Staff & Leadership

Co- Head of School: Judaics and Admissions

Rabbi Becca Walker has served as the Jewish Life and Learning Director at Lander Grinspoon Academy for the past 2 years and is looking forward to stepping into the role of co-head of school. Her role at LGA has included teaching Judaics studies, tefilah (prayer), family education and engagement. Prior to that she worked as an Engagement Rabbi in Toronto and Senior Jewish Educator for Hillel at Michigan State University. She has been an educator for over 15 years, teaching at Hillels, religious schools, summer camps, adult learning initiatives and more. Rabbi B was ordained in 2016 at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at American Jewish University in Los Angeles where she also received her MA in Rabbinic Studies. She has a BA from Columbia University in Religion and a BA from the Jewish Theological Seminary in Talmud. She enjoys cooking, outdoor adventures and listening to podcasts.

Co-Head of School: General Studies and Student Services

Ayla Wickham-Diemand
413-584-6622 ext. 102

Ayla came to LGA in 2023 as learning specialist, and is thrilled to be stepping into the role as Co-Head of School. As Learning Specialist, Ayla’s role encompassed school-wide academics and supporting teacher learning. She is an educator who feels very passionately about working with teachers to feel empowered to be the best they can be in an ever changing world. She taught in Holyoke Public Schools for 8 years after receiving her Master’s Degree from UMass and participating in an intensive teacher training program for teacher effectiveness through Harvard University. In her time there she was able to develop teacher support groups and participate on committees for designing and implementation of high-quality curriculum across the district. Her desire to have a larger reach within her impact on learning drove her to engage in a national Leadership Residency to develop methods in being an anti-racist educational leader. Next year’s position is an opportunity to grow her leadership skills to support the collaborative community of teachers here at LGA. Ayla enjoys spending time with her family, going to live music events and traveling.

Director of Operations and Security

Ashley Hooten
413-584-6622 ext.100

Ashley joined the staff in the fall of 2008 and brings a special mix of professionalism, office experience, and knowledge of young learners to this very crucial position. She is highly committed and excited to help the school succeed and grow into the future. In 2007, Ashley earned a BA in Psychology from UMass Amherst with a minor in Elementary Education. She is a native of Western MA where she lives with her husband and 3 children. Ashley enjoys photography, Pilates, and reading.

Director of Student Services

Rosemary Reidy

Rosemary joined the staff of LGA in 2022 as the Director of Student Services, bringing many years of experience in the world of education, from her work as a reading specialist/special education teacher to a Director of Pupil Services in a public school district. Her passion is supporting those students who learn differently, as well as their families, ensuring they receive the programming they require to succeed. In her current role, Rosemary also provides support for LGA faculty in pedagogy as well as serving as a coach and mentor.

Rosemary and her husband have 2 adult sons; split their time between Central Massachusetts and Cape Cod, and enjoy working on various projects around the house. She has 4 grandchildren that she adores who keep her very busy!

Senior Administrative Advisor

Deborah Bromberg Seltzer
413-584-6622 ext. 102

Deborah joined the LGA staff in 2003 bringing ruach (spirit) and song from her many years of experience working in day schools and summer camps. Her goal at LGA is to instill a sense of curiosity and fun in Jewish learning. Deborah is a 2012 recipient of a Harold Grinspoon Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewish Education and a 2012 recipient of the national Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award. She holds a BA in American Literature from Barnard College, Columbia University, a BA in Midrash from the Jewish Theological Seminary, and an MA in Jewish Education with a concentration in Day School Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Deborah lives in Northampton with her husband Bruce and four children, all of whom graduated from LGA. She enjoys reading children’s literature, doing arts and crafts, and Israeli dancing.

Leadership

President

Emily Kieval

Co Vice President

Deborah Barer

Co Vice President

Catherine Epstein

Treasurer

Adam Duso

Secretary
Aaron Greenberg

Board of Directors

Trustees

Meghan Armstrong

Jai Bradshaw

Casey Fein

Danny Kates

Laura Minsky (ex officio)

Liz Roberts

Aaron Berkenwald

Asaf Galay

Neal Gay

Rabbi Ben Weiner

Rabbi Riqi Kosovske