Leadership Team - Calgary Jewish Academy

Ms. Brenda English

Head of School

Ms. Brenda English assumed the Principalship of The Calgary Jewish Academy in January of 2016. In September of 2017 she assumed the role of Head of School. Prior to taking the position at the CJA, Ms. English was an Administrator and Principal in six schools, both in Alberta and British Columbia. Her passion for creating success for all learners and her ability to lead her staff to success provides CJA students with a “Future Wise” learning program. Brenda’s academic preparation is as follows: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts – English, Professional Teacher Certification, Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Counselling, Masters of Technology in Online Learning.

Mrs. Avi Meyers

Head of Judaic Studies

Avi became Head of Judaics in 2022. She holds a BA in Religious Studies and a BEd in Primary/Secondary Education from York University, Toronto, as well as a Certificate of Jewish Education from the BJE in Toronto. She has worked at the CJA since September 2008 and has taught a number of grades and subjects in both Alberta and the Judaics curriculum. Avi is passionate about Judaism, Israel and Education.

Ms. Jessica Rynn

Gain Coordinator

Jessica Rynn has been with The Calgary Jewish Academy since 2018, and is passionate about her role as the Gifted and Identified Needs (GAIN) Coordinator. She loves working with diverse students and cares deeply about supporting inclusion in the school. Her door is always open – to students, teachers, educational assistants, therapists, parents… you name it – striving to work collaboratively as a team for student success. She is a certified teacher and a proud University of Lethbridge Alumni with specialized training in Inclusive Education.

Mrs. Jill Morgan

Alberta Curriculum Coordinator

Ms Jill Morgan came to Calgary Jewish Academy in 2015 as a grade 5 and 6 teacher. She assumed the role of Alberta Curriculum Coordinator in 2016 and was Acting Vice Principal from 2016 – 2018. Jill was previously at the CJA from 1989-2002 and held roles of elementary and junior teacher and Administrative Coordinator. Jill has also been extensively involved in literacy development from 2012. She has worked with students with severe reading and writing challenges. Jill brings training from Lindamood-Bell and has delivered workshops on literacy to numerous groups. She is a graduate of the University of Calgary with a BEd and a specialty in Reading and Special Education.

Ms. Annette Kaminer

Early Years Coordinator

Ms. Annette Kaminer has been teaching at the Calgary Jewish Academy since 2005 and has been leading the Preschool since 2018. She is currently teaching Kindergarten and Discovery Days and has previously taught Junior Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Kinderarts. Her passion for teaching and children is woven into everything she does. When she is not working she loves to spend time with her family skiing, biking and hiking. Annette has studied at Western University, Tel Aviv University and D’Youville University and holds a degrees in Psychology and Education.

Mr. Evan Gelman

Technology Coordinator

Mr. Evan Gelman works to provide expertise and leadership through technology infusion, curriculum integration, learning support, leadership, and guidance. Mr. Gelman has worked in a Science and Social Studies capacity in Elementary and Jr. High. Evan’s academic preparation is as follows: Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning, Bachelors of Education, and recently completed the Leadership Quality Standard (LQS) with the University of Calgary.

Mrs. Mira Tappenden

Teacher Leader & Mentor

Mrs. Mira Tappenden began teaching at the CJA in September of 2015. She has taught multiple subject areas in both Alberta and Judaic curriculum, spanning grades 3 through 9. From September 2020 until June 2021 she supported teachers, learners, and families as the E-Learning coordinator. As an alumnus of the CJA, Mira developed a passion for Jewish life, learning and the greater community, which she applies to her work supporting students in all subject areas to make meaningful connections to their secular and Jewish identities. Mira’s academic preparation is as follows: Bachelor of Education – Jewish and General Studies, Professional Teacher Certification, Jewish School Leadership Certification, Master of Education – Leadership.