Leadership
Rabbi Shlomo Uzhansky
Founder
Rabbi Uzhansky was born in Kiev, Ukraine, and raised in Philadelphia. Prior to receiving his rabbinical ordination from Lakewood’s Beth Medresh Gvoah, he studied in Yeshivot both in Israel and the U.S. Rabbi U, as he is most commonly known, spent much time developing culturally sensitive programming for Russian-speaking Jews across the United States.
His great passion is creating opportunities for Jewish people of all backgrounds to meaningfully connect to their heritage. Having come from a background identical to that of the vast majority of the schools parent body, Rabbi Uzhansky is able to relate to these families and put their minds at ease with commiting their children to Jewish education.
Dr. Chana Uzhansky
President BOD
Dr. Uzhansky (aka- Morah Chana) was born in Philadelphia, PA to a family of former refuseniks, Barry and Elena Iann. After graduating from Bruriah High School, Dr. Uzhansky went on to study in Israel at B’not Torah Institute. Following her year abroad she began to pursue a career in education at Touro College and was awarded with an academic scholarship to participate in their accelerated Educators Honor’s Program. Dr. Uzhansky graduated in 2003 with a Masters in Education and Special Education certified to teach students from kindergarten through twelfth grade in all subject areas specializing in Special Education and mathematics. Since graduating, she has taught in elementary, middle, and high school general and special education classrooms as well as worked with students with disabilities as an Early Intervention specialist with A.B.A experience and training.
With more than a decade of experience in Leadership Administration, Dr. Uzhansky is a certified Educational Supervisor and an expert in educational evaluations and Singapore Math with a Doctorate in Exceptional Childhood Education conferred to her from Northcentral University. Morah Chana’s greatest passion is to learn and inspire her student to love the actual quest of knowledge. “Ain Simcha K’Hateres Sfekos”, there is no joy like the resolution of doubt, is her everyday motto.
Mrs. Regina Antebi
Elementary School Supervisor
Regina Antebi is currently in her 12th year at Staten Island Hebrew Academy, where she has taught every grade and nearly every subject. She earned her dual undergraduate degree in General and Special Education in 2013 and completed her Master’s in Literacy in 2017. With a rich background in teaching both secular and Judaic studies across various grades, Regina is well-versed in her leadership role. She is passionate about her work at SIHA and values the strong connections she maintains with the families in the school community.
Rabbi Dr. Richard Ehrlich
Dean
Rabbi Dr. Ehrlich has been a passionate educator for most of his life. He received his ordination from Yeshiva University. Following that, he receives his Master’s degree in developmental psychology from Columbia University, and his Doctorate in Education Administration from Columbia University.
He started his career as a teacher in Yeshiva University High School, where he taught for 8 years. After that, he was a principal of Hillel Academy in Passaic, New Jersey. He was also the principal of JFS for 24 years. He continued his career as a principal of Mirrer Yeshiva High School for two years, after which he came to SIHA.
Mrs. Ilanit Dinar
Business Office Manager
Ilanit Dinar is celebrating her 14th year at Staten Island Hebrew Academy, where she serves as both the Business Administrator and Director of Admissions. Raised by a Jewish Ukrainian mother who immigrated to Israel, Ilanit was instilled with a deep appreciation for Jewish heritage from an early age. Born in the U.S., she attended yeshiva throughout her academic career and graduated from Flatbush High School.
Alongside her husband, Ilanit continues to uphold these values by sending their own children to yeshiva. She graduated from Briarcliff College with an Associate’s Degree in Business and holds Series 7 and 63 licenses. Her previous experience includes working as a registered sales assistant at Bear Stearns.
With her strong financial background, Ilanit plays a crucial role in the efficient administration of SIHA. She is deeply committed to the academy’s mission of providing a high-quality education while nurturing a love and appreciation for Jewish heritage among students.
Mrs. Patricia Giordano
Middle School Supervisor, 7-8th Grade Science Teacher
Patricia Giordano is a highly qualified science teacher with over 15 years of experience in both public and private school settings. Throughout her career, she has played an integral role on School Leadership teams, where she analyzed student progress, set goals in alignment with individual scores and abilities, observed behavior, and provided essential support. Patricia is dedicated to supporting students, teachers, and parents alike; she encourages communication through email to address any questions or concerns, striving to achieve the best possible outcomes for everyone involved.
A passionate advocate for student success, Patricia believes in the principle of “Crystal Clear Communication Constantly,” recognizing its importance in fostering strong teacher, parent, and student relationships. Her classroom is a reflection of student progress and serves as a supportive community for all learners. Patricia Giordano is excited for the opportunity to contribute to an exceptional year at Staten Island Hebrew Academy.