2025-2026 Faculty and Staff Updates

List of 19 items.

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  Jessie Alyesh

  Division Counselor, Grades 6-8
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  Jessie Alyesh has worked in middle schools for over 18 years, bringing deep insight, compassion, and care to her work with children, adolescents, and families. She is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and holds a Master’s degree in General and Special Education. 
  
  

  Prior to her seven years at Milken Community School, Jessie spent a decade teaching Jewish Studies and leading advisory at Rodeph Sholom School on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, where she was known for making Torah and Jewish values come alive in the classroom. Her deep love for Israel and unwavering commitment to Jewish peoplehood remain central to her work with students and families today.
  
  

  In her therapeutic work, Jessie is passionate about solution-focused and narrative therapy approaches, which empower individuals to identify their strengths, reframe challenges, and write new stories for themselves. Her goal is always to help students move forward with clarity, confidence, and connection.

  She has contributed articles to The Jewish Home of Los Angeles on topics including parenting, adolescent development, and mental health, and has served as a therapist at the Chabad Treatment Center, supporting individuals and families through moments of significant personal challenge.
  
  

  A proud mother of five, Jessie blends her professional expertise with a deeply human and heart-centered approach. She is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where students feel valued and empowered to grow into confident, kind, and connected individuals.
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  Antonio Arevalo

  Operations Technician
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  Antonio Arevalo has been a dedicated member of the Operations Department for over 17 years. With a strong background in building preventative maintenance, custodial services, event setup, painting, and drywall, he has played a key role in maintaining and improving Milken facilities. Over the past three summers, Antonio has contributed to remodeling classrooms and offices, demonstrating both skill and commitment to enhancing the campus environment. In his new role as an Operations Technician, Antonio will continue to make valuable contributions to school projects.
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  Smadar Bezalel

  Head Athletic Trainer and Director of Sports Medicine
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  Smadar Bezalel has been working at Milken since 2012 and serves as the Head Athletic Trainer and Director of Sports Medicine. She can typically be found providing treatments in the Athletic Training Room on the Upper School campus.
  
  

  Originally from Orange County, California, Smadar is Israeli and earned her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and her graduate degree in Sports Medicine from California State University, Fullerton. In addition to being a Certified Athletic Trainer, she is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach through the NSCA, as well as a Corrective Exercise Specialist and Performance Enhancement Specialist through NASM.
  
  

  Smadar has been in the profession since 2009 and has worked in a variety of settings—from Michael Jordan camps to two seasons of The Biggest Loser. She loves spending time with her family, close friends, and her dog, Zoey, who is like her child!
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  Francisco Bhuian

  Database Lead
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  Since joining Milken nearly four years ago as the Database Coordinator, Francisco has been instrumental in managing and enhancing the External Relations Team’s Raiser’s Edge database during a period of remarkable transformation for the school. His contributions have been key in nearly doubling the performance of the Annual Fund, helping launch the current Capital Campaign, expanding outreach to Milken grandparents and alumni, and supporting the planning of Milken’s 30th Anniversary Gala. In his new role as Database Lead, Francisco looks forward to continuing this momentum as Milken enters an exciting phase of unprecedented growth. 
  
  

  Francisco graduated from Occidental College in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. Before joining Milken, he lived in Southern Spain, where he worked as an English Language and Culture Assistant at an elementary school.
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  Aaron Blasband-Roth

  Division 6-8 Rabbi 
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  Aaron Blasband-Roth was born and raised in San Diego, California. He is a final year Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion student having completed four years of rabbinic education, a Master of Educational Leadership, and currently in his fifth year of rabbinic studies. He will be ordained in May of this year. He completed his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University in 2018 majoring in computer science with minors in physics and astrophysics. During his studies, Aaron participated in an internship with NASA where he wrote software for the Orion Spacecraft. Upon completing his undergraduate studies, Aaron participated in the Masa Israel Teaching Fellows program in Rishon LeZion Israel.  During this program, he taught English in a middle school while he explored many aspects of Israeli land and culture. Aaron then moved to Jerusalem to begin his rabbinic studies where he met his wife Lauren Blasband-Roth, who is being ordained as a Cantor. She will join the clergy team at Stephen Wise Temple as a Cantor this upcoming summer. While in rabbinical school, Aaron spent three years as the Youth and Family Engagement rabbinic intern at Central Synagogue and one as a rabbinic and education resident at Brawerman Elementary here in Los Angeles.
  
