Science Department - Faculty List

Mrs. Gila Stein, Science Chair, views her classroom as a community of learners. She strives to provide every student with a broad and deep knowledge of fundamental scientific principles through active, hands-on learning. In addition to chairing the Science Department, Mrs. Stein teaches Chemistry and Physics at Ma’ayanot. She also provides additional science help to students during their free periods, conducting workshops for individuals or small groups. Mrs. Stein came to Ma’ayanot from Ramaz Upper School, where she taught science for four years. Prior to her tenure at Ramaz, she taught science for two years in Shevach High School. Mrs. Stein earned her B.A. in Biochemistry from Queens College, and her M.A. in High School Science Education from Columbia Teachers College.

Mrs. Ariella Rosenbaum teaches Chemistry and Physics at Ma’ayanot. Shegraduated from Stern College for Women with a B.A. in Physics and in Judaic Studies. For the three years prior to joining our faculty, she did research in two of the “hottest” fields in physics, nanoscience and quantum computers. She worked with college professors at various labs in New York, including Brookhaven National Laboratory, to synthesize and characterize metal nanoparticles. Her undergraduate honors thesis is about the use of nanoparticles in hydrogen storage. In addition, Mrs. Rosenbaum worked with the Quantum Information Science Group at the MITRE Corporation on optical and electro-optical experiments that are relevant to building a quantum computer.

Mrs. Phyllis Zweig Serfaty teaches a new Science Research Program at Ma'ayanot.  Mrs. Serfaty earned her undergraduate degree at Washington University, and holds two Master’s Degrees, in Science, from Hunter College, and in Educational Supervision from Baruch College.  She was awarded the STANYS Nassau County Outstanding Teacher of Science Award in 2008; Honors from Polytechnic University in 2007, where she ran a summer science research program for high school students; Teacher of Merit, Intel Science Talent Search (1998 – present); Certificate of Honor from New York Science Talent Search;  Teacher Recognition Award from Siemens Westinghouse Science and Technology Competition, 2000;  American Chemical Society Award for Outstanding Educational Contribution, 2000; Commendation from Intel International Science and Engineering Fair; Teacher of the Year 2001 for dedication to the teaching of Science awarded by Sigma Xi; The Scientific Research Society,  Environmental Quality Recognition Award, 2002; and the Science Council of New York City Science Education Award, 2003.  Mrs. Serfaty serves on the Boards of the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair, and the Rohm and Haas Invitational Science Fairs.

Mrs. Esther Slomnicki teaches Biology and A.P. Biology at Ma’ayanot. She previously worked at Lawrence Woodmere Academy, where she taught Biology and A.P. Biology and developed her own syllabus for teaching Genetics and Anatomy. Mrs. Slomnicki has further experience that includes working as a research technician at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where she investigated genes that possibly related to prostate cancer. Mrs. Slomnicki holds a B.A. in Biology from Queens College.

Mrs. Elise Vitow is the Director of Student Special Services and teaches Biology. Prior to joining the Ma’ayanot faculty, she served on the faculties of both HAFTR and HALB, where she taught various science and math courses for thirteen years. At HAFTR, she also served as the Chairperson of the Science Department of the Middle School, as well as a learning specialist, staff mentor, and in-service instructor of new faculty. Before returning to teaching full time, Mrs. Vitow was the Educational Administrator of the Stanley H. Kaplan Educational Center in Staten Island for eight years. Mrs. Vitow received both her B.A. in Languages and Literature and her M.S. in Special Education from CUNY, as well as sixty credits towards an R.N. degree. She is a member of the team of founding educators of the National Association of Yeshiva Day Schools Serving Exceptional Children (NADSEC), as well as a member of the N.J. Association of Jewish Day Schools.