannah is eager to provide a vibrant atmosphere for her students. Hannah has her Masters in Social Work from Cal State, Long Beach. During her time spent away from CLAL, Hannah is a School Based Therapist with Torrance Unified School District. During her free time, Hannah enjoys spending time with loved ones, working out, reading, relaxing with her dog, Daisy, trying new restaurants, and cooking/baking. Hannah is very excited for the upcoming CLAL year and cannot wait to see new and old faces!
Shery Hakimian
Shery Hakimian will be teaching Kitah Dalet (4th grade) this academic year. She is very happy and proud to be part of the CLAL faculty for the last 24 years. Shery graduated from the University of Tehran with a major in psychology. After graduation, she moved to Israel and lived in Israel for ten years. She currently lives in Rancho Palos Verdes with her husband and twins. Shery enjoys meeting new people and learning about their language and culture. She is looking forward to a year full of learning and fun with her students.
Ethan Cohen
Ethan Cohen is teaching Kitah Hey (5th grade) for his fourth year at CNT. He is entering his final year at Cal State Long Beach, where he studies journalism and serves as the Executive Producer for Hard News at the campus television station, BeachTV News. Ethan also works as a freelance news and sports photographer, combining his passion for storytelling with his love of visual media. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys working out, photography, and reading. Ethan is excited to continue sharing his love for Judaism and Israel with his students throughout the CLAL year.
Robert "Robbie" Levine
Robert “Robbie” Levine is teaching Kitah Vav (6th grade) for his fourth year at CNT. Robbie is a graduate of the University of Colorado with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Jewish Studies on the pre-medical track. Robbie works as a front office manager and medical assistant at Harbor Foot & Ankle Podiatric Medical Group while completing prerequisites for podiatry school and preparing for the MCAT at Long Beach City College. In the time spent away from studying and in the classroom, Robbie enjoys golfing, thrifting, and fitness. Robbie is looking forward to another meaningful year of learning and community at CLAL.
Miriam Cohn
Miriam Cohn is teaching Kitah Zayin (7th grade) this year and is also the Director of Youth & Synagogue Programming at CNT. This is her 7th year on CLAL Faculty and she absolutely loves it and is looking forward to this year! She graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in economics. Miriam’s favorite activities are reading (especially at a coffeeshop), hiking, snowboarding, and anything outdoorsy. She is looking forward to a fun and fantastic year!
Amy Goodman
Amy Goodman is teaching Hebrew this year. She is a senior at PVHS and has been apart of CNT for 17 years. Amy attended the preschool and CLAL throughout elementary and middle school. She has been a madricha for 4 years and this is her first year teaching. Amy is incredibly excited for this upcoming year and can’t wait to teach her students.
Sia Presser
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