Faculty
Administration
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.”
-Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh
Mrs. Wladis has extensive experience in education, having worked with students of all ages from kindergarten all the way through high school. She is an expert at incorporating differentiated learning options and technology into curriculums and uses this expertise in her role as General Studies Coordinator at Meoros. She also is the founder of EdTech Ease, where she serves as an educational consultant to various educational institutions. Mrs. Wladis has been teaching in Orlando for over two decades and simply loves the students and community.
Her full bio can be found at her website:
https://edtechease.com/about/.
“Whether it is helping the school day run smoothly or reminding the students that they are stronger than they realize, I’m happy to be involved in Meoros and to help make an impact.”
Ms. Cepeda works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure all the logistics at Meoros run smoothly. From answering phones and emails or helping plan special events, Ms. Cepeda loves helping people – especially the next generation of students.
Judaic Studies
“There is no such thing as a dumb question!”
Meoros is extremely privileged to have Rabbi Feigenbaum as a staff member and Educational Consultant. As the founder and former principal of Tiferes Bais Yaakov, he brings decades of experience in education to Meoros. Rav Feigenbaum enjoys teaching the Meoros students, whom he finds “very real and honest.” He has Semicha from Rav Beinush Finkel from Yeshivas Mir, Yerushalayim and is the author of Understanding the Talmud and The Feigenbaum Siddur.
His full bio can be found here:
www.rabbiyfeigenbaum.com
“Students will succeed if they can.” – Dr. Ross Greene
Originally from Queens, New York, Mrs. Miriam Kalter spent time in Israel before returning to the U.S. to further her education. She holds a master’s degree in Special Education from Daemen University and a master’s in School Building Leadership from St. John’s University.
With nearly 20 years of experience in education, Mrs. Kalter began her career at Yeshiva Ketana of Manhattan. Over the years, she has taught Chumash to students ranging from 2nd grade through high school, fostering a deep connection to Torah learning.
Mrs. Kalter is passionate about helping students develop a lifelong love of learning. By reinforcing foundational skills, engaging directly with the text, and drawing meaningful life lessons, she inspires her students to connect to Torah on a profound level.
When not in the classroom, Mrs. Kalter enjoys baking and hiking.
“I am excited about the opportunity to empower the students to find how they can each connect to our illustrious history and be a part of our future. The dialogue, conversations, questions, and answers will allow each student to find her unique connection to our people.”
“Teaching is inspiring the next generation to be as best as they can be.”
“Teaching is inspiring the next generation to be as best as they can be.”
“I am looking to help each student actualize their potential.”
It’s no wonder that Rabbi Kramer chose to go into chinuch; with both of his parents in the teaching profession, it is practically in his blood. Seeing their impact on their own talmidim and talmidos made a powerful impression on him, and his experience in Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim clinched his decision. As a halacha teacher, Rabbi Kramer appreciates the interactive discussions in the classroom and the thirst his students display to master the material they cover.
He believes Meoros is an exceptional institution due to the individual attention that each student receives.
“I want to help our students develop into the next generation of Jewish mothers and leaders.”
Mrs. Rennert feels strongly about sharing her love for Judaism and Torah with others, and she brings that passion to the classroom. One of her guiding beliefs is that every Jew deserves access to the information and resources they need in order to reach their potential.
Mrs. Rennert feels privileged to be part of the pioneering staff who will help establish Orlando’s educational framework for girls. In her free time, she enjoys planning “Sunday Fundays” and helping tourists plan their Orlando vacations!
“You can change the world, one child at a time.”
Mrs. Wachsman entered Jewish education with the ideal motivation: to make a difference in the lives of her students, one individual at a time. She appreciates working at Meoros, a school she feels is unique because of the opportunities she has to forge close connections with both students and staff members. When she’s not in the classroom making the Navi come alive for her students, she can be found reading, painting, or spending time with her family.
General Studies
Mr. Grapel brings over a decade of teaching experience, working with students across various ages, levels, and disciplines. His expertise lies in mathematics, computer science, and physics, with courses ranging from introductory levels to college level. His AP Computer Science and AP Calculus classes have consistently achieved some of the highest pass rates in Miami-Dade and Seminole County school districts.
In addition to his core subjects, Mr. Grapel occasionally broadens the academic offerings at his schools by teaching legal studies, economics, Hebrew, and Arabic.
Driven by wanderlust, Mr. Grapel has lived in over seven countries and taught in three: Israel, Panama, and the United States. His teaching journey in the U.S. spans Miami and Orlando, where he continues to inspire students through his diverse experiences and dedication to education.
“I would like to connect with my students on a deeper level and help guide them to their educational journey while they forge their own path.”
Mr. Pagliazzo has enjoyed teaching a variety of subjects over the last 15 years but feels he has found a home at Meoros teaching English Language Arts. He believes there are many opportunities to discuss and dig deeper into the literature and he enjoys hearing the insights of the girls and getting to truly know them through their work.
