Our Teachers and Teaching Assistants
Danna Deutsch
Grades 1-2 Teacher
Danna is a caring teacher and she brings a lot of energy to the classroom. She loves listening to students and connecting their learning goals with their interests. Danna has a wide base of Jewish knowledge to share, from translating Hebrew poetry to working in bagel shops. She loves working with children, and at Makom she hopes to help her students connect with Jewish values in a way that is meaningful to them. When she is not teaching at Makom, Danna is usually busy with her graduate research. She can be found studying in libraries and biking around the city.
Danna Ellner
JK-SK and Grades 3-5 Teacher
Danna has worked with youth for many years, most recently as the Senior Program Coordinator for the Vaughan chapter of the Israeli Scouts. Her teaching philosophy revolves around empowering children and inspiring her students to learn through play and the creation of meaningful connections.
Danna is passionate about the diverse facets of the Jewish community. She is committed to helping her students view Judaism from various perspectives and connecting to their traditions in their own unique way. In her free time Danna enjoys hiking, playing music and hanging out in local cafes.
Pnina Dinkin
Grades 3-5 Teacher
Born in Latvia and raised in Israel, Pnina is a graduate of Toronto School of Art, has a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from OCAD University and is a certified Montessori elementary teacher. Pnina has worked with children and teens teaching visual art, art history, Hebrew and general subjects. She's taught in galleries, private high schools, elementary schools, Jewish schools and a Montessori school in Toronto, and has been teaching at Makom Afterschool since 2017. Pnina is interested in social change, philosophy, art and art criticism.
Rebecca Morais
JK-SK Teacher
My name is Rebecca and I am a registered early childhood educator (RECE). I lived in Israel for 9 years, where I completed my high school volunteer hours at the local Gan (kindergarten). I also completed a year of national service (sheruit leumi) at an elementary school and kindergarten program in Israel. Since returning to Toronto, I earned my diploma in Early Childhood Education from George Brown College.
I'm passionate about understanding early childhood development, applying it in the classroom, and creating an inclusive learning environment for all learners. I bring experience as a personal support worker for a child with diverse needs, where I've gained valuable insights into adapting programs and applying inclusive strategies. I'm eager to incorporate this knowledge into creating a fantastic and accommodating learning program for your children each week.
I look forward to sharing my love and Jewish learning with your children!
Shoshana Hargitai
Grades 3-5 Teacher
My name is Shoshana, this is my fourth year as Hebrew and Judaic teacher at Makom and I am excited to be back for another memorable year. I love working at Makom where Hebrew and Jewish learning is enabled through creative, cultural, spiritual and fun curriculum. Over the years I also taught Hebrew at various institutions, including York Region District School Board, where I worked with a student body representing diverse and rich cultural backgrounds.
I grew up in Israel where I attended ‘Tachkemoni’ Schools focused on fostering Jewish identity through learning Jewish history and culture.
Growing up in Israel I enjoyed learning Hebrew literacy and attending folk dancing of Hora and immersed myself in Israeli culture. Arriving in Canada as young university student, after graduating, I felt the need to share my joy and passion for Jewish history, language and identity and decided to pursue a career in education. I’m pleased to bring my passion, knowledge and experience to Makom students with the goal of elevating their Hebrew and Judaic learning experience.
Danielle Naor
Teaching Assistant
My Name is Danielle Naor and I am in the middle of my third year at University of Toronto. I study neuroscience and psychology with a minor in business and love what I do! I was born and raised in Panama City surrounded by a big family of 7. I love reading, exercising and learning new things which is why I love kids so much. They teach me something new every day with their creative nature and free spirit.
Maxine Lee Ewaschuk
Teaching Assistant
Hi! My name is Maxine Lee Ewaschuk and I’m 22 years old, working on a degree in Jewish Studies, History, and Philosophy at the University of Toronto. I grew up in the west end of Toronto and in high school I volunteered as an assistant at a visual arts summer camp. These days, I spend most of my time outside of school and work making art and learning Torah. Looking forward to meeting you and working with your kids!
Sof Kreidstein
Teaching Assistant
Sof is passionate about cultivating connection, growth, and curiosity through creative programs. With a background in interdisciplinary arts, workshop facilitation, and child/youth care, their work is centred around community engagement. Sof recently moved back from Kjipuktuk (Halifax) where they went to NSCAD University (BFA 2022), continuing to develop their multifaceted art practice locally and in their travels. They bring a responsive and playful approach to their work as a teaching assistant at Makom, inspiring joy for Jewish learning in each age range. Beyond this role, Sof is the Program Director at Machane Lev, a Jewish LGBTQ+ overnight summer camp with year-round programs. Their ongoing path of Jewish learning has been grounded in crafting Judaica, singing nigunim, exploring mysticism and folklore, and practicing nature-based rituals. In all they do, Sof is driven to nurture intersectional and intergenerational communities.
Nina Loganova
Substitute Teaching Assistant
Nina is a highschool student at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts. She is very involved in her school, being on the student council, in a wellness club, and assisting in running a choir. She is constantly looking for new ways to be involved whether it is in school or not. Since the age of 12 she has worked with younger children. She babysits and volunteers at an overnight summer camp.
Nina has always had a passion for creating community, and believes it is essential for wellbeing. For the past few years, Nina has been looking for more ways to be more involved in Toronto's Jewish community. At Makom, she is hoping to help kids create a strong and meaningful connection towards Judaism.
When Nina is not at school or working, she spends her time reading, singing, and hiking in nature.