DJDS Welcomes New Educators for the 2025–26 School Year

Denver Jewish Day School kicked off the new school year with a wave of new faces in math, Hebrew, English, and student support — filling gaps left by recent departures and adding fresh energy to the classrooms. 

The math department saw the exit of longtime teacher Sam Tluscik and former chair Andria Rabenold, but now has three new members ready to keep students engaged and challenged. 

Jeanne Ulery joins after a career in public schools, where she earned a reputation for excellence in AP Calculus and geometry. Her colleagues praise her for being professional, passionate, and deeply involved in her school community. 

Joey Gruber comes from Denver Academy of Torah, known for his creative teaching style and dedication. He’s especially excited about teaching AP Precalculus, though he says seventh grade is his favorite. 

Jessica Wildenberg Kurela, who taught sixth-grade math and science in Thornton last year, brings a master’s degree in psychology and experience in renewable energy. She’ll focus on middle school math and loves seeing students have those “light bulb moments” when a tricky concept finally clicks. 

These three join returning teachers like Gayle Bush and Jason Saccomano, while Danielle Sapiens, now math department chair and vice principal, will also oversee math intervention in the Learning Resource Center and coordinate curriculum with the lower grades.

In Hebrew, Shahar Eden joins from Portland Jewish Academy, where he spent 15 years teaching and mentoring students from early childhood through high school. He built immersive language programs and connected classroom lessons to real-world experiences, including trips to Israel. A former Air Force commander who’s traveled to more than 40 countries, Eden brings storytelling, personal anecdotes, and a lot of energy to his teaching. The Hebrew department also welcomes 

Danielle Shwartz back full-time after part-time work last year. 

Tara Hoesly joins the English department, teaching sixth- and seventh-grade English and high school electives. She uses trauma-informed strategies to make her classrooms inclusive and safe. Hoesly, who plays mandolin, paints, bakes, and knits, says working at an alternative high school for at-risk students shaped how she connects with every student. 

Sophie Young joins as a social worker, focusing on mental health within family, community, and cultural frameworks. She learned during a Denver Public Schools internship that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Outside of school, she climbs, dances, practices yoga, and even solves crossword puzzles, bringing energy and perspective to her work. 

Other updates this year include Jason Snyder teaching AP U.S. History and leading the new Peer Mediation program, and Mark Raphaely expanding Speech & Debate into a full-credit high school course alongside Ray Merenstein. 

With this mix of experience, creativity, and fresh perspectives, the new teachers and staff are ready to make this school year exciting for students academically, socially, and personally.