When not teaching, Mr. Pagliazzo loves to read, travel, and bike.
“My aims are to share the miraculous beauty and complexity of the natural world and to help every student feel capable of mastering any material they are taught.”
Mrs. Kolin’s enjoyment of science and interest in the natural world radiates to her students, who recognize both her sincerity and her expertise on her subject. Mrs. Kolin appreciates the small class sizes at Meoros, which she feels make it possible for teachers to see and hear each individual student. Prior to working at Meoros, Mrs. Kolin worked as a pharmacist for 15 years.
When she is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and reading.
“Mathematics gives us a language to undertand the world.”
Ms. Oppenheim is a professional educator with a M.Ed and M.S. from the University of Cincinnati. With many years of classroom teaching experience, she now teaches high school geometry at Meoros High School in Orlando, while also offering private tutoring in mathematics and science in the Maitland/Winter Park area. Her students range from elementary through high school, reflecting her expertise across a wide range of ages and skill levels.
In addition to her work in education, Ms. Oppenheim is passionate about giving back to the community and raises funds for several nonprofit organizations.
“I’d like to have a positive influence on my students by giving them knowledge and information that will help them impact others positively as well.”
Though Mr. Graves is an expert in his chosen field of history, he decided to go into teaching due to his desire to make a difference in the lives of others. He appreciates the opportunity to teach in an educational setting such as Meoros, where the class sizes are small and there is a strong emphasis on academic
What Teachers Are Saying About Meoros:
Faculty:
Administration:
“I aspire to listen and hold space, to care deeply for every student and staff member, to lead with compassion and empathy, to model good middos and the passion of אשרינו מה טוב חלקנו. To challenge every Meoros student and staff member to grow, accomplish, and find their inner greatness, while challenging myself most, and cheering all of us on all the while.”
Mrs. Federgrun grew up in a home where educating the next generation was not only a lofty ideal but a day-to-day reality; with both of her parents as successful administrators and educators, she saw firsthand the difference educators could make in the lives of their students. After establishing herself as a strong educator in her own right, with high academic expectations, rigorous teaching experiences in both general and Judaic studies in the tri-state area, and warm relationships with both students and staff members, Mrs. Federgrun was recruited to become the principal of Shalhevet, a girls’ high school in Vancouver, BC. In 2021, after four successful and satisfying years in Vancouver, she made the move to Orlando to help establish Meoros together with her supportive husband and children.…
Today, she is quickly becoming a beloved figure in the community. Teachers appreciate Mrs. Federgrun’s support and strong leadership as well as the environment of growth she’s created in the school. Students have the unique opportunity to know her not only as an administrator who is dedicated to their overall well-being but also as a Chumash teacher who gets to know them on a personal level. Mrs. Federgrun is thrilled with the rapid growth Meoros has undergone since its inception in 2021, and she looks forward to continuing to support the growing Orlando community in the years to come.
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.”
-Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh
Mrs. Wladis has extensive experience in education, having worked with students of all ages from kindergarten all the way through high school. She is an expert at incorporating differentiated learning options and technology into curriculums and uses this expertise in her role as General Studies Coordinator at Meoros. She also is the founder of EdTech Ease, where she serves as an educational consultant to various educational institutions. Mrs. Wladis has been teaching in Orlando for over two decades and simply loves the students and community.
Her full bio can be found at her website:
https://edtechease.com/about/.
“Whether it is helping the school day run smoothly or reminding the students that they are stronger than they realize, I’m happy to be involved in Meoros and to help make an impact.”
Mrs. Ross works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure all the logistics at Meoros run smoothly. From answering phones and emails or helping plan special events, Mrs. Ross loves helping people – especially the next generation of students. She has a love of theater and has had portions of her research published in James Winter’s “From Page to Stage: An Introduction to Theater.”
Judaic Studies:
“I would like the girls to recognize how much beauty there is in Judaism and to feel confident when they go out in the world and represent Klal Yisroel.”
Ms. Chaitoff has dreamed of becoming a teacher since she was a child. Today she is thrilled with the opportunity to make a difference in her students’ lives, and she loves the sense of accomplishment and excitement her students show when they understand the material they are taught. Originally from Highland Park, NJ, Ms. Chaitoff is thrilled to be living in Orlando, a city that offers many attractions, where she has the opportunity to work at Meoros, a school she feels is unique. She’s also the only member of the staff who can make the claim that she was a “fairy godmother-in-training” at Magic Kingdom for a short time!
“I am excited about the opportunity to empower the students to find how they can each connect to our illustrious history and be a part of our future. The dialogue, conversations, questions, and answers will allow each student to find her unique connection to our people.”
