Our Mission
At Luria Academy of Brooklyn, we are inspiring a new generation of leaders, creators, thinkers and engaged citizens. Through our individualized approach to learning and commitment to diversity as a core value, our students graduate with a deep love of learning, strong sense of self, and a passion to repair a fractured world.
Our Philosophy
Luria is a progressive interpretation of the yeshiva day school. Our commitment to Jewish values, intensive text study, and Hebrew language immersion gives children deep roots. Through our uniquely integrated curriculum and Montessori-based materials, we foster exploration and discovery, developing creative, critical and analytical thinkers. By challenging students at their own individual level and nurturing social-emotional growth, our exceptional faculty guides each child towards academic excellence and their true potential. We embrace our religious and educational differences and teach our students to engage in respectful dialogue, creating a cultural mosaic reflective of our community and the world.
Board of Trustees
Michael Ross
President Michael Ross is a partner in the Litigation Department at the law firm Jenner & Block LLP, where his legal practice focuses on commercial litigation and regulatory and enforcement matters; he represents corporate clients from an array of industries including financial services, media, technology, and energy. Michael also serves as co-chair of the Pro Bono Committee at Jenner & Block, which is regularly recognized as having the leading pro bono program in the country. He previously served on the board and governance committee of the literacy focused non-profit, Literacy, Inc. Michael lives in Prospect Heights with his wife Yael Kohen, and are the proud parents of three Luria students. Michael chairs the Finance Committee and serves on the Executive and the Strategic Planning Committees.
President Michael Ross is a partner in the Litigation Department at the law firm Jenner & Block LLP, where his legal practice focuses on commercial litigation and regulatory and enforcement matters; he represents corporate clients from an array of industries including financial services, media, technology, and energy. Michael also serves as co-chair of the Pro Bono Committee at Jenner & Block, which is regularly recognized as having the leading pro bono program in the country. He previously served on the board and governance committee of the literacy focused non-profit, Literacy, Inc. Michael lives in Prospect Heights with his wife Yael Kohen, and are the proud parents of three Luria students. Michael chairs the Finance Committee and serves on the Executive and the Strategic Planning Committees.
Elizabeth Ring
Vice-President
Elizabeth Ring has years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including consulting, technical assistance, fundraising and corporate engagement, and direct service. As a licensed social worker, she has worked in the fields of education, youth development, domestic violence/victimization services, and healthcare. She currently serves as the National Director of Career Programs at The Posse Foundation, overseeing career development programming for thousands of Posse Scholars at colleges and universities throughout the country. Prior to that, she served as the Director of Corporate Engagement at Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, supporting youth mentoring programs for NYC high school students. Elizabeth holds a BA in history from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and an MSW from the Columbia University School of Social Work. Elizabeth and her husband Josh live in Park Slope, and are the proud parents of two Luria students. Elizabeth co-chairs the Committee on Trustees and serves on the Executive and Strategic Planning Committees.
Vice-President
Elizabeth Ring has years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including consulting, technical assistance, fundraising and corporate engagement, and direct service. As a licensed social worker, she has worked in the fields of education, youth development, domestic violence/victimization services, and healthcare. She currently serves as the National Director of Career Programs at The Posse Foundation, overseeing career development programming for thousands of Posse Scholars at colleges and universities throughout the country. Prior to that, she served as the Director of Corporate Engagement at Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, supporting youth mentoring programs for NYC high school students. Elizabeth holds a BA in history from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and an MSW from the Columbia University School of Social Work. Elizabeth and her husband Josh live in Park Slope, and are the proud parents of two Luria students. Elizabeth co-chairs the Committee on Trustees and serves on the Executive and Strategic Planning Committees.
Rebecca Chasan
Secretary Rebecca Chasan has worked for the City of New York since 2006 on a wide-range of issues impacting citywide and agency operations and policy. Rebecca is currently the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Special Counsel at the Department of Investigation where she serves as a liaison between the agency and elected officials, advances the agency’s legislative policy goals, and works on general legal matters. She previously served as an Assistant Director at the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget, as a Senior Counsel for the Finance Division of the New York City Council, and as an attorney within the General Counsel’s offices of the Department of Education and the Police Department. Rebecca has a J.D. from the Fordham University School of Law and a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and is currently pursuing an MPA at CUNY’s Marxe School of Public and International Affairs. Rebecca and her husband Michael live in Crown Heights and are the proud parents of two Luria Academy students. Rebecca serves on the Executive Committee and the Committee on Trustees.
