Toby Amsel has been with The Adelson Educational Campus since 2005. The 20+ year veteran of Jewish day school education previously taught at the Hillel Hebrew Academy in Beverly Hills, California, and the Tucson Hebrew Academy in Tucson, Arizona. As both a teacher and mother of a former student in the day school system, Ms. Amsel possesses a unique perspective that enhances her ability to deal with the academic and social issues that arise within a day school setting. She earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Minnesota and her teaching degree from California State University, Northridge. She went on to earn her master’s in education with a focus on counseling.

Believing that athletics play a significant role in the social and physical development of today’s youth, Rob Blackwell is a very positive role model for students. He is a former athlete, coach, counselor and faculty mentor at both the independent school and collegiate level, including assistant men’s basketball coach at Division I St. Francis College, located in Brooklyn Heights, New York. His goals are to provide a wide variety of activities and sports, creating a positive learning environment while instilling pride, and offering students the opportunity to compete interscholastically. A graduate of New York’s St. Bonaventure University, with a Master of Arts in Education Administration and Supervision from University of Phoenix, Coach Blackwell is the recipient of multiple awards for coaching and sportsmanship. 

Laura Bruni graduated from California State Polytechnic, Pomona with a BA in Architecture and a minor in Philosophy. She also recently received her Master in Elementary Education. Ms. Bruni has a California Teaching Credential along with special certification to teach English as a second language. She was a teacher for 11 years in California, as well as a literacy coach where she helped train and support teachers in implanting the literacy program. Her training includes two-years of early literacy training through LAUSD, participant in the UCLA literacy project, LAUSD training in literacy for readers and attended the California Governor’s Literacy Institute.  Ms. Bruni was a state presenter at the California Kindergarten Conference where she presented material that promoted literacy across the curriculum.  She was selected as a lead teacher to promote effective instructional strategies as part of a special program through USC.  She also received extensive training in Writer’s Workshop to effectively promote writing in elementary schools when her school received the largest Annenberg Grant ever given to one school.

Throughout her more than 20 years of service to the educational community, Stacy Colwell has provided excellent leadership to a variety of schools with a continual emphasis on improving instruction for all students. Her background as a school administrator, teacher trainer, mentor, and classroom teacher gives her a broad perspective on the needs of the entire school community. She holds a Masters in Education, focusing on educational administration, from Washington State University, a multiple-subject teaching credential from California State University, San Bernardino, and a Bachelor of Science degree in communication arts from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Married for more than 20 years, with a daughter who attends The Adelson Educational Campus, Ms. Colwell enjoys quality time with her family, reading, playing games, swimming and golfing.

Corinna Crafton comes to Las Vegas from New Jersey, where she taught 7th and 8th graders at The Wardlaw-Hartridge School for seven years. While there, she held a variety of co-curricular positions including sixth grade coordinator and public speaking program administrator; additionally, she founded a middle school debate club and Shakespeare troupe. She has also worked as an adjunct instructor at Middlesex County College in Edison, New Jersey, where she taught English and writing. Ms. Crafton received her BA in English from Rutgers University and her MA in Curriculum and Instruction with special certification in Child and Adolescent Literature from Pennsylvania State University.

Thom Culcasi has been a musical director, voice teacher and singer/actor for over twenty years all over the United States, Canada, and Europe. As a musical director and conductor, Thom has worked for the Rubicon Theatre Educational Outreach and Youth Program in Ventura, California, as well as various Las Vegas projects including; musical director for The Buddy Holly Story for Super Summer Theatre and conductor for the production of COMPANY for the Nevada Conservatory Theater. Mr. Culcasi was a teaching fellow at Wesleyan University’s Center for Creative Youth in the music and theater programs. He graduated from The Boston Conservatory and its sister schools The New England Conservatory and Emerson College.

Lauren Eisenberg completed a BA degree, double majoring in English and Jewish Studies, in Durban, South Africa and then made aliya. She obtained her teaching certificate from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and taught high-school English. Lauren then studied at the University of California, Santa Barbara and gained her masters degree in English Administration. She is passionate about Jewish Education, and for the last 30 years has worked as an educator, administrator, programmer and fund raiser. Currently, Lauren teaches adult education classes for Congregation Ner Tamid and is also the facilitator for the Hadassah Leadership Academy.

