Northwest Yeshiva High School

Rabbi Aaronson comes to NYHS with over a decade of experience in teaching and non-profit leadership. He has taught in institutions of higher education and served as a scholar-in-residence in the US and Israel. He is a proud alumnus of the Seattle Hebrew Academy and NYHS. He holds advanced degrees in Judaic and General Studies. He aims to help our students find their passion on both sides of the curriculum, providing a foundation for lives of service, commitment, and learning. 

Deirdre is passionate about Jewish education and believes strongly in the importance of equipping the next generation of Jewish community members and leaders with a strong foundation of תּוֹרָה וּמַדָּע and love for the State of Israel.  A Seattle native and alumna of NYHS ('05), she holds a BA in English from Boston University and a Master of Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University.  Before joining us at NYHS, Deirdre served as the General Studies Principal at Denver Academy of Torah where she also completed Prizmah's YouLead program for Jewish day school leaders.  Prior to that, she worked as a Dean of Students in Seattle and Denver area public schools, and was a teacher at Hillel Torah and Akiba-Schechter Jewish day schools in Chicago.

Rabbi Himelstein was born in Israel and grew up in the Jerusalem District town of Beit Shemesh.  After high school he studied at Yeshivat Har Etzion and served in the IDF as an officer in the Kfir Brigade.  Rabbi Himelstein holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Masters in Education Management.  Prior to joining us at NYHS he was the Educational Director of the Har Etzion Letzeirim High School in Israel.   We’re thrilled to welcome Rabbi Himelstein, his wife Eliana, and their three young children to Seattle!  

Joe brings a robust background spanning over 25 years in leadership and operational excellence to NYHS.  His career journey is marked by diverse expertise in operations, project management, change management, financial oversight, and adult learning.  Joe's commitment to safety and operational effectiveness stems from his prior experience as a firefighter, instilling a strong focus on risk management and emergency preparedness.

Joe holds multiple certifications in emergency management, project management, coaching and development, operations, and nonprofit leadership.  He is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.  Outside of his professional pursuits, Joe is deeply involved in community service initiatives and is passionate about people development. He brings enthusiasm and a wealth of experience to NYHS, eager to contribute to the school’s mission of educating and nurturing its students.

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Beth was born and raised in the Seattle area and went to the University of Washington where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications.  She has a career background in project management and marketing communications and her volunteerism has included board membership with Sephardic Adventure Camp and Congregation Ezra Bessaroth, in addition to organizations outside the Jewish communal sector.  Beth has been a part of the NYHS Administrative team since 2019, and is passionate about growing our NYHS school community.  Outside NYHS she enjoys travel, gardening, spending time with her family, and organizing just about everything.   

Kim brings 20 years experience in educational programming and 14+ years in college advising to the NYHS College Guidance program.  She has helped youth in Russia, Ukraine, and the United States identify, apply for, and gain acceptance to a vast array of higher education and gap year opportunities, both domestically and abroad.  

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A midwest native, Kim earned a bachelor's in Russian Language and Literature from Beloit College in Wisconsin.  She earned a Master's of Education in Student Development Administration from Seattle University, and is currently pursuing a Master's in School Counseling.  Outside her professional and educational pursuits she enjoys hiking, swimming, cooking, reading, and the outdoors.  Kim looks forward to working with our NYHS students, parents and staff in pursuit of our students’ post-secondary goals.