Secretary Rebecca Chasan has worked for the City of New York since 2006 on a wide-range of issues impacting citywide and agency operations and policy. Rebecca is currently the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Special Counsel at the Department of Investigation where she serves as a liaison between the agency and elected officials, advances the agency’s legislative policy goals, and works on general legal matters. She previously served as an Assistant Director at the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget, as a Senior Counsel for the Finance Division of the New York City Council, and as an attorney within the General Counsel’s offices of the Department of Education and the Police Department. Rebecca has a J.D. from the Fordham University School of Law and a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and is currently pursuing an MPA at CUNY’s Marxe School of Public and International Affairs. Rebecca and her husband Michael live in Crown Heights and are the proud parents of two Luria Academy students. Rebecca serves on the Executive Committee and the Committee on Trustees.
Rob Weiss
Treasurer Robert Weiss is the Chief Financial Officer at Fundamental, an alternative asset management firm dedicated to municipal and public purpose investing, with responsibility for financial management, accounting, taxation, financial reporting and operational functions. Prior to joining Fundamental, Robert served at Citi Private Equity Services as an Assistant Vice President in the Institutional Clients Group, managing financial reporting & compliance for private equity funds, hybrid funds, and fund of funds. Before joining Citi, Robert held positions at both Cohn Reznick LLP and Ernst & Young in their financial services assurance practices focusing on asset management clients. He received his B.S. in Accounting from the School of Management at Binghamton University, and is a Certified Public Accountant. Robert and his wife Shulie live in Park Slope and are the proud parents of three children, two current Luria students and one future Luria student.
Treasurer Robert Weiss is the Chief Financial Officer at Fundamental, an alternative asset management firm dedicated to municipal and public purpose investing, with responsibility for financial management, accounting, taxation, financial reporting and operational functions. Prior to joining Fundamental, Robert served at Citi Private Equity Services as an Assistant Vice President in the Institutional Clients Group, managing financial reporting & compliance for private equity funds, hybrid funds, and fund of funds. Before joining Citi, Robert held positions at both Cohn Reznick LLP and Ernst & Young in their financial services assurance practices focusing on asset management clients. He received his B.S. in Accounting from the School of Management at Binghamton University, and is a Certified Public Accountant. Robert and his wife Shulie live in Park Slope and are the proud parents of three children, two current Luria students and one future Luria student.
Lana Fern
Board Member Lana Fern is Director of Global Community Strategy at NEXUS, an international community of next gen philanthropists, impact investors, and social innovators bringing about the most promising global solutions of our generation. Prior to NEXUS, Lana founded White Light Strategies, a philanthropic advising practice that worked with innovative philanthropists to accelerate change and was Executive Director of Giving Circles Fund, an organization inspiring a lifelong habit of philanthropy by empowering communities to give together. She received a B.S. in Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis. Lana lives in Prospect Heights with her husband, Adam. They are the proud parents of two Luria students.
Board Member Lana Fern is Director of Global Community Strategy at NEXUS, an international community of next gen philanthropists, impact investors, and social innovators bringing about the most promising global solutions of our generation. Prior to NEXUS, Lana founded White Light Strategies, a philanthropic advising practice that worked with innovative philanthropists to accelerate change and was Executive Director of Giving Circles Fund, an organization inspiring a lifelong habit of philanthropy by empowering communities to give together. She received a B.S. in Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis. Lana lives in Prospect Heights with her husband, Adam. They are the proud parents of two Luria students.
Isaac Green
Board Member Isaac Green is a Brooklyn native who has spent 25 years in the music industry. He is currently Senior Vice President of A&R at Warner Records where he is responsible for discovering and developing talent, with a focus on country music artists in Nashville. Prior to Warner, he spent 11 years at Columbia Records where he signed and developed millennial favorites Foster the People and Passion Pit. Before that Isaac ran US operations for Quest Management covering artists Arcade Fire and Bjork. Isaac’s particularly proud of his years running NYC indie rock label Startime International, which he founded in 2000 and operated out of a garden apartment down the block from present-day Luria Academy. Isaac and his wife Shannon live in Prospect Heights and are the proud parents of two Luria graduates.
Board Member Isaac Green is a Brooklyn native who has spent 25 years in the music industry. He is currently Senior Vice President of A&R at Warner Records where he is responsible for discovering and developing talent, with a focus on country music artists in Nashville. Prior to Warner, he spent 11 years at Columbia Records where he signed and developed millennial favorites Foster the People and Passion Pit. Before that Isaac ran US operations for Quest Management covering artists Arcade Fire and Bjork. Isaac’s particularly proud of his years running NYC indie rock label Startime International, which he founded in 2000 and operated out of a garden apartment down the block from present-day Luria Academy. Isaac and his wife Shannon live in Prospect Heights and are the proud parents of two Luria graduates.