Rabbi Federgrun loves teaching Jewish History, a subject he feels is a foundational topic for an understanding of Jewish identity, the Jewish people’s mission throughout the centuries, and our current beliefs and practices. He has experience teaching both high school boys and girls in different settings, and has also served as the Associate Rabbi in Shaarei Tzedek, Vancouver, and was the Rosh Kollel of the BRS Summer Kollel. In addition to teaching at Meoros, Rabbi Federgrun works as the Director of Community Education and Engagement at JOIN Orlando. He loves teaching at Meoros, a school he says is a “student-centered, positive environment.”
“There is no such thing as a dumb question!”
Meoros is extremely privileged to have Rabbi Feigenbaum as a staff member and Educational Consultant. As the founder and former principal of Tiferes Bais Yaakov, he brings decades of experience in education to Meoros. Rav Feigenbaum enjoys teaching the Meoros students, whom he finds “very real and honest.” He has Semicha from Rav Beinush Finkel from Yeshivas Mir, Yerushalayim and is the author of Understanding the Talmud and The Feigenbaum Siddur.
His full bio can be found here:
www.rabbiyfeigenbaum.com
“Teaching is inspiring the next generation to be as best as they can be.”
There aren’t many teachers in South Florida who can claim to have taught on several different continents, but Mrs. Koehler can! As an experienced Ivrit teacher, Mrs. Koehler taught in both Jerusalem, Israel and Edmonton, Canada, before settling in Orlando, Florida. She has a passion for learning and teaching and especially appreciates the warm atmosphere at Meoros that contributes to a family-like setting.
When she’s not with her Meoros family, Mrs. Koehler enjoys spending time with her nuclear family.
“I am looking to help each student actualize their potential.”
It’s no wonder that Rabbi Kramer chose to go into chinuch; with both of his parents in the teaching profession, it is practically in his blood. Seeing their impact on their own talmidim and talmidos made a powerful impression on him, and his experience in Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim clinched his decision. As a halacha teacher, Rabbi Kramer appreciates the interactive discussions in the classroom and the thirst his students display to master the material they cover.
He believes Meoros is an exceptional institution due to the individual attention that each student receives.
“I want to help our students develop into the next generation of Jewish mothers and leaders.”
Mrs. Rennert feels strongly about sharing her love for Judaism and Torah with others, and she brings that passion to the classroom. One of her guiding beliefs is that every Jew deserves access to the information and resources they need in order to reach their potential.
Mrs. Rennert feels privileged to be part of the pioneering staff who will help establish Orlando’s educational framework for girls. In her free time, she enjoys planning “Sunday Fundays” and helping tourists plan their Orlando vacations!
“You can change the world, one child at a time.”
Mrs. Wachsman entered Jewish education with the ideal motivation: to make a difference in the lives of her students, one individual at a time. She appreciates working at Meoros, a school she feels is unique because of the opportunities she has to forge close connections with both students and staff members. When she’s not in the classroom making the Navi come alive for her students, she can be found reading, painting, or spending time with her family.
General Studies:
“I would like to connect with my students on a deeper level and help guide them to their educational journey while they forge their own path.”
Mrs. Johnson has enjoyed teaching a variety of subjects over the last 15 years but feels she has found a home at Meoros teaching English Language Arts. She believes there are many opportunities to discuss and dig deeper into the literature and she enjoys hearing the insights of the girls and getting to truly know them through their work.
When not teaching, Mrs. Johnson loves to read, travel and spend time with her family and pets (5 cats and 1 dog!).
“My aims are to share the miraculous beauty and complexity of the natural world and to help every student feel capable of mastering any material they are taught.”
Mrs. Kolin’s enjoyment of science and interest in the natural world radiates to her students, who recognize both her sincerity and her expertise on her subject. Mrs. Kolin appreciates the small class sizes at Meoros, which she feels make it possible for teachers to see and hear each individual student. Prior to working at Meoros, Mrs. Kolin worked as a pharmacist for 15 years.
When she is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and reading.
“Art gives us a language for emotions we struggle to verbalize – grief, joy, anxiety, hope. I want to teach my students that language, whether it be knowing how to draw a realistic face, examining art from different cultures or simply painting abstract shapes and lines.”
Ms. Shirley has three children and enjoys oil painting and cooking Ethiopian food in her free time.
“I care for my students’ academic success, and in particular, learning mathematics.”
When not teaching, Mr. Diaz can likely be found traveling, cooking, watching baseball, or being involved in a DIY home improvement project. He looks forward to working together with the other staff members at Meoros to help students achieve the learning goals set by the school.
“I’d like to have a positive influence on my students by giving them knowledge and information that will help them impact others positively as well.”
When not teaching, Mr. Diaz can likely be found traveling, cooking, watching baseball, or being involved in a DIY home improvement project. He looks forward to working together with the other staff members at Meoros to help students achieve the learning goals set by the school.