Our Administration and Teachers
Administration
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Cantor Rick Lawrence earned his B.A. in Jewish Studies at Oberlin College, a certificate in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University, and a Masters of Jewish Education and Cantorial Ordination from Hebrew College. Since his ordination in 2014, Cantor Lawrence has served as the cantor of Temple EmanuEl in Orange Village, Ohio; Temple Rodeph Torah in Marlboro, NJ; Kesher Israel Congregation in West Chester, PA, and as the High Holy Cantor for Congregation Sha’arey Tzedek in Lansing MI. Amongst other experience, Cantor Lawrence has worked with the Zamir Chorale of Boston and the HaZamir Children’s Choir Cleveland Chapter.
During his cantorial studies, Cantor Lawrence studied how previous composers of Jewish music have taken the musical tradition that they received from previous generations and blended it with contemporary musical styles; in keeping with this tradition, he has composed music mixing traditional music with contemporary styles for Shabbat worship.
In an interview with his professors at Hebrew College, Cantor Lawrence was asked what he hoped to bring from his cantorial education to his professional life. He answered: “I feel the most valuable piece of wisdom I’ve received from my education is the ever-present and important tension that exists in our liturgy between keva (that which is fixed/set) and kavanah (intention). To me, this pull between keva and kavanah is understanding how we can honor, cherish and utilize our vast received tradition while at the same time ensuring that what we do with our tradition is infused with meaning in today’s world. I believe that both keva and kavannah have contributed, and continue to contribute, to Jewish continuity.”
Cantor Lawrence began chaplaincy training in 2019, and finished in 2022. He served as the volunteer chaplain for the pediatric and adult palliative care teams at Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone, Botswana from 2022 to April of 2024.
Cantor Rick Lawrence
director of administration
Janice Schwartz Fonger joined the UJS Staff (again) in 2023. Janice grew up at Temple Emanuel, teaching in the Temple religious school and UJS for more than 20 years. She also served as a Temple youth leader and Board member. Janice spent most of her career in the nonprofit arena currently serving as Director of Training with Michigan CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). Among Janice’s blessings are husband Lindsay, daughter Celia (UJS alum), son-in-law Nick and grandpuppy Goose.
Janice Schwartz Fonger
Teachers
Baruch Hales (Gan Katan).
After receiving an undergraduate degree from Grand Valley State University in Music Education, Baruch went on to work as a non-certified teacher in a self-contained room for autism. During this time Baruch earned their Master’s Degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis through Arizona State University. Baruch is currently the owner of The Applied Behavioral Science Institution with their spouse Ash; together they have 6 children in the Rockford area. He/Him/They/Them
Nicole Katzman (1st Grade)
Nicole Katzman is the Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids. She earned her BFA from the Atlanta College of Art, and Master degrees (MAT & MAE) from The Rhode Island School of Design. Nicole is the co- author of the PJ Library children’s book, Nathan Blows Out the Hanukkah Candles which was recognized by NBC News as best inclusive children’s book and by the Anti-Defamation League as Book of the month. Nicole has been teaching for over thirty years and loves to work with people of all ages. She is a tireless advocate for those with special healthcare needs. Nicole is the mother of four adult children and loves to practice pilates, garden, create art, hike and spend time with her husband and two Golden Retriever puppies.
Shay Kovacs (2nd Grade)
This is Shay’s first year teaching at UJS! Shay lives with her husband Andrew, her two awesome kids, Rory and Olive and their three crazy cats – Echo, Suki, and Goose. An alumnus of Grand Valley State University, she earned a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies with a minor in Psychology with a Human Rights focus. Shay spends her week as the Programs Manager for Feeding America West Michigan, supporting food assistance programs in 40 of Michigan’s Counties. When she isn’t working or teaching you can usually find Shay outside, reading, or making something creative.
Avi Forstein (3rd & 4th Grade)
Avi was born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD. His Abba was the only Rabbi in South Dakota for the 1980s and most of the 1990s; CBS News did a story on him in 1980, you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/
Erica Smith (5th & 6th Grade)
Erica is excited to be part of the United Jewish School community. She brings experience as both a classroom teacher and an artist, with a background in language arts instruction and curriculum design. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes student agency, self-discovery, and building meaningful connections through writing. When she’s not in the classroom, Erica can usually be found with a notebook or sketchbook in hand. She loves exploring new ideas, keeping things organized (most of the time), and sharing a sharp sense of humor with colleagues and students. She’s looking forward to helping each learner find their own voice and place in the community.
