Our Leadership
Meet the dedicated leaders guiding JDOHSS toward excellence in education and Jewish values
Rabbi Elishai Kohananoo
Menahel
Rabbi Kohananoo has been an integral part of the JDOHSS staff since 2014. From the moment he joined our school, he made it a priority to build warm, meaningful relationships with students and their parents. His strong interpersonal skills allow him to connect with a wide range of individuals within our school community and beyond. He is sought after by many for his wise and balanced chinuch guidance, and numerous alumni continue to maintain close relationships with him, regularly seeking his counsel and support.
Rabbi Kohananoo received his Semicha from Harav Yaakov Shiknazi shlita, head of the Sephardic Beit Din in Yerushalayim. He is experienced as a communal Rav, counselling and serves as a Posek Halacha who is consistently consulted by both Sephardim and Ashkenazim. Alongside his Rabbinic leadership, Rabbi Kohananoo offers extensive educational experience and a deep commitment to student wellbeing in his role as Menahel.
He holds a Master's in Education in Administration and Supervision from Loyola University Chicago, as well as Mashgiach Ruchani and Mental Health Training Certification from Torah Umesorah. Rabbi Kohananoo is devoted to instilling in our students a genuine love for Torah and mitzvot and guiding our school toward continued spiritual and educational excellence.
Sara Cohen
Vice Principal
Mrs. Cohen brings more than 25 years of educational experience from Israel, Russia, and Canada, and she is deeply aligned with our school's commitment to excellence. She has been a cherished member of the JDOHSS family for over 25 years. Mrs. Cohen holds a B.A. from York University and a Teacher's Certificate from Michlelet Beit Rivka in Israel.
Mrs. Cohen has pursued extensive formal training in Hebrew as a Second Language, Hebrew Grammar, Junior High Mathematics, and Special Education. She is committed to ongoing professional growth, regularly taking courses through The Centre for Jewish Education and actively participating as a member of the Principals Association.
In addition to her responsibilities as Vice Principal, Mrs. Cohen leads the development of our successful Ivrit program among the many other areas of the curriculum that she is involved in. Her warmth, integrity, and exemplary character make her an ideal role model for our students, inspiring them both academically and personally while fostering lifelong connections with her students.
Janet Arnold
Coordinator of Student Wellness
Mrs. Arnold currently serves as the Coordinator of Student Wellness at the Joe Dwek Ohr HaEmet Sephardic School (JDOHSS) to provide us a solid foundation and create opportunities for all students who facing emotional, social, or behavioral challenges that are impacting their ability to be successful in the classroom. Through her work with students, Janet also creates opportunities within the school environment for School Counseling Education (RECE) and is a mental health RPDT (Registered Psychotherapist, Qualifying Practicum). Shes uses the three tiered model from a social determinants of health perspective.
Janet is also an artistic feeling adventist. She combines book "If You Do Not See It You're Not It for a Lifetime or Circle" and coauthored "How to Explore a Children's Q-Child" an International Project (LIP) in partnership with the Canadian International Council and Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She contributes as the Facilitating Member of Canadian Association of Social Workers.
Stacie Berman
Special Education Consultant
Mrs. Stacie Berman, a skilled educator with over 30 years of experience in the Toronto District School Board, has served as a Special Education Consultant and Leader, specializing in supporting students and families from Kindergarten through Grade 8. Stacie's strengths-based approach focuses on recognizing students' unique abilities, fostering essential skills, self-awareness, and confidence.
In addition to her work with students, Stacie mentors teachers and instructs Special Education courses, sharing her expertise to enhance teaching practices. She holds a Master's Degree in Education, specializing in Teaching & Learning and Adaptive Instruction, along with an Ontario Teacher Certification for Elementary and Junior/Intermediate levels.
Joelle Dayan
Gan Ohr Preschool Coordinator
Joelle Dayan is the JDOHSS Gan Ohr Preschool Coordinator. With over 20 years of experience teaching preschool, and to serve your children three different types of special education programs. Joelle studied at Jewish Studies after School and has an Early Childhood Education background. Joelle has an Early Childhood Education degree from Seneca College, and a Bachelors of education degree from the University of Hartford.
Previously Joelle taught in the United States and Israel for excellence. No caring and supportive approach, along with her diverse skill set, allows her an affirmative, foundational background in establishing positive expectations of youngster students. In Gan Ohr Joelle is dedicated to creating a warm foundational of Torah values, fostering a love for Judaism and developing solid relationships with students and children themselves.