Employee Directory: TVT Community Day School

Select a Department

Department

Grade Level

Last Name

Nava Gabbai

Teacher

(949) 509-9500 x5120

The Hebrew University , Jerusalem - M.A.
Ben Gurion University of the Negev - B.A.

Bio

" Educate the child according to his way: even as he grows old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)

Mrs. Gabbai has been teaching Hebrew since 2007. She holds a BA degree in Education from Ben-Gurion University and a Masters degree in School Counseling from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Before joining the TVT school, she taught Hebrew at the San Diego Jewish Academy and at the Jewish Day School of Mertopolitan Seattle . Mrs. Gabbai is also a Certified Child life specialists and have been working with children and families in hospitals, to help them cope with the challenges of hospitalization, illness, and disabilities. Each day she looks forward to learning more about her students and help them love the Hebrew language.

In her free time, Mrs. Gabbai enjoys reading, hiking and travelng with her husband, and her two sons
Luis Garcia

Facilities Technician

(949) 509-9500 x5141
Melissa Geoghegan

Teacher/Faculty Team Leader

(949) 509-9500 x5158

University of California, San Diego - M. Ed
University of California, San Diego - B.A.

Bio

“ I believe in teaching the whole child and creating a diverse and accepting classroom community. In my class we embrace the learning process and let go of being right or wrong. Instead, we try to dare greatly, risk the chance of failure, and embrace it as a meaningful part of the learning process.”

Mrs. Geoghegan attended University of California San Diego. She holds a BA in Communications and a Masters in Elementary Education and Reading Instruction. She has experience teaching kindergarten through sixth grade and is starting her twelfth year as an elementary educator. She comes to TVT from Saddleback Valley Unified School District where she taught and served as a grade level leader and arts advantage mentor.

When Mrs. Geoghegan is not teaching she is a busy wife and mom to three young boys. She loves family time, especially trips to Disneyland, the beach, and National Parks. She is an avid reader, loves musical theater and is a lifelong learner. Mrs. Geoghegan is thrilled to be part of the exemplary TVT faculty!
Shir Geshvindman

Teacher

(949) 509-9500 x5126

Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel - M.A.
Haifa University - B.A
Haifa University - Teaching Certificate

Bio

"Being in a learning environment excites me. I love listening to the students' questions and their answers, and when they connect old to new information, they make my day. Most often, they teach me as much as I teach them. The thinking atmosphere on the way to solve a question is my favorite".

Mrs. Geshvindman has a M.A. in Education Management from Ben Gurion University, and a B.A. as well as a teaching certificate from Haifa University in Israel. Mrs. Geshvindman started teaching in Israel in 1999. Since coming to the United States in 2004, she served as a teacher, NETA Coordinator, and Hebrew Department Chair in JCHS of the bay in San Francisco, until joining TVT at 2009.

In her free time, Mrs. Geshvindman enjoys reading, crossword puzzle solving, being outdoor and spending time with her family.
Michelle Ginsburg

Teacher

(949) 509-9500 x5188

University of California - B.A.
National University - Teaching Credential

Bio

“Never, never, never give up.” - Winston Churchill

Michelle Ginsburg graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology. She completed her teaching credential at National University. Mrs. Ginsburg has taught most grade levels at many public and private schools in California and Virginia. Soon after completing her credential, Michelle lived with her husband in Quito, Ecuador and appreciates the value of learning a new language, especially as an adult.

Michelle is a proud parent to triplets, Jordana, Lila, and Max, with her husband, Terry. They share a home with Michelle’s parents, Andy and Esther Dosick, in Irvine. She feels passionate about health and fitness, incorporating exercise into her daily life.
Vicki Gladstone

Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

(949) 509-9500 x3001

Northern Illinois University - MS
Talia Gless

Associate Director of Admissions

(949) 509-9500 x3222

University of Georgia - B.A.

Bio

“There is something so heartwarming about seeing children engaged in learning while hearing the sounds of other kids playing in the background. TVT caters to each child’s heart, mind, and soul and I couldn’t be prouder to represent a school that I call home.”

Mrs. Gless received her B.A. in Public Relations from the University of Georgia, with a background in event marketing and hospitality sales. She’s an active volunteer for the Jewish Federation, specifically Women’s Philanthropy, and loves to integrate its values at home with her husband and three children. In her spare time, you’re likely to find her birthday party hopping, playing at the beach, or biking with her family.
Tori Goertz

Teacher

(949) 509-9500 x4342

University of Iowa - B.S.
Drake University - M.A.

Bio

Ms. Goertz comes to us from Iowa! She graduated with a B.A in Science Studies at the University of Iowa. She then completed her Masters in Science Education from Drake University. Ms. Goertz is a former chemist for an antioxidant lab, she also worked as a supplemental instructor for her organic chemistry professors throughout college.

Ms. Goertz has a passion for education and loves inspiring young scientists. She guides students to engage in inquiry, ask questions, and critically think as learners.

In her free time Ms. Goertz enjoys the beach, spending time with friends and family, and working out.
Rachel Gorman

Teacher

(949) 509-9500 x5170

University of Nevada, Reno - B.S.
Western Governors University - M.S.

Bio

"In my classroom, mistakes are encouraged and we always embrace a challenge with a growth mindset. My goal as a teacher is to create a community of respect and a love of learning while also fostering independence and responsibility for each child."

Ms. Goforth is an experienced teacher who has a B.S in Elementary and Special Education and a Masters degree in Educational Leadership. Her passion is providing students with a 21st Century education by incorporating real-world problem solving, collaboration, technology and critical thinking. Her belief is that no matter the circumstances every child can learn and it is the duty of the teacher to find every student’s specific learning style.

In her free time, Ms. Goforth loves being outdoors, going to new restaurants and traveling.
Eliza Grossman

Teacher

(949) 509-9500 x5185

California State University, San Marcos - B.A.
University of California, Irvine - M.A.

Bio

“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”—Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Mrs. Grossman earned a B.A. in Social Sciences from California State University, San Marcos, and completed her M.A. in Education before earning her California teaching credential from the University of California, Irvine. She is credentialed to teach both English Language Arts and Social Sciences.

Mrs. Grossman spent three years teaching high school English Language Arts and Theater Arts classes. During that time, she was also the advisor for her school's ComedySportz High School League® improv competition team. She then spent 7 years teaching middle school History, English Language Arts, and Theater Arts classes prior to arriving at TVT. Mrs. Grossman is so excited to be a part of the TVT team.

In her spare time, Mrs. Grossman enjoys spending time with her son, Myles, and her husband, Barry, traveling, and curling up with a good book and a cup of tea.

Employee Directory

Select a Department

Our Graduates Attend the Finest Institutions in the Nation, but more Importantly, are Becoming the Leaders of our Community and Country...Making the World a Better Place.

Contact Info

Lower School Campus

Upper School Campus

Helpful Links

Social