  

  Aaron has a passion for Jewish education and helping young Jews find a sense of purpose and belonging within the Jewish community. Aaron now lives in Burbank, CA with his wife Lauren and enjoys going to the beach, reading Sci-fi novels, working out, watching all sports, and trying new food. Aaron is looking forward to joining the Milken family to live and learn Jewishly together.
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  Tara Ann Carter

  Director of Educational Technology
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  Originally from Philadelphia, Tara Ann Carter brings a wealth of educational experience to her new role at Milken. She received her B.A. in English from Millersville University and her M.A. in Non-Traditional Literature from Villanova University. Tara began her career as a non-traditional educator with the Philadelphia Teaching Fellows, where she spent seven years as a dual certified English/Social Studies teacher in the School District of Philadelphia before transitioning to independent education. Tara has served as an educator for over 15 years.
  
  

  Tara's commitment to professional growth and global understanding is exemplified through her participation in 14 international travel programs. Specifically, last summer, she embarked on a study fellowship focused on AI policy in the European Union through the University of Pittsburgh's European Center in Brussels and Luxembourg. Throughout her career, Tara has taken on various technology initiatives, such as 1:1 program implementation, AI ethics and literacy training, and professional development programming for emerging educational technology.

  
  Beyond her professional endeavors, Tara enjoys reading memoirs, distance running, and experiencing contemporary art throughout Los Angeles.
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  Sophe Comfortes

  English Teacher & Service Learning Coordinator, Division 9-10 & Grades 6-12
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  Currently finishing her third year at Milken, Sophe has taught English and this past year served as the 9-10 Grade Service and Experiential Learning Coordinator. In her new role as the 6-12 Experiential Learning Coordinator, Sophe will oversee service and experiential learning off-campus days, providing students with opportunities to embody Milken's core values. Through these experiences, students will practice Kavod HaBriyot, treating everyone with dignity and kindness; Areivut, fostering mutual responsibility; Kehillah, building a strong sense of community; and Talmud Torah, engaging in lifelong learning.
  
  

  Sophe holds a Master of Arts in Urban Education with a concentration in Literacy Studies from Loyola Marymount University and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a minor in English from Chapman University. She also holds a California State English Teaching Credential. With nine years of teaching experience, Sophe has taught students ranging from 4th grade to adults in both English and Theatre. She brings a wealth of experience in curriculum development, arts integration, and hands-on learning, dedicated to creating meaningful, real-world learning opportunities that connect Milken’s values to authentic experiences.
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  Dr. Ellen Dooley

  Social Science Instructional Leader & Milken Scholars Coordinator
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  Ellen Dooley is the Instructional Leader for the Social Science Department at Milken Community School, where she has taught in both the Middle and Upper Schools for the past five years. Prior to joining Milken, she taught History and Jewish Studies at Kehillah Jewish High School in Palo Alto. At Milken, Ellen teaches a range of social science courses and plays a key role in developing curriculum and advancing instructional practices across the department.
  
  

  In addition to her teaching and leadership roles, Ellen is actively involved in student life. She serves as a faculty advisor for Model United Nations and Mock Trial, supporting students as they apply academic knowledge to real-world contexts.
  
  

  Ellen earned a B.A. in Art History and Comparative Religion from Trinity University, and both an M.A. and Ph.D. in Art History from the University of Southern California. Before transitioning to secondary education, she taught in USC’s Department of Art History and School of Religion, and served as Assistant Curator of Latin American Art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Her research and curatorial work focus on religious art across the Spanish Empire, and she has published widely on topics ranging from early modern European art to modern design movements in California and Mexico.
  
  

  A dedicated advocate for educational equity, Ellen volunteered for many years as an instructor with the Prison University Project at San Quentin State Prison. She continues this work at Milken through her role as faculty advisor to YOZMA’s Equal Justice initiative. Ellen is committed to creating experiential learning opportunities that inspire students to engage critically with the world and prepare them to become thoughtful, informed global citizens.
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  Max Greenberg

  Lead Counselor, Grades 6-12
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  An LA native, Max Greenberg graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a bachelor of arts in psychology and a master of arts in clinical psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles. Following graduate school, Max worked in community mental health, and as an education specialist in Santa Monica. Since earning his masters degree, Max has focused his continuing graduate education in art therapy, play therapy, and crisis intervention. Max is also a certified UCLA PEERS provider, an Oaklander Gestalt Therapy Supervisor and Trainer, A QPR Gatekeeper Instructor, and was the 2019 Matt’s Hero Award recipient for programs in prevention of teen suicide.
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  Hillary Higgins

  Senior Associate Director of College Counseling & Academic Planning and Director of Masa Capstone Programs
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  Hillary Higgins has worked in education in a variety of ways over the last fifteen years, but becoming a college counselor has been a dream fulfilled. After earning her B.A. in English Literature from the University of Michigan and J.D. from Southwestern Law School, she started her career as an Education Lawyer advocating for students who needed additional support in school. Hillary loved working with families and decided to transition into the world of admissions at her alma mater, Harvard-Westlake. Eating lunch every day with her own teachers was her favorite part of the job.

