our Executive Director
Dr. Beth Raskin EdD
Executive Director
Dr. Beth Raskin is the founding Executive Director of Kulanu and for the past 24 years has overseen all aspects of the organization’s operation involving education, social services, parent advocacy, adult services, Torah L’Kulanu and Kulanu Ba’Aretz in Israel. Dr. Raskin carries New York State certification as Teacher of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped, Nursery- grade 12 and Special Education as well as School District Administration. During her 48 years in the field of education Dr. Raskin has established and operated private schools and residential programs for individuals from birth through adulthood for “typical” youngsters and those with special needs.
Leadership
Dina Rosenberg, MA, BCBA, LBA
Chief Program Officer
Dina Rosenberg is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Special Education Teacher who has worked in the field of Special Education for over 25 years. She joined Kulanu Academy in 2004 and has steadily shifted from the classroom setting to administrative appointments, including 5 years as Kulanu Academy’s Head of Schools. Dina has extensive experience in training and supervising faculty, specifically in the areas of behavior management and data collection, as well as working with families in developing individualized educational programs best suited for each child’s unique needs. Since 2021, Dina has held the position of Kulanu’s Chief Program Officer in which she oversees Kulanu’s Educational, OPWDD and ACCES-VR Divisions. Dina enjoys mentoring Division Leaders in the development of innovative programing, organizational infrastructure, professional training, and strategic planning.
Gayle V. Fremed
Chief Special Projects Officer
Gayle V. Fremed is the Chief Special Projects Officer for Kulanu. Her responsibilities include overseeing the Fundraising and Marketing Departments, grant writing as well as community and stakeholder engagement. A Kulanu employee since 2016, Ms. Fremed previously served as the Chief Human Resources Officer. Ms. Fremed is the parent of a daughter with autism and has been an avid advocate for individuals with autism for over 35 years. Ms. Fremed is currently secretary of the Board of Directors of NSSA: Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism. She has been a board member since 1995, serving as Vice President from 2001 to 2010.
Ira Green
Chief Financial Officer
Ira Green is an accounting and financial executive with over 45 years of progressive experience in operations and financial management in the healthcare & nonprofit sectors. Ira joined Kulanu Academy in 2016. Ira has contributed to the long-term growth and profitability of Kulanu Academy by providing leadership, financial and business analytics, performance reviews, and support of Kulanu’s management process by facilitating fact-based decision making, He reorganized the Finance Department resulting in increased organizational effectiveness, being customer driven, managing productivity, and providing corporate leadership.
Kulanu Academy
Johnhanna Otero
Head of Schools
Johnhanna Otero serves as the Head of Schools at Kulanu Academy, where she has been a dedicated team member since 2016. Ms. Otero began her tenure in Educational Supervision, guiding students’ academic progress and mentoring classroom teachers. In 2022, she was appointed Head of Schools, bringing with her over 18 years of expertise in both general and special education. Throughout her career, Ms. Otero has collaborated with a diverse group of educators to pursue the shared goal of enhancing student achievement and fostering independence. She is a strong advocate for a collaborative educational environment, recognizing its importance for the growth and success of both students and teachers. Additionally, Ms. Otero believes that working closely with parents is key to enriching the Kulanu Academy experience.
Programs
Dina Rosenberg, MA, BCBA, LBA
Chief Program Officer
Dina Rosenberg is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Special Education Teacher who has worked in the field of Special Education for over 25 years. She joined Kulanu Academy in 2004 and has steadily shifted from the classroom setting to administrative appointments, including 5 years as Kulanu Academy’s Head of Schools. Dina has extensive experience in training and supervising faculty, specifically in the areas of behavior management and data collection, as well as working with families in developing individualized educational programs best suited for each child’s unique needs. Since 2021, Dina has held the position of Kulanu’s Chief Program Officer in which she oversees Kulanu’s Educational, Judaic Studies, OPWDD and ACCES-VR Divisions. Dina enjoys mentoring Division Leaders in the development of innovative programing, organizational infrastructure, professional training, and strategic planning.
