Overview
Hillel Academy promotes the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social and physical health and development of the individual child; the visual and performing arts and physical education are an essential component of both Judaic and secular studies. Our instructors tailor the pace and style of education to the specific strengths, needs, and learning style of each child. We encourage the child to embrace the world with confidence and to achieve his intellectual, emotional and spiritual fulfillment. An expert and dedicated faculty impart skills of critical analysis that extend beyond the classroom while encouraging creativity and excellence in all fields. Hillel Academy is committed to teaching each child, from the earliest opportunity, a diverse secular studies program of science, math, English and social studies. Students are advanced ahead of New York State mandated standards to the best of each child’s ability.
Mission Statement
Hillel Academy of Broome County is a pluralistic Jewish day school educating students in a nurturing environment, from Pre-Kindergarten to Fifth Grade. Hillel Academy develops lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and caring individuals who are passionate about Judaism, and will make lasting contributions to the Jewish community, American society, and the world-at-large.
Meet Our Teachers and Staff
Danielle Kane
Sarah MacDougal
Danielle Kane
Secular Studies
Pre K, K, and 1st Grade
Ms. Danielle Kane lives in Conklin, NY with her dog, Dutchess. She has been teaching over 20+ years, having earned her MS in Education and BS in Education at SUNY Oneonta. She has worked for the Family Enrichment Network, Broome County Child Developmental Council, and Ridley Lowell Business School.
Secular Studies
Pre K, K, and 1st Grade
Ms. Danielle Kane lives in Conklin, NY with her dog, Dutchess. She has been teaching over 20+ years, having earned her MS in Education and BS in Education at SUNY Oneonta. She has worked for the Family Enrichment Network, Broome County Child Developmental Council, and Ridley Lowell Business School. Danielle enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. She has traveled to Australia, New Zealand, the Bahamas, Canada, and most recently to Panama. In the colder weather, she enjoys skiing. In the warmer weather, she enjoys riding her motorcycle.
Amy Derkowski
Sarah MacDougal
Danielle Kane
Secular Studies, Art, and Library
2nd and 3rd Grade
Amy received her Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Sociology and my Masters in Elementary Education from Plattsburgh State University. She possesses a permanent teacher certificate in Pre-K to 6th Education and began teaching at Hillel Academy in March 201
Secular Studies, Art, and Library
2nd and 3rd Grade
Amy received her Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Sociology and my Masters in Elementary Education from Plattsburgh State University. She possesses a permanent teacher certificate in Pre-K to 6th Education and began teaching at Hillel Academy in March 2016 and currently teaches 2nd and 3rd grade, as well as Art education to the whole school. Amy is married with three children and enjoys going on vacations, camping, running and playing soccer.
Sarah MacDougal
Sarah MacDougal
Sarah MacDougal
Secular Studies and Science
Grades 4 and 5
Ms. Sarah MacDougal has been working at Hillel Academy since 2008. She was born and raised just down the road in Owego, NY. After graduating high school, she went to the State University of New York at Oswego where she received a Bachelors degree in Biology. Sarah then pursued a Masters Degree in
Secular Studies and Science
Grades 4 and 5
Ms. Sarah MacDougal has been working at Hillel Academy since 2008. She was born and raised just down the road in Owego, NY. After graduating high school, she went to the State University of New York at Oswego where she received a Bachelors degree in Biology. Sarah then pursued a Masters Degree in Education, also from SUNY Oswego. Ms. MacDougal loves being outside as much as possible in all seasons. She enjoys hiking, camping and photography. Ms. MacDougal believes that teaching science is the easiest job at Hillel Academy. Children are natural scientists and tapping into their curiosity is both fun and rewarding.
Lois Blight
Rochel Chein
Sarah MacDougal
Secular Studies and Science Substitute, Grades 4 and 5
Rochel Chein
Rochel Chein
Rochel Chein
Jewish Enrichment
All Grades
Ilana Segal
Rochel Chein
Rochel Chein
Hebrew Language
All Grades
Hadasa Slonim
Rabbi Moshe Shmaryahu
Rabbi Moshe Shmaryahu
Judaic Studies and Hebrew Language
Pre K
Rabbi Moshe Shmaryahu
Rabbi Moshe Shmaryahu
Rabbi Moshe Shmaryahu
Head of Judaic Studies
All Grades
Coach Benny
Rabbi Moshe Shmaryahu
Coach Benny
Physical Education
All Grades
Professional Athletics Instructor - Soccer Trainer
Benjamin Kellman is a founding member of the New York Red Bulls Street Team/Freestyle Crew and spent two years coaching for Major League Soccer with the New York Red Bulls Training Program. You can catch him performing at MLS games at Red Bull Arena on home g
Physical Education
All Grades
Professional Athletics Instructor - Soccer Trainer
Benjamin Kellman is a founding member of the New York Red Bulls Street Team/Freestyle Crew and spent two years coaching for Major League Soccer with the New York Red Bulls Training Program. You can catch him performing at MLS games at Red Bull Arena on home games not on Shabbat. He has led two club teams to NY State Cup Championships. One of his local students is currently a member of the United States Women's National Soccer Team.
Though he is a sought-after trainer traveling annually to train groups and teams around the region, this is his third year volunteering his time to train our Hillel Academy students.
Mary Fulton
Mary Fulton
Coach Benny
Substitute
Grades 2, 3, 4, and 5