Louis Lipner
Board Member
Louis Lipner is the Head of Strategic Partnerships at Google Fiber, the Alphabet Inc.-owned internet service provider, where he leads efforts to bring fast, reliable internet service to more communities. Before joining Google, he practiced law at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP for several years, with a focus on business restructuring for corporate, financial, and sovereign clients. He has a JD degree from New York University School of Law and an AB from Brown University in Urban Studies. Louis and his wife Annika Goldman live in Clinton Hill, and are proud parents of two Luria students. Louis co-chairs the Strategic Planning Committee.
Board Member
Louis Lipner is the Head of Strategic Partnerships at Google Fiber, the Alphabet Inc.-owned internet service provider, where he leads efforts to bring fast, reliable internet service to more communities. Before joining Google, he practiced law at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP for several years, with a focus on business restructuring for corporate, financial, and sovereign clients. He has a JD degree from New York University School of Law and an AB from Brown University in Urban Studies. Louis and his wife Annika Goldman live in Clinton Hill, and are proud parents of two Luria students. Louis co-chairs the Strategic Planning Committee.
Sam Raymond
Board Member Sam Raymond is Of Counsel at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. He represents traditional financial institutions, cryptocurrency exchanges, and other financial technology companies, as well as individuals in related fields, providing counseling and white collar criminal and civil defense. Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Sam served as an Assistant United States Attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted a broad range of federal criminal violations, focusing on money laundering, anti-money laundering, cryptocurrency, and terrorism offenses. Earlier in his career, Sam worked at a different law firm and clerked for two federal judges. He received his B.S. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and his J.D. from New York University School of Law. Sam lives in Prospect Heights with his wife, Shari. They are the proud parents of three Luria students.
Board Member Sam Raymond is Of Counsel at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. He represents traditional financial institutions, cryptocurrency exchanges, and other financial technology companies, as well as individuals in related fields, providing counseling and white collar criminal and civil defense. Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Sam served as an Assistant United States Attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted a broad range of federal criminal violations, focusing on money laundering, anti-money laundering, cryptocurrency, and terrorism offenses. Earlier in his career, Sam worked at a different law firm and clerked for two federal judges. He received his B.S. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and his J.D. from New York University School of Law. Sam lives in Prospect Heights with his wife, Shari. They are the proud parents of three Luria students.
Becky Porath
Board MemberBecky Porath is the Senior Director, Legal and Business Operations at The Jewish Education Project. Previously, she served as the General Counsel of The Jewish Federations of North America, Inc. Becky’s work helps non-profits advance their charitable missions, solve problems practically, and mitigate risk. Becky received a BA from Barnard College and a JD from the Benjamin N. Cardozo Law School of Law. Becky and her husband Daniel Septimus live in Ditmas and are the proud parents to three current Luria students and one Luria graduate. Becky chairs the Development Committee.
Board MemberBecky Porath is the Senior Director, Legal and Business Operations at The Jewish Education Project. Previously, she served as the General Counsel of The Jewish Federations of North America, Inc. Becky’s work helps non-profits advance their charitable missions, solve problems practically, and mitigate risk. Becky received a BA from Barnard College and a JD from the Benjamin N. Cardozo Law School of Law. Becky and her husband Daniel Septimus live in Ditmas and are the proud parents to three current Luria students and one Luria graduate. Becky chairs the Development Committee.
Naomi Portnoy is an experienced educator who is dedicated to the growth and development of students with diverse learning styles and backgrounds. Naomi began her career as a New York City Teaching Fellow over a decade ago. She spent many years at an inner-city high school, teaching English and History to students with special needs and students at risk of academic failure in inclusive classrooms. Most recently, Naomi was a Learning Specialist at SAR High School, where she worked directly with individual students to help them become confident, skilled, and successful learners. Naomi is also an independent provider of Special Education Teacher Support Services through the NYC Department of Education. She has a Master’s in Adolescent Education from Pace University, and a Bachelor’s in English Literature from the University of Pennsylvania. Naomi and her husband Ori live in Prospect Heights and are proud parents to three Luria students. Naomi serves on the Committee of Trustees.
