Hebrew School Staff
Susan Finks
Hebrew School Director
This is Susan’s third year as the Hebrew School Director. She has been an Arizona educator since 1995 and has worked at Beth El intermittently since 2001. Susan holds two master's degrees from Arizona State University, one in Secondary Education and the other in Educational Administration and Supervision (Principalship). Additionally, she holds a Certificate in Jewish Studies, earned from the Florence Melton Mini School program of Hebrew University. Susan has a wide variety of experience, from teaching infants to dual-enrollment college classes, from teaching mathematics, science, makerspace, and Judaics to administration.
Susan started as a math teacher at Westview High School. Susan taught at the Beth El Preschool and later became the Assistant Preschool and Camp Director, then the Acting Preschool Director. She taught at the Beth El Hebrew School and created the Computer Learning Lab, where she implemented the weekly Hebrew curriculum. Susan taught math at Deer Valley Crossroads Alternative School and Pardes Jewish Day School, where she also founded the Makerspace.
Susan’s husband, Alan, grew up in the preschool and Hebrew School at Beth El. They have two sons who are fourth-generation Beth El members and a product of the Beth El Education Department. Susan was active on the Beth El Board for four years. She loves traveling, cooking, arts and crafts, square and round dancing, Renaissance Festivals, hanging out with her family, and all things Lego.
Cantor Sarah Bollt
Hazzan and Music Specialist
Cantor Sarah Bollt brings a unique blend of musical talent, educational expertise, and deep spiritual connection to her role as cantor. With a passion for creating meaningful and inspiring worship experiences, she is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive Jewish community.
Cantor Bollt’s deep roots in Arizona began in Tucson, where she spent many formative years. Her involvement at Congregation Or Chadash ignited her passion for congregational life and inspired her pursuit of a career in Jewish music. Having served as Cantorial Soloist at the Institute for Judaic Services, Studies at Saddle Brooke, and as Cantorial Intern and Erev Cantor at Kol Ami Synagogue, Cantor Bolltbrings a wealth of experience and a strong connection to the Southern Arizona Jewish community.
Cantor Bollt is particularly drawn to working with children and has a proven ability to make Jewish learning engaging and fun. Her master’s thesis focused on alternative methods for training b’nai mitzvah students who struggle with traditional approaches. This research has informed her teaching style and allows her to provide tailored support for students with diverse learning needs.
With a heart full of music and a passion for Jewish education, Cantor Bollt hopes to inspire the community through song and prayer.
Sara Goldsen
Hebrew School Assistant & Beginning Hebrew Upper Grades
Sara Goldsen holds a Master’s in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University, and dual BAs in History and Judaic Studies from the University of Arizona.
Her Jewish learning journey started off bumpy—she flunked out of Hebrew School and stumbled through her Bat Mitzvah—but she made up for it by studying Modern Hebrew in high school and college and developing a deep love for Jewish education.
Sara has spent many years teaching in high-risk communities, with a strong focus on special education, neurodiverse learners, and students on the autism spectrum. She’s passionate about project-based learning and thrives in settings with multiple ages and mixed-age groups, always meeting each student exactly where they are. Her classrooms are built on inclusion, creativity, and the belief that every learner deserves to feel seen and supported.
Sara is the proud mom of two amazing kids, has been married for 26 years, and is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first grandchild this November.
Wendy Rozov
6th & 7th Grade Teacher and Adult Education Coordinator
I am thrilled to begin another year teaching at Beth El. Beth El has been my home away from home since 2014. This is where I teach, pray, study, and socialize. It is my honor to teach the 6th- and 7th-grade students. I love having a chance to share an elevated level of Jewish studies to children on the brink of Jewish adulthood.
I grew up in Philadelphia and am a graduate of Gratz College, Temple University, and Lehigh University. While most of my degrees are in the Geological Sciences, I’ve been a Jewish Educator since my college days. My background includes both youth and adult settings. In addition to being a Hebrew School teacher, I have the pleasure of serving as Beth El’s Adult Ed Coordinator.
I am a Mother to two girls, and a Savtah to six. Along with my husband of 40 years, I own a successful business here in Phoenix. My interests include Jewish-themed graphic books, food, and travel. I adore all things Jewish (except jarred gefilte fish) and am grateful to HaShem for the opportunity to share my passion.
Elijah Costales-Chevalier
4th & 5th Grade Teacher and Youth Engagement Coordinator
Elijah Costales-Chevalier is a certified educator with 14 years of experience facilitating youth leadership and learning for grades Pre K – 12. He received a BSEd in Secondary Education – Biology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from Northern Arizona University. His science teaching placements have spanned across the valley, from Chandler to Maryvale. Elijah has over a decade of experience implementing and sharing trauma-informed practices through non-profit work to combat risk factors for youth across Tempe and Phoenix.
Elijah is the Youth Programming Coordinator at Beth El, facilitating both USY and Kadima groups year-round. Beginning his Jewish teaching journey as Beth El’s Bogrim (post-B’nai Mitzvah) instructor, he is now in his third year as the 4th- and 5th-grade Hebrew school teacher. Elijah continues to expand teaching contexts and is currently the middle school teacher at Spark Community Micro-school. A native Phoenician, he takes great pride in giving back to the communities that have upheld him. In his free time, Elijah enjoys reading non-fiction, traveling with his wife, and cuddling his cat.
Michele Gusdorff
1st – 3rd Grade Teacher
Michele Gusdorff is starting her seventeenth year teaching at Beth El. She will be teaching the Bet and Gimel classes, grade levels that she has taught for many years at Beth El. Michele is from Philadelphia and is a graduate of Temple University, with a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Speech and Language Pathology. Her career as a speech therapist was with the School District of Philadelphia. She worked with students from preschool through age 21, with every special needs exceptionality. She also holds a Hebrew Teacher’s Diploma from Gratz College in Philadelphia. While living in Philadelphia, Michele was active in synagogue life, also volunteering with non-profit organizations.
Gail Offenhartz
Pre-K & K Teacher
Gail Offenhartz was born and raised in Michigan. She has a Master's in Education with Endorsements in Reading, Early Childhood Education, and Structured English Immersion. Gail moved to Phoenix, where she and her family were members of Beth El. Her children attended Beth El Preschool and the Solomon Schechter Day School. Morah Gail relocated to Tucson and returned to Phoenix after the pandemic in 2021.
Gail is a lifelong educator. She has had many teaching roles, including teaching Kindergarten, first grade, and K-6 Title 1 Reading Specialist, Reading Coach, teacher trainee, and Hebrew/English Tutor.
Gail believes that Jewish education should be warm, fun, and inspirational. She has developed lessons that explore the holidays, bible stories, and the customs and traditions that make practicing Judaism such a meaningful experience.
Gail's hobbies include singing, yoga, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Gail is excited for another great year at Beth El and is excited to sit on the board and sing with the Choir.