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 Krissoff is a seasoned executive leader with more than 25 years of experience driving organizational excellence across nonprofit, corporate, and operational environments. His expertise spans human resources, operations, strategic planning, financial management, change leadership, and organizational development. A former firefighter, Joe brings a strong commitment to safety, risk management, and operational resilience, coupled with a passion for building high-performing teams and mission-driven organizations.

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Joe holds a bachelor's degree in Management and is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He also maintains certifications in project management, emergency management, leadership development, and nonprofit leadership. Known for his collaborative leadership style and dedication to developing people, Joe is passionate about supporting organizations that positively impact their communities and is committed to advancing the mission of Northwest Yeshiva High School through strategic leadership and operational excellence.

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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.