Naomi Portnoy
Board Member Naomi Portnoy is an experienced educator who is dedicated to the growth and development of students with diverse learning styles and backgrounds. Naomi began her career as a New York City Teaching Fellow over a decade ago. She spent many years at an inner-city high school, teaching English and History to students with special needs and students at risk of academic failure in inclusive classrooms. Most recently, Naomi was a Learning Specialist at SAR High School, where she worked directly with individual students to help them become confident, skilled, and successful learners. Naomi is also an independent provider of Special Education Teacher Support Services through the NYC Department of Education. She has a Master’s in Adolescent Education from Pace University, and a Bachelor’s in English Literature from the University of Pennsylvania. Naomi and her husband Ori live in Prospect Heights and are proud parents to three Luria students. Naomi serves on the Committee of Trustees.
Board Member Naomi Portnoy is an experienced educator who is dedicated to the growth and development of students with diverse learning styles and backgrounds. Naomi began her career as a New York City Teaching Fellow over a decade ago. She spent many years at an inner-city high school, teaching English and History to students with special needs and students at risk of academic failure in inclusive classrooms. Most recently, Naomi was a Learning Specialist at SAR High School, where she worked directly with individual students to help them become confident, skilled, and successful learners. Naomi is also an independent provider of Special Education Teacher Support Services through the NYC Department of Education. She has a Master’s in Adolescent Education from Pace University, and a Bachelor’s in English Literature from the University of Pennsylvania. Naomi and her husband Ori live in Prospect Heights and are proud parents to three Luria students. Naomi serves on the Committee of Trustees.
Robyn Reiss
Board Member Robyn Reiss is the Founder and CEO of Reiss Strategies, a consulting firm offering a full suite of advisory and marketing services to the real estate industry. Robyn previously served as the Executive Director of Observer Media and in 2009 co-founded the launch of Commercial Observer, the premier commercial real estate media platform. During her 18-year tenure with the company, Robyn played a pivotal role in growing Commercial Observer from a start-up to the multi-million-dollar, national organization it is today. Robyn has a BS from the School of Management at Binghamton University. She and her husband Elie live in Park Slope and are the proud parents of four children, two of whom are Luria students.
Board Member Robyn Reiss is the Founder and CEO of Reiss Strategies, a consulting firm offering a full suite of advisory and marketing services to the real estate industry. Robyn previously served as the Executive Director of Observer Media and in 2009 co-founded the launch of Commercial Observer, the premier commercial real estate media platform. During her 18-year tenure with the company, Robyn played a pivotal role in growing Commercial Observer from a start-up to the multi-million-dollar, national organization it is today. Robyn has a BS from the School of Management at Binghamton University. She and her husband Elie live in Park Slope and are the proud parents of four children, two of whom are Luria students.
Maayan Roth
Board Member Maayan Roth is VP of Engineering at Crux Climate, an early-stage startup building financial tools for the clean energy transition. She has over 15 years of experience leading software engineering teams across startups and Fortune 500 companies, spanning industries from climate tech and healthcare to search and social media. Maayan received her BS in Computer Science and PhD in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University. In her free time, Maayan enjoys making pottery and is active in helping to organize kids’ programming at Altshul. Maayan and her husband Fred live in Park Slope and are the proud parents of two Luria students.
Board Member Maayan Roth is VP of Engineering at Crux Climate, an early-stage startup building financial tools for the clean energy transition. She has over 15 years of experience leading software engineering teams across startups and Fortune 500 companies, spanning industries from climate tech and healthcare to search and social media. Maayan received her BS in Computer Science and PhD in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University. In her free time, Maayan enjoys making pottery and is active in helping to organize kids’ programming at Altshul. Maayan and her husband Fred live in Park Slope and are the proud parents of two Luria students.
Kseniya Schemo
Board Member Kseniya Schemo is the program director of the Goddard Riverside Community Center Law Project, a civil legal services organization. She has experience as a housing attorney representing tenants in housing court and acting as lead counsel in several trials. In her current role, she manages the grants and funding for the program and oversees case strategy and advocacy, strategizing on outreach and grassroots education. Kseniya, and her husband Jesse live in Park Slope and are proud parents of two Luria Students. Kseniya co-chairs the Committee on Trustees.
Board Member Kseniya Schemo is the program director of the Goddard Riverside Community Center Law Project, a civil legal services organization. She has experience as a housing attorney representing tenants in housing court and acting as lead counsel in several trials. In her current role, she manages the grants and funding for the program and oversees case strategy and advocacy, strategizing on outreach and grassroots education. Kseniya, and her husband Jesse live in Park Slope and are proud parents of two Luria Students. Kseniya co-chairs the Committee on Trustees.