Johnhanna Otero
Head of Schools
Johnhanna Otero serves as the Head of Schools at Kulanu Academy, where she has been a dedicated team member since 2016. Ms. Otero began her tenure in Educational Supervision, guiding students’ academic progress and mentoring classroom teachers. In 2022, she was appointed Head of Schools, bringing with her over 18 years of expertise in both general and special education. Throughout her career, Ms. Otero has collaborated with a diverse group of educators to pursue the shared goal of enhancing student achievement and fostering independence. She is a strong advocate for a collaborative educational environment, recognizing its importance for the growth and success of both students and teachers. Additionally, Ms. Otero believes that working closely with parents is key to enriching the Kulanu Academy experience.
Simone Stanbury
Director of OPWDD Services
Simone Stanbury joined Kulanu Academy in December 2021 as the Director of OPWDD Services. With over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, Simone is dedicated to fostering their independence and helping them achieve their life goals. She provides oversight and guidance to the Day Habilitation staff and participants, ensuring that each individual receives the personal, social, and vocational support necessary to thrive within their community.
Simone's expertise includes developing and implementing treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each participant. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and continues to further her studies in Community Health, with a focus on identifying public health issues and educating communities about the risks of disease and injury.
Esther Weinstein
Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Esther Weinstein holds a master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation from Syracuse University and brings a wealth of experience in developing and delivering innovative employment services for individuals with disabilities. Currently, Ms. Weinstein serves as the Director of Vocational & Rehabilitation Services, where she oversees a wide range of services, including the New York State contracted Adult Career and Continuing Education Services (ACCES) and contracts with school districts to support youth with disabilities on their vocational journey.
Her vocational services encompass Career Counseling, Community-based work try-outs and assessments, Work Readiness and Self-Advocacy skills enhancement, Job Placement, and Supported Employment. Additionally, Ms. Weinstein oversees Kulanu Travels, a recreational program designed for young adults with disabilities. Beyond her role at Kulanu, Ms. Weinstein is a Professor in a Master’s Special Education Program and has a history of developing and conducting training and education for employment staff across New York, New Jersey, and the Virgin Islands.
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Human Resources
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Sophia Saada, SHRM-CP
Human Resources Director
Sophia Saada is a seasoned Human Resources professional with over 20 years of experience in management and HR roles. She holds a SHRM-CP certification and has been actively involved in HR for more than five years, with a focus on fostering positive workplace environments and supporting organizational growth through effective HR strategies.
Since April, Sophia has served as the Human Resources Director at Kulanu, where she oversees all aspects of HR management, including recruitment, employee relations, training and development, and policy implementation. Her extensive career has provided her with a deep understanding of people management and organizational dynamics, enabling her to contribute effectively to the success and well-being of both employees and the company.
Sophia is passionate about continuous learning and staying current with the latest trends in HR practices. She is a firm believer in the power of collaboration and teamwork to achieve strategic objectives and create a culture of excellence within organizations.
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Fundraising & Marketing
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Adult services
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Simone Stanbury
Director of OPWDD Services
Simone Stanbury joined Kulanu Academy in December 2021 as the Director of OPWDD Services. With over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, Simone is dedicated to fostering their independence and helping them achieve their life goals. She provides oversight and guidance to the Day Habilitation staff and participants, ensuring that each individual receives the personal, social, and vocational support necessary to thrive within their community.
Simone's expertise includes developing and implementing treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each participant. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and continues to further her studies in Community Health, with a focus on identifying public health issues and educating communities about the risks of disease and injury.
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Esther Weinstein
Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Esther Weinstein holds a master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation from Syracuse University and brings a wealth of experience in developing and delivering innovative employment services for individuals with disabilities. Currently, Ms. Weinstein serves as the Director of Vocational & Rehabilitation Services, where she oversees a wide range of services, including the New York State contracted Adult Career and Continuing Education Services (ACCES) and contracts with school districts to support youth with disabilities on their vocational journey.
Her vocational services encompass Career Counseling, Community-based work try-outs and assessments, Work Readiness and Self-Advocacy skills enhancement, Job Placement, and Supported Employment. Additionally, Ms. Weinstein oversees Kulanu Travels, a recreational program designed for young adults with disabilities. Beyond her role at Kulanu, Ms. Weinstein is a Professor in a Master’s Special Education Program and has a history of developing and conducting training and education for employment staff across New York, New Jersey, and the Virgin Islands.
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Administration and Adult Services are moving!
The Kulanu administration, along with the Adult Service Programs, are currently relocating to their new building. Please have patience if there is a slight delay in our responsiveness during this move.
To contact the Kulanu business office please call 516-514-3474 extension 0217