A product of California public education, Gus Feliu earned his bachelor's degree in Religious Studies from Cal State University, Fullerton and then his master's from the University of California, San Diego in Judaic Studies, focusing on Judaism of the Second Temple and the Tannaim. Most of his twelve years of teaching experience has been in Religious Studies, Philosophy and Ethics (with forays into Ancient History, Latin and Film), but specifically teaching Judaic Studies represents the fulfillment of a career and personal goal for Gus, and he is delighted to be joining the Adelson faculty and sharing his love of all aspects of Jewish thought, history and culture with his students.

In addition to coordinating the science curriculum for both the lower and middle schools, Pat Gaido also teaches science for grades 6 & 8. These courses include introductory physics, introductory each science, introductory biology and introductory chemistry. Ms. Gaido’s joined the school in 1999. She came to us from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she was an undergraduate academic advisor for the Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. She graduated cum laude from West Virginia University earning a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, with a specialization in biology and general science.

Ms. Koehler comes to Las Vegas by way of Ohio, where she was a middle school 8th grade science teacher. She received her BA in Education with a concentration on Middle Childhood Education Science and Language Arts from The University of Toledo. She loves the water and has certifications from the American Red Cross for lifeguard training, first aid, and CPR/AED for the professional rescuer.

Terri Leitner is a rare native of Nevada and proud parent of a graduate of the first class of The Adelson Upper School. Prior to joining us, Mrs. Leitner was involved in customer service positions, property management, database management and operations management. She is the mother of four, and a grandmother of three.

Ira Madnikoff earned a bachelor’s in criminology at the University of Florida and his juris doctorate from John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois, and soon thereafter decided to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming an educator. From the first time he stepped into the classroom, Mr. Madnikoff knew instinctively that he could marshal his experience in many different educational settings toward his goal of becoming a phenomenal teacher. He taught high school social studies in Miami, Florida, for four years, garnering a breadth of experience that included teaching honors and advanced placement (AP) courses, U.S. and world history, government, economics and human geography.

Shirley Mayer was born in Israel and relocated to Southern California at the age of eight. She has taught Hebrew and Judaic Studies in the U.S. and Argentina. She earned her Bachelors from UC Berkeley and her Masters degrees from Yeshiva University and Columbia University. She enjoys swimming, hiking, and playing with her five children. She joined The Adelson Campus in 2009, where she imparts her love and passion for Judaism and Hebrew.

Robin earned her MS in Elementary Education from Hunter College in New York, and her BA in English from SUNY, New York. She has taught elementary-aged children in New York and California, and is herself, the mother of two young children. She is also an entrepreneur, having founded Evolve With Yoga, a yoga studio in New York. Ms. Oshins moved to Las Vegas to once again teach young children.

Some people believe that education is merely teaching curriculum, but Trish Pedrick would disagree. Ms. Pedrick cautions that educators must reach children as well as teach them. The wisdom of that philosophy is reflected in her successful career, devoted to independent school education and middle school students. She brings a wealth of experience not only in teaching mathematics, curriculum analysis and mapping, but also in developing mathematics curriculum, and determining and implementing age-appropriate content. Through praise and support, she motivates students to become confident in their ability, to be curious and question, to value mathematics, as well as to become problem solvers, think critically and reason. Ms. Pedrick completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics and educational curricula at the University of Delaware and did advanced studies at the University of Pennsylvania. She taught in northern Delaware and Miami before moving to Las Vegas to join our faculty in 2007.

Robin Pence comes to The Adelson Educational Campus as a Jewish Studies and Technology teacher. Robin has a BS in Therapeutic Recreation from Indiana University and Teacher Licensure in K-8 Elementary Education from the University of New Mexico. Previous to working at the Adelson Campus, she taught for 10 years as a Jewish Educator and Technology Integration Specialist/Coordinator at Solomon Schechter Day School of Albuquerque in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to foster a love of Torah, Jewish History, and learning, as well as inspire students and teachers through innovative use of technology across the curriculum. She has had 13 plus years experience working with students and educators to integrate technology into their classrooms. Robin is the recipient of a Technology Innovation grant for a video conferencing project with students in Israel, as well as a Target Literacy grant for use of iPod Touches to encourage cooperative learning and inspire a greater love of learning among students and families.