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Yona Silverman
Board Member Dr. Yona Silverman is a psychiatrist in private practice in Brooklyn. She was previously Medical Director of the NYU Medical Student and House Staff Mental Health Clinic, where she treated physicians in various stages of training. She completed her undergraduate and medical training at the University of Pennsylvania, while simultaneously receiving a Masters in Bioethics. She then did her residency in general psychiatry at NYU, where she was a chief resident, and continued on to complete a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship. She is currently pursuing psychoanalytic training at NYU’s Postdoctoral Program in Psychoanalysis. Yona is a fourth generation NYCer, and lives in Clinton Hill with her husband, Marcus Cohn, and their four children, two current Luria students and two future Luria students.
Board Member Dr. Yona Silverman is a psychiatrist in private practice in Brooklyn. She was previously Medical Director of the NYU Medical Student and House Staff Mental Health Clinic, where she treated physicians in various stages of training. She completed her undergraduate and medical training at the University of Pennsylvania, while simultaneously receiving a Masters in Bioethics. She then did her residency in general psychiatry at NYU, where she was a chief resident, and continued on to complete a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship. She is currently pursuing psychoanalytic training at NYU’s Postdoctoral Program in Psychoanalysis. Yona is a fourth generation NYCer, and lives in Clinton Hill with her husband, Marcus Cohn, and their four children, two current Luria students and two future Luria students.
Ray Seigel
Board Member Ray Siegel is a freelance writer, editor, brand consultant, and an advocate for screen-free childhood. After a decade-long career in publishing, Ray pivoted towards advocacy work with the Jewish Parents Forum, where she helped launch the Wait Until 8th initiative for the Jewish community. She’s responsible for fundraising efforts as well as working directly with parents and administration within the Jewish day school network. Previously, she was hired to consult at Estée Lauder as a partner in brand development and copywriting. Prior, she served as an editor, published writer, content creator and social media director for various Condé Nast and Hearst titles, such as Vanity Fair and Harper’s Bazaar. She received her B.S. in Management and Consumer Studies at Syracuse University. Prior to joining the board, Ray served as Luria’s Parent Association Co-Chair for the past two years. Ray lives in Williamsburg with her husband, Jordan Friedman. They are the proud parents to two Luria students.
Board Member Ray Siegel is a freelance writer, editor, brand consultant, and an advocate for screen-free childhood. After a decade-long career in publishing, Ray pivoted towards advocacy work with the Jewish Parents Forum, where she helped launch the Wait Until 8th initiative for the Jewish community. She’s responsible for fundraising efforts as well as working directly with parents and administration within the Jewish day school network. Previously, she was hired to consult at Estée Lauder as a partner in brand development and copywriting. Prior, she served as an editor, published writer, content creator and social media director for various Condé Nast and Hearst titles, such as Vanity Fair and Harper’s Bazaar. She received her B.S. in Management and Consumer Studies at Syracuse University. Prior to joining the board, Ray served as Luria’s Parent Association Co-Chair for the past two years. Ray lives in Williamsburg with her husband, Jordan Friedman. They are the proud parents to two Luria students.
Harry Etra is the Managing Director of HXE Partners, a Morrow Sodali company. Harry's experience is in advising public and private companies on their sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies. As a Principal at CamberView Partners, he helped companies prioritize their sustainability disclosures and prepare for engagements with institutional investors. Previously as a Director at CodeGreen Solutions, he advised companies on ESG best practices with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. Harry holds an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School and a B.A. in history from Yale University. Harry and his wife Dani live in Prospect Heights and are proud Luria parents.
Ora Weinberg has over a decade of professional experience in strategic planning, specializing in philanthropic advising, grants management and organizational development. Ora has worked as a consultant to early and mid-stage non-profits helping them lift the standard of excellence surrounding their organizational practices. She has guided organizations through a variety of internal planning processes, including program development, fundraising strategy, evaluation design, staff management, and board development. She is dedicated to helping her clients
build confidence in their mission and become more pragmatic in how they operate their organizations as well as how they impact the community around them. Ora has also held volunteer leadership roles in a number of organizations whose primary focus is creating inclusive school environments for children of all backgrounds, abilities and disabilities. Ora is the co-chair of the Capital Campaign Committee.
build confidence in their mission and become more pragmatic in how they operate their organizations as well as how they impact the community around them. Ora has also held volunteer leadership roles in a number of organizations whose primary focus is creating inclusive school environments for children of all backgrounds, abilities and disabilities. Ora is the co-chair of the Capital Campaign Committee.
Former Board Presidents
Sam Boymelgreen
Daniel Septimus
Shannon Green
Mamie Kanfer Stewart
Founders of Luria Academy
Moshe Banin
Sam Boymelgreen
Alisa Boymelgreen
Jacob Septimus
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