  
  

  She then spent six years in the USC Office of Admission preparing to transition into her current role as a college counselor. After a little over two years in the Bay Area at The Nueva School, Hillary was thrilled to return home to Los Angeles and spent three years as Associate Director of Academic Advising and College Guidance at Geffen Academy at UCLA.

  
  

  In addition to her work in schools, Hillary serves on the board of the Western Association of College Admission Counselors as a California Delegate, advocating for students and professionals in the field of college admissions.
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  Mimi Klabon

  Visual Arts Instructional Leader
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  Mimi Klabon’s path as an educator is unconventional. While working in the garment industry on Sundays, she and her roommates would invite neighborhood children to join them in creating art  because most of the kids in the area didn’t have access to art-making materials. One day, a young participant suggested she work for an arts organization—a piece of advice that helped shape her future.
  
  Since then, Mimi has merged her passions for art and community by working with numerous arts organizations while continuing her work in fashion. She has developed and led creative initiatives at community events, street fairs, arts festivals, and within culturally specific contexts, always aiming to make art accessible and engaging.
  
  

  As an artist, Mimi remains active in the Los Angeles arts scene through exhibitions, curating shows, and collaborating on public art projects. Her dedication to fostering creativity has also extended into education. She has taught at various schools across Los Angeles and has had the pleasure of teaching at Milken for the past four years.
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  Emily Levine

  English Teacher & Literacy Coordinator, Division 6-8
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  Emily Levine is an educator driven by a deep commitment to literacy and reading development as foundational tools for equity and lifelong learning. She holds a BA in History from the University of Southern California, a Master’s in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education, and a Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University.
  
  

  Since beginning her teaching career in 2015, Emily has prioritized collaboration and collective growth, believing that meaningful change happens when educators work together to elevate both their practice and their communities. Her work integrates evidence-based literacy instruction with a deep awareness of students’ social and emotional needs, always grounded in the belief that strong readers become empowered thinkers and engaged citizens.
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  Maria Liran

  Science Instructional Leader
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  Maria Liran joined Milken Community School’s science department in 2014. Maria also served as a mentor teacher, observing classes, facilitating workshops, and offering actionable feedback to peers. She also coached the school’s cross‑country team, channeling her own love of running into a program that emphasized resilience and community. Earlier in her career she taught chemistry, biology, and Earth science at Thomas Downey High School, where she crafted differentiated lessons for multilingual learners and students with learning differences.
  
  

  Maria earned a B.S. in Cell Biology & Neuroscience (with additional study in Microbiology & Molecular Genetics) at Rutgers University, followed by a California single‑subject teaching credential. She also completed an M.Ed. in Science Education at California State University, Northridge in 2020, graduating with honors while teaching full time.
  
  

  A native Spanish speaker and lifelong language learner, Maria is committed to building inclusive, culturally responsive classrooms where every student’s voice is heard. When she isn’t in the lab or collaborating with faculty, you’ll often find her exploring Los Angeles trails or experimenting with new ed‑tech tools.
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  Holly Mavrin

  Office Manager, Division 9-10
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  Holly Mavrin has been a dedicated member of the Milken Community School team since 2019. Throughout her time here, she has demonstrated exceptional organizational skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a genuine commitment to supporting both students and staff. Her efforts in streamlining our office workflows and enhancing communication across the division have been invaluable. In her new role as Office Manager for the 9-10 Division, she will oversee daily operations of the Division 9-10 office and continue to support our students, staff, and families with professionalism and warmth.
  
