The American Hebrew Academy's Admissions Staff is here to help you through the AHA Application journey. They will work with you and your family through out the process, from your first inquiry to your campus visit and, hopefully, your acceptance. They truly are our public face and we would like you to get to know them a little better.

> to send an email, click on name; to call, dial number listed

Leslie Grossman, Director of Admissions, (336) 217-7073

A native of Long Island, NY and long time resident of Massachusetts, Leslie received her BS in Middle School Education from Lesley College and her MA in Jewish Communal Service from Brandeis University.  Leslie began her career in Jewish informal education as a Youth Group Advisor for several NFTY-NE groups, USY Youth Director and by attending and working at several Jewish summer camps in New England.  She has developed curriculum, coordinated and taught in several Hebrew High programs, and valued being in a pluralistic environment that encouraged teens to explore Judaism beyond their own experience.  Leslie served as the community coordinator for 4 Israeli teens as part of the Partnership 2000 Young Emissary Program.  She looks forward to the day when she'll get to bring her husband, Larry and their two sons, Ilan & Seth to Israel.

When given the opportunity to join the American Hebrew Academy in 2006, what most interested Leslie was the opportunity to be in a pluralistic youth environment and to work with families who want to be part of a passionate and innovative educational community.  Leslie loves her time with families, and particularly appreciates the relationship that she develops with the applicant(s) and their parent(s).  She looks forward to welcoming you to campus soon!

Mark Spielman, Admissions Counselor and Director of the American Hebrew Academy Honor Society, (336) 217-7074

Mark knows the Greensboro community better than almost anyone, as he is the only member of the admissions team originally from this geographic area.  Mark graduated from Greensboro's Jewish day school, B'nai Shalom and more recently from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill with a degree in Sports Management.  Mark is the creative talent behind the formation of the American Hebrew Academy Honor Society, and an assistant coach to both the basketball and golf teams.  During Mark's free time, he enjoys playing sports, following his Tar Heels, reading a good novel and spending time with his Labradoodle, Willis.  Mark is also happily married to his beautiful wife, Becky.

Alina Spaulding, Director of Communications, (336) 217-7075

Alina Gerlovin Spaulding was born in Kharkov, Ukraine, and immigrated to the United States with her family in 1979.

Alina graduated from Muhlenberg College with a double major in Psychology and Russian Studies and from Barry University with a Masters in Human Resource Development for Non Profit and Religious Organizations.  Alina was one of 17 fellows from around the world to take part in the first class of the Brandeis/ Bronfman Institute for Informal Jewish Education.  She was also one of 10 fellows from North America to take part in the prestigious Covenant Fellowship program for Jewish Education. 

Alina and her husband Chris are deeply committed to humanitarian work in the US and overseas.  Alina has been involved with the Delet Camp program, the sister city project between Greensboro and Beltsy, Moldova for 6 years.  In her free time, Alina's hobbies include traveling, knitting, and learning.

Alina works at the American Hebrew Academy as a symbol of her personal commitment to Jewish Education.  In this extraordinary place, she has the opportunity to inspire passion and empower young people to create a community and world filled with kindness, good will, and shalom.      

Jonathon (Yoni) Livnat, Director of Marketing, (336) 217-7072

Yoni is a native of Israel.  He served in the Israeli Defense Forces as a Major Sergeant and then 13 years in the reserves.  Yoni graduated Beer Sheva University with honors.  His major was Jewish History and Middle Eastern Studies.  Prior to joining the American Hebrew Academy as Marketing Director, Yoni worked 12 years as an insurance executive in Israel.  Yoni has been with the American Hebrew Academy since January 2004 and is married to Ariella and is the father of two sons, Tai and Ira.