Dr. Bob Berk

Bob Berk, (B.S. University of California – San Diego; M.Ed. Xavier University; Ph.D. Vanderbilt University), is beginning his fifth year as Head of School at Akiva School in Nashville.   Prior to beginning at Akiva, Dr. Berk completed his doctorate at Vanderbilt where he was named a graduate fellow.  While at Vanderbilt he was involved with research on school leadership, student assignment, high poverty schools and Jewish day schools.  He has served as an adjunct professor in the doctoral program at Vanderbilt University.  Before moving to Nashville, Dr. Berk worked for four years with special needs students in Cincinnati and he continues to relish the time that he spends in the classroom.  In Nashville, Dr. Berk in involved with SACS - the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools - and with ISNA - the Independent Schools of the Nashville Area.  Nationally, he is the Vice President for Finance for RAVSAK - The Jewish Community Day School Network.

Meg Chapman

Meg Chapman is one of Akiva's third grade teachers for secular studies. Mrs. Chapman is a graduate of Loyola University of Chicago where she received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. Mrs. Chapman is originally from Nashville, TN but lived in Los Angeles for the past nine years until she and her husband moved back to the area last summer.  She is really happy to be back.

“I have always wanted to be a teacher,” said Mrs. Chapman. “I remember teaching Sundayschool while I was still in high school.  When I attended Harpeth Hall I participated in the Winterim program in January, and during both my junior and senior year I chose to teach in local Nashville schools rather than study abroad!”

Outside of school Mrs. Chapman enjoys game night with her family; husband, mom, dad, sister, and brother-in-law, playing with her new dog, Lulu, and spending time with her husband enjoying all Tennessee has to offer!

Mrs. Nili Friedman

Nili Friedman has been teaching Akiva the last two years. She is excited to be starting her third year teaching 4 th grade language arts, math, and social studies and 5 th grade language arts. Mrs. Friedman strives to instill a love of learning in her students by providing them with a safe environment in which they feel comfortable taking academic risks and teaching them the skills they need to learn independently. A graduate of a community Jewish day school, herself, Mrs. Friedman makes a constant effort to integrate Judaism into her classes. She places a strong emphasis on writing in all subject area with a focus on teaching students how to improve their writing. Mrs. Friedman received her B.A. from Brandeis University and is currently working towards her M.A. at Vanderbilt. In addition to her position at Akiva, she is the family educator at West End Synagogue.

Miss Melissa Kerr

Melissa Kerr is one of Akiva's kindergarten teachers for secular studies. Ms. Kerr is a graduate of Vanderbilt University where she received her Masters degree in Special Education and her undergraduate degree in Elementary and Special Education. Melissa is originally from Chicago, IL but has lived in Nashville for the past six years while attending school.

"Ever since I was a young girl I wanted to be a teacher," Miss Kerr said. "I love working with children and watching them explore and grow. Akiva provides the perfect opportunity with their small class size for me to individualize my instruction and watch each of my students learn, develop, and flourish. I am very excited to be given the opportunity to be an integral part in laying the foundation for my students' educational success."

Outside of school Miss Kerr is planning her move into her first home and training for the Chicago Marathon. She enjoys reading, running, playing with her Labrador puppy, and spending time with family and friends.

Mrs. Evelyn Koch

Mrs. Koch has either taught or been an administrator at Akiva for over twenty years. She received a BA degree in French and music from the University of California at Berkeley and went on to receive a K-8 teaching certificate from San Francisco State University. In 1991, she received a Masters degree in Education Administration from Tennessee State University.

She has taught almost every subject in both general and Judaic studies, including language arts, social studies, P.E., French, prayer, Hebrew language, Judaic Studies, math, Israeli music and folk dancing. She was an administrator for fourteen years. She loves the variety that this has given to her professional life. This year, Mrs. Koch will be teaching 3 rd - 4 th grade Judaic Studies, 6 th grade language arts, 5th - 6 th grade Jewish music and dance, and a special 5 th - 6 th grade course on the history of modern Israel.

Mrs. Koch was born in Scotland and raised in California. She has lived in Israel and speaks Hebrew.

Mrs. Susan Levy

Mrs. Levy graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education.

Mrs. Levy began her teaching career in the Atlanta Public Schools. In 1973 she moved to Nashville and taught in the Williamson County Public Schools before joining the Akiva faculty in 1974. Mrs. Levy taught at Akiva until moving to Chicago with her family. She rejoined the Akiva faculty in 2001 and has been teaching 2 nd grade ever since. Mrs. Levy is very happy to be back in the classroom - especially the Akiva classroom!

In addition to her teaching, Mrs. Levy is also an active community volunteer. She has given ofher time in both Jewish and secular organizations throughout Nashville, Houston and Chicago.

Ms. Lisa Mingrone

Ms. Lisa first worked in the arts and education at the Spertus Museum of Chicago in the interactive archeological center of the museum. She has been working in the arts and education for over 9 years. Ms. Lisa has her Bachelors degree in Fine Arts from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and her Masters in Education from Tennessee State University. Ms. Lisa has a firm belief in everyone's inherent need for creative enjoyment and expression in life. One of her favorite quotes by Picasso is "Every child is an artist. The question is how to remain one as you grow up."