Leadership Team

Nicole Weber

Interim Executive Director

With over 46 years of experience in education, Nicole brings exceptional depth and leadership to the Calgary Jewish Academy. She has served in a range of roles, including Teacher, Learning Leader, Assistant Principal, and Principal, across elementary, junior high, and university settings. Her well-rounded expertise enhances CJA’s commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.

Since joining CJA in February 2025, Nicole has been instrumental in supporting the new Head of School and Principal, guiding a smooth leadership transition and fostering a positive, professional school culture. She will continue her work through the fall, helping to strengthen collaboration among staff and ensure a successful academic year.

Nicole is deeply committed to supporting students in their learning journey by creating environments that nurture curiosity, resilience, and academic growth. She also works closely with teachers, providing mentorship and feedback to help them continually improve their practice and deliver high-quality instruction. Her focus on instructional leadership and student-centered learning ensures that CJA continues to thrive as a vibrant and inclusive learning community.

Dana Silver

Director of Community & Advancement

Dana joined the Calgary Jewish Academy in 2025, bringing a depth of experience in all areas of educational advancement, including alumni and community engagement, enrolment, fundraising, and strategic communications. Passionate about building strong, values-driven communities, Dana works closely with families, alumni, and community partners to deepen connections and support the school’s continued growth. Outside of CJA, you’ll likely find her paddleboarding, hiking in the mountains, or planning her next travel adventure.

Mrs. Joyce Kerr

Head of School

Morah Joyce became Head of School of The Calgary Jewish Academy in the summer of 2023. Before returning to Calgary, the city she grew up in, Morah Joyce lived in Winnipeg where she was involved in the Jewish day school system for 35 years, helping her passion for Jewish learning flourish. She first got her foot in the door as an EA, later becoming a Grade 1 teacher, Judaic Studies Coordinator, Vice-Principal, and eventually, Principal. Morah Joyce believes a school should be about the students first and foremost; it is a balance between the beginning of their academic careers and their social lives. She values social-emotional learning, as she knows that a student’s head and heart need to be in the correct space before real learning can happen. She has an Honours BA in Psychology from York University, a BEd After-Degree from the University of Calgary, and Level 1 School Administrator’s Certificate. She will be retiring July 30, 2025.

Mrs. Shelly Gelfand 

Principal

Shelly Gelfand joins the Calgary Jewish Academy as Principal with great pride and enthusiasm, bringing with her more than 35 years of experience in public education. Her career with the Calgary Board of Education has included roles as both teacher and administrator, always guided by compassion, integrity, and a steadfast belief in doing what is best for students.

Shelly’s connection to CJA is both professional and personal. An alumna of the Calgary Hebrew School—the school’s former name—she is also the proud parent of two CJA graduates. Together with her husband, a fellow educator, Shelly has always appreciated the strong sense of community and connection that Jewish education provides, values that she sees reflected every day at CJA.

As a school leader, Shelly is passionate about fostering a positive, inclusive school environment built on meaningful relationships with students, families, and staff. She believes that open communication, collaboration, and trust are essential to a thriving school and is committed to working alongside the CJA community to continue its tradition of excellence in teaching and learning.

Mrs. Avi Sherman

Head of Judaic Studies

Avi Sherman is the Head of Judaic Studies at the Calgary Jewish Academy, where her passion for Jewish education and her deep commitment to students shine through in everything she does. For over 17 years, Avi has been a vital part of the CJA community—teaching across grades, holding a variety of leadership roles, leading with heart, and working tirelessly to make Jewish learning and experiences meaningful and joyful. Avi holds a BA in Religious Studies and a BEd from York University, along with a Certificate in Jewish Education from the BJE in Toronto. She brings creativity, energy, and just one firm rule to school every day: no mismatched socks.

Mrs. Tammara Behl

Gain Coordinator

Tammara Behl is excited to join the staff at Calgary Jewish Academy for the 2025–26 school year as the GAIN Coordinator. Originally from St. Albert, Alberta, Tammara brings a passion for sports, laughter, and learning to her work—though she’s still recovering from her team’s loss in the Stanley Cup Finals. (She proudly bleeds blue and orange, but Flames fans are encouraged to agree to disagree—with love!)

Tammara believes every student deserves a unique and personalized education plan tailored to their strengths and learning style. She is dedicated to helping make that a reality for every child at CJA.

Known for leading with kindness, joy, and a welcoming smile, Tammara invites families and students to stop by anytime—her door is always open, and there’s usually chocolate nearby. She looks forward to an incredible year ahead.

Colleen Bartlett

Early Years Coordinator

Colleen Bartlett has taught for nearly 20 years encompassing every age level of early learning years from age two to six years old. She is a certified teacher who has always enjoyed working with children in their most formative years. She started her career in Chicago, Illinois and moved to New York City to follow her dreams and worked at a Jewish Nursery School. Before leaving New York City, she received her masters in Early Childhood Special Education, to tailor her teaching to include the diverse needs of all learners. She has taught early childhood here in Calgary since 2018 and loves the warmth and friendliness of Canadian culture.