Day School Leaders Network

Rachel Lissy is a consultant, coach and capacity builder with more than two decades of experience working with schools, community-based organizations, and educators. She is currently the Assistant Director of the Center for Shared Society at JCRC-NY where she directs the New York Jewish Coalition for Criminal Justice Reform and the Bridges-NY Fellowship for civic leaders in NYC. Prior to this role, Rachel was the Senior Program Officer at Ramapo for Children, providing capacity building for schools, districts, networks and youth-centered organizations focused on creating inclusive and equitable communities. She has a PhD in Social and Cultural Studies from the University of California at Berkeley and a Masters in Policy, Organization and Leadership Studies from the Stanford University School of Education. She was a consultant on the New York Times and Serial Productions podcast “Nice White Parents” and for “This American Life.” Along with her first-hand experience supporting and learning from young people, she also brings historical and organizational perspectives to her work with schools, community-based organizations, and residential programs. 

Gary Pretsfelder is Senior Manager, Professional Learning and Growth (NY Day Schools) at The Jewish Education Project, where he consults with, and coordinates professional development for, Yeshiva/Day School educators in the New York area in support of educational and cultural change in their schools. Gary is a former long-time day school Principal and teacher who built school communities that put students and active learning at the center.