Introducing New Staff

Cristy Danielson - Fourth Grade Lead Teacher
Cristy spent the last six years as the 4th grade teacher at Bader Hillel Academy and before that she worked in the Grafton school district for several years.  Her love for children, ability to foster curiosity in students and her belief in our student owned learning philosophy will strengthen our Lower School team. 

Lani Denny - Lower School Student Coach
Lani recently returned to Milwaukee after living in Israel. An MJDS alum and former 4th grade lead teacher, Lani knows our school and community well. She will work closely with teachers and families in supporting the individual needs of students and will join our support services team, helping to strengthen the social, emotional and academic growth of every child.

Yael Gal - Upper School Hebrew Teacher
Yael is the driving force behind Hebrew at Nicolet and UWM, and we are thrilled that she is returning to MJDS. Yael will help MJDS advance our proficiency approach to second language acquisition, improving our Hebrew program and connection to Israel. 

Matt Honigman - Dean of Students
Matt, an MJDS alum, joins our school as the new Dean of Students. With many years of experience in the elementary grades and deep connection to our community, Matt will  be an outstanding addition, and will  support student growth, accelerate staff development and provide phenomenal customer service to our families and community. 

Janette Hudson - Upper School Science & Math Teacher
Janette is returning to her home state after teaching science and math in Colorado for the last seven years. We are excited for Janette to encourage higher-order thinking and foster a passion for life-long learning, diversity, and social responsibility in our Upper School. Welcome home, Janette!

Julia Larson - School Counselor
Julia joins MJDS after serving as the school counselor at Atwater Elementary and most recently, Madison Country Day School. With a B.A. in psychology and a Masters in educational psychology, Julia brings incredible experience in, and passion for, meeting the individual needs of every student. She will add valuable depth to our support services team and as a full-time, state licensed school counselor, partner extensively with classroom teachers, administration and our families. 

Mary Luedtke - Third Grade Lead Teacher
Mary will be our new 3rd grade lead teacher. Mary spent the last five years as the 3rd grade teacher at Bader Hillel Academy and before that she worked in the Grafton school district for several years. Mary's passion for 3rd grade, her background and professionalism, curiosity, candor, and most importantly, love for students make her a great fit for MJDS.

Rachel Maybird - Development Team
Rachel, a current parent and daughter of teacher Karen Arbit, is passionate about MJDS's mission and vision and is looking forward to strengthening her connection with our wonderful community. We are thrilled to welcome Rachel!

Becca Segal - Lower School Jewish Studies Teacher
Becca, a Milwaukee native,  joins MJDS as a new Lower School Jewish Studies teacher. She brings extensive experience in elementary education, having taught at the Milwaukee French Immersion school for several years. We are delighted to welcome Becca to our school community.