Only the Best

As a new institution, The Adelson School hired the very best educators from across the country. Our philosophy is that every employee of the school is an integral part of the team — teachers, coaches, custodians, administrators and assistants. The primary focus is to support the educational program of the school.

Paul Schiffman
Head of School

After an extensive nationwide search, The Adelson School chose Paul Schiffman to serve as the first Head of School. Formerly head of The Harley School in Rochester, New York, and currently an E.E. Ford Program Mentor for the National Association of Independent Schools, Mr. Schiffman is among the nation’s most respected educators.

Mr. Schiffman brings his expertise, enthusiasm and commitment to The Adelson School as he handpicks a remarkable roster of outstanding educators to lead our students toward a productive and successful future.

Dr. Paul Mahoney
Head of Upper School

An accomplished educational and scientific leader, Dr. Mahoney led a research group dedicated to cancer research prior to entering K-12 education. He has since been honored by America’s most prestigious institutions – including NASA – for his outstanding contributions, and his career is a remarkable example of what can happen when one embraces opportunities. A highly sought-after presenter at universities and symposiums worldwide, Mahoney is devoted to stirring the quest for knowledge – especially among young minds.

Rob Blackwell
Director of Athletics

Believing that athletics plays a significant role in the social and physical development of today’s youth, Rob Blackwell is a very positive role model for students. He is a former athlete, coach, counselor and faculty mentor. His goals are to provide a wide variety of activities and sports, creating a positive learning environment while instilling pride, and offering students the opportunity to compete interscholastically.

Dr. Jonah Cohen
History Department Chair

To Jonah Cohen, history is an ongoing conversation about great ideas and questions – a conversation that students should join. A top-honors graduate of the British University System, he focuses on research, logical argumentation and sound essay writing, and brings his significant literary talent and renowned ability to combine eloquence with rigorous reasoning to the task of exploring the big questions and ideas that have propelled the march of history.

Dr. Emmanuel (Manny) Green
Science Department Chair

A rare blend of character, commitment, expertise and enthusiasm, this magna cum laude graduate holds a PhD in cell and molecular biology and earned national distinction as the first Howard Hughes Predoctoral Fellow at his school. Fluent in Spanish, the Belize native challenges his students to sharpen their analytical skills, synthesize new ideas and consider a broad realm of possibilities in the exploration of science and its applications.

Dr. Minao Kamegai
Mathematics and Physics

As a recognized physicist with a professional background in scientific research, computer modeling and intellectual property consulting, Minao Kamegai has also taught college-level physics, math and calculus. Small classes and developed lesson plans will challenge students to think outside of the box and apply their technical knowledge in creative ways that extend beyond traditional disciplines.

Dr. John Matson
English Department Chair

An accomplished author published across a broad spectrum of communication modalities, John Matson knows the importance of finding one’s own intellectual voice. Believing that language and narrative shape our world, this Princeton-trained educator develops thoughtful reading and writing skills among his students by exposing them to the topical diversity typical of college courses, examining global literary cultures and exploring everything from Dostoyevsky to popular film and hypertext media.

W. Craig Partridge
Director of College Counseling

Craig Partridge brings more than 25 years of college counseling experience from both the private secondary school and university levels to The Adelson School community. He will work with students and parents to guide them through the college admission maze, including helping to identify appropriate college matches for each student, guiding students in the preparation and presentation of their credentials, interpreting college entrance testing, evaluating scholarship opportunities, and readying students for college visits.

Melody Stein
Art Department Chair

Melody Hope Stein lives her life like an art work in progress. Art is her passion, and it is fueled by teaching art. She is a professional artist, exhibiting and selling works in the New York metropolitan area. She has taught art at every level from preschool to adult in private and public institutions. Melody owned an art rubber stamp company, published a national art magazine and owned an art business in Las Vegas. Currently president of the Las Vegas Polymer Clay Guild, she runs the Bottles of Hope program at the Nevada Cancer Institute.

Susan Lind Vex
Music Department Chair

Music has been the focus of Susan Vex's life since she was five years old, when she was admitted to Julliard Preparatory School. Continuing with her education at the High School of Music and Art, she conducted the choir and orchestra at the opening of Lincoln Center in New York City. Susan received her certificate to teach Hebrew and Judaic music at the age of seventeen, and after graduating from Queens College, received her license to teach music from K-12. Susan has been associated with The Milton I. Schwartz Hebrew Academy since 1998, and is thrilled to be chair of the music department at The Adelson School.

Rabbi Yonatan Yussman
Rabbi and Scholar-in-Residence

A popular public lecturer, Rabbi Yussman has a distinguished record of collaborating with top school leaders internationally and developing innovative Judaic Studies curricula. Implementing cutting-edge educational theories, he consistently strives to raise the bar – as teacher, principal and administrator. He considers his service in the Israeli Army his most difficult challenge and, not surprisingly, his proudest accomplishment. That conviction is rooted in his belief that challenges are what best sharpen skills, shape character and refine moral thinking.