Resource Team

Sara W. Bernstein, Hebrew Resource Teacher See Grades Three and Four for full biography.

Michael Brown, School Resource Teacher (BA in Sociology, University of Illinois; Elementary Ed. 1-6, Learning Disabilities and Emotional Behavioral Disorder Licensures, Colorado and Minnesota; MA in Special Education-Learning Disabilities, Mankato State University; Certificate in Gifted Ed., Hamline University), is beginning his 18th year at the Day School. Michael likes being a valued asset of the community, helping children with special needs, teaching chess to kindergarten classes, and challenging students needing math enrichment.  He is also the proud father of two young ladies ages 26 and 16, and enjoys hiking, biking, canoeing, and gardening.

Bradley Gawronski, Resource Assistant (BA in Elementary Education, specialty in Middle School Social Studies from the University of Minnesota) is a new addition to the resource team with a focus on academics support and social development. Mr. Gawronski’s experience includes two years as a reserve teacher in the MPLS Public Schools system, teaching in South Korea as a native English teacher, and working at a group home for children with autism. When not at work he enjoys playing sports such as Broomball, hockey, and soccer. He also enjoys traveling, reading science fiction books, and spending time with his friends.

Matt Hofmeister, Social & Emotional Resource Specialist (undergraduate degree in Social Work from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, and an MSW from the University of Minnesota) is beginning his second year on our Resource Team with a focus on supporting social and emotional development across the school. Mr. Hofmeister’s diverse experiences include work as an early childhood teacher, directing an early childhood program in Honduras, and working as a life skills/behavioral specialist and school based family support worker with adolescents. He designed and implemented a program for students having behavioral challenges in classrooms in Oakdale, MN. Matt brings interests and skill in athletics and the arts and skills in integrating experiential education approaches in a school context.

Nancy Joseph-Goldfarb, Upper School Resource Specialist (BA, Brown University; MA in ESL and ABD in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Minnesota), taught language arts at the Twin Cities Jewish Middle School prior to joining the Day School where she has  taught language arts in seventh and eighth grade. Before teaching middle school, she taught English literature, reading, writing, speaking and study skills to new immigrants and second-language students at the University of Minnesota; and teacher preparation courses at Hamline University and the University of Minnesota. She also administered a program for international students at the University of Minnesota.

Char Kucera, Lower School Resource Teacher (BA in Elementary Ed., minor in Psychology, College of St. Catherine; L.D certification, Bethel College), is beginning her eleventh year with the Day School. Char enjoys working with special needs students and sees their progress as a rewarding experience. When not at school, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, biking, playing volleyball, traveling, and at the end of the day finding a quiet corner to read and relax.

Gay Rosenthal, School Psychologist (BA Magna Cum Laude in Psychology, Washington University, St. Louis; MA in Educational Psychology, University of Minnesota; Licensed Psychologist, State of Minnesota; Nationally Certified School Psychologist; Certificate in Clinical Hypnosis, Externship in Marriage and Family Therapy, Family Therapy Institute, St. Paul), is beginning her 24th year at the Day School.  She is also a psychologist in private practice, where she works with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She is a Family Law Mediator, Court Appointed Parenting Consultant, and a Qualified Neutral on the Minnesota State Supreme Court Roster. Her perspective in working with families is developmental and her approach eclectic. Her current interest is in family and organizational process. She values her relationship with the students, families, and staff at the Day School and is appreciative for her role in the community. Gay embraces the learning and teaching opportunities afforded in that role.  Along with her husband Jules, she enjoys grandparenting their five grandchildren, ages 8 years, 5 years, 3 ¾ years, 2 years, and 4 months.  Reading, photography, travel, and spending time with friends are near the top on her list of relaxing activities.

Bethany Thompson, Education Assistant (BA in Psychology from the College of Saint Benedict) is beginning her second year on our Resource Team with a focus on supporting the social and emotional development across the school. Ms. Thompson’s experience includes working as a behavior therapist in a center for autistic children, working as a personal care assistant for children with special needs, and as a counselor for children at a residential treatment center in Duluth, MN. When not at school she enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, biking, volleyball, kayaking and reading. She is excited to be a part of the HMJDS community and is looking forward to helping students explore their potential!

Skylar Werde, Upper School Counselor (BSE in Cross Categorical Special Education, University of Arizona; MA in Educational Psychology/ School Psychology, University of Minnesota; Ed.S. in Educational Psychology/School Psychology, University of Minnesota; Nationally Certified School Psychologist NCSP, Minnesota State Licensed School Psychologist) is entering his first year at the Day School.  Skylar’s diverse background as a special educator and School Psychologist allows him the ability to provide meaningful interventions, creative consultative practices, and dynamic systems development. Skylar is a California native who fell in love with the Midwest, and has lived in Minneapolis for 4 years.  He is looking forward to interacting with the students, families, and teachers of the Day School.