Warren Peterson grew up in southern Mississippi. She received her B.A. in English from Brigham Young University and her M.A. in teaching from Sierra Nevada College. She taught seventh grade English for Clark County School District for several years before making the move The Adelson Educational Campus. In her spare time she enjoys reading and cooking.

David Philippus was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. Because of his strong music programs in middle and high school, Mr. Philippus has carved out an exciting and successful path for himself in music and education. Music has allowed him to travel the world and has introduced him to unique experiences. At an early age Mr. Philippus was selected to play in the McDonald's All-American Grammy Band in New York City where he learned to love Big Band Jazz and to love New York City. After earning his bachelors in Jazz Performance at the University of Nevada Las Vegas on the trombone, he followed his passion for performing to New York City where he freelanced in salsa bands and jazz clubs, and played on Broadway in the orchestra pit for Hairspray. He also toured the east coast with the Artie Shaw Band. After finishing his masters in Jazz Performance from the State University of New York at Purchase, Philippus took a job in Japan for a year, playing in a wide variety of ensembles. Upon returning to the states, Philippus decided to return to Las Vegas where he played with Alicia Keys, Natalie Cole, Michel Legrand, Neil Sedaka, Frankie Vallie, The OJ's, Michael Grimm (winner of America's Got Talent), and many more. He also performed with Phantom of the Opera the Las Vegas Spectacular, The Producers, Legends in Concert, Spamalot, Donny and Marie, and is currently playing at The Lion King Las Vegas. His love for music and education has brought him here to the Adelson School where he hopes to build the same kind of inspiring band program that has motivated his career.

Vanessa Reolegio earned both bachelor and masters degrees in mathematics while living in the Philippines.  Prior to relocating to the United States, Vanessa taught many different levels of math at two different private schools in the Philippines. In addition, she has worked individually with many foreign students as a mathematics tutor; this work has helped her develop the insight and skills necessary to assist all students to learn math.

Tami Sal grew up in Israel and earned her B.Ed at Beit Berl College. She specializes in two courses; the Hebrew language and Judaics. Tami has more than fourteen years of teaching experience. She taught 1st to 6th grade general studies and Hebrew to new immigrants in Israel. She has also taught Hebrew as a second language to lower and middle school students in Israel, Florida and Arizona. At Donna Klein Jewish Academy in Boca Raton, she was trained to teach the NETA Program; and at Pardes Community School in Phoenix, she was trained to teach the Tal Am Program. Tami is excited to join our community, and she's quite pleased that her children will be joining her at The Adelson Educational Campus.

Courtney Schorr grew up here in Las Vegas. She received her bachelor's degree in Fine Arts/Film Studies from the University of Colorado, Boulder. After a short three-year stint working in Hollywood, Miss Schorr moved to New York to get her masters in education from Bank Street College and to pursue her calling which is working with children. Miss Schorr has taught at independent schools in both Manhattan and Brooklyn, and she is thrilled to be teaching closer to her friends and family out west.

Julie Steed has been with the school since 2008. She started with teaching preschoolers before working in administration. She is currently the Preschool and Lower School Administrative Assitant.  She is an East Coast native. For 25 years, Ms. Steed operated a preschool in her home, fulfilling her desire to teach and be a stay-at-home mom for her four children and later to school her two grandchildren. She joins our faculty from Seton Academy West, where she was also a preschool teacher. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, she came to Las Vegas in 2000, by way of San Jose, California. Her commitment to teaching continues to be fueled by her love of children and “the joy of watching them grow, learn and develop into their own little selves. She holds an E.C.E. in preschool early childhood education, and is also a C.D.A. (Child Development Associate).

An accomplished Jewish musician, Joel Swedlove has served as the Head Songleader for camps and synagogues throughout the United States. Having performed and studied with some of the biggest names in Jewish Music, Joel provides the Adelson School with a unique voice and personality. While studying Film at Arizona State University, Joel found that his true passion was in Jewish Music, and teaching children that they are able to express their culture through music. Joel brings an energy to all of the classrooms, during Shabbat, and the various Holiday shows throughout the year. Joel is constantly working to ensure that the students at the Adelson School not only have a knowledge of the rich history of Jewish music, but also are learning about contemporary Judaic and Israeli Music. He looks forward to singing with the wonderful Adelson students for years to come.