  

  Before transitioning into education, she earned a paralegal degree and worked at a criminal and family law firm here in Los Angeles, where she supported clients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Holly’s daughter is a proud member of the Milken Class of 2029. Holly is grateful that being part of the same community allows her to stay closely involved in her daughter’s educational journey while contributing to a supportive environment for all students and families.
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  Shelly Meyers

  Admission Office Manager
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  Originally from Austin, Texas, Shelly Meyers holds a Master’s in Education and a Baccalaureate of Literature in Hebrew Letters from the American Jewish University, along with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis. Over the past 27 years, she has dedicated her career to working with families and children in a wide range of Jewish educational settings. Her current role at Milken as the Admission Office Manager allows her to welcome new families to Milken, assist in the application and onboarding process for families and is always greeting prospective families at admission events throughout the year. In addition to her work in education, she spent 14 years with the Jewish Free Loan Association, deepening her commitment to supporting and strengthening the Jewish community through compassionate, values-driven service.
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  Laura Notowitz

  Jewish Studies Instructional Leader
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  Laura Notowitz is excited to be taking on the role of Jewish Studies Instructional Leader at Milken. Laura has worked in Jewish education for over twenty years: mentoring, leading, and teaching. A graduate of UC San Diego with degrees in Human Development and Judaic Studies, Laura spent her junior year of college studying at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem where she was a JESNA Lainer intern for Jewish education. Laura earned her Master of Arts in Education and Bachelor of Literature in Hebrew Letters from the American Jewish University. Before returning to Milken in 2022, Laura served as Interim Judaic Studies Principal and Judaic Studies Department Chair and taught Middle School Judaic Studies at Pressman Academy for eleven years, and she worked as Middle School Jewish Studies Department Chair and teacher at Milken for nine years prior to that. A recipient of AJU’s Mickey Weiss Award for Outstanding Alumni, Laura is a graduate of MTEI (Mandel Teacher Educator Institute) and JTS Tanakh Standards and Benchmarks Teacher Leadership Institute. Laura believes in creating dynamic, meaningful Jewish learning experiences that connect students to their heritage while preparing them for the future. When not in the classroom, Laura enjoys Israeli dancing, learning, and spending time in nature. Laura and her husband, Sam, have three children: Avi, Talia, and Noah. 
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  Gary Rosoff

  Operations Manager
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  Gary Rosoff brings extensive experience in management and operations, with a strong background in overseeing large programs, coordinating logistics, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of teams and events. He has successfully managed staff, budgets, scheduling, and facility operations, demonstrating a high level of organization and leadership. Gary holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine and a MBA from Pepperdine University, combining academic knowledge with practical expertise to drive efficiency and foster a positive, structured environment in both athletic and administrative settings. Gary was the former Head of Global Field Operations at StubHub where he managed a large team of event and logistics staff that was responsible for the coordination and execution of large scale events and operations around the globe. In addition to this role, Gary is also the Head Varsity Baseball coach at Milken, finishing up his fourth successful season.
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  Dr. Sara Smith

  Director of Jewish Integration
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  Sara Smith was born and raised in Los Angeles and is an alumna of its Jewish day schools. 

  
  

  Sara has taught elementary school through graduate school in both formal and informal educational settings for over twenty years. Her areas of interest include professional development of educators, curriculum design, and history of Jewish education.  

  
  

  Before coming to Milken, Dr. Smith worked as the Assistant Dean of the School for Jewish Education and Leadership at American Jewish University. Dr. Smith earned her BA and MAT from Brandeis University and her PhD in Education and Jewish Studies from New York University, where she was a Wexner Graduate Fellow. Her doctoral research focused on the development of Jewish day schools in Los Angeles, including the founding of Milken's predecessor schools. Dr. Smith also holds a Certificate in Jewish Experiential Education from Yeshiva University. When not at Milken, Dr. Smith can be found with her husband, chasing around their three little kids.
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  Jennifer Spellman

  Director of Student Services
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  Jennifer Spellman has been an educator for the past two decades with a focus on meeting the needs of all learners. Jennifer has two Master’s degrees in Education, one in Secondary Education and the other in Educational Therapy, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. Jennifer has served as an Academic Interventionist and Literacy Coach for the NYC Department of Education,  Lower & Middle School Director at Westmark School, Upper School Director at Wildwood School and previously as Academic Support Services Coordinator at Milken. 

  
  

  Jennifer has a wide range of skills, including implementation of special learning plans and accommodations for gifted students, twice exceptional students and students with learning differences. She facilitates educational professional development with a focus on differentiation and neurodevelopmental constructs. Jennifer has developed curriculum for courses including Humanities, Literacy, Advisory, Reading Remediation and Social Emotional programming. Jennifer is trained in reading and writing interventions, including Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes , Wilson Reading Systems, Step Up to Writing, Jane Schaffer Writing Method, and Kansas State Strategic Instructional Methods. With a focus on supporting the whole child, Jennifer has received training through the Institute for Social Emotional Learning in the Open Session Program, equity training through the Visions and Courageous Conversations organizations, Advisory Training through the Wildwood Outreach Center and  social skills training through Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking curriculum.