Robert "Mr. S" Salvari- Math
“Mr. S” has worked in the field of education for over a decade. His professional experience includes serving as a classroom volunteer, working as a teacher’s assistant, and inspiring students as a classroom teacher from grades K-Adult. He has volunteered in his community in a variety of capacities including serving as a Scout leader for the Boy Scouts of America and as a football coach and division coordinator for the American Youth Soccer Organization. He is a proud father of three; Robert, Ethan, and Serena. His hobbies include exercise, reading, and playing the guitar.
“There is a saying: 'Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift.' That is why it's called the present.”
To contact Robert Salvari, email [email protected].
Karen Benzino- Math
Karen Benzino is an educator with 15 years of experience in the classroom. Her educational journey began with the attainment of a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development, specializing in Special Education, from California State University, Northridge. Karen's teaching career spans both elementary and middle school instruction within the private sector. She possesses a versatile skill set and has taught multiple subjects in middle school, including English, science, and history, before eventually focusing her expertise on the field of mathematics. Her greatest source of satisfaction stems from motivating her students to exceed their academic objectives, with a primary focus on enhancing their independence and self-assurance through engaging academic challenges. Recently, Karen achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from American College of Education.
To contact Karen Benzino, email [email protected].
Caitlan Carroll
I’m Caitlan Carroll, known as Miss Caitlan to my students. I am excited to begin my 10th year at Emek and a new chapter at Emek as a full-time Middle School Humanities teacher. After spending much of my time at Emek in the elementary school classroom, I feel especially fortunate to teach many students for a second time as they enter middle school. I earned my bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Oregon, completed my teaching credential through the DeLeT Program at Hebrew Union College, and received my master’s degree in Education from American Jewish University. I am currently pursuing my doctorate in Educational Leadership at California State University, Northridge, where my research focuses on Jewish students’ identity, belonging, and resilience. Outside of school, I am a proud Los Angeles native from West Hills. I love running, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on the Oregon Ducks and Seattle Seahawks. Football season is one of my favorite times of the year, and yes—I take my teams very seriously! Sco Ducks and Go Hawks!
To contact Caitlan Carroll, email [email protected].
Andrew Fons
Andrew Fons is one of the middle school mathematics teachers at Emek. This is his first year teaching at Emek, but his ninth year teaching mathematics overall. Mr. Fons earned his Bachelor of Science as a double major in Mathematics and Environmental Science from Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio. He began his teaching career in Ohio in 2016 but moved to Los Angeles in 2017 to enjoy the warm, sunny weather. When he is not teaching, Mr. Fons enjoys reading a good book, watching interesting movies, and cooking or baking creative new meals. He would like to thank all the parents for trusting him with their students, helping them learn not only mathematics but also how to become better individuals.
To contact Andrew Fons, email [email protected].
Wendi McAdam- Humanities
Mrs. McAdam is the Humanities Department Head and a middle school Humanities teacher at Emek Hebrew Academy. With 30 years of experience as an educator, primarily teaching middle school English and history, and seven years at Emek, she brings a deep understanding of middle school learners and a passion for helping students become confident, capable thinkers. She holds an A.A. from Chaffey Community College, a B.A. in Liberal Studies from Humboldt State University, credential work from National University, and a Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction from Capella University. Mrs. McAdam believes middle school students thrive when they feel supported, challenged, and valued. Her classroom emphasizes critical thinking, meaningful discussion, collaboration, and making connections between literature, history, writing, and the world around them. She strives to create a classroom where students feel comfortable asking questions, taking risks, and learning from their mistakes. For Mrs. McAdam, student success is about growth, effort, and ownership of learning, not simply a grade. She encourages students to think critically, support their ideas with evidence, communicate effectively, and approach challenges with curiosity and confidence. Her goal is for students to leave Humanities as stronger readers, writers, thinkers, communicators and as confident learners who understand that their ideas matter.
To contact Wendi McAdam, email [email protected].
Leora Shoshani- Science
To contact Leora Shoshani, email [email protected].
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