Sharon Spungen (7th, 8th & 9th Grade)
Sharon Spungen is an Assistant Public Defender by day, sings with the West Michigan Voices of Pride, and in her spare time teaches Taekwon-Do and self defense skills at Big Dog Taekwon-Do as a 5th degree black belt. She is a proud Mom of two amazing young men, and can often be found playing her sparkliest tambourine in the back of the sanctuary on Friday nights. “I am so excited to be on this learning journey with our 7-9th grade students and am excited to explore the challenging questions pertaining to our Judaism together!”
Daveed ben Avraham (Hebrew).
Shoshana Jackson (Hebrew)
This is Shoshana’s tenth year at UJS in the Hebrew classroom! Previously, she has taught both Hebrew and Judaics for Reform and Reconstructionist schools in Ann Arbor and served the JCC there as their Youth, Teen & Camp Director. Shoshana loves languages: she has formally studied six languages, including Arabic during her time as a linguist in the US Army. She is neurodivergent and believes all students can be successful with the proper application of the right coping tools! Shoshana thinks being Jewish is the coolest thing ever and wants to share that enthusiasm with students and their families in UJS.
Elisabeth Rosewall (Hebrew)
Elizabeth is a native Californian with a BS in Design from the University of California at Davis and has lived in Grand Rapids since 1985. She has taught both 4-7th grades and Hebrew since 1990 both at Temple and Ahavas as well as in South Haven. She currently focuses on Hebrew and tutors b’nei mitzvah students at Temple Emanuel. Elisabeth has a passion for learning and Jewish education and loves teaching Hebrew classes for adults. She especially enjoys those who learn differently and tries to find the spark in each. She feels blessed by her two children, Emily and Eric, (and the presence of cats in their lives).
Sharon Spungen (Mitzvah Core)
See above
Eliott Buyce (Mitzvah Core)
Eliott was born and raised in Grand Rapids area. Eliott holds a BA in Geography from GVSU and works in geographical information systems. In his free time, Eliott enjoys hiking, running and gaming.
Kreenah Dunsmore (Music)
Kreenah Dunsmore performs and teaches music around Grand Rapids. She currently plays clarinet with the Grand Rapids Symphonette, and plays piano with The Good Medicine Band and at Von Maur at Woodland Mall. She teaches all subjects as a substitute teacher with EduStaff in GRPS, FH, and Northview Districts K-12. She also teaches music at The Piano Cottage on Boston Street SE. As a member of Temple Emanuel, you can find Kreenah attending most services, and Torah classes, along with special activities in the Jewish community in Grand Rapids. Morah Kreenah seeks to assist young Jewish students in learning Hebraic and Judaic standards in close connection with their classroom teachers at The United Jewish School 2023-2024. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, movies, yoga, the outdoors, and visual art creations of a variety of styles.
Melinda Frank (Office Assistant / Teachers Aide)
Melinda has been a teacher’s aide for many many years (too many to count). She has helped out with the students from tots to fourth grade. Why? Because she loves working with the kids and can’t imagine not being a part of the school. Melinda also likes cooking and helping in the kitchen. She is now serving as Janice’s right-hand gal.
Zoe Post (Baking Expert)
Zoe Post is from Holland, MI and studied Religion at University of Evansville in southern Indiana. During the summer after their freshman year of college, they participated in an internship in New York state that centered on interfaith dialogue through sustainable agriculture. This was the first time Zoe met a Jewish person and was introduced to Judaism. After Zoe graduated college, they served two years in Peace Corps in the agricultural sector. It was in rural Paraguay where Zoe began to perfect their challah-baking skills.
Upon their return to the States, Zoe moved to Grand Rapids to be closer to their now-wife Susie. Zoe converted to Judaism and became a member of Temple Emanuel in 2020. Currently, Zoe is a full-time ceramic artist, part-time gardener, and hobbyist baker.
Kris Siegel (Librarian)