Levey Day School

Levey Day School is more than just offices and a building. It is also people — volunteers and staff — all dedicated to the tradition of tikkun olam — making the world a better place.

Dr. Stephen R. Simons, Director
ssimons @ leveydayschool.org
B.A., Brandeis University
M.A., and a Ph.D. in Jewish Intellectual History and Mysticism, Brandeis University

Before moving to Maine, I served for 28 years as the Director of Education at Congregation Mishkan Tefila in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Under my leadership, the school was awarded the Solomon Schechter Awards for Excellence in Special Education and Elementary Education. Prior to that, I served in a similar capacity at Temple Israel of Natick, MA, with author and lecturer Rabbi Dr. Harold Kushner. I’ve also taught courses at Brandeis University, The Hebrew College of Brookline, and at Brandeis University’s Center for Jewish Culture in Cracow, Poland.

As a teen, I attended the High School Program of Gratz College in Philadelphia while studying Jewish law (halakhah) with Rabbi Chaim Tsvi Klein.I’ve also studied Talmud at the Shappell College of Talmudic Studies and at Yeshivat Sulam Yaakov, both in Jerusalem.

I dabble in drawing and painting, and attended the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design Summer Program in Jerusalem and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Summer Program.

I’m excited to serve as Head of Levey Day School, where I look forward to working with the school’s excellent faculty and board of directors. I welcome the diversity of our student and parent bodies, and I am eager to participate significantly in this extraordinary community.

Camille Davidson, Hebrew and Judaic Studies
cdavidson @ leveydayschool.org
B.F.A. with  honors, Portland School of Art, 1989
Recipient of the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence
in Jewish Education, 2004

I grew up on two continents: I was born and raised in North America until my family made Aliyah to Israel. My schooling, army service, and marriage in Israel shaped who I am today.  When I arrived back in the United States in my early twenties, I was bilingual with strong lifelong ties to Israel.

I began teaching at Levey in 2001, and before that I taught at several different after-school Hebrew programs. Consistently, my approach has been to bring art into children’s Jewish learning: through creation of illustrated Torah scrolls, murals, and various ritual objects in a variety of media. I nurture children in developing meaningful, warm, and spiritual Jewish identities. While I do teach keva (the mechanics of what we do and how to do it), it is kavanah (the intent) that I focus on. I lay the underlying spirit and soul of prayer as a foundation for my students, so that they will grow into Jewish adults who are proud of their heritage and happy to participate in a Jewish life.

Debra R. Kanter, Kindergarten and Pre-K Secular
and Judaic Studies
dkanter @ leveydayschool.org
B.A. in Business Administration, Simmons College, 1974

I began teaching at Levey Day School in 1994. In addition, I’ve been teaching second grade Hebrew school at Temple Beth El since 1994 and have led bi-monthly Shabbat morning services for children for 13 years.

I create a warm, nurturing, welcoming, and safe first exposure to school. By integrating secular and Judaica curricula, I take each child from his/her own point of entry and create a strong foundation for future learning. I love the fact that Levey is not just a wonderful learning environment but a close community of families. We travel the year together, celebrating the Jewish holidays and life cycle events. We form bonds and connections that last through the years. I keep in touch with so many of my former students and attend their Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and graduations.

Mary Kiffney, Secular Studies
mkiffney @ leveydayschool.org
B.A. in Economics, University of Colorado, 1987
Accelerated Teaching Certification Program, K-8, Towson University, 1991

I began my teaching career in a second grade classroom for the Frederick County public school system in Maryland.

Over the course of 13 years, I’ve taught preschool through third grade in both public and private school settings in Maryland and here in Maine.

I nurture the growth of each child by providing what each needs to be a successful learner, creating an environment that inspires creative thinking, and instilling the importance of kindness towards one another. Levey Day School is a community in itself and is a wonderful place to teach. Our small setting provides the opportunity for me to work among dynamic teachers, seek guidance and support from administration, and get to know all of our families here. These are all aspects that contribute to the success of each child.

Brenda Brush, Secular Studies
bbrush @ leveydayschool.org
B.A. in Psychology, minor in elementary eduction, Rutgers College, 1987

I’ve taught for 13 years in all grade levels in both public and private school settings, and I joined the Levey staff in 2008.

My guiding philosophy of education centers on building relationships and fostering positive feelings and attitudes. I believe the human connection we make with our students is as important as the academics and life skills we teach. What I love most about Levey Day School is the sense of community. Family members, teachers, students, administrators, board members, and people from the greater Jewish community are all connected to one another and all play key roles in making Levey Day School the amazing place it is.

Kerry L. Loupe, Secular Studies, Art
kloupe @ leveydayschool.org
B.A. in Creative Writing, University of New Mexico, 1992
M.Ed., Antioch New England Graduate School, 2000

Born in Louisiana, I’ve lived most of my adult life in New Mexico and Maine. Since 1988, I’ve worked with youth in a variety of capacities–ranging from runaway shelter director to case manager and family reunification counselor to teacher.  I’ve taught students from grades 1-8, and I love bringing a creative flair to the classroom.

My passion centers around connecting students to the natural world and to their own creative talents. One of the things I most appreciate about teaching at Levey Day School is the opportunity to connect the secular and Judaic curricula in an organic and meaningful way for our students.

Danielle Gorman, Music
dgorman @ leveydayschool.org
B.A. in Communication, specialization in theater/music, DePauw University, 1992
Teacher training, Musikgarten, Chicago, 2007

I’ve been working with children in music education for the past seven years.  I’m passionate about sharing music with young people and their families, as I believe our ability to create and treasure music is fundamental to what makes us human. It’s a privilege to foster and support musicality in young people.

My approach to music education is not simply the acquisition of music theory and instrumental proficiency, but music and movement. Music has to be experienced through the body in games, dances, and body percussion in addition to more classical venues.

Michael Schwartz, Physical Education
mschwartz @ leveydayschool.org
Michael Schwartz, CPT, CSCS. B.A. English Literature, magna cum laude. University of Michigan. 1982.

Physical Education Instruction since 2004-2005

Father of Emma Rose Schwartz and Sadie Moriah Schwartz

I use the fun games and drills and exercises of physical education to teach the students about the larger concepts of teamwork, competition, effort, fairness, leadership, and strategical thinking. We learn about how our bodies and minds work together. It is my hope that my students will come away from their Levey Physical Education experience with a lifelong passion and understanding of healthy, physical activity.

I love collaborating with the teachers at Levey to find out what is going on with each class. It helps motivate me to create a fresh and unique physical education experience for each class and each student.